I know this seems odd that I'm suddenly writing a blog everyday, but I'm finding it very therapeutic and my wife says it's good for me.
That and my readership is pretty consistent so, just in case I ever have something truly important to say, I want to keep everyone reading.
Yesterday's post was a downer, I appreciate all the comments of support. I have pretty thick skin after all these years I just thought it was worth pointing out that no matter what you do somebody is going to poo poo it.
I'm very thankful for the support from the Transcona parents organization. They were upfront with me from the get go and they didn't want to keep all this junk from me. So points to them!!!
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Now, today's post is about something near and dear to.... not too many of us. I want to harp a bit on the most delicate instrument we know. I want to discuss the ins and outs of the one instrument we all ignore... until it's gone.
The mighty bass drum.
The smartest thing I've learned to date about bass comes from Dave Chorney. Dave is my go to guy for all things midsection, and most things drumming. Also he's a chili making fiend so hit him up for some recipes.
"Bass should be felt, not heard"
That doesn't mean bury it. But it means that it shouldn't distract from the band, just be an integral part. Imagine, if you will, suddenly cutting out all the drones in a band in the middle of an MSR. The result would be equivalent to just dropping the bass. You don't focus on the drones, but man do you miss them when they're gone.
I've been blessed to work with some of the very best bass drummers. Brian Hoel, Chris Brown, Dave Chorney, Rob Fulton, and now Cali DeMeyer. How I've been this lucky I don't know. Your bass drummer has to be the most committed member of the band, if they miss a gig you're hooped, you don't have two and a fill in never cuts it.
I've been listening to a lot of competition recordings and trying to map out different styles of bass drum writing. I feel like there are too many styles to choose from. I want to add a more creative layer to our band by utilizing our very talented bass drummer to create some excitement.
For a listening exercise, if you have them, pull out the World's 2011. Check out the following bands: SFU, SLOT, Scottish Power, and Shotts. Close your eyes, crank your speakers and listen only to the bass drumming.
It's high time we started to appreciate this art form. As lead drummers, and pipe majors, we need to hear this and understand it. As band members we need to know what we're listening for, it will help anchor even the shakiest rhythm piper or snare.
When you see your bass drummer, give them a pat on the back. They're the only real soloist in the band and they do it all for very little praise.
Tomorrow we'll chat about a cool idea I'm dreaming up here sitting in my office.
Cheers
Sean
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