Charlie Persip

Born and raised in New Jersey Persip went on to gain initial recognition for his work with Dizzy Gillespie‘s big band and quintet (1953-1958). In 1959, he formed his own group, the Jazz Statesmen, which featured a young Freddie Hubbard. Persip appeared on many record sessions in the 1950s and ’60s with such players as Lee Morgan, Dinah Washington, Red Garland, Gil Evans, Don Ellis, Eric Dolphy, Roland Kirk, Gene Ammons, and Archie Shepp, among others. He was with Billy Eckstine during 1966-1973, was the main drum instructor for the Jazzmobile in the mid-’70s, and has led his Superband (a part-time big band) since the early ’80s, recording several dates. He was a renowned educator and author of How Not to Play the Drums: Not for Drummers Only. In 2008 he was appointed Associate Professor at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, Manhattan.

Persip used 6 ply “Round Badge” drums from 1958 through to 1963 and appeared on the legendary 1960s “Gretsch Drum Night at Birdland” records Vol 1 and 2.