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Thread: Any hints for the fledgling R&B/Soul/Funk drummer?

  1. #1

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    Default Any hints for the fledgling R&B/Soul/Funk drummer?

    Hey Gang,

    I just joined a 13 piece old school R&B/Soul/Funk. 4 horns, guitar, keys, bass, percussion, 4 singers...and me. One of the trumpet players, and the keyboard player played with the James Brown Review in the 60's!

    I've never played this style of music before, but I felt so comfortable during the audition. I guess I pulled it off because they asked me to join!

    My background is hard rock, prog rock and I currently play in a blues/southern rock band.

    Any hints on, among other things, playing with so many people and driving the whole band?

    Thanks
    Wally
    Wally David
    http://www.route49rock.com
    http://www.myspace.com/route49band
    My Yamaha Stage Custom Kit
    Pearl Jupiter Snare
    Vintage Zildjian and Sabian Cymbals
    Tama Kingbeat pedal
    Yamaha and Tama hardware

  2. #2

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    Default Re: Any hints for the fledgling R&B/Soul/Funk drummer?

    Congrats on getting the gig! I would take the lead and drive it hard. Play everything with conviction and keep it solid. Also; get a bunch of r&b songs/albums from iTunes and start woodshedding the style. The more you listen to it, the more it will melt into your bones (so to speak). Congratulations again.

  3. #3

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    Default Re: Any hints for the fledgling R&B/Soul/Funk drummer?

    I was in a similar band, it was a blast.We we doing mostly STAX tunes. Ask for a set list, and start there. Then expand on the artists and record companies.

    I would think James Brown, Wilson Picket, Temptations etc..
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  4. #4

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    Default Re: Any hints for the fledgling R&B/Soul/Funk drummer?

    Congrats on the gig man!...That would be like a dream gig for me. I'm in a metal band now and I'm a metal head from birth but that's the stuff I love to play when it's just me and my kit.

    All that energy on 1 stage, feeding off each other trading 4's etc.Think I'll go toss on some Earth Wind and Fire now! Good for you man.

    With all that energy it should come relatively easy to just groove,nice tasteful stuff and let the chops come where they're needed.Nice and solid in the pocket, damn I'm envious.Enjoy the hell outta that gig bro.

  5. #5

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    Cool Re: Any hints for the fledgling R&B/Soul/Funk drummer?

    Wally, I envy you! (Wouldn't mind playin' percussion with you guys! )

    Seriously, drummer nailed it hard on woodshedding! Playing whatever you can get your hands on will help you learn to drive the band...and you might even jam with the percussionist so he and you can set up the pocket you need to get all the funk you can out of the rhythm section!

    sounds to me like you're already halfway there since you're in the band...Congrats!
    keep the beat goin' ... Don't keep it to yourself!

    Charlie

    "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." --Henry David Thoreau, "Walden," 1854

    "There's a lot to be said for Time Honored tradition and value." --In memory of Frank "fiacovaz" Iacovazzi

    "Maybe your drums can be beat, but you can't."--Jack Keck

  6. #6

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    Default Re: Any hints for the fledgling R&B/Soul/Funk drummer?

    Ahh, my favorite style of music. Check out Stax records (Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Booker T and the Mgs), Parliament Funkadelic, James Brown, Sly & The Family Stone, and The Meters and learn their crazy syncopation.

    I'm a third person who envies you. I just saw a 13 piece funk cover band the other weekend and it was incredible. Have fun.

  7. #7

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    Default Re: Any hints for the fledgling R&B/Soul/Funk drummer?

    Thanks for the nice words and suggestions! I told my first band and they took it well. I've lined up a stand-in drummer for that band, so all is OK for now. It will be pretty intense, as I practice with Route 49 on Mondays and with the new band, Powersource, Thurs, Fri and Sat evenings! Powersource already has some casino gigs in the offing!
    Wally David
    http://www.route49rock.com
    http://www.myspace.com/route49band
    My Yamaha Stage Custom Kit
    Pearl Jupiter Snare
    Vintage Zildjian and Sabian Cymbals
    Tama Kingbeat pedal
    Yamaha and Tama hardware

  8. #8

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    Default Re: Any hints for the fledgling R&B/Soul/Funk drummer?

    congrats and what they all said !! if you play southern rock you will fit great !
    E Drums !! !

    There are no loud instruments just loud players !

    Protect Your Hearing !!!!

  9. #9

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    Default Re: Any hints for the fledgling R&B/Soul/Funk drummer?

    Well, So far, so good! It is an amazing experience to play with such a big group. I'm finding I need to strip down my playing a big because there is just so much going on. But the grooves are so much fun to play that I don't need fills.

    I'm doing more between the snare and bass drum than with the other type of music. Also more of a solid back beat, catching a lot of the rim. And the "James Brown" beat is a so cool.
    Wally David
    http://www.route49rock.com
    http://www.myspace.com/route49band
    My Yamaha Stage Custom Kit
    Pearl Jupiter Snare
    Vintage Zildjian and Sabian Cymbals
    Tama Kingbeat pedal
    Yamaha and Tama hardware

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