A great read on all of the contributions drummers make to music - you are so blessed with all of your talents!

@Jim - my daughter wants to take up drums ... a friend has taught her some basics, enough to join the freshman band as part of their percussion section (as a junior who has played clarinet since 5th grade). I'll share this with her!

Remember: Drummers are people too

Jim, as longtime musician (guitar) myself, I've heard – and made up – tons of drummer jokes. I'm sure you've heard most of them. But out of my true respect for your craft, I won't tell any. I'll just thank you and your rhythmic kind for providing the essential foundation for music from the dawn of civilization to the latest modern "beats," and there's a reason for calling them that.

OK, one joke, but on me: How do you get the lead guitarist to stop playing?
Put sheet music in front of him.

LOL... Jim... I've been taking guitar lessons for almost a year. Mr. Denise bought it for me for Christmas and we decided that we needed a hobby with both of the girls in college now. It's been a blast. Heather has convinced me that I need leather pants...

I know you as a drummer work hard, you are uber talented, and I do remember listening to rehearsals at that smelly old "band" house and it would make you crazy when people weren't counting! And anyone that keep all those yahoos in line had to be good! :)

An accomplished band instructor and pipe organ player once told me that playing the drum set is akin to the pipe organ because you are using both hands and feet at the same time, each playing their own music/part. I thought that was a real compliment coming from an accomplished pipe organ musician!

Totally agree with Shelly! And Jim, in all our years together I have always been in awe and very, very proud of your musicianship, discipline, and approach to each and every beat you play. Yes my dear, you rock. But you also swing, samba, and shuffle, too! Love you always! Kat

Jim...Great article...as usual...but i have an opinion, and therfore, everyone must stop to hear it!...jk...over the years, i've watched you progress musically and because of that I have also developed an acute awareness of musicianship, prolly not as acute as you, but terminal none the less. Thus, the reason i enjoy all types of music and become critical (to a fault...sorry) of those (especially today with all the electronic rhythms that don't use "real people" to play them) that only listen to one "style" of music, cuz the rest "is lame". But usually, upon further questioning, I find out that their narrow "choice" of music preference has alot to do with much of what you stated in your article...the idea of misconceptions. Back in the 80's when the "rock/metal scene" was becoming huge, I noticed a huge influx of "bands" that relied on presentation only...didn't write their own stuff...were dependent on the help of "professionals" to "create" their spoon fed songs and honestly, i liked it, but today, i can hear it more than ever. This is not to say they didn't have talent or were any less talented, but the culture sort of dictated that progression which kind of killed that whole genre of "arena rock" (for lack of a better label) for me. that is why progressive bands (like Rush, Dream Theater or Tourniquet for example) are always at the top of my playlists. The musicianship of each member shows through in their abilities to play with the band and compliment each other...

...this is why my choice of music is a little of everything...that's why i don't have playlists on my ipod...just randomize please...because each specific type of music has its own innate ability to speak to your life as any other. Musicianship, like mechanics, carpenters, etc..have alot in common with perception...they both require an acute awareness of whats happening outside of anything that can be taught...or read in a book...though education always helps because it broadens perceptions in many ways. I have been thoroughly spoiled by having the priviledge to see your talent progress so my perceptions are very different in many ways (and I make no apologies for that) thus, when I listen to any "style" of music, my inclination is to find out "why" it is what it is, beyond the coolness of its "face value" per se. The drumming has always been about adding the extra measure of bringing the band together by adding or placing key rhythms where there may not have been a noticeable change otherwise, like the choice of using a crash instead of a splash cymbal (as an example) for an entrance which can change the dynamic entirely and develop a new "attitude" in the music itself. It's those small things that each hit, chord, fill, pause, etc. will make music exciting for those that "think outside the proverbial box".

Especially in this digital age of being able to "fix" everything with the few strokes on a keyboard. So, drumming is more than just timekeeping, it's the symbiotic relationship with the music that may or may not bring the song together...

Excellent article, Jim. You've done a great job of explaining how the percussionist is so much more than the time-keeper. And I'll add, on a personal note, that your musicianship and your talents as teacher are amazing!!

Jim:

Love the article!

Besides Buddy Rich and Neal Peart, who else has influenced you/do you like?

One of my current favs is Jason McGerr of Death Cab for Cutie - a great drummer for a great band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3XBlAkANyc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jX8Cen21sc

One of my favorite drummers with one of my favorite guitarists and a not-too-shabby bass player....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMryWoRRqUc

Ha ha, my first thought was the answer to the riddle "They hang out with the band"!
Seriously, great article, all good points. As a guy who is focusing heavily on composing and recording original music right now, I know a drummer's input into the composition of music and writing of songs really brings so much to the song.
Hey we should get together and take off in many unrehearsed directions recording some blues sometime,,, after you've taken a break from playing so much blues. I am always up for playing some blues.

You wear your hats well my friend !

David writes via Facebook -

I like to think drummers give soul to the music being played. Maybe it's just me but generally, to most music I hear without percussion, I always end up thinking "something's missing". But maybe I'm just biased

Bill writes via Facebook -

Very good stuff Jim!

Margaret writes via Facebook -

Nice blog again, Jim!

My brother in law is Eddie Bayers. He is the third most recorded drummer in history. A studio drummer. When the road bands need stability they bring out a top drummer to lead the way. The last ten years he's done George Strait and Allen Jacksons album drumming. He is married to my sister Lane Brody from Racine. Enjoyed the article.

Besides playing drums at such a level, in the 1960's Eddie played keyboards for Gracy Slick, Paul Cantor and Stevie Winwood. He broke his hand and became a drummer while holding both sticks up. I'm not a drummer but I think I'm explaning it OK. He's a musical genius. Watching him listen to music, you know he is hearing things most of us are not. His ears even seem to move. I'm not bragging, he's the drummer, just thought I'ld share this.

One last comment, I am a former Marine, the Marine Corp had a close relationship with John Phillip Suza. What I have noticed is the all armys have bands, but drummers go to war! Lane and Eddie did a beautiful song for my infantry company reunion called "Thanks for What You Did". Kind of cool having your deepest feelings put to song by a prolific song writer. Thanks for being kind, I never post.

Drums and the bass player are key brother!!! No matter what type of music you are playing!

Sharadha writes via Facebook -

Nice post, jim: I think one of the best concerts the four of us have ever been to had only percussionists, various drums from different parts of the world. Drums make me happy in a way no other instrument can.