I have been reading a new book called "Raggin' Jazzin' Rockin': A History of American Musical Instrument Makers" and watching the documentary "Metal Evolution" recently. It's true that when you think you know a lot about certain topics, there are actually so much more than you don't know. I have listened to drums/percussions in rock/jazz/classical music all these years and just learned that cymbal was originated from the Asia Minor area years ago (i.e., modern Turkey) and was related to the goddess Cybele. The famous cymbal brand Zildjian is the last name of the Turkish alchemist, Avedis Zildjian. He applied his alchemy knowledge into making the loud sounding cymbal. Classical composers started making use of this instrument and its unique effect more and more. His descendents emmigrated to the States and worked with jazz drummers like Gene Krupa to make cymbals suitable for their needs and thus had a big impact on jazz music. I'm still reading the book. The other chapters are about other American instrument makers like Steinway, C.G.Conn......
Before watching "Metal Evolution", I've never thought of the connections between metal and classical/blues/jazz. Most metal fans know Black Sabbath was the forerunner of metal but I'm not sure how many people know the first few notes from their song that bears the same name as the band, Black Sabbath, were inspired by a theme from "Mars" of Holst's "The Planet" suite. Bruce Dickenson from Iron Maiden and Rob Halford from Judas Priest both said they got the high pitch singing and those dramatic moves they made on stages from opera. Also, virtuoso like Paganini could be considered as forefather of metal guitarists. Just like blues, a lot of metal music is based on riffs. And those screaming from blues men paved way to metal vocal. Finally, Bill Ward (drummer of Black Sabbath) cited hard pounding jazz drummers like Buddy Rich as his influence. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
