Getting Caught Up
Ok, folks... I know I've been promising a lot of new content, and the completion of my drum book(s). Frankly, I haven't had the opportunity to really sit down at the computer and work very much, because I've been extremely busy playing, practicing, rehearsing, and learning tons of songs for a multitude of playing situations. Excuses, excuses...
The past few months have found me playing with an original rock band ("The Roll"), forming and rehearsing for both a new cover band AND funk band, subbing with a number of bands everywhere from NYC to CT, and even New Hampshire, planning and performing a reunion gig with my old band "Them Bones", and of course, teaching like crazy and studying with Sam Ulano every week! How's THAT for a run-on sentence???
Additionally, for most of November, I've been playing in a local theater production of "Meet Me in St. Louis", at Spotlight Theater in Mohegan Lk, NY. The show is entering its final weekend, and will close on Sunday, November 20th. Did I mention that I also play ice hockey on two teams... Jeez... OK, maybe I'm spreading myself a bit too thin, but welcome to the life of a working musician!
With all these new musical situations going on, I had to learn about 60-70 songs on short notice. Since I had worked steadily with Them Bones for over 8 years, it had been a long time since I had to learn that volume of music in a short time. I welcomed the challenge and somehow, my brain didn't explode from memorizing that much material. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, in any way... I live for this!
Anyway, I recently had the time to complete a "closer look" lesson about Blink 182's "All The Small Things" that was about 80% done for months... I hope you enjoy it. I also made some minor changes and updates to the site. In the past few days, I've spent some time organizing my book "Reading Rhythm from the Ground Up", and getting it ready for printing. I'm hoping to really dig in and finish at least one book before the holidays. Sometimes, hoping isn't quite enough! Stay tuned!
The past few months have found me playing with an original rock band ("The Roll"), forming and rehearsing for both a new cover band AND funk band, subbing with a number of bands everywhere from NYC to CT, and even New Hampshire, planning and performing a reunion gig with my old band "Them Bones", and of course, teaching like crazy and studying with Sam Ulano every week! How's THAT for a run-on sentence???
Additionally, for most of November, I've been playing in a local theater production of "Meet Me in St. Louis", at Spotlight Theater in Mohegan Lk, NY. The show is entering its final weekend, and will close on Sunday, November 20th. Did I mention that I also play ice hockey on two teams... Jeez... OK, maybe I'm spreading myself a bit too thin, but welcome to the life of a working musician!
With all these new musical situations going on, I had to learn about 60-70 songs on short notice. Since I had worked steadily with Them Bones for over 8 years, it had been a long time since I had to learn that volume of music in a short time. I welcomed the challenge and somehow, my brain didn't explode from memorizing that much material. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, in any way... I live for this!
Anyway, I recently had the time to complete a "closer look" lesson about Blink 182's "All The Small Things" that was about 80% done for months... I hope you enjoy it. I also made some minor changes and updates to the site. In the past few days, I've spent some time organizing my book "Reading Rhythm from the Ground Up", and getting it ready for printing. I'm hoping to really dig in and finish at least one book before the holidays. Sometimes, hoping isn't quite enough! Stay tuned!
posted by Chris at 5:57 AM
