 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: wjk
Date: 2002-10-03 01:37
I recently played with a drummer- had a great time improvising but I found it difficult to "keep time." Other than practicing with a metronome, any suggestions on how to improve?
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Author: JackOrion
Date: 2002-10-03 02:06
What was the drummer doing?
I had a regular gig for about four months this year with just a drummer. We decided that we would take it outside as far as we could. Some people liked it and others left in a hurry. I'm proud of what we did, and learned quite a bit during the stint. Trying to find a place in Orange County that has a regular freeform/improve night is like a rainy day in July...just doesn't happen. It came to an end when the drummer moved back east.
It takes chemistry to pull this instrumentation off. It will keep you on your creative toes, because your the only melodic voice playing. Your metronome practice will help you, but above all else you need to keep the pulse going yourself. Keep your foot tapping, and play off the rhythm. You must at all times be aware where the beat is, even if your not playing. For the pro's this awareness is second nature, they just "feel" it. Listen to recordings and tap along. If your playing jazz, due this with Monk. He can be very quirky.
Good luck
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Author: JackOrion
Date: 2002-10-03 02:11
I can't believe I speeled do - due. Must have been a subliminal homage to the man.
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Author: William
Date: 2002-10-03 04:26
Definition of a percussionist: a drummer that hangs out with musicians.
Old joke, I know, but my point is that maybe having difficulty keeping the beat wasn't your fault. A steady set percussionsist (drummer) is really quite hard to find--one that can add fills and compliment the other musicians musical efforts without losing the beat by rushing or slowing down when technical "licks" just don't make it. I offer this only as an alternative to the above posting by JackOrin, whose advice was also "right on."
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