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Re: Keith vs classic rock drummers



> I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between how Ringo and Watts played, 
> very basic time keeping with a few uncomplicated fills, and what Keith did (many 
> complicated fills and rolls played in time). 


I don't know.....there's something to be said for "uncomplicated" drumming, too.  As
long as it's not *completely* rote-like.  I hear little expressions of originality in Ringo's
& Charlie's playing.  That sort of thing doesn't always have to be represented by com-
plicated fills & rolls.  For example, a lone, one-off counter-beat on the snare drum is
enough for me to let me know that the drummer is *thinking* & keeping things fresh.

Another example would be a mischievously-placed hi-hat release.  (Even though, having
heard a hi-hat release, our dear Jon would immediately cast the piece into his rubbish
bin marked "Pop Songs."  Strange fellow.)

My second favorite drummer behind Moonie is John Densmore of The Doors - not
exactly another bombastic roll & fill-merchant in the vein of Keith.  But, I'll be damned,
John Densmore is one of the sneakiest, complimentary, versatile drummers out there.

He used simple-but-effective techniques like placing a loud, jarring, snare/tom two-shot 
during the quietest, most hypnotic part of "The End," which jars the listener, literally 
scaring him or her, adding to the uneasiness of the entire piece.  That's simple brilliance 
which makes me say, "Wow," not because of any technical skill or groundbreaking or-
iginality, but because the drummer had the *idea* to put it there in the first place!  Good 
drumming is built on ideas as much as it is skill.  Densmore's playing is loaded with such
"skillful thinking."

(Incidentally, one can hear Moon employ a two-shot "scare tactic," if you will, on ICSFM, 
during the quiet moment right before the final verse.  Moon's is different than Densmore's 
in that his is a snare/snare shot rather than a snare/tom shot, & Moon follows his with a 
residual quieter tom triplet:  Doot doot!!  Doodle-oo.)

What was I saying?  Oh yeah,........simplistic drumming doesn't always imply boring
drumming.  A simplistic drummer can still be crafty & original by employing fresh ideas.
Those techniques may not be as obvious as a thunderous eighth-note roll across a
huge row of toms but they're unique & expressive in their own right.  At least, IMO,
they are.


- SCHRADE in Akron

The Council For Secular Humanism
http://www.secularhumanism.org/