No problem here John. It's all great information and I'm sure Dave and Joe are happy to see it live on. I love that tune too. I sometimes follow Daves left hand piano rhythm pattern on the snare with my left. Way back when it helped me learn the song and get the time down. Carry on~!

Simpleton?

Far from it!!

I think having the feel is something you are born with, like having "The Knack"!!

That's where the soul is!!

Guys like Joe, and others, opened my eyes to the possibilities of the instrument. Up until that time, my job in the many bands I worked in was to hold down the beat and lay down a decent groove. Joe, and a host of jazz and rock drummers (Baker, Mitchell, Columby, etc.) were busy tearing down all the barriers. Their explorations opened up/unlocked, the full potential of the drum kit for rockers like me and enlarged the role of the drummer in a band for the rest of us.

We owe them -all- BIg-Time!

John

I don't know if you're born with it, or you grow and develop it, but I, too, think "Feel" is king. If you're ever lucky enough to work with, can get to really know, and experience interplay with like-minded players, it's something very, very special. It's THAT magic, coupled with an audience that appreciates what you're doing up there, that is the pay off. Nothing tops it, for me. And, it's addicting.

I still feel inadequate, though, about my not-reading, but the group interplay makes up for it.

Good words, Lucky.

B

PS - I only attached the pic, because it was the last gig I did with my buds. Memories...

PPS - Sorry for the tangient.

The ability to read shouldn't be compared to 'feel.' It's a false equivalency. I learned to read 15 years after I started playing, I'm sure that applies to many others. It's always all about feel and ability/facility behind the kit. Because you know how to read doesn't mean you can't play with feeling. (?)

The only guys that need to be able to sight-read charts are guys that plan 'careers' as professional drummers. For studio work, Big Bands, wedding bands, cruise ship gigs just about any professional situation, if you can't read you're dead in the water. But nobody needs to know how to read to enjoy playing music in a band situation that plays gigs together or just gets together to jam.

Reading does not equal 'stiff' or whatever. It only shows whether a player cares enough about developing drumming into a craft for him/herself. You really have to love what you're doing to take the time and make the effort to learn to read music. Because I -know- what it takes to learn how to read music, I feel genuine respect for drummers who know how to sight-read a chart.

:2Cents:

John

Who said it didn't? Those that can read, I would think, have the accumen for feel, too. A given, if you will, perhaps.

Odd reply. Where did that come from?

B

Original poster, not you, Bill... it was implied.

John

I like to believe I play with "feel". I learned to read in High School. Basic High School concert crap. I didn't play drums from 24 when I got married till about 8 years ago when my son turned 8 and I said "Well what do you want to play" after his older sister was doing violin. "Drums like you Dad". So we took lessons together.I hooked up with a great local Jazz and all around drum guy. Thats when I learned to read charts.

What an incredible difference that made. I said to the teach," There's nothin' here!" It was all horn hits and important spots to employ a fill. He said, Follow whats there.There really just "cheat sheets" After trying to fudge my way thru he said, "If you play this chart the way it's written, you will be the most boring drummer there ever was".

What a revelation! Charts are not so scary anymore. I don't and really never did have the chops to play Jazz or any heavy rock and roll, I don't solo but I can sit down with a chart and see where the hits need to be. But I can't do it in the spur of the moment. My reading is not THAT good. I guess this rant is saying don't be afraid of what you don't know,explore and enjoy. This is me sitting in with a bunch of great musicians. My teachers band.The highlight for me was the keyboard player giving me the nod that all was good. I still play with an original music band,play out every now and then, am hooking up with some blues guys now,who knows........

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsIhR0cut_8&feature=plcp[/ame]

This thread sparked something me ,Thanks for being there VDF,Ed

Awesome BigE... liv'in the dream man! Thanks for sharing!Keep on Pl

Would that make me the original poster??

I did not imply $hit!!