The unicorn

[brianrost]

The best country drummer I've ever worked with was a jazz guy and he happily played boom-bap all night long.

 

[turf3]

If you think "jazz drumming" is synonymous with "no beat" then you haven't actually listened to any jazz.

It may be a thing that BAD drummers are covering their ineptness by claiming they're "playing jazz beats". BS.

If you think jazz guys don't play a back beat, or setup changes, or create a groove, you need to get off your rock and roll high horse and LISTEN.

Danny Barcelona
Louis Bellson
Buddy Rich
Art Blakey
Big Sid Catlett
Chick Webb
Gene Krupa
Steve Gadd
Roy Haynes
Max Roach
Papa Jo Jones
Philly Joe Jones
Dannie Richmond
Tain Watts

All these guys and more could lay down the most wicked back beat you have ever wanted behind you.

You do not have a "jazz" drummer; you have a BAD drummer.

 

[turf3]

Listen to Art Blakey and "Moanin'" and tell me you can't find the beat in Buhaina's drum playing! If you can sit still for that, you're dead.



Don't give me that BS about "jazz guys".

 

[Max Bogosity]

I've never heard of a jazz musician who wanted to play country. Come to think of it, I've never heard of a jazz musician who would even listen to country.

That’s an entire genre - Western Swing.

Jazz used to be dance music. Still can be, if the drummer wants it to be.

But if he doesn’t want to, and the rest of the band doesn’t hear it or doesn’t care, I don’t see any good resolution for you.

 

[dan1952]

I don't blame you, I don't even know how the auto correct got that... It was supposed to be put me off.
As I said, the guy is great but he was being way to heavy for the music he was playing

KA is an intense, East Coast kinda guy. Doesn't bother me - I like the drummer to be aggressive, even in a laid back band.

 

[Viggo51]

Ship him to Portland, I need a Jazz Drummer!

 

[electracoyote]

I say you dress up like a gladiator, run around the crowd yelling "are you not entertained!", and get them riled up. They'll demand that he pick up the pace with some dance grooves, or feed him to the lions.

 

[Space Pickle]

The best country drummer I've ever worked with was a jazz guy and he happily played boom-bap all night long.

i for one love the boom baps

 

[EddiePlaysBass]

If you think "jazz drumming" is synonymous with "no beat" then you haven't actually listened to any jazz.

It may be a thing that BAD drummers are covering their ineptness by claiming they're "playing jazz beats". BS.

If you think jazz guys don't play a back beat, or setup changes, or create a groove, you need to get off your rock and roll high horse and LISTEN.

@turf3 while I agree with your statement that the OP appears to have a bad drummer, I feel obliged to point out that in the OP it says:

The drummer we have now believes that jazz has a strong enough beat to get people dancing in spite of how people no longer dance at our gigs...

Which is clearly not the same. The drummer calls his playing "jazz". No need to start measuring the height of horses, IMHO.

 

[RustyAxe]

Our regular drummer is a jazz player ... When he's with his jazz ensemble. With us he's a solid country player. A good musician can handle multiple genres.

 

[turf3]

I've never heard of a jazz musician who wanted to play country. Come to think of it, I've never heard of a jazz musician who would even listen to country.

Ummmm...

Ray Charles - New Dimensions in Country and Western Music?
Sonny Rollins - Way Out West?
Bill Frisell?
Cassandra Wilson?
Charlie Haden?
Wynton Marsalis and Willie Nelson did an album together

Sounds like you need to open your ears a wee bit.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Ummmm...

Ray Charles - New Dimensions in Country and Western Music?
Sonny Rollins - Way Out West?
Bill Frisell?
Cassandra Wilson?
Charlie Haden?
Wynton Marsalis and Willie Nelson did an album together

Sounds like you need to open your ears a wee bit.

The jazz hate/reverse snobbery here is strong...

 

[Kevorargh]

I really appreciate the support and advice you people are putting out. It occurred, a moment ago to mention that this is a management problem... which is why it’s in this section. For those of you who are not managers I’ve got to say this. If you are really good with people, work with people. Musicians aren’t people. You don’t tell musicians what to do. You try to get them to want to do what you want. What I really want is to get this guy to apply his obvious skill in a way that is appropriate for this project. If I fire him, I have to find a drummer and then they have to learn some seventy songs... we won’t be making any money or building any following for this period.

Why can't you bring in a sub while you audition for a new drummer?

 

[turf3]

@turf3 while I agree with your statement that the OP appears to have a bad drummer, I feel obliged to point out that in the OP it says:



Which is clearly not the same. The drummer calls his playing "jazz". No need to start measuring the height of horses, IMHO.

OK, I stand corrected, the drummer is a jazz drummer, he's just a bad one.

 

[Pork_Chop]

Ummmm...

Ray Charles - New Dimensions in Country and Western Music?
Sonny Rollins - Way Out West?
Bill Frisell?
Cassandra Wilson?
Charlie Haden?
Wynton Marsalis and Willie Nelson did an album together

Sounds like you need to open your ears a wee bit.

My most humble apologies, Turf3
Note to self: Tongues are not able to be seen in cheeks on this thing called the internet. Duly noted.

 

[Space Pickle]

another good thread ruined by jazz

 

[Amano]

As sayed he might be no fit for the task. However if you need to play with the snob, my solution is this. You play the basekick and snare and hold the “one”. Be dominant and keep the groove and guard it. Own it. This way he can play all shuffles around you but he can’t kill the groove. Be aware you have to minimize your playing to make this effective. If you can groove you can do this. This worked for me with many drummers having difficulties respecting or understanding the fundamental basics.

One more thing. After you Have done this for a while let him drift in the ocean for some beats before suddenly hitting again on the one. Keep counting. You will have his attention.

 

[jdthebassman]

if you can replace the drummer do it find some one that has pocket central. with this guy you are on a fools errand