As the master of co-ordination continued Billy put away two sticks and then demonstrated paradiddles and triplets over a samba style bass drum and hi–hat ostinato. It began slowly and I felt that this was something I could take away and learn to build up my co-ordination skills with. However before we had all memorised what it was, Billy had doubled the rudiments and then doubled them again to the most ridiculous speed but kept the samba ostinato solid.

As he finished the venue roared with excitement and shock and at this point I began to realise how much practice I have to do and whether I should go home to do it. But I didn’t have time to get up as Billy had started a solo showing years of experience and practice to jaw-dropping, goose bump enhancing effect. Not only were his chops too difficult to even comprehend but his musicality enhanced this even further. The solo was interspersed with moments of breath- taking control and had us on the edge of our seats bringing the room to near silence. I felt that there wasn’t anything more he could do but it just kept getting better and better to finally finish before we all exploded with admiration and respect.

Billy then took a much deserved break to talk again and answer questions. I feel I should pick out some of his advice which I found o be most important. He explained how you must take care of yourself because if you don’t it will effect your playing hugely without you realising. Even the small things matter as Billy just found out he is lactose intolerant and drinking milk would effect his playing. Sounds silly but he was serious.

He then went on to share an anecdote about his experience with Miles Davis and how
terrifying it was to work with Davis but at the same time some of the best years of his life.
After leaving us to imagine what it was like he brought on the head of each department at
Tech Music Schools to play a few tracks. They had only run through them once that day but
you would never have thought it. The standard of the musicianship was outstanding as they played through a couple of tunes from Spectrum and each took turns to improvise a solo. A fantastic ending to an unforgettable night and I leave it with words from Billy. “Playing is the gift of the day. The work for me is getting to where I am playing. If there is a day I don’t want to play there is something really wrong. I’m talking about not being able to stand up.”

Daniel Thomas (Scholarship winner 2006)