What's right for the gig? That's a question I ask myself every time I'm asked to play in with different artists. This question should always be asked especially when you play for different artists with different styles. You don't always want to be the drummer that only know how to play drums. If you are then I encourage you to expand and explore. I have several different percussive instruments that I filter through depending on what the gig needs. I use a djembe some situations, but I really like the cajon that I purchased about 5 years ago. It's perfect for those coffee shop acoustic sessions. I also use other small hand items for added effects. Ultimately, it's about playing the right instrument for the right session. If all else fails and you don't have the money to invest in other items then you can always downsize your drum kit. I love the less drum mentality. I've actually gotten weird looks and smirks when people walk in and have seen my setup. Only setting up a kick, snare, hat, and optional floor tom. Or other times setting up kick, hat and sitting on my cajon with a djembe in front of me instead of snare. These kind of combinations will not only get people talking, but will make you more aware of what's going on and develop your creativity. Be creative and try different setups, see how compact you can get. Let's face it the less you have to play on the more creative you have to be for dynamics, but remember to always have fun. I find it a challenge and invigorating when I pull off a session with less is more mentality, and better yet when people admit they didn't know what to expect, but enjoyed it very much. We all know that's it's fun to have a full kit and all the gear, we all gotta rock, but before you pack up and go to your next session, ask yourself, what's right for the gig? "Now, go get your drum on."
07 March 2012
What's Right For The Gig?
What's right for the gig? That's a question I ask myself every time I'm asked to play in with different artists. This question should always be asked especially when you play for different artists with different styles. You don't always want to be the drummer that only know how to play drums. If you are then I encourage you to expand and explore. I have several different percussive instruments that I filter through depending on what the gig needs. I use a djembe some situations, but I really like the cajon that I purchased about 5 years ago. It's perfect for those coffee shop acoustic sessions. I also use other small hand items for added effects. Ultimately, it's about playing the right instrument for the right session. If all else fails and you don't have the money to invest in other items then you can always downsize your drum kit. I love the less drum mentality. I've actually gotten weird looks and smirks when people walk in and have seen my setup. Only setting up a kick, snare, hat, and optional floor tom. Or other times setting up kick, hat and sitting on my cajon with a djembe in front of me instead of snare. These kind of combinations will not only get people talking, but will make you more aware of what's going on and develop your creativity. Be creative and try different setups, see how compact you can get. Let's face it the less you have to play on the more creative you have to be for dynamics, but remember to always have fun. I find it a challenge and invigorating when I pull off a session with less is more mentality, and better yet when people admit they didn't know what to expect, but enjoyed it very much. We all know that's it's fun to have a full kit and all the gear, we all gotta rock, but before you pack up and go to your next session, ask yourself, what's right for the gig? "Now, go get your drum on."
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