Phil Stanger Oral History of Frank’s Drum Shop–Oral Histroy from NAMM.org
March 24, 2010 by Sarah
Filed under General Percussion
I came to Chicago only a few years too late to experience the infamous Frank’s Drum Shop. I have only the rumors and stories from my colleagues to experience this legendary place.
Phil Stanger is no longer in Chicago; however, I did have a chance to meet him and to experience his percussion studio. I will never forget that feeling of complete awe when I first walked into that studio above the Miller’s Pub! Phil’s studio was the first large collection of percussion instruments I had ever seen. He had so many percussion instruments and had so much history to share–it was quite overwealming!
Thanks to my friend Eric Pancer for originally posting this link on his blog at zischen.org:
zischen.org: Phil Stanger Oral History of Frank’s Drum Shop.
(original article reposted from zischen.org)
Sarah Basel is a professional percussionist in the Chicagoland area. She has a masters in percussion performance from San Francisco Conservatory where she studied with Jack Van Geem (principal of San Francisco Symphony). She also received a Bachelor of Music Education which enabled her to study with Ed Harrison (principal timpanist of Lyric Opera of Chicago) from Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois. Sarah has been both a performer and a music educator for the past 16 years.
I took lessons from Phil for many years at Franks Drum Shop. Phil personally cared abuot his students, got me one nighters at various lounges in the area and could hold a conversation about just about any topic. I loved going to see him play at the Ambassador East where booth one was reserved only for celebrities. Phil was never phased by celebrity, in fact I could easily say he was one of the most down to earth musicians and although he could play rings around other drummers he never displayed that superior attitude. I recall him allowing me to sit in when he played. I spent time at his home in the northern suburbs as well.
Going to Frank’s Drum Shop for lessons was like going to the biggest drum emporeum in the world. there was always someone banging on something and guys would show off their bravado by playing certain riffs and rudiments and performinbg short solo’s to get attention. The list of famous people I met there were too numerous to mention, but the greatest celebrity was always going into that tiny room and getting one on one time with Mr. Phil Stanger. I will never forget him and how he helped to mentor me in more ways then just music.
Thanks Anthony for sharing your story about Mr Stanger. I find it amazing how many people were influenced by him.
Anthony Eppolito I feel should know you. I studied with Phil for 8 or 10 years and worked at Franks for 10 or 12 years. Your right Phil was a great drummer and even greater teacher.
One correction, Millers was 2 doors down it was the Exchequer Pub on the main floor and it’s still there.
I live near Phil and heard his name mentioned in a local music store. THe next day I was buying a car and the dealer mentioned that he plays drums when I started yakking he said, “you have to meet this guy, he’s one of the gratest drummers ever; he gave me a pair of sticks that belonged to Buddy Rich. He’s one of my family’s best friends; we talk almost every day.” So he called Phil and introduced me over the phone. The next day Phil called and talked with me for about half an hour. He is quite the racounteur and a very sweet guy. We’re going to invite him and his wife for dinner. My secret plan is to ask him for lessons. …
I used to take drum lessons in the late 1960s from Lou Finnity at Franks drum Shop. Phil Stanger was always booked so many of us had to choose from one of their other great teachers. Franks was an amazing place. They used to set up free clinics there. I would stand just feet away from Buddy Rich and Louis Bellson when they would come into town and put on solo performances. Up stairs was another drum shop called Bills. Bill Crodyn I believe was his name. His shop was just a really nice shop in the shadow of Franks. Kustom guitar was next door so that was a cool floor to go up to. There were a lot of serious musicians there. Down stairs I remember at Franks the elevator would let you off right inside the shop. It was from the era of elevators with the gated doors and an elevator man. It all was so long ago. I also had a friend named Bruce Grayson who took lessons for about 5 years from Phil Stanger. He would solo at his house. He had a great jazz style and was also one of the best up and coming drummers I ever heard. A serious student of the Stanger technique.
I had the pleasure of studying drums with Phil in the 70’s. What a great teacher, player…and a really nice guy. Would love to chat with him about old times.
I too, was a past student with Phil, and studied with him for many years.
Ny tenure with Phil all began in December of 1965. Phil then, was teaching at the Chicago School of Music on Van Buren, and two lessons later, Phil left for Frank’s Drum Shop. I of course followed.
I remember when I started, I could not even play LRLRLRLRL. Being only 10 years old, I picked up quickly.
Had my lessons with Phil every Saturday, I believe at 10, or 10:30am.
Fast forward to July of 1968, Phil broke the news on one Saturday’s lesson, that next week I go in with Roy Knapp to take my NARD Test.
I was of course scared to death. My fears were of course thinking that Roy didn;t much like kids, and as well, the respect of knowing here’s a man that was known as the Dean Of Drums, Phil’s, and many other great’s teacher, and I felt so small, and insignificant.
Phil cautioned me about a couple of my bad habits, of saying “wait”, or “hold it”, and if I did that once with Roy, I’d flunk the test. You can best believe I practiced my rudiments for hours that next week, went in, and was in-out in 5 minutes. I passed! Whoopee! Still have the signed certificate here from Roy.
Frank’s was truly a memory one would never forget. Maury, the smart businessman, yet kind, helpful. His wife Jan a wonderful woman, their sons, Chuck, and Marty I both knew. Chuck back then was the all american boy, smart. very talented, witty, and had his parent’s heart.
My old friend, Clarence Williams was of course the drum tech extrordinaire, nothing he couldn’t fix. As last I know, Clarence is still alive, and living in Hayti, MO.
I can think back, remembering the sounds I would hear when one entered Frank’s, as well as hearing Bob Tilles’s Students taking their lessons on Vibes,etc, hearing the muffled melodies coming through the office walls.
Got to see many fanstastic Drummers, and Percussionists over the years in the Clinics. Remembering such great folks as Joe Cusatis, who was Peter Nero’s Drummer back then, Jose Beetancourt, one of the finest Marimba Players in the world, Louis Bellson in ‘74, and of course Buddy around 1967.
I can remember like yeaterday, Maury warning us before Buddy walked in for the Clinic, “That he can be testy, and to please not ask him any dumb questions, like who’s your favorite drummer”. I sat right next to Buddy on his stage that afternoon. One perk of having my lesson earlier that morning, and sticking around for him to come.
While I haven’t spoken with Phil recently, I do keep in touch with him from time to time. Will have to call him soon!
I’ll always be forever thankful to Phil, he molded me, nurtured, and greatly enhanced my love for music, he taught me to understand, and how to better express myself through music.
Mark D’Ambrosio