This weeks “Track of the week” is I’m So Excited by the Pointer Sisters, carrying on from the “fast ¼ note” theme from last weeks track, I decided to make this weeks track “I’m So Excited” by the Pointer Sisters. Again, not much going on here, but the precision and clarity are what’s really needed to make this work. Make sure you relax to play this one, playing tense at high speeds is never beneficial. Give it a listen and tomorrow I’ll give you the break down.
Devised by Frederick Matthias Alexander, an Australian actor who suffered from voice and breathing problems, the Alexander Technique operates on the principle of re-educating the body to achieve postural harmony and well-being. Essentially a self-help programme, the Alexander Technique teaches us how to become more aware of bad postural habits – often the cause of restrictive physical tension – and helps us to use our body in a more balanced, efficient and co-ordinated way. Although the Alexander Technique has long been helping classical musicians to cope with problems such as RSI, tendonitis, backache, tennis elbow, incorrect breathing, tension and even stage fright, it’s likely that the majority of non-classical musicians are unfamiliar with the method. Well, time to remedy that right now, by beginning with the important relationship between the head, the neck and the back.
I have written many articles covering all sorts of drumrelated topics over the last few months and would like to know what you think of them, do you agree or disagree with anything, please let me know.
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I’ve written about how I myself am working on becoming the fastest drummer in the UK and up to 3rd in the world. However right now I’m kinda being outdone by a lad called Elliot Jones, (a 17yr old I believe) who hails from the UK, somewhere in the West near Bournemouth (judging from his accent!). I’ve met him before, and would like to try and get an interview with him about his practice at some point, but until then here’s a list of the most recent times/numbers that he’s knocked up in his practice. (remember, these AREN’T OFFICIAL)
Obviously I’m gonna try and work on kicking his arse, but he’s a worthy adversary, so I don’t really mind losing to him! As long as he’s bringing it from the UK it’s all good.
The NAMM Show is the largest music products trade show in United States. Held every January in Anaheim, California, USA the show brings together all facets of the music products industry to reveal new musical instruments/products and ideas to help music products retailers and manufacturers become more successful. More than 80,000 NAMM Members and guests attended the January 2007 show. The NAMM Show is not open to the general public.
The acronym NAMM originally stood for the National Association of Music Merchants, but has evolved from a national entity representing the interests of music products retailers to an international association including both commercial, retail members and affiliates. Therefore, the long form of the name is no longer used, and it is simply known as NAMM, the International Music Products Association.
The 2008 show took place January 17 through January 20 in Anaheim.
General Info: At the tender age of Five John started playing the drums….. well, not exactly drums, but containers and coffee tins apparently! He used to try to copy his idols, Gene Krupa and Biddy Rich.
In 1964 (aged 16yrs) John joined his first band, Terry Webb and the Spiders. He also drummed for local bands such as The Blue Star Trio and The Senators who released a moderately successful single “She’s a Mod”.
Two years later, he joined A Way of Life however the band became inactive and in desperation for a regular income, joined blues group Crawling King Snakes whose lead singer was a young Robert Plant. During this period, Bonham developed a reputation of being the loudest drummer in England, often breaking drumheads and being asked by clubs to stop playing. Throughout the next few years he played in a few bands and opened sets for the likes of Tim Rose.
Led Zeppelin later formed when Jimmy Page wanted to start a band and wanted Robert Plant on vocals, who in turn suggested John on Drums. He won through despite some pretty hefty competition!
John then went on to sign with Ludwig drums (which he’s renowned for using to this day) along with the longest and heaviest sticks on the market! He called them “trees” (which is kinda odd, ‘cos I call big thick sticks “tree trunks”… must be that us drummers think alike!)
John is widely known for his “big” sound along with his crazy long drum solos such as featured in the songs “Moby Dick” and “Pat’s Delight”.
As well as recording with Led Zeppelin, he also found time to session with other artists. In 1970, John drummed for Screaming Lord Sutch on his album Lord Sutch and Heavy Friends. He also drummed for his Birmingham friend, Roy Wood, on the 1979 Wizzard album, On the Road Again. Then for Wings on their Back to the Egg Rockestra project.
John both disliked being away from his home and family for long periods and also flying, which led him to use alcohol to work off his nerves. On September 24, 1980, he was picked up by Led Zeppelin assistant Rex King from The Old Hyde hotel to be at rehearsals at Bray Studios for the upcoming tour of the United States, the bands first since 1977. During the journey Bonham had downed four quadruple vodkas before continuing drinking at the studio. A halt was called to the rehearsals late in the evening and the band retired to Page’s house in Windsor . After midnight, Bonham had fallen asleep and was taken to bed on his side. The tour manager found him dead the next morning. Despite the sensationalist press which indulged themselves, a subsequent coroners inquest found no drugs in his body. His death was a tragic accident. John Henry Bonham was buried on October 10, 1980 at Rushock parish churchyard, near The Old Hyde farm.
A tragic end for a legend among drummers. But you know what they say… “only the good die young.” So he was doing something right!
Even though Led Zeppelin isn’t my style John Bonham has been an inspiration to drummers for decades, and will continue to be for decades to come, and for this he gets a 10/10!
Along with the invention of the early drum came things called “The Claves”… these were cylindrical wooden blocks that you’d hold, one in each hand, and bang together. They would be made from very strong, heavy wood, and would emit a pretty high pitched and loud sound that could be heard over the sound of the drums. They’d play certain patterns to go with certain drum beats, some of which we refer to as “Clave” today.
This week’s track of the week is Valerie by Amy Winehouse. Say what you will about her (and let’s face it… everyone has an opinion!) she has come out with some great tracks. I’ve picked this as it’s great for working on your right hand ¼ notes on the hi hat if they’re a little rusty. It’s pretty straight forward other than a few easy fills, but it’s very clean and crisp, so try and achieve that when playing along.
