Many times, as drummers, the band leader looks to us to count off the tune so that everyone starts together and also so that the tune has a groove from the first note. I find that I like this approach as it gives me a chance to think about the...
Read moreCompliments and Ego
After playing a set at a gig, sometimes people come up to me and say nice things about my drumming. This can be anyone: the casual listener; a patron of the bar who’s had a few drinks; and/or a fellow musician up on the band stand with me. I’m...
Read moreOther drummers
After hearing a group with a drummer who is on fire, there have been times when I have felt like selling my gear! In the past, I tended to focus on the things that that drummer could do that I couldn’t do. I would come away from that performance...
Read moreFollow-up to Jams
My previous post talked about music jams, but I feel I left out something pretty important – knowing styles. Whatever jam you end up at, it’s really helpful if you are somewhat familiar and comfortable with that style. Blues jams require a...
Read moreJam Sessions – Sitting In
For those who don’t know, a jam session is a fairly informal night of music. The jam is usually organized around a specific style of music – jazz, blues, country, etc. There’s a host band which will open up the night by playing some tunes. They...
Read more