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Michael
Israel: Couldn't have done it without him!
by Dave Weckl
I
want to make special mention of a very good friend of mine, one of
the most special humans on the planet. I’ve known him for some 25
years or so and we’ve been through a lot together - I mean A LOT, from
our early days in Bridgeport, CT, 'till now.
Besides being a great friend, he’s also a very good drummer, making
his statement behind the scenes (and on the scene) in the
recording/live arena in San Francisco, CA. His name is Michael Israel.
The
reason for the mention is that I want to make all aware of his help
and input of the creation of both cymbal lines with Sabian;
Evolution, and most recently, Legacy. When making a cymbal
that is special to you, (me, that is), you only really consider or go
for the vision of what you are after. Michael helped to make me
aware of the other side of the coin, the reaction of the ‘player,' the
people walking into music stores...the drummers on the ‘street.'
During development, Michael would bring in stick bags full of
different size sticks to hear how these sticks (besides mine) sounded
on the prototypes. He also brought his own perspective based on his
world; the pop/punk/rock world, different from mine, that would help
me adjust things in the line to meet a possible broader playing
audience.
In
the end, of course, it had to be right for me, but his input was
invaluable. He’s also a very smart guy where marketing is concerned,
and put lots of time and thought into the advertising concept.
Together with Wayne Blanchard (Sabian marketing genius) and me,
the print you see in all the current advertising is a culmination of
all of our efforts and work together.
Michael is the type of guy who would never ask for any recognition, so
I feel the need to bring it to the attention of all who will read.
This guy should be the head of some drum or cymbal company's A&R or
marketing. He knows the market and he knows drums. Beside that, he’s
just a damn nice guy.
Thanks Mike for all you do, not just for me, but for all the fortunate
people who know you…… You da man!
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