Quick Catch Up

Hi guys,
Thanks to Suss's prompting......Thought i'd just share a little of whats been goin on since the old site.

I've made some quite major changes in both technical/conceptual areas concerning the drums + my role in an ensemble.
This is due in large parts to playing w/ some very hip players

My left hand is sooooo much stronger now ..........it's unbelievable for me just how far i've come.

I remember watching an interview w/ Mel Lewis, where he explained that when trying 2 drive a band, he likes 2 be subtle + "get underneath them" .......as opposed to the (sometimes) BR way of hammering the band..........which results in (as Mel put it) a "nervous thing happening" .

For the 1st time in my life i've been practicing pianissimo (v. quiet) jazz ride - going from slow 2 fast speeds over the course of a couple of hours @ each practise session, whilst keeping the dynamics DOWN!

Not only am i swinging harder/more relaxed when i play........but automatically i'm listening more.....+ therefore ideas that are "mine" are naturally starting to creep in2 my vocabulary on the drums.

Also, I'm really starting 2 hear just how STRONG the influence of Africa has been on many of the genres we play 2day..........from JayZ...Ray Barretto....Art Blakey+the messengers...etc etc

As a result of all this, (especially re. the feeling of always playing catch up re. L lead), I'm basically saying YES 2 most kinds of gigs...as long as im free 2 do them....This is leading 2 some dodgy moments! .........but also some outtasight moments!!


The next few ideas i'd like 2 get goin are taking some proper conga instruction, + get more in2 the world music scene in London

Btw...... if any1 has some brazillian music they really love.........it'd be great 2 hear your reccomendations!!

Cheers Guys!!!!!!!!!!!!

MIKE wrote:Hi guys,
...
I remember watching an interview w/ Mel Lewis, where he explained that when trying 2 drive a band, he likes 2 be subtle + "get underneath them" .......as opposed to the (sometimes) BR way of hammering the band..........which results in (as Mel put it) a "nervous thing happening" .

For the 1st time in my life i've been practicing pianissimo (v. quiet) jazz ride - going from slow 2 fast speeds over the course of a couple of hours @ each practise session, whilst keeping the dynamics DOWN!

Not only am i swinging harder/more relaxed when i play........but automatically i'm listening more.....+ therefore ideas that are "mine" are naturally starting to creep in2 my vocabulary on the drums.

Also, I'm really starting 2 hear just how STRONG the influence of Africa has been on many of the genres we play 2day..........from JayZ...Ray Barretto....Art Blakey+the messengers...etc etc

As a result of all this, (especially re. the feeling of always playing catch up re. L lead), I'm basically saying YES 2 most kinds of gigs...as long as im free 2 do them....This is leading 2 some dodgy moments! .........but also some outtasight moments!!


The next few ideas i'd like 2 get goin are taking some proper conga instruction, + get more in2 the world music scene in London

Btw...... if any1 has some brazillian music they really love.........it'd be great 2 hear your reccomendations!!

Cheers Guys!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow Mike... now that's what I'm talkin' about; and thanks for sharing your development over the past months. I really like what you shared with Mel Lewis' comments. My sentiments exactly Mike.

Personally I find it very difficult to play pp except in ballads and sensitive sections of an otherwise up tempo tune. Sounds like you have the key to doing that. Any tips?

I also appreciated hearing how you're branching out into a full blown percussionist!

Keep it up Mike!

Some very positive things going on here, Mike! Please keep us informed.

H.A.

Well Suss,
I was checking out a friends gig.... + was sat 1 chair from their great drummer......when he knocked me sideways-playing these really fast tempos quietly!!
Well......im sure i'd seen his particular hand posture before.....so i searched my dvds + found Mel doin the same on the above dvd.

The way i'm (still!) workin on it is:
Basically when playin the standard jazz ride pattern:

Stick is held loosely, french grip + it's more a slidin down the stick motion w/ the thumb to get the bounce (starting on last 16th of beat 2 and beat 4)
THESE ARE OBVIOUSLY SWUNG THO!! (NOT ACTUAL 16THS AS IN THAT PIC!)

Would really advise getting dat dvd if u don't have it!

Hey Don,
Will keep you posted.........w/ some good tracks in the future....

Meanwhile........here's me on 3hrs sleep!

http://www.myspace.com/martinjenkinstrio

Not a fan, of much on here .....was really too tired 2 be recording........but check out the drum solo on beatrice...i do like the space....something i'd like 2 develop further

Nice touch, Jr. The style of jazz you guys play reminds me a little of Vince Guaraldi.

I personally liked your solo on "Didn't know what time it was".

Though I'd like to hear a bit more dynamics, It was very tastey, Mike. Keep it up.

H.A.

P.S. Your example is a good, basic, exercise.

Listening to "Scope" now . . . more Monk than Guaraldi that one . . . well played, Mike! Great to hear you! I'll take another pint . . . yay, Mike!

I like your "space" on Beatrice too Mike. I can tell you are spending a lot of time developing not only ears, but the technique to play through the bars rather than be limited by them.

Very nice man... keep up the great work!