Gary Chester (October 27, 1924 – August 17, 1987) (born Cesario Gurciullo in Saracusa, Italy) was one of the 20th century's busiest studio drummers. Gary is counted as one of the greats when it comes to studio session musicians. His work appears on thousands of tracks, including hundreds of hit records from the '50s, '60s and '70s. He logged over 15,000 studio sessions over three decades. He is on the short list of 20th Century Drummers' Hall of Fame.

Chester occupied the same position of studio prominence on the east coast recording scene that Hal Blaine did on the west, and had the musical abilities and creative spirit to roll with all the changes in popular music flow that happened during his lifetime. Beginning with doo-wop and rhythm and blues recordings, Chester also showed a great knack for rock, folk rock, rockabilly, and pop. In 1970-1, Chester was the Musical Contractor for the Broadway musical production of Purlie. In 1964, Gary formed a group, Gary Chester and the Beatle Beat which released its only album entitled "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!" consisting of a dozen Beatles' cover songs.

History

Chester's first successful recording session was to replace a studio drummer. He repeated his success with artists on songs that are considered to be hits. Several musical scholars who have devoted their lifetimes to the work of studio drummers have advocated the renaming of the "oldies" radio station format to "Gary Chester radio."

As a result of Chester's work and instruction, a pro studio drummer can play well in any requested musical genres. In the studio, a drummer will often be given a sheet of music to read with one or two words describing the style. From this basic information, an accomplished drummer will understand the groove and feel of the song. Some of today's most famous studio drummers are renowned for their ability to adapt to any style of music.

As his reputation grew, Gary became a respected teacher, with drummers searching out his expertise and demanding techniques. His drumming systems have been used and endorsed by drummers such as Kenny Aronoff, Danny Gottlieb, Max Weinberg, Chris Adams, Tico Torres, Lindy Morrison, and Dave Weckl, each having studied under Gary.

The rock band Luxx features the drummer's daughter Katrina Chester, one of rock and roll's greatest modern female vocalists. This band's debut album features a moving tribute to her father, naturally a cover version of yet another classic hit Gary Chester laid down the beat to, Lesley Gore's 1963 hit "It's My Party".

Instruction technique

Ostinato

Chester devised a system involving internalized patterns employing a drum 'melody' in an attempt to expand drummers' coordination and groove ability. His use of the ostinato figure employed more than repetition; he created drum melodies for a song with variation and development of the drum phrase or motif using the entire drum kit. He advocated alternating an ostinato line to fit changing harmonies or keys to enhance the song. Chester's system also taught how to set up an ostinato with one limb or more and playing freely with the remaining limbs, allowing one drummer to sound like a small percussion section.

Ambidexterity and Rhythmic Vocalization

Chester focused on teaching skills like creativity, improvisation, four-limb independence and ambidexterity, cross-dominance, playing solid time, alignment of limbs, and making an independent contribution to the song while playing to match the song rather than playing to show off. For example, his instructional techniques included learning to overcome their natural handedness (or laterality) by playing both right-handed and left-handed. This offered the studio pro greater flexibility, smoother groove transition, and a more complex, unbroken riff or fill. This ambidexterity also permitted the drummer to switch the ostinato from right-to-left or vice versa, thereby letting the free hand (or foot) develop a richer drum melody. One additional benefit was more open handed drumming which increases hand mobility around the set as the drummer does not need to cross and uncross his or her arms as often.

The core concept of Chester's New Breed instruction style was five-way independence. The student was given a system (three parts of a rhythm) and was required to play a written melody with the bass drum. Chester also taught his students to "sing" each part that each limb played (rhythmic vocalization) while drumming to "train your ears to accept and understand what you’re doing." While coordinating and reading, the student would also be required to sing the quarter note, back beat, up beat and the melody for each system. Once the student performed each two page written melody and sang four different parts, he/she was required to play the same exercise with a left hand lead. Here, countless new rhythms were played, read, coordinated in time to a metronome, while singing. As a result of Chester's instructional techniques, the student would: (a) Develop independent four-way coordination; (b) Master sight reading ability and note recognition (c) Left hand would now be able to play ride patterns (d) Control time keeping through metronome and singing (by singing the quarter note, one could always play in time) (e) By gaining the ability to play and sing the melodies written, the student enhanced creativity and musicianship. If one could play what he/she sang, all playing situations became a breeze.

Associated artists and song performances

• Adam Wade
• Al Hirt
• Al Caiola
• Al Kooper
• Amanda Cole
• The Angels ("My Boyfriend's Back")
• Andy Williams
• Anita Bryant
• Anthony Newley ("What Kind Of Fool Am I?")
• The Archies ("Sugar, Sugar")
• Aretha Franklin (Rockaby My Baby (LP), "God Bless The Child,” "Kiss Under The Mistletoe,” "Ask About You,” "How Deep Is The Ocean,” "Silver Lining,” "I'm Sitting On Top Of The World,” "Lover Come Back," “Cold, Cold Heart,” “Don't Say You're Sorry Again,” “Nobody Knows the Way I Feel This Morning,” “Evil Gal Blues,” “Soulville,” “Lee Cross,” “Take It Like You Give It,” “This Bitter Earth,“ “Unforgettable,” “If I Should Lose You,” “What a Difference a Day Made,” “Drinking Again”)
• The Art Mooney Orchestra
• Artie Butler
• Astrud Gilberto
• B.J. Thomas ("Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head")
• Baby Washington
• The Band
• Barbara Lewis (“Don't Forget About Me,“ “Sorrow,” ”He's So Bad”)
• Barbara Streisand
• The Belmonts
• Ben E. King ("Spanish Harlem," "Stand By Me")
• Betty Carter (“When I Fall in Love,” “‘Round Midnight,” “I Wonder,” “The Good Life,” “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool,” “One-Note Samba (Samba de Una Nota So)”)
• Big Maybelle
• Bill Evans
• Bing Crosby
• The Blue Velvet Band
• Bob Crewe
• Bob Dylan
• Bob Dukoff & His Orchestra
• Bob Hayley
• Bobby Darin ("Moon River," "Dream Lover," "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," "Street Where You Live," "Theme From Come September," "At Last," "All In The Game," "Ya Ya")
• Bobby Goldsboro
• Bobby Hart
• Bobby Rydell
• Bobby Scott
• Bobby Short
• Bobby Vinton ("Always In My Head,” "I Fall To Pieces,” "I Can't Help It,” "I Can't Stop Loving You,” "Please Help Me I'm Falling,” "Blue On Blue,” "Blue Velvet,” "Nobody Asking Questions,” "Roses Are Red,” "Over And Over,” "You're Losing Your Baby,” "Alone,” "Mr. Lonely")
• Brenda Lee
• Brian Hyland
• Burt Bacharach ("Promises, Promises," "Alfie," "Reach Out," "Make It Easy On Yourself," and many more) (see also, supra, Dionne Warwick) (by 1970, Chester had worked with Bacharach for more than 14 years)
• Buzz Clifford
• Cab Calloway
• Cal Tjader
• Carmine D'amico Ensemble
• Carol King
• Carole Bayer Sager
• Chad and Jeremy
• The Chiffons ("He's So Fine")
• Chubby Checker
• The Claus Ogerman Orchestra
• Clive Davis
• The Coasters ("Little Egypt," "Wait A Minute," "Thumbing A Ride")
• Connie Francis ("I'm Gonna Be Warm This Winter,” "Movie Queen,” "Playing Games,” "Saturday Night,” "Give Me Back My Heart,” "Ain't That Better Baby,” "Don't Cry On My Shoulder,” "Love Bird,” "Pray For Me,” "Lonely Star,” "Please Do Go,” "The Girl In Me,” "Castle In The Sky,” "Half Heaven, Half Heartache,” "Silver And Gold,” "I Don¹t Need You,” "Puddle Of Love,” "Your Skies Of Blue")
• Country Joe & the Fish
• Cozy Cole
• The Cookies
• The Crests ("16 Candles")
• The Crystals
• Curtis Lee ("Angel Eyes")
• Danny Davis
• Daphne Hellman
• Della Reese
• Del Shannon
• The Delta Rhythm Boys
• The Devotions
• Diahann Carroll
• Dinah Washington ("God Bless The Child")
• The Dials
• Dionne Warwick ("Walk On By,” "Do You Know The Way To San Jose,” "What The World Needs Now Is Love,” "I'll Never Fall In Love Again,” "Say A Little Prayer,” "Promises Promises,” "Anyone Who Had A Heart,” "Don't Make Me Over,” "Make It Easy On Yourself,” "You Will Never Get To Heaven")
• Don Cornell
• Don Costa
• Don Kirshner
• The Don Sebesky Orchestra
• Dusty Springfield
• The Drifters ("Up on the Roof," "Under the Boardwalk," "I Count The Tears," "Save The Last Dance For Me")
• The Edsels
• Les Elgart
• Esther Phillips
• The Everly Brothers ("Crying In The Rain")
• The Exciters
• Ferrante & Teicher
• The Five Satins ("Still Of The Night")
• The Four Coins ("To Love,” "Moon Of Monacuri²,” "Wide Wide World,” "Wish You Were Here,” "Windows Of Heaven,” "I Believe,” "You Will Never Walk Alone,” "Little Bit Closer,” "From Your Very Own Lips")
• The Four Lads
• The Four Seasons
• Fran Jeffries
• Frank Sinatra
• Frankie Avalon
• Frankie Lymon
• Freddie Scott
• The G Clefs
• Gene Pitney ("It Hurts To Be In Love," "Last Chance To Turn Around," "Every Little Breath You Take")
• George Hudson
• George Maharis ("Fools Rush In," "Love Me Tender")
• The Glenn Miller Orchestra
• Gloria Loring
• Hank Turner
• The Hawks
• Hazel Scott
• Hedge & Donna
• Herbie Mann
• Hugh McCracken
• Hugo Montenegro
• Hugo Winterhalter
• Irma Franklin

• The Isley Brothers ("Twist and Shout," "Your Old Lady Is My Old Lady Too,” "Write To Me,” "I'm A Fool For You,” "One More Time")
• Jackie DeShannon ("What the World Needs Now")
• Jackie Wilson
• Jack Jones
• Jan & Dean
• Jan Pierce
• Jay and the Americans (She Cried (LP), "Stand By Me," "Spanish Harlem,” "Come A Little Bit Closer,” "Cara Mia")
• Jeff Barry
• Jerry Jemmott
• Jerry Lieber & Mike Stoller
• Jerry Vale
• Jerry Wexler
• Jim Croce ("Time in a Bottle," "Bad Bad Leroy Brown," "I Love You With A Song," "Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels)")
• Jim Kweskin
• Jimmy Clanton
• The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra
• Jimmy Smith
• Jo Ann Campbell
• Joanie Summers
• Joe Williams
• Joel Harnel
• Joey Heatherton
• John Denver ("Rocky Mountain High")
• John Madar
• John Sebastian
• Johnny and the Hurricanes
• Johnny Cymbal
• Johnny Maestro
• Johnny Thunder
• Jose Feliciano
• June Valli
• Kai Winding
• Karen Dalton
• King Curtis
• Kitty Callan
• Larry Finnegan
• Laura Nyro
• LaVern Baker
• The Lease Breakers
• Lena Horne
• Leslie Gore ("It's My Party")
• Leslie Uggams
• Linda Hopkins
• Lillian Briggs
• Little Anthony & The Imperials
• Little Eva ("Locomotion")
• Little Richard
• Lonnie Satin
• Lou Christie
• The Lovin' Spoonful ("Do You Believe in Magic")
• McGuire Sisters
• The Mamas and Papas
• Manhattan Transfer
• Marianne Faithfull
• The Mellow Kings
• Mike Stoller
• Miriam Makeba
• The Monkees ("I'm A Believer")
• Murray the K
• Nancy Sinatra
• Neil Sedaka ("Calendar Girl," "Breaking Up is Hard to Do," "Happy Birthday Sweet 16")
• Neil Diamond
• The New Christy Minstrels
• Patti LaBelle (“Groovy Kind of Love,” “All Or Nothing,” “Who Can I Turn To?”)
• Paul Anka ("I'll Never Find Another You," "Esso Besso")
• Peggy March
• Perry Como
• Pete Seeger
• Peter Cofield
• Petula Clark
• Phil Spector
• Phil Woods
• The Platters ("The Great Pretender")
• Quincy Jones
• The Ralph Marterie Orchestra
• Ray Ellis
• Richard Barbary
• Richard Hayman
• Roberta Sherwood
• The Rocky Fellers
• Rose Murphy
• Ruby & the Romantics ("Our Day Will Come")
• Ruth Brown
• Sam and The Soul Machine
• Sammy Davis Jr.
• Sammy Kaye
• Sammy Turner
• Screamin' Jay Hawkins
• Sergio Franchi
• The Seymour Barab Orchestra
• The Shangri-las
• Shelley Fabares
• The Sherrys
• The Shirelles ("Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow")
• Simon & Garfunkel ("The Boxer," "Frank Lloyd Wright")
• Sissy Houston
• Skip & the Creations
• Solomon Burke ("A Tear Fell," "Cry To Me," "I Almost Lost My Mind")
• Sonny Lester
• Stan Grenberg
• Steve Lawrence and Edie Gorme
• The Three Sons
• Tippie & The Clovers
• The Tokens
• Tommy Boyce
• Tommy Hunt
• Tom Paxton
• Tommy Sands
• Tony Bennett
• Tony Mottola
• Tony Orlando ("Will You Love Me Tomorrow," "Some Kind Of Wonderful")
• Trini Lopez
• Twiggy
• Van Morrison ("Brown Eyed Girl")
• The Village Stompers
• Vinnie Bell Orchestra
• Walter Wanderley
• The Wanderers
• Warren Schatz
• Wayne Newton
• Willie Bobo
• Wilson Pickett

Published literature

Famous American jazz drummer Louis Bellson said of Gary's first drumming book published by Modern Drummer Publications, New Breed: "A classic!" "An original that uses an approach found in no other book!" "He wrote the book on drumming!

• New Breed
• New Breed II

External links

• Gary Chester official site
• Modern Drummer
• Drum Solo Artist
• Rainbowpuddle

References