I have posted before about the notion of playing the gig you’re on — not the one that you may be dreaming of. You can search for that post — it’s only slightly different than this one. The theme is the same, and bears repeating. I always...
Read moreTake Time to Breathe
As drummers, it can be far too easy to play without considering our breathing. Contrary to a saxophone or trumpet, e.g., the drum set does not require that we use our lungs to produce the sound. I have listened to many recordings and live...
Read moreStay Humble
I saw Antonio Sanchez & Migration last weekend at Dazzle in Denver. Dazzle is a nice place and it was a fantastic setting in which to see this band. Daniel Feinberg of kuvo posted this on his Facebook page: Unforgettable, Mind-Expanding...
Read moreLive Radio Show
Here’s a quick blurb and a link to a radio show I did with The Anthony Russo Band on Denver’s kgnu radio station recently. Curtis Hawkins is on bass. Anthony and the band start around 2:05:22. Enjoy!
Read moreBe Prepared
I recently subbed on a funk gig where I had to learn a fair amount of the group’s original material. They shared a dropbox folder with me that included the horn charts along with mp3’s of their songs. I took the time to listen to the songs and...
Read moreGetting Lost in the Music
Getting lost in the music has at least two connotations. The first one is pretty great and the second one is not as nice. There have been times when I have been so into the music, that I transcend that moment in time. It can seem as if the drums...
Read morePlaying Drum Licks
One thing that I’ve experienced is that when I’m at a gig and I attempt to play a “drum lick” that I’ve been practicing is that it feels different as compared to when I was at my drum studio all by myself. E.g., perhaps you’ve been working on...
Read moreThe Business of Drumming
If I had to name one skill that has come in handy time and time again through the years, it is the ability of being organized. Yes, I’ve spent lots of time practicing the drums, learning different styles and tunes. However, I believe that the...
Read moreStaying Relaxed
When practicing, I focus on staying relaxed, getting a nice sound and groove. I find that when I’m at the gig, there are times when the sound is out of my control. This could be due to playing on a “house” drum set and/or a louder than usual band...
Read moreThe Band Leader
As drummers, it’s our job to give our best to the band leader. Sometimes, it’s clear what someone wants and other times it’s not as clear. If you’re working for a band leader who is new to you, ask questions before the gig. Listen to recordings...
Read moreShould You Go To Music School?
Some musicians want to further their education by attending a college or university whereas others simply like learning “on the job.” If the resources are there, I see no reason not to do both. I learned so much at Berklee College of Music and I...
Read moreLearning Tunes for Different Bands
This past weekend I had the pleasure of working with four bands, three of whom were new to me. I had to learn quite a few songs in a fairly short period of time and keep it straight at each gig. For one of the bands, charts were emailed and I...
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