The Drumming Community... Another Reason it's Great to Play the Drums

I was on a mini vacation this past weekend and making my way around a small seafood festival with a margarita in my hand when another patron stopped me and said "hey man nice shirt".  Now, I had forgotten that I was wearing my Modern Drummer t-shirt and took a quick look down to remind myself, before giving him a heartfelt thanks followed by the appropriate question: "so are you a drummer too?"

That question opened up a small conversation between us. In a short time span we talked about the local music scene, the music scene from his hometown, who I was playing with, who he was playing with, and the types of tubs we used. It was nice to run into a fellow drummer on my mini vacation.

As I walked away I couldn't help but think that this is something very unique to us drummers. We seem to share a community that is open to anyone who bangs those skins. I believe we have more clinics in more towns than the players of any other instrument. We have strong magazines with long histories such as Modern Drummer and Drum! that are dedicated to our craft, and we have a plethora of websites that enhance our knowledge of that craft including www.drummersorld.com, The Drummer Cafe, and VicFirth.

It seems that drummers, more than any other musician, want to share their passion and the lessons they have learned with the future generations of players. You have Steve Gadd on his popular clinic tours across the U.S., Rich Redmond hosting his technical and business based Crash Courses for Success, and Tommy Igoe crafting manuals that help the next generation of drummers step up their game. This is something I am proud to be a part of, and why I developed my own book Rudimental Technique and Analysis.

I think the biggest reason the drumming community is so open and welcoming has to do with the nature of our instrument.

Drums were the first instrument on this planet. In fact drumming is even older than the human voice. This happened because the drum represents the heartbeat, and what early tribesmen saw as the soul of the body. To this date the most indigenous tribes in Africa still revere the drummer as the only member capable of speaking to the Gods. In their world the drummer is more powerful than our president.

I like to think that even today this tradition carries forward in every drummer out there. We are the heartbeat of the band and we still represent that pulse that gives music life. We are all part of the eldest instrument on the planet, and it seems we are all proud of what we do. No matter how big or how small.

Here's to the drummer!

Why You Should Love Rich Redmond

If you don't know who Rich Redmond is, let me help you. He plays for this little known country star named Jason Aldean. 

I hope you caught my sarcasm on that one.

Rich has also recorded, performed, or toured with other artists including Bryan Adams, Miranda Lambert, Jewel, The Pointer Sisters, Trace Adkins, and Hank Williams III among many, many others. Just visit his website at www.richredmond.com to see the overwhelming complete list of people he has kept the back beat for.

For all you music nuts out there you will be very impressed to know that Rich got his formal training at The University of North Texas and held the drum seat for their one o'clock lab band. For those who don't know that lab is the world series of higher level music education performance.

Besides his discography and impressive education here are four reasons drummers should check out Rich Redmond.

1. He ACTUALLY plays on all of Aldean's studio albums. 

This is a huge feat in Nashville where different drummers are allocated for an artist's studio and live performances, and a huge testament to Redmond's skills on the kit.

2. He has earned a refined groove.

Many drummers think that it is all about complex grooves, busy fills, double bass, and blazing speed. It is only after the artist develops himself over time in the studio and on the stage that they realize the best drummers keep it simple, pick their fills perfectly, and replace technique with an infectious groove. Rich has clearly done that. He plays for the song. That is a true testament to his superstar drumming status and puts him in line with greats such as Steve Gadd, Joe Porcaro, and Bernard Purdie. 

3. He puts on a show.

When Rich is in front of an audience he is an animated player. This elevates the experience for the fan, and helps him lock into the pocket. Watch this live video and see what I mean.

4. He gives back to the drumming community.

Over the past couple of years Rich has supplemented his extensive recording and live calendar with drum clinics across the country. Titled Rich Redmond's Crash Course for Success these clinics give drummers insight into his playing, practice routines, and how this chart topping drummer handles the business side of his craft. It is empowering and unlike any clinic you have ever witnessed.

These are just some of the reasons I enjoy Rich Redmond and his musical ability. I encourage you to check out his website www.richredmond.com for more information. 

To hear his amazing studio playing check out Jason Aldean on iTunes.

If you want to witness one of Redmond's clinics check out his Crash Course for Success Web page.