[COLOR="black"]Dateline::August 18, 2011 Norman, OK[/COLOR]
In a rare appearance by Jonnistix, one not seen in some 17 years, the drums came alive. Along with another "VDF" member, Mr. Stix made a rare and poignant appearance, pulling out the "Tech's Wonders" in his Star stencil kit, which made an immediate hit among 4 drummers, ranging in experience from novice to semi-professional. The hosts were most gracious, as well as apprehensive, in having an unknown factor among the well oiled machine they call "Jam Night".
Once Mr. Stix had accomplished his role of getting the kit in a suitable set, the real drummers stepped up and set the kit to their own needs. First up was member xxx, and his licks were tight, focused and live. Next up, a semi-pro, made the kit sing it's rite, literally making the kit his own. And this with a badly tuned 13" tom.
At half-time, tech J-stix took down the 13 in order to assess the reason for it's seeming inability to tune. Simply put, the bottom hoop, ring and collar were all out of sorts. After a moment or two of fidgeting, the head ring/collar finally seated properly within the hoop and the drummers were alight with glee and satisfaction they rarely enjoy when playing out on "back-line" equipment. All comments were gloriously positive as each in his turn would bring a new approach to a well tuned kit.
A "new" cymbal was also included in the mix, thanks to another member of this very forum, an AzCo 18" B-20 that mixed well with the relatively new Dream Bliss 15" hi-hats (2010 model) and new Mid-East 16" Hand Hammered crash (2010 as well, a stencil from one of Istanbul's big-name cymbal makers). Making for a mostly fun romp through FantasyLand, there were many hand drums, at least 12-15, with approx. 8 players. There was one particularly rousing rendition of "The Elephant Walk", which turned out to be the highlight of the evening.
As well as a drum set and hand drums, there were also in attendance a great guitarist, who could actually play drums, a great bassist, a Roland "Juno20" and another keyboard, a flutist and a violinist. Mr. Stix also brought along a second hi-hat stand and cymbals that became a secondary set-up. A pair of cotton mallets and 3 different hand drums made for a very cool set-up to allow a very different sound that complimented the WMP Star kit Mr. Stix so graciously provided as the night's centerpiece.
