Friday, July 20, 2012
Time to brush it off...
The times, they are a-changin'...got the itch to start shooting some photos again...stay tuned for more...
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Sonor - Ascent Series
I traded off a ton of gear for these. But they sure are purty!
I wanted one really nice kit to leave to the kids after I'm gone, LOL.
I'll have them out for their maiden voyage. at Doc & Ray's in Holts Summit this Saturday, Nov. 19!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Crash Landing at the BoobieFest Saturday night!
Crash Landing, Mid-MO's most versatile band, lol, will be at the BoobieFest Costume Gala Halloween Party this Saturday night at the Elks Lodge in Columbia, MO.
This is a party/feast/silent auction to benefit breast cancer awareness and treatment, and it's for a good cause! Come on out, prizes for best costume and lots of fun to be had by all!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Playing Nice with Others
I'm seldom without a music project. Sometimes, I have too many going on at once, and I get myself into scheduling conflicts. I've been trying to pare it down lately, and concentrate on one project band at a time, but it's hard for me to turn down work. I love to do sub/sit-in jobs.
But why do I keep getting offers to play? I'm really, honestly not that great a drummer. I taught myself by listening to records - there weren't many drum teachers in Winfield, Kansas back in the mid-sixties, after all. My time is not perfect, but close at best.
But I'll share my own humble reasoning on how to get and keep a sit-in gig:
1. Listening - some drummers just plow through a song like they're driving a school bus on an ice rink, missing subtle cues given by the lead player or singer, or simply not paying attention to the song structure. If there's a singer/leader, watch his foot. Watch the lead players for body gestures and eye contact/communication!
2. Attitude - I'm not "all that," and neither are you. No one likes a prima donna, lord knows I've played my share of gigs with them. Be up front about what you expect and pay attention to what's expected of you.
3. It's all about the song - NOT about how fast you can play or how many fancy fills you can do. Keep it simple, play the song, and everybody gets along.
4. While I'm at it, I have to mention: STOP 'noodling' between songs! I've seen so many musicians who need to test out a new riff in between songs, both at rehearsal and onstage. I know, I've done it myself...and it's annoying. Pros practice at home - and PLAY at the gig. :)
5. Learn to sing, on pitch, and learn the difference between 'harmony' and 'backup' singing. If all you can do is shout a few syllables at the mic now and then, leave the mic at home, and don't advertise as a 'backup' singer unless you can honestly sing harmony. I know that's why I get some gigs. I can hear and sing harmony notes for some reason. No idea why or how, it just happens, but it can be a valuable commodity to a small combo.
6. The most important job as a drummer, for me, is to make the rest of the band feel comfortable. Support what the rest of the band is doing musically, and be smooth about it. Lock in with the bass player as much as possible, and if the bass player is a train wreck, just keep the groove going.
With all these points in mind, I've somehow managed to work steadily for more than forty years, and I still can't play a decent paradiddle...
But why do I keep getting offers to play? I'm really, honestly not that great a drummer. I taught myself by listening to records - there weren't many drum teachers in Winfield, Kansas back in the mid-sixties, after all. My time is not perfect, but close at best.
But I'll share my own humble reasoning on how to get and keep a sit-in gig:
1. Listening - some drummers just plow through a song like they're driving a school bus on an ice rink, missing subtle cues given by the lead player or singer, or simply not paying attention to the song structure. If there's a singer/leader, watch his foot. Watch the lead players for body gestures and eye contact/communication!
2. Attitude - I'm not "all that," and neither are you. No one likes a prima donna, lord knows I've played my share of gigs with them. Be up front about what you expect and pay attention to what's expected of you.
3. It's all about the song - NOT about how fast you can play or how many fancy fills you can do. Keep it simple, play the song, and everybody gets along.
4. While I'm at it, I have to mention: STOP 'noodling' between songs! I've seen so many musicians who need to test out a new riff in between songs, both at rehearsal and onstage. I know, I've done it myself...and it's annoying. Pros practice at home - and PLAY at the gig. :)
5. Learn to sing, on pitch, and learn the difference between 'harmony' and 'backup' singing. If all you can do is shout a few syllables at the mic now and then, leave the mic at home, and don't advertise as a 'backup' singer unless you can honestly sing harmony. I know that's why I get some gigs. I can hear and sing harmony notes for some reason. No idea why or how, it just happens, but it can be a valuable commodity to a small combo.
6. The most important job as a drummer, for me, is to make the rest of the band feel comfortable. Support what the rest of the band is doing musically, and be smooth about it. Lock in with the bass player as much as possible, and if the bass player is a train wreck, just keep the groove going.
With all these points in mind, I've somehow managed to work steadily for more than forty years, and I still can't play a decent paradiddle...
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Busy weekend, anyone?
So....Friday night is a social family thing, but Saturday...senior portrait shoot at 8:00 a.m., blues jam rehearsal at 1:00 p.m., and a paid gig at 8:00 p.m. with Faded Youth, followed by drumming at Woodcrest Sunday morning, rehearsal starts at 7:45 a.m.!
I clearly don't have time to get old! hahaha
I clearly don't have time to get old! hahaha
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