For at least the last 20 years, I've always gone out with an LP Mambo cowbell to cover any cowbell needs. The bell itself is on the big side, measuring about 9 inches long and putting quite a bit of stress on any hoop-mount cowbell holder.
I'd like to personally thank Steve Gadd one day for influencing me (and I'm sure quite a few other players) into the big and heavy cowbells. But today I decided to look at the songs where I know I'll actually be using the cowbell and the thing I noticed was that what was required was just a small bell, like LP's Black Beauty cowbell, which comes in at a cute 5 inches, and much less weight!
20 years ago when I bought the mambo bell, I just made it work because I didn't want to buy another bell. Lo and behold I should've been disappointed that I wasn't using it like Steve Gadd was, playing all those cool pseudo-latin-military grooves he's known for. If I'm only using it on songs like "Honky Tonk Woman", "R.O.C.K. in the USA", or "Down on the Corner".....I should've just used what was required. It's a hold-over from my young, stupid college days when I just knew I'd be subbing for Steve in some Chick Corea incarnation. Doh!
So life is now correct. I have the right cowbell for the hit songs, I've tuned my drums down to blend into the band better. I'm starting to use more blending types of cymbals. I'm really happy to just sit there and lay down the time. Jeez, it's like I'm growing up or something.
This is weird.
Now I'm sure someone will call me for a gig where I'll need the big cowbell and I won't have it.
I'd like to personally thank Steve Gadd one day for influencing me (and I'm sure quite a few other players) into the big and heavy cowbells. But today I decided to look at the songs where I know I'll actually be using the cowbell and the thing I noticed was that what was required was just a small bell, like LP's Black Beauty cowbell, which comes in at a cute 5 inches, and much less weight!
20 years ago when I bought the mambo bell, I just made it work because I didn't want to buy another bell. Lo and behold I should've been disappointed that I wasn't using it like Steve Gadd was, playing all those cool pseudo-latin-military grooves he's known for. If I'm only using it on songs like "Honky Tonk Woman", "R.O.C.K. in the USA", or "Down on the Corner".....I should've just used what was required. It's a hold-over from my young, stupid college days when I just knew I'd be subbing for Steve in some Chick Corea incarnation. Doh!
So life is now correct. I have the right cowbell for the hit songs, I've tuned my drums down to blend into the band better. I'm starting to use more blending types of cymbals. I'm really happy to just sit there and lay down the time. Jeez, it's like I'm growing up or something.
This is weird.
Now I'm sure someone will call me for a gig where I'll need the big cowbell and I won't have it.
The "other" Black Beauty
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