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Ralph Salmins is one of UK's hidden gems in the world of live
and studio drumming. From his many soundtrack recordings that
include Madonna's 'Evita', Tom Jones 'Reload', his live performances
with Van Morrison and the acclaimed Robbie Williams 'Swing When
You're Winning' DVD at the Royal Albert Hall, Ralph Salmins continues
to be one of the most hard working professional drummers and has
a passionate dedication to the instrument. In his spare time he
serves the drumming community as he teaches, performs inspiring
drum clinics and holds the responsibility to pass the torch to
younger drummers to continue the artform.
He recently performed at 'Drummer Live' with a series of seminars
for Mike Dolbear sharing his professional advice and motivating
all drummers.
He also has a huge affection for big band and swing so we let
him loose to review SABIAN's HHX Manhattan Jazz...
"It was with some excitement that I pulled this new series out
of their bags…there are a few “Jazz” series cymbals
out there and they are all quite different, stylistically speaking.
Putting these on test led to no surprises: just sheer delight
in hearing a truly unique set of quality instruments. Describing
the sound of these monsters in words is not easy, but I will have
a go: The sounds that run through the series could be described
as warm, washy but with just the correct amount of stick definition.
The set was perfectly balanced so each cymbal contrasted the other
sonically.
I took these babies straight out to road-test them where it really
counts: In a band!
1st Setting:
Colin Towns Mask Orchestra: A 20-piece Big Band playing the music
of Duke Ellington and Colin Towns. This material is demanding
because there has to be a sense of “tradition” to the
sound of the cymbals, particularly the hi-hats, while maintaining
a modern edge to the sound for more contemporary grooves in Colin’s
music, some of which is reminiscent of Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters.
Result: I felt like the set completely fulfilled my needs for
all styles. The hats were really impressive and they seemed to
fit in to everything beautifully. Rides and crashes were washy
but cut through the band without any strain…Compliments from
Peter King (Lead Alto) and Alan Skidmore (1st Tenor and long time
pal of Elvin Jones).
2nd Setting:
Studio: When playing at lower volumes, I look for intimacy and
character in a cymbal, and this applies more than usual in the
studio. I’ve had these cymbals on Jazz tracks, a retro TV
theme and a whole variety of funky and pop tracks. I’m very
happy: these cymbals fit in to ANY setting. They are characterful
yet contemporary. Wash + definition = Happy drummer!
22” Ride:
This is the darkest of the range, with the biggest wash. I will
definitely put three rivets in this to give it a long sizzle.
This is what I would call a “Saxophone” cymbal. It’s
dark ,which is great for tenor sax and it sits beautifully under
the whole sax section. I love to crash it, too!
20” Ride:
The brighter of the two rides. Ideal under brass, particularly
trumpets. This cymbal is easy to play in a loud band setting,
as it cuts while maintaining a medium wash. Stick definition is
all there. Mmmm…Delicious! Great for more rocky music, too.
Lovely bright bell which is not too strident.
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Ralph Salmins performing at 'Drummer Live'
at a seminar for Mike Dolbear
A full set of HHX Manhattan Jazz set up in the
studio ready for Ralph Salmins's recording session
Ralph Salmins performs with HHX Manhattan Jazz
in
a 20 piece Big Band - Colin Towns Mask Orchestra
18” Crash/Ride:
Medium/dark crash that shimmers and is a great all-purpose crash
to my ears. Bright enough for contemporary music but with all
the qualities of an old sound too…i.e. EXPENSIVE! This thing
is rideable and would also be lovely with a couple of rivets in
it for good measure!
16” Crash:
Similar attributes to the 18”, but higher-pitched and quicker…A
cymbal for brass kicks with a fast decay but plenty of warmth
and body. Records beautifully…also a nice pop cymbal to contrast
a brighter one…I put it together with a HH 18” medium
crash to great effect.Contrast!
14” Hats:
These are the stars of the show for me in many ways, as they
are so VERSATILE! Dark and quite light, they have a gorgeous foot
“chick” sound which will cut through a powerful big
band, while at the same time they have a clean stick definition
which suits more funky and R&B grooves. These remind me of
the sound that James Gadson got with Bill Withers…dark, yet
funky, rich and well-defined. I’ll be using these for almost
everything!"
For more information on HHX Manhattan Jazz, check out 'Cymbals'
on the SABIAN
home page or why not try them out in the 'Soundcheck' section?
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