Latest News (most recent items at the top)
Donny Osborne Concert - March 14th, 2009
Donny is using "Brush Fire Classics" brushes, by Tom Osborne.
Tom Osborne's history with these brushes:
"I'm Don's brother and have been making brushes for some years only because my brother couldn't find the old Slingerland type of brush they used to produce years ago. This is the same exact brush that Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich used during their careers and is the same brush Don is using now.I worked for Slingerland as a supervisor for fourteen years so that's how I knew how to make these brushes. Because Buddy used the drums for many years and my father knew him very well, I of course got to know him and developed an ear for what Buddy wanted in snare drums and I ended up being that guy who made and tuned his snare drums when needed. I saw the band enough and got to know what he wanted and always remembered the sound he would explain to me. I still remember the sound to this day and could do it again if he were still alive."
"Anyway the brush name I use is "BRUSH FIRE" I would like to call this particular pair "Brush Fire Classics". I cannot use anyone's name at this point because of legalities and permission to do so. I retail the brushes for 20.00 a pair plus shipping and handling. Check Donny's Media page for a video of him playing these brushes. To order, email me at tlosborne@hotmail.com."
Donny is confirmed for his clinic and master class at the 2009 Vintage Drum Show, in Chicago!
Donny’s clinic in Chicagoland will be on Sunday May 17th 2009 at 11 AM. Master class to follow. In addition to (2) two CD’s as door prizes there is a $10 price on a CD (Retail $15) with purchase of the master class. This must me done at the time of purchase of the master class to receive the discount. Be there!
Donny just appeared at Rob Cook's ("Rebeats") Vintage Drum Show in Chicago, May 17th and 18th. Click here for some photos of the event. Rebeats has put together a DVD from the show, here, featuring Donny's clinic.
Donny Osborne, (son of Don Osborne Sr., president of Slingerland in the early 1970's) was Buddy Rich's protege and was Mel Torme's exclusive recording and touring drummer for over 23 years. He is still a big part of Portland's vibrant Jazz scene. You can hear some of his recordings on his MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/donnyosbornemusic. Donny has taken the influence of Buddy Rich and other drumming greats, and forged it into his own style. Donny's new CD, "Live At Tony Starlight's" was just released. Donny will also be featured in the January 2008 issue of Classic Drummer Magazine.
Great News!
Donny's new recording will be available to retailers both in the U.S. and abroad, through North Country Distributors in New York. With a label roster of over 1500 companies, NorthCountry Distributors is the largest distributor of independent Jazz in the world. For more info on getting Donny’s CD into your local retail store go to www.ncdsales.com.
Donny was the main feature (November 2007) in a new Podcast series by Mike James, and the interview contains many insights into his career, as well as his current projects. Find the Podcast (free) at http://www.mikejamesjazz.com/podcast_index.html.
From Steve Poltun, to fans and supporters of Donny Osborne
This web site is in it's early stages, and I invite those of you who have media, in the form of photos and video, to contribute that material. You will be properly credited. Candid shots of Donny in performance would be great, as would the video, and will help preserve both the music and history of this artist.
You can send the material to me at steve@poltunentertainment.com. If you have material that can't be emailed, simply email me and I'll give you a physical mailing address for these things.Thank you, from Steve Poltun