FOLLOW UP/ thought I'd tie up this thread with results post (and a laugh!)-: We had a practice last night (bass player was not early enough for one-on-one) but I put into practice some things stated. Results- I tried to simplify my bass pattern and cut back cymbal crashes. I used my smallest thinnest sticks and thin perforated cymbals. (note: we rehearse in an area larger than some of the places we play and the lead player believes in- 'practice to perform' so our volume stays about the same as live- which really isn't overbearing)- Another member pm'd me with another idea- Richie Rings/ or RemO's- thin mylar rings I already had when assisting with the school's jazz and swing choirs 25-30 years ago for the snare- (thanks Matt!)---
First comment when we started was lead player says- 'snare's not loud enough- you're playing too soft' (what?!) Kept the ring on and noticed with the simplified style I 'wanted' to 'dig in' more- but held back.... Maybe it was the drama at last gig but everybody said - 'you don't have to hold back so much' HA! I said- 'well I'm just experimenting and we'll see next gig'. Thanks for the suggestions and you're never too old to try something new (or again) to see if it works. Although I've played many years and many styles/ sometimes a 'different ear' gives new options. (I still think there are other issues the BAND needs to address and work on but a 'couple' are set in their ways and although they are grandpas- we don't have act the stereotype!) again Thanks- jd
