Drum Related

Well, this is quite a tough question to answer. And I’m sure not everyone will agree with me. But indulge me for a while if you will…..

I think a good drummer cannot be summed up easily. It’s a combination of things that make a good drummer, and it’s different for different situations. For example, a good “session” drummer must be very reliable, easy to work with (i.e. not a complete an utter tool!), have a good ear for all types of music (usually), be a good time keeper, be able to work to a schedule, be able to work to a click (mainly for studio sessions)….. The list can go on.

Some say that session musicians are usually the best as they have to be so versatile. They could be in a studio recording heavy metal one minute and on stage playing a soul gig the next!

What I call “band” drummers generally tend to stick to their own influences and have a more concentrated ability but can still make fantastic players in their own field (as well as others on occasion). They might be needed to sit in the back of a stinking tour bus with dozens of other sweaty smelly people for months on end! They need the patience and personality for endless rehearsals, promotional appearances and parties! They need the stamina for that. A stamina that cannot be underestimated!

Ok then, let’s talk about “chops” or “licks”. Do these make drummers good?? Well, yeh, sometimes!  Let’s face it. A drummer who shows off a “party piece” that wow’s the crowd makes them good doesn’t it? Even if they couldn’t use what they did in any other type of performance situation, they still used it in that particular one for the purpose of impressing people. If it worked, then for that moment in time they were a good drummer because they made good their intention. Does that make sense or am I just babbling bull?!?
Surely a drummer who plays a dance track makes it irresistible for even the most infirmed (ill, sick, dying, broken…etc!) of little old ladies to get up and dance to break their most up to date hip replacement is good?? Or a drummer who holds a band together who are playing a song of the saddest variety… Is he not a good drummer if all in the eyes in the house are shedding a tear?!?

Basically, my point is this….. A good drummer is one who does the job he’s supposed to do. If he gets recommended, re-hired or keeps a job he’s in then he must be good, mustn’t he?? Or maybe it’s just that there are no better alternatives?!?! Well, whatever your views I hope this piece was at least thought provoking! We’ll have more on this topic when I talk about some of my favourite players in the drum world.