John Mayer Drummer JJ Johnson, Shows Form and Function
I recently caught John Mayer’s performance on DirecTV’s Control Room. Having never seen Mayer in concert live or otherwise, I immediately took notice of what a great guitarist the guy is. The very next thing I noticed was drummer JJ Johnson, who plays well throughout the show. His grooves are fantastic, his timing flawless and his sound great. Johnson’s Ludwig kit configuration for this performance was what I like to call the South by Southwest look (single rack tom, ride cymbal at immediate right). Johnson’s snare projected a deep warm tone, which works beautifully with Mayer’s bluesy sound. If there is form and function in drumming, Johnson’s function is simply that he’s a superb player with a great sound. Form, however, is found in Johnson’s stage precence. Sporting a red shirt for this performance, Johnson broke up the pond of dark outfits worn by the rest of the band. Of equal importance to this form, Johnson has great hair! When I see guys like JJ Johnson or Lenny Kravitz, I wish my hair were so cool. Drummers may read this and think I’m an idiot. I argue, however, that stage presence, second to playing well and sounding great, is huge. So get freaky, do it with rhythm, and look good doing it. Check out this video, which features J.J. with Doyle Bramhall II.
~r
