Fair call! I shouldn't have said that. I guess I was referring to how many drummers (but certainly not all) equate "drum god" with "bending time and space through blistering chops."
Example: how many drummers would say Ringo Starr is one of the greatest drummers of all time? I'm guessing nobody (or very few)---but from a musical perspective, I'd say he has as much a case for the title as anyone! (After all, he drummed for the greatest band in human history...at least in my opinion.
) I suppose it all comes down to your definition of "great drummer."
@onegourd—you make some good points about French grip (thumb-up). I play that way exclusively on timpani and would NEVER consider playing timpani with German grip (thumb to the side, palm down).
Watching the Jojo Mayer videos really impressed upon me the fact that it's possible to have mind-boggling speed and power---as well as rebound---using French grip.
But I wonder---do you (or anyone else who plays right-hand French grip) stick to French grip if you're just playing the snare or toms?
---
And strictly speaking, you're right in that the wrist *does* do a bit more work in the Bailey technique than the initial throw...but that "work" is only the bare minimum amount of work required to follow the rebound---after the throw, it's like pedaling a bicycle downhill.
Scott
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