Virtual Drumming!

Here is a VERY useful website which uses a computer animated drumset to demonstrate a host of basic drum beats, rudiments & fundamentals. It even features a few drum licks from several veteran drummers. Check it out over at: http://www.virtualdrumming.com/drums

Thanks for visiting!

Jim Richardson

What a Rush!!!

Way back in 1984 I received something totally awesome in the mailbox. It was from my drumming hero (back then).......Neil Peart. Part of what I wrote him will become self evident as you peruse this postcard below. Neil had a tremendous influence on my playing back then. I probably played along with Rush's "Moving Pictures" several hundred times in the basement (bless my Mother's patient heart). Part of my motivation for contacting Neil back then was to try desperately to convince him to do some kind (any) kind of drum clinic at brother Bob Gatzen's music shop near Hartford, Connecticut. I hand wrote and mailed a two pager which apparently Neil enjoyed and in return I very unexpectedly received this:

I'd love to personally thank Neil for all of those fond memories in my basement (bucket list item #2112). Due to his influence, in part, I have achieved a level of percussive proficiency that allows me to play in various venues and assorted opportunities while having a lot of fun. With a life long career in architecture I've never had to play for monetary gain yet I still get to play at least twice a week. I guess I've enjoyed the best of both worlds. Best wishes, Neil!

Jim Richardson

PS: Should anyone wish to contact me regarding this postcard or to correspond with me personally, my email address remains: newnormaljames@gmail.com (No spam or off-topic inquires please)

Less is actually more!

^Less.......or........more>

As far as professional drum kit set-ups go, I believe this is possibly the extreme. Slim Jim Phantom

is a true minimalist while Terry Bozzio expresses diversity and choice. The last time I went to a Bozzio drum clinic I should have asked him how long it takes him to utililize every piece of equipment during the course of any given performance!

For the most part, a drummer's percussive existence revolves around serving snare, bass drum and hi-hat. Adding tom toms and cymbals crashes only serve to further "color" his or her performace. Knowing this should help us maintain focus on what's really important: Keeping time and consistent rhythm. Fills should be placed tastefully and in moderation. This will increase the anticipation of audience members. Neil Peart of Rush orders his fills in precise order and are almost never repeated!

For the non or even semi-professional drummer, I contend that "less" should "trump" more in respect to drumming style in the early stages of ones career. The reason is simple really. For until one masters basic rudements and rock steady rhythm on the drum set, fancy drum fills or soloing will not land the the kind of gigs that will propel your career forward. As in anything in life, prepare the foundation before you start building the walls.

Most importantly have fun, but do endevour to make every beat and stroke find a logical, complimentary place within the musical "fabric". I guarantee you won't regret this and your audience will love it!

Jim Richardson

Bob Gatzen - Snare Drum Tuning

OMG!!! I bought a ton of drums and cymbals from this guy when I lived in Connecticut as a wet behind the ears youngster! Bob is a great guy. This video is EXACTLY what he told me 25 years ago and I've been very successfully using this technique ever since:



You'd probably never remember me Bob, but I love you anyway! Best wishes to you and yours!"

Jim Richardson

All things Wuhan now up and running!

http://allthingswuhan.blogspot.com/

Only a drummer would be excited about this!

Advice for beginning drummers: Timing and promptness!

An old cliche' says that say timing is everything. This is the bedrock on which all music adheres to in order for it to be considered as such. All musicians who take their art seriously choose to submit themselves to the often agonizing structure of beat and tempo. After many hours of practice, practice, practice, then and only then will they be afforded the enjoyment of what musicians call being "in the pocket"! These are moments of bliss from which come all measure of creativity and musical astonishment for the enjoyment of themselves and their audience.

Timing is acheived - no pun intended - over time. Sow these seeds early as well as often and you will reap a bountiful crop of revered musical timing. Drummers are, unfortunately for us, the perveyors of all things percussively rythmic. We are expected to be in the pocket. When the timing of a song doesn't seem right, heads will turn in our direction. Like clockwork, I'm afraid. Now you know and are forwarned. Incorporate a digital metrenome into you practice agenda.....now! Use a practice pad, and often, whilst doing all manners of stick exercises along with your regular drumset practice agenda. A pro Basketball player has a LOT of shooting time under his belt before he gets to the big league. Over and over, boring as can be! But look at him when he's on the court...wow!

Promptness relates to timing but in a different way. A reputation of being on time and prepared will be a valuable asset to anyone from those looking to choose you in the school band to those ready to hire you for that professional gig. You must show up on time, be firmly ensconsed on your "throne", and ready to play. You never know when you'll need those extra few minutes before a gig to resolve those last second equipment failures or misplaced drumsticks.

These two things will dramitically improve your success within the music creation process, however that manifests itself in your life. Remember, you don't have to be a "famous" drummer in order to have a fullfilling life enjoying and expressing your chosen instrument. But you will certainly have more fun if you hold fast to the disipline of timing and practice.

Yours on the skins, Jim Richardson

How cymbals are made!

Zildjian, Paiste and Sabian are all made by this process:

Billy Ashbaugh: Understanding 16th Notes

Drum Fantasy Camp- August 2009

Info. here:

http://www.drumfantasycamp.com/">

Drum set-up time lapse!

This is a time lapse video of Terry Bozzio's drum kit being set up at the One World Theatre in Austin. It's an older video, but it demonstrates the lengths some artists will explore to give their audience something they've not seen before and begs the question- "How much is too much?"....

Advice for beginning drummers!

Do you have a desire to play drums? Do you see other drummers having fun doing it which leaves you consumed with thoughts about starting to play yourself. If this is you, I know exactlyhow you feel, I was in your shoes some 35 years ago. Long time, huh! Would you allow me to give you free advice.....no strings whatsoever? It'll take a few posts, so hang tight!

Whatever you do in life, you should learn from those who are the best at it and then do what they do. I am very, very far from the best, yet I've played with some of the best drummers in the world....in my basement. That's how I got to a playing level that I was comfortable with and one which was also marketable. In future postings I'll explore the importance of lessons early on....and where to get free ones!

Money....how much did it cost? Well, my career in drumming literally got started on a block of wood and a few of Mother's cooking pot lids. They sound great if you've never heard the crash of a Zildjian cymbal. I actually played like this with my friends John, Paul, George and Ringo for several years. Then it was time for my first drum set.

Okay, let me pause here until next time. I will be writing this from my heart based on my years of experience. A few things I'd like to talk about are as follows:

• Timing and promptness.
• Less is actually more.
• The importance of lessons.
• Humility and patience.
• Watching and listening.

That's enough for now. Be back soon!

Jim Richardson

Omar Hakim- Shinjuku strut

Omar Hakim in the later 90's. I especially enjoy his work with Sting.

Dueling Drummers

Vinnie, Steve and Dave perform an interlaced, perfectly timed drum solo together. If you were to learn even 5% of the rudiments which they display here you would be the envy of your piers!