Backstory:
I insist on auditioning drummers. Even, if no performing is involved, when I meet you you are on the clock, interview/auditionwise.
To me, the drummer is the make or break member of any band. No disrespect to guitar players or bass players (oh please, you know I love you too), but play these scenarios out in your head:
Example A: Drummer is amazing, bass player is sucks and guitar player is so so.
Prognosis? There is still potential to bring the rock. Band succeeds.
Example B: Bass player is out of this world. guitar player is extremely proficient and technically talented. Drummer sucks ass like you would not believe.
Prognosis? Band sucks. Period.
So, keeping this in mind and after putting feelers out, I auditioned “the drummer” back in early December, prior to the Holidays. He hadn’t played in a while and was a little rusty/shaky.
But something told me to give it a try. #1 reason? Enthusiasm. He just needed to get back up to speed and he was VERY willing to put in the time. He was excited about the material and was very understanding about the standard of excellence I wanted out of him. He simply WANTED the job for more than just because. And that goes miles for me.
And besides…I have no problem with time.
We had a 2nd practice (just the two of us: me on guitar on some songs & piano on others), and he had the chance to practice a few times on his own prior. MUCH better. Still shaky in places but it was workable. It just takes…time.
So, plan is to jam with him tomorrow evening. Practice #3. I feel he’ll be up to speed to have a full band rehearsal in about 5, maybe 6 practices. Also, going to Guitar center tonight to purchase headphone amp, headphones and miscellaneous cables for him to hear the backing tracks.
Hope to have all backing tracks mixed and mastered for tomorrow night’s practice.
