Search - Demerle :: On Fire

Les DeMerle was one of the most versatile, professional drummers. Booting and swinging Harry James? big band, his delivery and style recalled drum stars Buddy Rich, Jackie Mills, Louie Bellson and Sonny Payne, who handled the same percussive keystone with James. In fact, because DeMerle had been the principal James drummer for eight years, there is a natural tendency to associate DeMerle purely within this context. Albeit he is superb in this role, his jazz work with small groups requires attention, as he can put a torch to a band and enliven it with swelling confidence.