Jim Gordon has Passed On...

@bdp24

Amazing story and what a kit! I read some articles with Jim and in one of his interviews, he alluded to using a 24 and a 22. So I’m guessing that he actually owned multiple Camco sets with both a 24 and a 22. I’m a big fan of his playing and I consider him one of the great drummers. I came to learn about his playing a little later on, and I was sort of on the lookout for something like it when mine showed up.  I rarely see the 24” Oaklawns appear. So you have some rare kits. Seems to be easier to find 24s of the LA era. 

My “Jim” style Camco is perfect for the Delaney and Bonnie or Derrick and the Dominoes vibe. I’m not a recording guy, just a hobbyist who enjoys playing and gigs here and there. But it would be amazing in the studio I’m certain. 
 

I have a collection of other American vintage kits as well. Just stuff I’ve found over time, and had the chance to play nearly all of them on a gig at one time or another. I can’t figure out how to post pics here, otherwise I’d show some. 60s Ludwigs, Gretsch, Rogers blue onyx 20,12,14 (the 14s are raw as hen’s teeth). 
 

One of the Ludwigs is a 60s silver sparkle super classic (all original), and have the extra 16” tom for the Mitch Mitchell thing. 

@bdp24 

Well, I guess you know that Mitch Mitchell was my boy, but I'll give you that Jim had chops, and I always enjoy his playing on The Notorious Byrd Brothers disc, which is one of my faves.

Yes, I’m a big fan of Mitch myself! I have the 60s lm400 as well. 
And a variety of vintage A and K Zildjians.

I should have clarified, my Camcos are the darker wood finish (walnut?), and look just like the ones on the Derek and the Dominos footage. 

@atlantadrumguy: The reason 24" Los Angeles-era Camco’s are more common than Oaklawn (Illinois) and Canute (Kansas)-era 24’s is that LA-era drumsets were made in the 1970’s, when 24’s were coming into favour by Rock drummers like Mitch Mitchell, Carmine Appice, John Bonham (on the first USA tour; he shortly thereafter played 26’s exclusively), Johnny Barbata (a fabulous drummer. The Turtles, CSN & Y, Jefferson Airplane and Starship, L.A. studios), and Dino Danelli (The Young Rascals).

24" kick drums had been favoured by Big Band drummers for years, players like Buddy Rich and Louie Bellson. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the Rock drummers who started playing 24’s were all very Jazz-influenced. By the way, Buddy particularly liked the playing of Barbata, following his career. Give a listen to his playing on The Turtles "Elenore", "Happy Together", and "She’d Rather Be With Me". Fantastic! Buddy also approved of the playing of Bobby Colomby (early-Blood, Sweat, & Tears).

By the way, my AudiogoN handle includes "24" in honor of my love of that size bass drum. Drummers (at least those with knowledge of vintage drums) will know what "bdp" is used in honor of.