BANDLEADER Don Cowlan, of March, got himself a new drummer back in 1967 – all of eight inches high, 18 inches wide and technically brilliant. In fact, Don s new drummer was a recently marketed Japanese machine, which Don used for the first time at the Mar

BANDLEADER Don Cowlan, of March, got himself a new drummer back in 1967 - all of eight inches high, 18 inches wide and technically brilliant.

In fact, Don's new drummer was a recently marketed Japanese machine, which Don used for the first time at the Marcam Cellar Club in March.

The machine had 16 different rhythm patterns, including waltz, rock 'n' roll, swing, foxtrot, shuffle and cha cha. Ten different percussion tones were also available.

Don, below, had been introduced to his £136 machine at the Livingstones' organ factory and ordered one for himself.