Band Issues! (Drummer, Guitar)

Dan-Himself · #1 02-11-2009, 05:44 AM

I've been in my band about 4 months now and some cracks are beginning to show. We're a rock band but the drummer is really into jazz

and rarely seems to play with any energy or emotion. He is technically quite a good drummer but the lack of feeling in his playing is totally noticable. He's a really nice guy but when the whole band go out for drinks he rarely ever comes and it's sort of creating a divide. I've spoke to the synth player and he seems to have the same view, I want to keep him but i don't see the band going anywhere if he doesn't start getting some attitude and rocking the kit.

What do i do?!?

Terry Funk · #2 02-11-2009, 06:09 AM

First, I don't think there's any direct correlation between the drummer being into jazz and not playing with energy and emotion. Maybe he's just not feeling you guys the way you're not feeling him at the moment. Either address it with him or get rid of him.

FenderP · #3 02-11-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan-Himself

I've been in my band about 4 months now and some cracks are beginning to show. We're a rock band but the drummer is really into jazz

and rarely seems to play with any energy or emotion. He is technically quite a good drummer but the lack of feeling in his playing is totally noticable. He's a really nice guy but when the whole band go out for drinks he rarely ever comes and it's sort of creating a divide. I've spoke to the synth player and he seems to have the same view, I want to keep him but i don't see the band going anywhere if he doesn't start getting some attitude and rocking the kit.

What do i do?!?

My $.02

1. It's a band. There is no obligation for the drummer to go hang out after rehearsal or shows. I don't do it often if ever. If you want a pal to go drinking with, maybe you need to rethink things. I don't need to be best friends with everyone in the bands I've played with.

2. Musically not clicking is a whole other deal. I can relate to his situation since I was just in it, but it warrants having a heart to heart with him. Basically ask if he's having fun, likes the tunes, etc. Don't accuse him of anything or be confrontational. Maybe he's got crap going on at home. You never know.

I'm into jazz and am leaving a cover band because I can't fake loving some of the tunes. I love rock, but the ambitions to which we started the band have changed and I'm not into the direction we're going in, so I stepped down. I still am giving it 100% while I'm still with them, but I can't plaster a smile on my face if I really despise a tune ... but I can still play the hell out of it.

Good luck.

Stumbo · #4 02-11-2009, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan-Himself

Band Issues! (Drummer, Guitar)

We're a rock band but the drummer is really into jazz

So, what's up with the guitar player?

gonzilla · #5 02-12-2009, 02:07 PM

Peter Criss was primarily a jazz drummer and KISS turned out fine.

JustDavid · #6 02-12-2009, 05:14 PM

What did the drummer say when you spoke to him about this topic?

Terry Funk · #7 02-13-2009, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonzilla

Peter Criss was primarily a jazz drummer and KISS turned out fine.

Yeah, a couple guys named Ginger Baker and Mitch Mitchell who played in pretty decent rock bands in their days also were highly influenced by Jazz.

etoncrow · #8 02-13-2009, 09:21 AM

actually, Gordy found all of the Funk Brothers doing live jazz club gigs.

Lazylion · #9 02-13-2009, 09:27 AM

When I lived in L.A., a majority of the drummers I played country with claimed they were jazz guys, and were only playing country for the money. They proved this by blabbering constantly about Dave Weckl, when they weren't playing the drum lick from "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover".

ThunderLizard · #10 02-13-2009, 09:36 AM

Dan-
If you don't feel the songs have the necessary energy, I think I'd bring it up at a rehearsal. No finger pointing, just ask what can be done to kick things up a notch. Hear it from everyone first hand.
And I agree that a band doesn't need to always be hanging together. I did it a lot when I was younger, and really enjoyed being part of a musical family. But now....not so much. Playing in a good band and enjoying everyone's company at the gig is enough.

Silas Martinez · #11 02-13-2009, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan-Himself

I've been in my band about 4 months now and some cracks are beginning to show. We're a rock band but the drummer is really into jazz

and rarely seems to play with any energy or emotion. He is technically quite a good drummer but the lack of feeling in his playing is totally noticable. He's a really nice guy but when the whole band go out for drinks he rarely ever comes and it's sort of creating a divide. I've spoke to the synth player and he seems to have the same view, I want to keep him but i don't see the band going anywhere if he doesn't start getting some attitude and rocking the kit.

What do i do?!?

First ..... Guitar? Or a messed up title.

Next .... if there is a playing problem (not played with enough energy, etc) then address that in rehearsal. As far as 'hang time', though..... Meh. When I was a lot younger, it was really important. For a lot of people, it seems to be consistently important. For me, these days, though... I'm more concerned with how we get along in the rehearsal room and on stage. I can play music with someone I can't personally stand, if we click where it matters.

As has been said before, are you looking for a friend, or a bandmate. They are not the same thing, and can be mutually exclusive (I've seen a lot of really bad decisions regarding bands made because of friendships and relationships that would likely be best kept out of the band).