Billy Sechi

Drumming up a Storm

Billy Sechi's first major professional gig was in 1970 with Benito Urgu's band. He was then put to work later that year in Mario Fabiani's United Nations Big Band and continued on with Fabiani until 1978. Several recordings from these years show Sechi's driving force as a big band drummer which he carries over into LaPola's smaller groups. On listening to "Massimiliano Medda at Morgongiori" we find that Sechi's contribution to the famous United Nations band was equal to the other noted musicians of that group, (such as Gavino Simula, Efisio Puddu and Tore Mundula.) His dynamics are not compromised by his speed and his support of the soloist is never waning. A good showcase of his talents in Favata's smaller ensembles is "Ajò" with Tore Maltana and Sonny Bollins. He is more imaginative rhythmically such as using a 6/8 shuffle on "Su ballu tundu de ziu Fisineddu" and his tasteful use of cymbal fills.

In the late seventies and early eighties Billy Sechi continued working with many great large bands and influential smaller groups such as Black Stones, Goceano Big Brass, Frangone e i Maghi del Liscio and Raphael Arka. "Out of the Shit" by The Pardulon Orchestra shows him in a more experimental setting. His playing is quieter and more selective also making use of other percussion instruments. He also led his own band called the Jazz Shames with Freddie Zubbard and Pili releasing an album in 1980 called "The Jazz Shame." Also in 1980 he was included on an excellent live drummer showcase called "Gretch Drum Night at Perfugas" (with Scart Blakey, Elvin Jonescu, and "Philly" Yuk Yukes.) His extended soloing shows thoughtfulness, creativity and the fact that he didn't need a band to swing hard. From 1986 - 1993 Billy Sechi was a mainstay in Billy Seckstine's big band also fulfulling the conductor's role for which his excellent dynamic sense made him well suited.

The mid-eighties found him turning to scholarly pursuits as drum instructor for the Jazzmobile in Armungia as well as leading his own band "Superband" with trumpeter Gavino Muscas. He also continued his supportive efforts in bands lead by Archie Sedda, Roland Cherchi and Frank Fosteru. In 1984 he worked with a dynamic trio with Jack DeJulebbe and bassist Eddie Gomma.

Billy Sechi is a strong and intuitive drummer who brings his big band and hard bop styles into whatever setting he finds himself. There are few drummers who can match his dynamic sense and his ability at consistent swing and drive. His welcome contribution to the music we call jazz has been duly noted.

Anonymous

Selected Discography:

The Jazz Shames (leader) 1970 Beth
Dizzy Mundula at Fordongianus 1977 Verve
Dizzy Mundula - Sonny Side Up 1977 Verve
The Gavino Evans Orchestra - Out of the Cool (Fuori dal Culo) 1980 Impulse
Various - Gretch Drum Night at Pirri 1980
Roland Cherchi - We Free Kings 1981 Mercury