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The concept of linear orchestration (linear drumming) implies that no two instruments (drums/cymbals) are played at the same time. At first - the idea seems like a good practice tool to develop skills (and it is - a lot of linear orchestration in drum solos - and long fills... right?), but - there's a lot that can be discovered on the creative side of this idea. I'm still working on the basics... decided to focus on putting the kick on the 'a' of 16th-note phrases (or - on the last note in a group of four) today.
"You Should Be High Love" -- Considering I just put this tune on today and started playing (without much pre-meditation) - I'm happy with this first effort. -- I realized from this session that I need to focus on more independence with the left hand. I notice that when I move it away from the snare drum... things tend to fall apart more often than not. New cymbals today... a set that included (2)14" Hi-Hats - (1)16" Crash - (1)20" Ride - and (1)14" Crash (throw-in). I'm thankful the 'throw-in-crash' was a 14" - because the 'matched' Hi-Hats sounded terrible together (like the dong of a cowbell). Swapped the top hat for the 14" Crash - much better! Now it has character -- it even 'haws' at me sometimes: listen for it from 2:29 - 2:31. What was that?... wasn't me.
... before I delete these recordings -- here's what the 'matched' pair of 14" Hi-Hat Cymbals sounded like:
On day 31 - a good friend loaned me 2 good cymbals (the difference can be heard in the subsequent recordings). Ever since - I don't like to play the hi-hat... and haven't much. I wanted to re-document the sound of this 'old' hi-hat tonight - as I have a new one coming tomorrow (new cymbals too). Getting ready to venture into some tunes - need to learn to play through some stuff - get comfortable with changes... etc.
The whole point to this session was to practice playing the kick (by itself) on the 'e' or the 'a' in a group of sixteenth notes. I succeeded in a few spots (1st attempt was on the 'e' - starting at about 2:20 -- and another on the 'a' - at the end) --- mostly, the primal spirit of the Floor Tom carried me away. My hands still need a lot of work... many years to go.
Installed new heads today (Evans 'Level 360'). The difference is noticeable - and inspiring! Installed the 16" floor tom head last - then played for a bit.
... been exploring a few basic concepts/methods to practice linear drumming (but not comfortable with much, yet). Mostly - working to expand stick-work to more frequent orchestration around the kit. Decided to record my 'spang-a-lang' jazz with hi-hat on beats 2 and 4. -- There's a period (20 measures - I think) where my hi-hat is falling on beats 1 and 3 (beginning at 1:27) -- then I adjusted back to beats 2 and 4 (at 1:53). Did you hear that?
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Ben Higgins
Began studying drums in February 2018. Loving every minute of it!. Archives
April 2020
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