To understand this range of playing I'm describing here,
imagine the most overplayed, technical drum work. Then, the most simplistic servitude towards the music.
How do YOU personally define each of these contrasts?
and once defined, do you believe there is a happy middle ground?
Technical, over playing = No gigs other than Rush type bands.
Simple playing for the song = Many different kinds of gigs.
[ame]http://youtu.be/9oQsKRyihEA[/ame]
I'd have to agree with Brandon's summary in the (above) video clip.
Also, I am certain there is a creative, yet tasteful, middle ground.
MarkE
Rush bands? How about Snarky Puppy. An outreach center for music college graduates. So over the top but is musical and works. The musicianship is actually quite astonishing. Sold out shows, at least here in the UK.
Technical drummers appeal to ummm..... drummers. You see them lining up at drum conventions to file into a hall to watch those guys who do that. And they love it AND hate it at the same time.
The simple feel guys are often ignored or at least labelled as limited by drummers in the main, however songwriters producers and bands love them.
That's what I'm saying, the groove guys get the gigs because they don't mind playing what the song requires. The technical guys all want to show what they can do and usally join bands that let them do so. There's nothing wrong with that, but the problem I see, especially with local guys, is that they want to show all their chops and more times than not, overplay a simple song.
but the problem I see, especially with local guys, is that they want to show all their chops and more times than not, overplay a simple song.
+1Yes Sir No truer words were ever spoken. A wise old band leader once told me, "Stop trying to show off what you can play, and start thinking about what you should play."
Mike
+1Yes Sir No truer words were ever spoken. A wise old band leader once told me, "Stop trying to show off what you can play, and start thinking about what you should play." Mike
Mike, I like that quote, can I borrow that?
+1Yes Sir No truer words were ever spoken. A wise old band leader once told me, "Stop trying to show off what you can play, and start thinking about what you should play." Mike
We have this problem with our bass player, he won't play a simple blues line. Every time time I tell him to stay on the groove with me and give the vocalist or lead guitarist room to solo, he looks at me, nods his head and continues to play the same way.
Why should there be a versus?
To me, the drum set is a musical instrument. That means we play to fit the musical context, and give the music what it needs, no more and no less. Some situations demand very little, and others demand much. Our job is to provide what's needed, with the right spirit.
Technique exists to enhance the music - we aren't there to demonstrate how bad we think we are. It doesn't matter how well we can play the instrument if we aren't playing the music the best we can.
We have this problem with our bass player, he won't play a simple blues line. Every time time I tell him to stay on the groove with me and give the vocalist or lead guitarist room to solo, he looks at me, nods his head and continues to play the same way.
My bassist always starts acting up when we play Superstition by Stevie W.
His hooks really threw me off with my timing ...so I stopped playing until he Looked right at me with a big...hey wtf....
Never happened again...lololol
Bop iT / Til U Drop iT.
