World Famous Drummer Bernard Purdie played select venues in New Haven
over the last couple of years. Here are my photographs of him in the area.
![]() |
Bernard ‘Pretty’ Purdie was right at home at Olde School Saloon in New Haven |
![]() |
The “World’s Most Recorded Drummer”, Bernard Purdie, going for it at the Olde School Saloon |
![]() |
Bernard on the DW Drum kit |
![]() |
Bernard playing at Gary Grippo’s Sunday Jazz Brunch |
![]() |
playing at Cafe Nine in December |
![]() |
Bernard playing with bassist Steve Clarke at Cafe Nine |
![]() |
Bernard Purdie has recorded with Aretha Franklin, James Brown, BB King, Hall & Oates, Steely Dan, many more. |
![]() |
Masterful Improvisation In A Small-Venue Setting |
![]() |
Bernard released his biography: “Let The Drums Speak”,
and autographed it at Toad’s Place & Cafe Nine. |
![]() |
at the Cafe Nine Jazz Jam in December |
![]() |
Bernard on a Slingerland kit at Cafe Nine – he is known amongst drmmers for his “Purdie Shuffle” |
![]() |
Tony & Bernard playing the blues |
![]() |
George Baker (L), Bernard Purdie(M), and Tony Di (R) |
![]() |
Guitarist Tony ‘Doctor’ Di, Drummer Bernard ‘Pretty’ Purdie, and George ‘Guitar’ Baker |
![]() |
“Let The Drums Speak” by Bernard Purdie is available through his website, or on Amazon |
All Photographs © Mike Franzman
(but sharing is enthusiastically encouraged)