We live in a world that pays attention to speed, volume, and flash. Subtlety has its own power in relation to that.
The drums have hogged a lot of the credit. We're as much -- or more -- *cymbal* players, as we are drummers.
There is no point in launching technology before customers are ready to use it.
When it comes to certain kind of rhythm things, particularly like shaker or tambourine tracks. I like the way I can really lock up with my own Hi Hat or Ride Cymbal beat. So a lot of times in recording I'll be asked -- or even volunteer -- to put a shaker or tambourine track on. Just to give it something extra. And it always works great. I hate it when I'm in the studio and I don't have any shakers or tambourines with me. I've been on a few dates when we didn't have anything and tried to improvise shakers out of some uncooked rice in soda cans. It sounded horrible.
We can all be grateful that there is a place like (University of) North Texas! North Texas has been unique among schools in the country that offer jazz studies . . . quality!
