Practice Makes the Perfect Poker Face

I seem to be in a music induced fog...

It has been 4 days since the first contest of the season and I have spent about 4-6 hours of each day with sticks in my hand trying to harness the energy of Graham Brown's music.

I'm at that point where, usually in July, my hands can do anything. So that's awesome. However, there is one little insignificant, yet all important factor I'm not considering....Unison....

I'm a lead drummer by trade these days. It's been 5 or so years since I've played unison at all.

*quick break for the pipers*

Unison (or chips) refers to the piano time or first repeat of a part. The lead drummer plays the music and the corp players jump in and out to create larger accent patterns and dynamics. A very musical approach and yet friggin hard to do.

*end break for pipers*

I am summoning every bit of knowledge I have from back in the day. Playing for Bob Cooper and Roland Reid was a real treat for my ability because these two men played like fire and ice.. completely different. Rolly had hands that could accomplish things that appeared to defy gravity, time, and space... Bob was methodical, musical, and always consistent. Learning to keep up with Bob's perfection, and Rolly's musical ability was an education I don't think you can get anywhere.


And now I must apply the knowledge..

The trick is, I don't have a lead drummer to follow. I'm sitting in my living room listening to Peel records trying to get Graham's style without seeing it.

This is where the modern fly-in player must be creative. Youtube to the rescue!!!

I've watched every video of Graham, and all his corp players, and just about everyone from Ontario to see if there is a distinct style I can copy. I've watched Jim Kilpatrick who is obviously a great influence in Graham's playing. Now I apply the knowledge.

I have exactly 8 days until the marathon begins. Here's my flight schedule if you're wondering.

Next Fridy: Pop the Trunk Live at Whiskey Dix
2am Saturday Morning: Pop the Trunk finishes gigging, drive to airport
5am Flight to Toronto: sleep/read music/drink coffee
8am Arrive in Toronto: Kill time until pick up
10am: Practice!!!!
I'm assuming based on the judges list that after practice we're going to the Toronto knockout contest..

Sunday repeat practice schedule, then fly home for 8 oclock.
Monday back to work....owww

As crazy as that all seems I couldn't be more excited.

I think Angie might be getting a bit jealous of my drum pad but I'll make it up to her.

The last thing I have to work on is my poker face... How to sit at this practice all day without a dumb grin on my face and giggling like a school girl. I know Jake well, and Graham pretty good, but what do I do when Graham Kirkwood introduces himself, or one of the Bells.. or John Cairns.... There's so much talent and history in this band I'm going to see that it's like I'm going to Disney Land.

Anyways I'll keep you posted on the poker face. So far, not so good.

Cheers

Sean