The Rolling Stones:

Charlie Watts and Jazz (page 2)

In 1992, I saw Charlie Watt's and his quintet jazz band at the Blue Note in New York City. Charlie was playing a rental Gretsch kit, which he didn't like. He asked me if I could find him a vintage Gretsch kit with an 18" bass drum. I was able to locate a 1950's Gretsch kit that a friend of mine was selling. His name was Tommy Taylor, and at that time he was playing with the Eric Johnson Band. This Gretsch set was delivered to Toronto, Canada in the summer of 1994 when the Stone's were rehearsing for the "Voodoo Lounge" tour. Charlie loves this kit!

In July of 1996, I was invited to come see Charlie playing these drums at the Supper Club in downtown New York city. He was really enjoying himself and the band sounded great! The next time I got to see Charlie playing this drumset was in November of 2001 at the Blue Note jazz club in New York city. This drumset is featured on the frontpage of the flyer that was distributed that night. Chuch Magee, who was Charlie's drum tech for many years, asked me to work as a bouncer for Charlie's dressing room between breaks, and then later I helped him pack up these drums. This was the last time I saw Chuch alive and in person. Chuch passed away this summer in July. His funeral was attended by all of the surviving Stones.