Zildjian, which in Armenian translates to ‘son of a cymbal maker,’ is the largest cymbal manufacturing company worldwide. The company recently announced ‘The Zildjian Drummers Achievement Awards’ to celebrated their 385th year anniversary. The awards will take place on Sunday 7 December 2008 at London’s Shepherds Bush Empire.

The Zildjian event, which will honor individuals who have made “extraordinary contributions to the art of drum set playing and to music” will be acknowledging Ginger Baker, former drummer of Cream and Blind Faith. The drumming legend will be joined by former Tony Allen as well as Cream bandmate, Jack Bruce. Many more drummers and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks.

Aside from Cream, Ginger Baker has worked with many notable artists, including Paul McCartney and Wings for Band On The Run and Hawkwind’s 1984 release This Is Hawkwind, Do Not Panic. Though I’m not a Wings fan, Band On The Run holds a special place in my heart and I wouldn’t be surprised if Baker’s drumming gave it some of the charm I am so drawn to. As for Hawkwind, the music speaks for itself (in it’s own language). I stumbled upon their live album Space Ritual after bringing home a 92-cent used Tom Petty record from Record Surplus in Los Angeles (best record store in the area). Within two seconds, I knew it was A) not Tom Petty and B) something I definitely needed to listen to regardless. So when I saw that Ginger Baker played with Hawkwind, it sort of felt like I had come full circle on discovering a decent band from the past.

Congratulations to Ginger Baker for awesome drumming and a successful career.

For more information on the award show, go to www.zildjian385.com
For tickets: www.shepherds-bush-empire.co.uk

Zildjian Cymbals, have added Rezo crash cymabls to their A Custom Cymbal Series.

“A Custom ReZo Crashes are now available in 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20-inch sizes, all featuring medium-thin weights, a new bell size and a new Brilliant/Traditional Finish combination.”

The A Custom ReZo Crashes feature a spectacular new look that displays alternating bands of spiral and full lathing techniques while using both Traditional and Brilliant finishes. The traditionally lathed area of each Crash helps to offer an aggressive array of bright overtones that blends perfectly with the instantaneous response achieved by the Brilliant finished sections of each cymbal. In addition, a brand new bell design for these Crashes was created to attain exceptional projection. The total design of these versatile new instruments produces a Crash effect that is high-pitched, musical and truly unique within the acclaimed A Custom range of cymbals.”

It would also be perfect for someone not looking for an overly dark crash cymbal, but still one with a shimmer and consistency to it. These cymbals seem like they will sound amazing, although an MSRP price has yet to be stated. Since they are part of Zildjian Cymbals Custom A line, start putting aside some money now.

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