I played a drum battle with Louie at Cal State Fullerton in the fall of 1971. It was an incredible experience. Louie was incredibly gracious and I actually felt how much stronger his time was then mine. It was a real eye opener. He carried me through the whole concert and made me look like a super player.
The arrangements were done by classmates Bruce Healey and Tom Rainier. They were both great arrangers and players. And both have had great music careers. You can chcek out Tom's work in the links section. You already know much of Bruces work if you have ever seen or heard things Disney.
In any case because of this event I was included in some kind of list of top 10 drummers in Downbeat magazine. My memory fails me on why. Included was Steve Gadd, Billy Cobham, Jeff Porcaro, and more great players. I was of course incredibly honored and had no idea why I should be associated with such a great group of players. I have
always felt Louie had something to do with it. Louie passed away recently and he will be missed by many thousands of musicians and music lovers. He was a fantastic mentor. The epitome of grace and compassion.
The following summer after this fall event I left for Europe to see the Montreux Jazz Festival. Remo Belli helped me out financially to get there and so began my 20 year European experience. Remo said: " Here take this. If you ever get a chance to help somebody, do it". It was the money I was still short for my plane ticket.