Marvin "Bugalu" Smith
Internationally renowned for his thunderous technique and his jaw-dropping ability to swing a band, the legendary drummer Marvin “Bugalu” Smith returns to his old musical home, The Falcon, on Sunday night, November 1st. Bugalu's profoundly natural, distinctly spiritual touch on the instrument, as well as his larger-than-life persona, made him the hero of every room he's played for what will soon be 77 years -- over which time he performed and recorded with master artists Archie Shepp, Sun Ra, James Brown, Rocky Roberts, Lola Falana, Charles Mingus, Chet Baker, George Benson, Betty Carter, Pharoah Sanders, Lee Morgan, Woody Shaw, Ron Carter, Phineas Newborn, Sam and Dave, Wilson Pickett, B.B. King, Earl “Buster” Smith, and so many others. His special relationship with The Falcon was forged across more than a decade performing at the club starting in the 2000s. Bugalu returns after years away, and for this performance, reunites with his 1980s Archie Shepp Quartet bandmate, legendary bassist Asante Santi Debriano, after 40 years apart. Marvin was diagnosed with lung cancer one year ago. But his unwavering commitment to uplift audiences and people keeps his playing as breathtaking, moving, and healing as ever. This show will open with the debut screening of a short, intimate documentary portrait of Smith, shot last October; joining him onstage will be an all-star ensemble, including pianist Esteban Castro and other masterful friends, to help Marvin bless the room once again. Come to celebrate and come to witness--Bugalu's upstate homecoming approaches. Make it the night this master deserves.
Marvin "Bugalu" Smith is a master drummer and the best way to understand him, is to listen to his own words...
I started playing drums at age 2 and in that time I studied with all of the great master drummers: Max Roach, Elvin Jones, Philly Joe Jones, Roy Hayes, Art Taylor, and my brother Earl "Buster" Smith. My out look on music is without end. Right now what I'm doing is teaching young people, to understand how the master drummers got there power on the drums. Understanding the basic foundation of the drums. Teaching them that it was used for communication, a way to talk to people. So with this understanding of the drums, we can go to an even deeper level of understanding. My way of playing the drums is to PUT THE TIME FIRST, before the technical side. Right now, I honestly feel we have the very best drum school AND a lesson program online In A LITTLE different kind of trio This is the sixth time that we used the 24 track Tascam recording console and the HD camera for our Recording live at the Terrace Lounge and I’m pleased To say that we have understood the important recording Process that of mixing with some effects This is right in time for the present date 1/20/09 with David Schnitter tenor sax with Art Blakey and Rich Syracuse bass with - And of Course Marvin Bugalu Smith on drums with Archie Shepp and Sun-Ra This trio is a must see! Bumar Records is dedicated to the highest Musical level of each student moment to moment Bumar Records web. site go there to hear all about bugalu’s Groups and for the whole performance go to vimeo.com Marvin Bugalu Smith on drums with Archie Shepp and Sun-Ra David Schnitter Tenor sax with Art Blakey