WHIRLY BIRD - COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA / SONNY PAYNE DRUM COVER

Here is something tangential to Bonzo. This is 'Whirly Bird', from Count Basie's opening set before Frank Sinatra's famous 'Live at The Sands' show. Recorded in early 1966 at the Copa Room in the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. This version is taken at a bright clip, and features the great Sonny Payne, burnin' on drums! He plays a smokin' hot solo after the song, but I opted out! 😂 The song was written by Neal Hefti, (composer and arranger who is probably best known for writing the 1966 "Batman" TV show theme song).

I often thought that Bonzo may have been influenced somewhat by Sonny's drumming...based on the sound, especially of the bass drum, the phrasing and the sense of timing, when setting up fills and accents. I later found out that Bonzo was actually a fan! Bonzo's brother Mick says in his book 'Bonham on Bonham' , that their dad Jacko took them to see Harry James Big Band in the mid 60's and Bonzo was floored by Sonny's drumming, apparently it left a big impression. Also, Jimmy Page states in an interview that Bonzo was impressed with Sonny Payne! Yet another jazz great who had an influence, along with Max Roach, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Joe Morello, etal. I will do more videos, examining the influences among these greats, and giving examples of similarities.

This isn't meant to be a note for note transcription of what Sonny played, but I do play a lot of what he played. Hope you enjoy it, and it encourages you to seek out more of Sonny's drumming! He was one of the absolute greats. Check out his drum solo videos here on YT.


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