s i n g e r s

Man, sometimes the icons are cool, but other times....

I'm the drummer. I'm not there to 'play in the spotlight' or to front for the band. I contribute to the music what I've been hired to contribute, to establish the time and the groove for each number. If I was a singer or lead guitar player, I guess I'd be more concerned with 'marketing myself' and making sure that I'm getting some time to shine up front. But as the drummer, I usually get calls because somebody who has worked with me, or heard me play, recommended me. If everything clicks at the first session, then I'm 'in' and that's all the marketing I'll need to do.

I found it's usually word of mouth that gets me gigs/jobs with bands/other musicians, not so much any marketing of myself I may engage in. Truth is; we 'market' ourselves every time we play out. You never know who is in the audience or what it may lead to. Lead singer, lead guitar, different story. They really need to market themselves because the competition for the front man spot is so fierce. I love just being the drummer in the band. Let the ego-cases worry over 8"x10" glossies, websites, or who gets the spot-light. My marketing is my playing.

John

Hal Blaine, my idol, said it best, To paraphrase Hal, he said that he is an accompanist who does his best to make the music as good as it can be. I never realized until a few years ago that most of my favorite drummers on records were all Hal Blaine. And, most of the licks that I stole were also Hal's. There have been damn few soloist drummers who can keep a crowd entertained for more than a minute or two before most peoples' attention spans begin to drift. I feel the same way about extended guitar, horn, or keyboard solos. And, bass players soloing for more than 30 seconds............................................................................. 'nuff said.

man I got some music and players you need to hear guitar leads 10 min long and you will be spellbound Dunane allman, Jimi Hendrix,Alvin Lee,Derek Trucks, jack Pearson to name a few, now not every guitar player can do it b ut the ones who can man i will listen all night.. drummers, Ginger baker, John Bonham, Don Brewer, ansley Dunbar, Carmine appiece all can carry the mail... bass players Jack bruce,Mel Shmacher, Berry Oakley Jr. Otiel Burbidge can all carry solos these are just a few cats their are many more..

To market yourself you must have something to market if you are laying the beat down for a blues band well then just enjoy the music, you have to be either off the hook good and original or a human metronome like Ian Paice but you must have something...

It seems as though we have a difference of opinion. But, that's OK. We each listen to music that we like. My preference is to hear an ensemble of any size from a duo to a symphony orchestra mesh together with short relevant solo passages. I appreciate virtuoso soloists. But, I prefer the virtuosity to be outstandingly good and of relatively short duration,

I'm the drummer. I'm not there to 'play in the spotlight' or to front for the band. I contribute to the music what I've been hired to contribute, to establish the time and the groove for each number. If I was a or lead guitar player, I guess I'd be more concerned with 'marketing myself' and making sure that I'm getting some time to shine up front. But as the drummer, I usually get calls because somebody who has worked with me, or heard me play, recommended me. If everything clicks at the first session, then I'm 'in' and that's all the marketing I'll need to do.

I found it's usually word of mouth that gets me gigs/jobs with bands/other musicians, not so much any marketing of myself I may engage in. Truth is; we 'market' ourselves every time we play out. You never know who is in the audience or what it may lead to. Lead , lead guitar, different story. They really need to market themselves because the competition for the front man spot is so fierce. I love just being the drummer in the band. Let the ego-cases worry over 8"x10" glossies, websites, or who gets the spot-light. My marketing is my playing

{Quote}>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> on what John said ....I believe that ..

Look every one has there own Opinion about playing ..and they had their own style of playing too .....

Me? The Pennysaver Classifieds are a wonderfully inexpensive way to get the word out. It's also a great way to find some awesome garage sales.

B (Couldn't resist. Sorry.)

I got ya but I will just say that todays music is just plain boring , canned and over produced why? IMO because there are no players today yeah a ensemble firing on all cylinders is great but boring..:) just my opinion.. :)

>... if you are laying the beat down for a blues band well then just enjoy the music,

Mike - I refuse to believe that this is your honest attitude about playing drums in a Blues band. I've been playing 48 years, I've had a lot of time to learn how to be economical and 'tasty' as a drummer. I bring my very best to every tune. I never play in my sleep or on 'cruise control' -especially- when I'm playing Blues. Being a 'good' Blues drummer takes; real knowledge of the genre, experience, good musical judgement and knowing what goes where and when. All in the name of making the music sound good.

Yes, anybody can just sit back and be a metronome, but I really love to play and I try to pour my heart and soul into everything I play. I don't always reach the bar, but then, I always set the bar high for myself. I'm sure your remark, which sounded a little like a 'put-down' about drummers who play the Blues, was just an off-the-cuff comment. I'll bet you put your best out there every time you're playing out with your band. Whether it's Blues, or any other school of music. When I play, I deal off the top of the deck, not the bottom, doing the least I can. I know you don't either.

I've spent a lot of years practicing, playing and knocking around with everything from wedding bands, to Hendrix/SRV power trio style cover bands. You can ask anybody I've ever worked with, as a drummer... I'm no sloucher and I never just 'cruise'. I'll bet good money you don't either.

What made you say that drummers who play the Blues can just sit back and enjoy the music? You don't really believe/think it's 'easy' do you? (At least not if you're seriously contributing to the music being made.) The Blues, if you're going to do it right, takes close listening to everything the other guys are doing, and it takes real good musical judgement. Speaking as a 'Blues drummer' I just wanted to disabuse you of your blanket judgement on Blues drummers.

I only wanted to respond to your remark, Mike. Honest, no 'grief' intended. Just talkin'.

PEACE... guitar3

John