November 2006

John Mayer Drummer JJ Johnson, Shows Form and Function

J.J. JohnsonI 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

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Drum and Piano Editing

This video is comprised of editing and original sounds. Comedic and editing genious!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Rlc2XTbPA8

~r

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The Drum Audition

As promised, here’s the brief on drum auditions, particularly for the local gig scene. Should you take your own gear? Unless your highly accomplished, hell yes! If you’re well practiced, you can play on any kit. However, if you want to play comfortably and sound great doing so, take your own gear to the audition (this assumes that you’re kit sounds great). Plan ahead and arrange for a 30 minute audition. You’ll know within the first minute if it’s a potential fit. If it’s not, all you have to lose is 30 minutes of your time. Properly planned, you can suggest that the hosting band talk it over amongst themselves, and that you be given a day to think it over. This can narrow the audience of a let-down conversation to one person over a polite phone call. There’s no need for unwanted akwardness at the audition, but you certainly want to be honest about your intentions. Lastly, but most importantly, like with recording and live performance, always prepare to play your best. Always play your best!

~r

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Passing of a Friend, Memories of Keith Moon

I received news this evening that a dear friend died. She had little or nothing to do with drums. Reminded that life is short and impermanent, I was inspired to sit at the drums for a bit this evening and reminded that I’ve been waiting for the right time to do a post about Keith Moon. For reasons that I can’t explain, the time seems now. Moon gave passion to the recordings of The Who. One need only listen to Who’s Next to hear this truth. It’s been said that he was the soul of the Who. While I’m not certain of that, I am certain the he was one of the most unique rock drummers ever. Moon’s uniqueness was both seen and heard. I’ve personally been inspired by his playing and whimsical onstage persona (see Lily kit pic below). Regarding Keith Moon, what needs to be said here is simply that he was greatness. I’ll remember the beautiful life of my friend in many ways, and now I’ll always be reminded of her when I hear the drums of The Who.
~r

Moon Lilli Kit image

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Top 10 Most Visited Drum Sites

There are top 10 drum sites for learning and top sites for buying. Here are the top visited sites for all things drums.

  1. DrummerWorld – www.drummerworld.com
  2. Pearl Corporationwww.pearldrum.com/default.asp
  3. Vic Firth Drum Sticks – www.vicfirth.com
  4. Donati, Virgil – www.virgildonati.com
  5. Drum Workshop – www.dwdrums.com
  6. Avedis Zildjian Companywww.zildjian.com
  7. Tama Drums – www.tama.com
  8. Paiste Cymbals – www.paiste.com
  9. Sabian – www.sabian.com
  10. Remo – www.remo.com

I guess most drummer are surfing for gear. (Source: Alexa.com)
~r

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