While most performers (or people in general for that matter)
appear to be "phony" to Holden, the kettle drummer is one of the
few people he enjoys. Ernie was described as being a great piano
player but it angered Holden to listen to him because he thought he
was a big shot. The kettle drummer, on the other hand, was
noticeably nervous, but also enjoyed what he was doing, and was a
good drummer.