Drummers' fascination with massive multi-part kits can be traced back to Louie Bellson, who was perhaps the first to add a second bass drum to his set. But despite the extra firepower in his arsenal, he'd never attempt to hog the spotlight with flashy solos; his modest playing always was designed to support and propel the song forward. Bellson worked with many of the top big bands in the 40s and 50's - including stints with Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Harry James and Benny Goodman - and he's backed many great singers - like Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, and his wife Pearl Bailey.

Although he worked well in big band settings, he was equally adept at supporting smaller, more intimate combos. Check out Count Basie Encounters Oscar Peterson: Satch and Josh to see the delicate interplay of two pianos, bass, guitar and Bellson's drums. Most of the stuff Bellson cut under his own name came later in his career and lacked the flair of his earlier work under other bandleaders, but The London Gig and Cool Cool Blue show an inspired Bellson hammering away at his best. (Karl Pallmeyer)