I suck - and I know it. Proof.
This is not an "Oh woe is me...!" thread or a search for praise... it's a realization that I have not even scratched the surface of my "craft" in the least. I will be honest... I am not about to go take lessons and start learning rudiments (something I should've learned years ago)... but man - I wish I had a fraction of the talent here:
youtube.com/watch?v=xro4k5uor...or this guy...
youtube.com/watch?v=75ibcvasa...Simply amazing... and really DOES make me feel like I "just hit things with sticks" when I see this. Great stuff...!!!
5/9/2008 10:27:20 AM
The 1st guy needs to tune that hi tom. Yuck.
5/9/2008 10:44:53 AM
Regardless of his taste in drum tunings... he has great control, expression, chops, finesse... good stuff.
The second kid blows me away.
5/9/2008 10:46:13 AM
In the first video, the snare and the tom seem to be a minor 3rd apart. Kind of "melodic" in a way.
Both those drummers are SICK!!!
5/9/2008 10:55:34 AM
If I were in my teens, that would be inspiring for me to go practice in my "off-time". Remember what that was...? I sure as hell don't any more. Who has time to "learn" or "practice"...? I have not "practiced" anything on a drumkit since 1992-1993 when I had a rehearsal space, was living rent-free with the parents and had ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD.
And what did I waste my practice time doing...? tempo and timing stuff... which I guess isn't a waste, but I wish I had spent some time learning rudiments and theory.
5/9/2008 11:00:22 AM
They are both good drummers, but I'd rather have a guy who lays down a pocket everyone can get into and play in, and there are plenty of guys like that here on LR.
5/9/2008 11:03:06 AM
Well - while I agree a good groove/pocket is important, it doesn't mean that drummers with exceptional skills DON'T have that "pocket". That second drummer; Jesse... he has an INCREDIBLE groove and feel. I've seen other clips where he is just unreal.
Some (not all) "technical" players suffer from a "stiff" groove at times... people like Mike Mangini and Jonathan Mover (both local boys, too) have their moments of being technically proficient, yet uninspiring.
Other drummers with simplistic approaches have grooves to die for; Phil Rudd, Bonham, Jerry Gaskill, etc.
But my point is... you can still HAVE a great groove and posses incredible chops like the guys in those vids.
5/9/2008 11:13:16 AM
You guys havent seen Tim O'Sullivan play Obviously! He can hit all those drums and then some! LOL seriously though, These videos are amazing.
5/9/2008 11:27:38 AM
I really enjoyed those clips Scott.
There are so many fine players out there! It's a big world.
I fail to understand the tuning problem with the first guy's hi-hat though—I mean, I don't think I saw him hit it once and I watched it twice and cranked the volume.
5/9/2008 4:41:52 PM
I think that third guy down is Dave Weckl, of Chick Corean Electric Band fame. A monster player!!
5/9/2008 4:43:19 PM
Chick Korean!! hehehehe
5/9/2008 4:51:31 PM
It *is* Dave Weckl and I'm a huge fan of his.
The comment earlier was regarding the tuning of his high-TOM... not hi-hat. He has a kind-of Jazz/Jungle tuning to his kit which gives him high tunings and really good stick response, but not everyone likes that "sound". I don't mind it "for what it is".
5/9/2008 5:20:33 PM
Of course... but I wanted to step aside from "the obvious" greats... then again, Weckle is pretty obvious.
5/9/2008 5:29:36 PM
Oops....sorry.....
5/9/2008 6:05:56 PM
i am so with you jz.
5/9/2008 6:10:49 PM
dave,,it's a trade off. dedicate yur life to the drums and have no life except the stage,,,,,,,,or be a good drummer and experience everything in this short life. i'll take the latter!
5/9/2008 6:53:33 PM
i mean,,that guy,,,not dave!
5/9/2008 7:04:55 PM
I know my rudiments and I can't play like that!!!! When I see stuff like that, I just want to throw my drums against the wall.
5/9/2008 9:49:55 PM
it's not often that you get to see Peart playing a small kit where you can actually see him.
5/10/2008 7:47:33 AM
As much as I love Peart, and he was a huge influence getting me to play drums... I am not as enamored as I used to be. I still think he is a very technically-accomplished drummer and I'll always have a place for his playing in my heart.
In the early/mid '90s... back when I used to think Peart was the "end-all-be-all" of drums... I began to become familiar with OTHER drummers; Billy Cobham, Dave Weckl, Steve Smith, Gerry Gaskil, Alan White... I started to realize there *IS* no "best" out there. And I became more aware of Peart's limitations as I opened-up my ears to other styles.
Personally... I watch Peart doing the Burnin' for Buddy stuff and it makes me realize he has the chops, but not the finesse.. not the "swing"... not the subtle grace of early drummers. He's still GREAT... but out-of-place in that big-band/Jazz genre. (IMHO)
5/10/2008 9:41:03 AM
correction/Typo: Jerry Gaskil - not Gerry
5/10/2008 9:41:47 AM
Oh I hear you. I just needed to add Peart. He's a huge influence and a very interesting person and drummer. The man has been through so much and music is truly his medicine. Another personal fav is Danny Carey. I am sure the list could go on, these are just a couple that I watch faithfully.
5/10/2008 10:24:59 AM
and props to Steve Smith a fellow Bostonian
5/10/2008 10:27:38 AM
Neil Peart is an amazing drummer, but he'd probably be the first to tell you he swings like a brick, but there's nothin' wrong with that. As far as technical ability, and his unbelievable sense of time, he is one of the best.
5/10/2008 11:59:29 AM
Talk is cheap... but I'm actually contemplating getting a metronome and a book of rudiments. *IF* I were to make the commitment of an hour a day/night, I could only get better, right...? Well, I guess it's only relevant *IF* I actually use this as inspiration and make the commitment - not just talk about it. We'll see. Let's assume that I won't... but it'll be great if I do. :)
5/10/2008 1:14:19 PM
I personally always loved Danny Seraphine from Chicago. I wanted to stop playing guitar and play drums cause of him.
5/10/2008 1:27:10 PM
Another good choice.
I often consider quitting playing what *I* call the drums and learn how to play drums for real. :)
5/10/2008 1:31:12 PM
Don't feel bad that these guys can do stuff you can't do.
There's probably lot's of things you can do that most other people can't do.
At least that's what I tell myself after seeing someone else play something I could never play.
You don't suck.
We all have our gifts and they're all different.
5/10/2008 1:42:01 PM
No no - it's all tongue-in-cheek. I know I don't really "suck". I get it. It's just a reminder that in the grand scope of potential abilities in playing the drums... I have BARELY even stepped one toe into the role of a "real drummer". I'm okay with that.
I am capable-enough to hold-down the beat... provide a good groove... show one or two "chops" in the process... throw in a vocal or two here & there. I enjoy it a lot and have a lot of fun. And YES, THAT is what's important... but it doesn't hurt every now and then to remind myself that I am not even REMOTELY in the realm of an educated musician with any type of schooling or even basic rudimentary knowledge.
I know neither of those are necessary to enjoy it and do well.... but it *IS* something I feel I'm missing-out on at times. That's all.
5/10/2008 1:50:09 PM
I know what you mean though.
Often I've come away from a concert being humbled, saying to myself, "I could practice every day for years, and I could never even come close to what I just witnessed."
5/10/2008 1:57:00 PM
Stunt,
Buddy Rich told Johnny Carson on "The Tonight Show" when asked who his favorite drummers are of the "modern day" (which I think was 1975 or 76) that his favorite drummer is Danny Seraphine!
5/10/2008 3:24:23 PM
Couldn't find a clip of it on YouTube. :(
5/11/2008 10:07:56 AM
Scott,
I know where you are coming from. You wish you had 8 hours a day to shed and be a monster like some of these guys. Actually the first guy kind of bored me. The second guy at least added some funk and interesting poly rythms. I am certainly still blown away by Buddy Rich. Another inspiration to me is Terri Bozzio. I met him at a Daddys clinic a long time ago and he totally blew me away. It was like a fire work display, simular to Mangini.
Another great local drummer not in the spot light is Joe Pet. He has a lot to offer that people are not even aware of. Just keep learning and having fun doing it.
Rod
5/11/2008 9:18:41 PM
Scott,
Another is Virgil Donati! Check him out.
5/11/2008 9:22:10 PM
Demo,
Seraphine is one of my favorites as well! I was reared on all the early Chicago and BS&T stuff. I loved Chicago up until Kath died.
Anything good that they did came from Pete Cetera after that point as far as I'm concerned.
I thought that it was weird that they ended-up firing Seraphine because his playing became lackluster or that "he wasn't practicing his parts" much. Do you know anything more about that? He was such a big part of that band.
I transcribed the bass to "Goodbye" off of the 5th album a few years ago. That was a project!
5/12/2008 12:40:08 AM
Rodman - What impressed me about the first video (the one you found boring) was the control, expression and dynamics... along with technical abilities.
I am not stretching the truth when I say I NEVER learned my rudiments, and to play any of what he was playing requires a LOT of those rudimental abilities. I really wish I had those skills. Whether I use them in that manner or not.
RE: other famous drummers, Yeah - I am aware of all the "greats"... I just wanted to show some "talent" that was not name-brand variety (even though I slipped-in some Weckl up above). Jesse blew me away.
5/12/2008 9:24:28 AM
Do you read drum charts? I have heard you are a great drummer and to hear you never learned your rudiments suprises me. Its never to late to start practicing rudiments. I am working on finger bouncing technique lately. More wrist less arms.
5/12/2008 7:40:43 PM
Cannot read drum music - or any music. Dots on lines to me.
"Great" is a pretty-big stretch, I am a competent "rock" drummer that enjoys playing... but I cannot read music nor do I know any rudiments other than a single-stroke roll. I can barely play a double-stroke to save my life.
I have "good habits" in my technique which doesn't hurt... almost all wrist/fingers... minimal movement yet achieve good power... decent posture, I keep a VERY loose/relaxed grip, etc.
But if I had to play paradiddles, flamadiddles, ratamacues or any other technical rudiment... or if I had to read a chart... I'd be screwed.
Real-Life example: I did a fill-in gig doing all Jimmy Buffet tunes (NOT a fan of his) and I had to learn about 40-tunes in a week or two. MOST of it, I could get the "basic groove" down and use the lyric sheet for arrangements... BUT... One of the songs of his is the "*Something* Mambo" (I forget the song, but Mambo is in the name). Obviously, I needed to play a Mambo.
I cannot tell you what the hell a Mambo, Samba, Tango or ANY of those beats are. One of the other musicians leaned-over during that song and loudly says "This is supposed to be a Mambo...! Play a Mambo beat..."
"Thanks... but I have no fu@%ing CLUE what a MAMBO is... but thanks for making me feel like a dolt...!"
It's a good thing my backing harmonies sounded good. :)
5/12/2008 8:06:48 PM
Correction: I just looked it up. It was "The Desperation Samba" and I had no clue what a Samba was.
See...? Mamba, Mambo, Samba, Blah Blah... all greek to me.
5/12/2008 8:25:55 PM
Scott,
I had a simular episode. I played in a Roy Orbison tribute band. hmm what is it about tribute bands;) I had two rehearsals and had to headline at Casino Ballroom. When I played Crying on the floor toms, I made it sound like hard rock vs a light ba ba ba ba ba;) I think being a drummer we are required to play any feel at anytime. Well I got a laugh out of the bass guitarist Tony Baglio. Keep having fun Scott! Thats why I play my instrument.
5/12/2008 10:47:39 PM
Scott, comparing yourself to all these other people will only drive you insane.
You're a good, solid player and you can sing well and play drums at the same time and that's what's important. How many of those drummers on these videos that have been posted can do that?
The other thing that's important is finding your own voice and that doesn't necessarily mean being "the fastest gun" around either.
5/13/2008 12:04:11 AM
mamba swamba,... I'm sure you were great.
5/13/2008 12:23:49 AM
Wow....Gary Agresti!?
I used to jam with your brother Dennis back in 74'. Remember me?
You were just a little tyke back then!
5/13/2008 1:57:35 AM
Gary - as usual, you are being too kind, but thank you.
CrazyCat - Again, I am not really "comparing" myself to them directly. I am just using their abilities to inspire me and to help remind me that I am not as "good" as I am sometimes coaxed into believing... be it by myself or others.
At times, I can convince myself: "HEY! I'm pretty-darned good...!" and then I need a swift kick to the pants to keep myself grounded and non-complacent ... I don't want to let myself get too-comfortable with my abilities.
That's all. These guys are great and it reminds me that I should spend more time "bettering myself" as a musician... not just stagnating and running on auto-pilot like I have for the past decade.
5/13/2008 9:37:55 AM
Scott,
Tom Lang is deffinitly great! I noticed he uses the finger bounce technique alot.
Rod
5/13/2008 3:10:58 PM
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