Frances Carroll & Her Coquettes Featuring Drummer Viola Smith
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- Опубліковано 16 вер 2014
- Often referred to as the most accomplished female drummer, Viola Smith has always been sensational to watch - both in 1939, when this performance took place, and today via video. Her featured number here is "Snake Charmer." (Perhaps it should be re-titled "Smith Charmer.")
Jesus.... I've never heard of her until today... and I just found out that she died 2 weeks ago at age 107! What a monster!
Same here. Strange being a drummer who's heard of just about every well-known drummer and just hearing about her now.
Ditto!R.I.P. Viola.
Sadly recorded performances seem very hard to come by. This interview is fantastic though. ua-cam.com/video/jlzCWHw7ZW8/v-deo.html
Amazing but sad. Sad that she had to go out in a time like this.
Same with me a week later.
I'm a drummer and this woman Viola Smith is pure dynamite. What a band & that leader has a shape to die for. Listen to me, they're old enough to be my grandmothers.
Viola died in 2020 at 107! RIP baby. We still love you today!
I hate finding out about historical jazz drummers posthumously.
She and this whole band are great.
She and this band are really good, but she herself is fantastic. At least from every indication in this video, she's twice the musician of everyone else in that very good band.
Totally agree!
...at 1:31 it sounds like the Star Wars cantina music 😁...this is awesome!! True girl power....
omg i was thinking the same thing ,,,,=^oo^=,,,
plus i wanna do push ups on her, but she dead prolly
@@anotherkat4u she died 9 days ago at the age 107
My pianist mother met Vi when they were both in Phil Spitalny's All Girl Orchestra, and they formed a trio together during the late 1950s. I remember visiting 'Aunt Viola' whenever we went to NYC when I was a child. It's great to see her get the recognition she (and ALL of those 'girl' musicians) deserve! RIP Vi.
Wow great!
Thanks UA-cam for a great introduction to Viola and the orchestra! I might never have learned about these talented women!
@@josephesposito3499 Oh you poor sad thing.
@@josephesposito3499 what in the hell are you saying? This has to be one of the dumbest things I’ve read. Did you learn English from Donald trump?
What’s the name of the trio?
Viola Smith died last week with staggering 107 years old of age, one month shy to turn 108. She was born in November 1912 and I, unfortunately, had never heard of her before. Shame on me...
Me too.
Yep, me too.
No shame on you, my good man. Shame on our culture for brandishing crap and forcing it upon us. Shame on them. Shame on our media, shame on the entertainment industry for giving us garbage and forcing us to listen to it and sweeping things like this under the carpet.
@@HailRider Amen, bro.
1 0 7 and close to 108.
I saw Keith Moon with The Who.
Then I saw them again with a new drummer. Keith died at 32.
R.I.P. Viola. What an inspiration; it's sad to see her go. Such an accomplished life she lived, and she nearly made it to 108!
Was really hoping she would make it to 108, and 2020 wouldn't claim another legend, but RIP to one of the greats. She had a great run.
To be fair, she literally kept the beat until aged 107.
With all that the world has been through in the last century, she must have been great at improvising!
Must of been Covid 19
Drummers mostly are in great shape! The calories they burn through a few sets must be off the charts. Good example of why movement is good for you! Now if only they wouldn't shit themselves with booze, drugs and sex................
@@Bosstubeman I concur Bossman ...
she was born 3 years after Krupa, 5 years before Rich and 36 years before Bonham. she was using Ariel Toms at least 50 years before Appice and kettle Drums at least 40 years before Bonham. not that all this means anything, except that she is a survivor and an innovator and that Because she is a Woman never got the the respect and honor as her male counterparts. soon to celebrate 104 years a living legend, Happy birthday miss Viola.
Are the Ariel Toms the left and right drums in the air that look like hair salon dryers? I have been trying to find out what they are for a long time.
I never heard of her until now. Says a lot about gender barriers.
there is a lot of Bonham in her performance. Along with a great demonstration of Skill, Timing, Musicality and Technical ability.
It means a hell of a lot! And why wasn't she AS famous a Krupa or Rich? (from a drummer for 62 years)
If anything women get too much respect
Marvelous, as a young kid I was in love with Viola and was fascinated with her drum set....Rest easy sweetheart.
This is one of the few reasons I love UA-cam, cuz it just keeps expanding my musical horizons farther and further ❗ I too, have never heard of this woman before. And to say that she is phenomenal is an understatement ‼️GOD BLESS VIOLA SMITH!! D. I. P.
I was today years old when I learned of this troupe and Viola. I am floored by this talent!
I never heard of this orchestra. Boy do I love UA-cam.
as a drummer and musician, I love how she so fluidly goes back and forth from traditional grip to matched grip. Can you imagine how much heat she took for using matched grip???
@MusicManMaurice or a musician who happens to be a drummer
It's pretty impressive, just the switching alone. I never could get traditional grip down, I'm glad no one really cares about that anymore. Unless you play traditional, and people do notice it, only because it's becoming less seen.
@@EHiggins The history of different handing and drum stick grips is very interesting. The French used matched grip more than traditional. It was for many years not called matched or "rock" grip, but instead "tympani" grip. There is very little logic in traditional grip, and it is anything but traditional if you do your history research. I actually think it may be a vestige of North America. Many percussionists who were brought up in the "traditional" grip school of sticking used to criticize many accomplished musicians for using "rock and roll" grip as this was their attempt to shame and denigrate popular musicians who chose to use a grip much more in sync with the human body and the musculoskeletal system. There is nothing symmetrical, logical or reasonable about traditional grip. If you study the physics of stick control, it is totally contrary to traditional grip. The goal of parity, even pitch and similar resonance when striking a drum head is based on the same profile, and part of the stick striking the head in symmetry with every stroke. That is more difficult to achieve with traditional grip than that of matched, tympani, or French grip. So while all the traditionalist rant and rave about how "correct" traditional grip is, it has never played out in practice. Even Buddy Rich, who was a staunch criticizer of matched grip did a 180 in his later professional career, and if you watch and study his later performances you will see him transitioning back and forth from traditional to matched grip just like Viola Smith does in this video. Well respected musicians/drummers like Tony Williams, Billy Cobham, Vinnie Coliuta, Steve Smith, and dozens of others, who are unquestionably the best drummers of our age DO use matched grip. So in closing, traditional or matched, they both work, but matched is much more in sync with the human body, and an effort to get a even stick impact sound on a drum head.
@@3RTracing Yeah traditional feels totally unnatural to me, and I do just fine without it. Not something I really spent a lot of time thinking about. I just knew to get it right was going to take a ton of practice and discipline, that I felt kind of like a waste to me personally since I didn't really need it, and didn't like it. Most of my influences/hero's use matched grip. Thanks!
3RTracing:
As I understand it, the traditional grip originated with marching drums. Back then marching drums were deep and therefore had to be tilted to allow the drummer to walk, thus the left hand required a different grip to allow the drummer to play over the high side of the tilted drum.
I started playing in Pipe Bands, and although the drums are shallower and are held on a harness higher up, which allows them to be played level, it was traditional grip, or there's the door. For that reason I can play both, but matched grip is more logical. The snobbery has all but disappeared.
Great band and drummer is extremely talented !!
WoW! Beautiful music to put it mildly. Viola Smith very fast hands- excellent drumming- very talented. I love music from that era and the way the women and men dressed.The entire band was very very talented. Francis Carroll was drop dead gorgeous and an excellent performer.
LOVE that kit! And what a player! Wow. Viola Smith.
Absolutely fantastic music. And, they're all classy AF!
Totally inspirational - those who are young and want to play an instrument - watch this 👏
Love this woman. One of the greatest drummers ever male or female. I wish there was more video of her work
Everyone is this band is top notch! And that conductor has some insane moves!
She studied under Cab Calaway
dennis brown I was going to say she had moves like Cab Calloway. Glad that UA-cam recommended her videos!
AND.... YAWSAH!
An excellent band. Incredible in that years.
Wow! Maestra Frances Carroll was gorgeous! That was some killer kit Viola Smith had there. She handled it beautifully...
I have never heard of her but I heard she just passed so I looked this up. Absolutely incredible.
Fantastic drummer and what a great drum kit !!
This made me say yay out loud what a treat..
She moved like a pro,sounded like a master and dammit she needs to be recognized as a great swing jazz drummer..that whole set was like listening to Cab Callaway's band
Just great
Pretty good for a novelty act, not bad for girls. Proof that girls who look like guys can play almost as well.
Viola Smith passed away this week, October 21, 2020. The online edition of The Washington Post for 10-23-20 has a story about her. RIP, Viola.
Well that shit, I literally just clicked on this video as it was recommended to me and thought "well this is cool", checked the comments, because why not (there are many reasons why not to), and then I read upon this, what an eerily strange coincidence.
@@GOTHICLORD69 No coincidence: algorithms.
Smith was featured in a documentary about short subjects around 2003; RIP.
So much joy!! 💜🎶🥁
These ladies rock!!!
Could watch this all day!
Not only was she a fantastic drummer, but her set up was before it’s time!
Much respect Viola. You made the world a better place. RIP
Excellent beautiful amazing sublime inmortal 🎼 🥁 🎶 the Great Master Viola Smith.
Wow! What a drummer and an amazing bunch of musicians!
Even though I'm 80 years late, can I still be a fan? I LOVE her!
Happy 106th birthday, Viola Smith!
When will number 107 be held? And where? Can uninvited guests attend? A nephew.
I'm a drummer from Wisconsin & I'm just now hearing about this amazing drummer from a few counties over!! It would have been so cool to meet her!❤
Fun fact: she lived in the same studio apartment in NYC for 70’years.
When you get a nice flat rent controlled , you keep it ! 🧐
That's depressing as shit
Wow she's fabulous-- same for the whole band!
R.I.P to one of the best drummers
R.I.P., Viola. What an incredible drummer! An inspiration to us all!
I'm constantly shocked & saddened that at 67, #1 I'm hearing of an all lady big band orchestra, #2 an amazing lady drummer for the first time in my life! Thank you so much for posting this! Now I must go to Google & find out more of these talented ladies!❤
What a life! Viola lived to the very ripe old age of 107 and just passed a week ago on October the 23. Here's to to a sensational ground breaking musician who was in it for the long haul. RIP.
Gotta love that drum kit.....RIP to very talented woman.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING, ALOTTA GREAT MUSICIANS,
I think it's the first time I see them.
I see Frances Carroll and I don't believe what time does!
I lost my father few days ago and because of the Covid I couldn't go to my country for the funeral. I just saw him on Skype few hours before he passed.
I see his photo on my mobile and I can't realise the truth that I will not see him again at home.
Wow, this is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. As a musician I can testify these girls are pros . This music is something I would like on a Sunday morning.
What a woman ! So musical in what she delivers.
Those girls are amazing also.
And how about that 'Dance Routine' by that absolutely gorgeous Conductor.
The conductor was a 7 the rest were dudes,,,not bad for girls
Awesome, simply incredible !!! Why haven´t I heard of these talented musicians ? Considering, I am a saxophonist !
Absolutely astounding! Love the big band sound of this era and these women are on fire! I can just imagine someone like Josephine Baker dancing on a huge stage to this!
What a class act. Talent, elegance and a bit of whimsy. (Where’s my time machine ...?!!)
🎼 🥁 🎷 🎶 ♥️ 🎻 🎹 🎤 🎵
She's got chops, as does the rest of the band. Bravo!
All clarinet players doubling on sax.
@@alanfoster6589 Didn't notice that - cool catch.
@@alanfoster6589 Another fun fact: The bari sax player also played tenor AND alto!
@@KeithCooper-Albuquerque Good catch!
Brava! That's what you're supposed to say when it's a female....
HOW!!! have I never heard of viola smith before today!? mad respect holy cow!! a legend!
She was certainly someone who loved her craft.Look at that smile and had respect of her band mates.Great job Viola.
She really made those drums her own. Fantastic! 😊👍
It's sad that I hadn't heard of Viola until her passing. What an amazing musician and innovator! Thanks for the legacy you left us that no doubt inspired many of our more famous rock drummers, some of which you have outlived. Rest in peace.
FOOL! SIMP! Pretty good for a novelty act. Also proof that girls who look like guys can play almost as well.
One of my favourite drum kits I've seen! All of this is very good!
Unfortunately I’m just learning about her today :(. Such a wonderful inspiration!!!
Me too.
it's in YT's algorithm....famous people who have passed away recently will show up in performances of yesteryear
Me too! Great sound🎶
What would be different if you learned about her while she was still alive? Gonna go over for tea?
Viola Smith’s Birthday was Nov. 29 ( yesterday) and she turned 106, and talkative, funny, and enjoyable to be around. What an inspiration!
Viola Smith passed away on October 21 at age 107. RIP
R.I.P. Viola. 107 years lived. Well done!
OMG so much talent then....Just discovered this amazing lady and this amazing band.
What a legacy, just pass away yesterday Oct 21, at 107 years old, a well life, lived, r,i,p, mrs Smith.
107. That's a lot of drum, er heart beats I'd say...
Absolutely outstanding - also for the dancing conductor, all-female orchestra, and of course, the incomparable Viola Smith - R.I.P.
Wow ...the best drummer I've ever heard in my life. Fantastic talent!!!
How could anyone give this a thumbs down...
Rest in peace.....you are a LEGEND!!!
I just love her sound , like Krupa the drums sounds like a war going on. RIP Viola.
What a sound! Such treat! As just an enthusiast, I just marvel at the professionalism and showmanship in these performers. I love the big band sound. I saw a flyer for big band show at the local German cub. Went to the show ,13 piece band ,3 trombones, and all but one was in their 70's. Found out that the young man in his 30's was the band leader whose deceased father previously directed the band. What amused me was towards the start of the second half of the show, an older lady ask if would set with the this table full of ladies near 80 years old. I've always enjoyed the conversations I've had with elders, and music enthusiast, and was feeling cheerful with the good beer and the vibrant music. I found it odd that only one of the ladies were conversive and there was so little talk about music. It wasn't too long the talk died. I found out later that the lady that brought me to the table was running a dating event for seniors that night. I left when the band left and a crooner singing Sinatra songs with a soundtrack started making the dance floor busy.
Omg, she's amazing and she gets a new fan today!
An all female band? That just makes everything epic! ^_^
@ALJ Studios How many all female Jazz bands existed at that time?
@ALJ Studios Gave you a thumbs up for that comment! I wonder how often @PyrozPlayground makes his own sandwich?? Yeah, that's what I thought....
And before the likes of Fanny goldie & the gingerbreads the runaways the go gos the bangles, et al
@@tsitracommunications2884 i guess wayyyy back then it would have surprised some people or seemed like a novelty, sure.
Ivy Benson Band
What a performance! Way to go, Ms. Smith! And Frances Carroll is quite a cutie as well. In this era, "all girl" bands/orchestras were "a thing" (not a sexist comment; that's how they were referred to). As young men were drafted into WWII, there was an influx of them, and they were less of a novelty than a necessity. This is fun stuff; thanks for posting.
WOW that was something 👍 as were her band mates . Thank you for post ✅
R.I.P. Viola 🙏✝️🙏
Priceless. How creative and entertaining.
“I’d like you to meet our very charming little drummer, Viola Smith.” 🤩
I am heartbroken I have only found out about her now. RIP wonderful Lady!
She was a powerhouse,!
That kit's INSANE! Love the whole band. Never heard of this lady either but my love of music started in the 60's.
Muy Feliz Cumpleaños 106 Viola Smith! mucha admiración!
Happy Birthday Viola Smith! She's 105 today!!
Is there a video of her105th birthday party at Piece.akers? If so put it on utube. G
Fabulous...I can not believe I'd never heard of her, especially being a drummer myself...she was really something special, sad to hear she's passed on but happy to know she lived a long and successful life ! :)
I have just learned about Miss Viola Smith...she was called the female Gene Krupa and we all know how talented he was...to be regaurded as such, she demands respect. I love Gene Krupa and I love her too! My thanks for posting this astounding female orchestra!😉
RIP MS VIOLA !!! I know heaven has the best now !!!
Okay UA-cam, where was this recommendation 6 years ago?? Took you long enough.
wow...absolutely brilliant. New to me. That drum kit...way back then!! thankyou.
I learned of Viola years ago(late '50's) when I saw a picture of her in a Ludwig drum instruction book.She was playing with Phil Spitalny and his "all girl band."
Thanks for posting this.
RIP
Francis C was a red hot little firecracker
She was very instrumental in getting female musicians to replace the male musicians who were drafted during WW2. 🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽
I thought this must have been the war years; all female band, when the women weren't doing other crazy things like flying the latest fighter planes around the country to deliver them to the menfolk in the operational squadrons; then after the war they all went back into their kitchens!
There is a famous female fighter pilot too though.
SHE WAS INSPIRATIONAL to wo-MEN who look like guys, and cold play almost as well.
'instrumental', no pun intended,lol.
@@racketman2u given no choice but to go back to their homes ( men tend to overestimate the time a homemaker spends in a kitchen)
Thank you for the wonderful music. Rest in peace.
I'm a drummer also and I never heard of her until today. She was amazing. Going to now do some research on her and hopefully catch up on her music if it's available :-) what an amazing lady :-)
That was just awsome! Very creative considering there weren't many drum solos to get ideas from back then, very reminiscent of Gene Krupa's sing sing sing solo.
sing sing sing is one of the best songs all time, and I'm a rock and roll /blues guy
Exactly what I thought, though I admit I don't have enough deep knowledge of big band drummers to say with authority how remarkable the similarity is or if it's more zeitgeist. But I know for sure I've listed with pleasure to many drummers fo the era who couldn't keep up with this on their best day - and she seems like she's just laying this down for kicks!
well, she certainly did lay down some fine solos for other drummers to get ideas from, didn't she?
She copied him. Krupa & Rich were before her
Head to Piecemakers Craft Fair in Costa Mesa CA Saturday, December 1 2018 to help celebrate Viola's 106th birthday! 11-3 pm
What??? In Costa Mesa??
It is nice to become aware of another major talent. The whole band was awesome along with Viola. I’m glad this video just presented itself. I can’t help but wonder who the people are who checked it out and found it worthy of a ‘thumbs down’ performance. What would it possibly take for these people?
Wow this was incredible!!!Why have I never seen this till now?!
Love that "jungle drum" style the likes of her, and Krupa
Her drumming is simply amazing. Another musical giant has left us. RIP Viola.
UM BA HA HA ...a little over rated I'd say pretty good for girls who look like guys
AWESOME & WONDERFUL!
Respect to you Viola. You were badass. Rest in power...
I'm watching this, expecting to see Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon somewhere in the mix.
Makes sense.......
Soooo this is were Tom got his soundtracks to chase jerry...seriously that was the best cartoon in human history...
Fantastic and beautiful ❤️💖💖
This was awsome!!!! Like a lot of other commentors, Viola Smith is a name I never heard, and to find out she died at 107! But kudos to the whole ensemble, from the sexy on fire Frances Carroll, to the note for note perfect band. I had to watch it several times :-)