I have heard that it is harder to play a slow song then a fast song,as your timing has to be right on in say... a ballad.....more space between each note.....

I agree wholeheartedly! Below a certain bpm playing becomes more about breathing and posture. I become tempted to add to the groove just to help myself keep time, not for musical reasons. But if I don't yield to temptation and keep things silly simple magic starts to happen.I love a big slow 6/8 ballad with a chunky guitar and snare hit on the 4! Damn, I'm ranting again....

Saw Dave Mattacks with Mary Chapin Carpenter once,and you could about set your watch to DM..

That's what I noticed about him right away..dead on time......The Band

sometimes the best drum parts are not what you play..but what you dont play.

Shawn, so Zen and simply brilliant.

And which of these philosophies of simplicity can't be applied to drumming:

“Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful.” ― John Maeda, The Laws of Simplicity: Design, Technology, Business, Life

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” ― Confucius

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” ― Leonardo da Vinci

“Or, rather, let us be more simple and less vain.” ― Jean-Jacques Rousseau

“Any darn fool can make something complex; it takes a genius to make something simple.” ― Pete Seeger

Feel > Chops

thank you, great selections you chose

When I moved to Nashville I came from a background of playing everything you can imagine from pop, rock, fusion, small combo jazz, big band, symphonic, you name it. I had to sit down and play Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain. That really simple hi-hat, kick, cross stick in 6/8 at that slow tempo...I found it very difficult to make that feel good and breathe. I was shocked and a little embarrassed.

My group plays what we call "Classic Country" - older stuff but well known.

It is more difficult than lots of other styles of drumming, but I always get complimented on solid rhythms and "playing" the drums, not "beating on them".

And when those compliments come from other musicians, they are even more valued.