451 – [Daniel Glass Show]: The Incredible Evolution of Tom Toms

In this episode, Daniel recounts the fascinating story of the tom tom, from its origins as a Chinese ethnic instrument used for making sound effects, to its current role as a key component of the drum set.

What’s covered in this session:

• A definition of the term “Tom Tom,” and how it’s been used over the years.
•  A descriptions of “Chinese” tom toms and their adaption as sound effects by early users of the drum set.
• Two kinds of tom toms that were NOT adapted by early drum set players.
• How early jazz was the first style to integrate the tom tom in its modern capacity – to play “fill ins.”
• Gene Krupa modernized the look and usage of tom toms in the 1930s.
• Bebop drummers opted for smaller and more melodic approach with their tom toms.
• In the 1940s and 50s, R&B drummers established the drum set sizes that are still standard today.
• In the mid-1950s, the drummers of early rock roll like Sandy Nelson revived the concept of the tom tom feature.
• In the late 1960s, the Beatles rewrote the book on what was possible to do with tom toms in the studio.
• The Beatles’ influence led to toms sounding much deeper and “thuddier” in 1970s rock and pop.
• The introduction of “power toms,” and the ever growing use of electronic after-effects like echo and reverb gave the toms a “larger than life” sound in the 1980s.
• The 1990s saw a return to capturing more of a natural sound out of tom toms.

Resources/Links/People Mentioned:

• Here’s what a classic Chinese tom tom looks like.
• 1920s drum sets integrated the Chinese tom, as well as various classical percussion.
• Gene Krupa’s 1930s work with Benny Goodman’s big band modernized the look and use of tom toms, and made them a featured part of the drum set.
• Art Blakey epitomized the use of smaller toms in bebop.
• Early rock drummers like Sandy Nelson gave toms a new lease on life in the 1950s.
• Ringo Starr “treated” his toms, putting towels on them to get a different effect in the studio.