Bag of Tricks: Layering on Train's "Mississippi"

Today while driving I was listening to a playlist on my iPod that I titled, "The Groove." It only contains tunes that I think represent the very best of feel, time and flat out groove.

I must have been in some alternate state of mind (sober, I promise!), because I was listening with what seemed like totally different ears. When this track came on, I heard some things I've never heard before.

One of the biggest challenges for drummers is to figure out how to increase or change the intensity level of a song without damaging the texture or distracting from the effect or message of the song. This track achieves the goal perfectly.

The drum sounds on "Mississippi" are amazing on at least a few levels. For one, there is not a single fill. In over five minutes of music, not even a kick variation (that I could tell) or a variation of pattern. Backbeats all stay on 2 and 4, etc. 

But after hundreds of times through this track, these subtleties finally caught my ear. I was astounded.

• The track begins with a synth-type hi-hat sound. It plays the same ostinato pattern throughout.
• At the 1:10 mark, what sounds like real hi-hat is layered over the synth-hat.
• At the 1:36 mark, a heavier hi-hat (louder, slightly more open) is layered over the synth and first real hat tracks.
• At the 3:38 mark, a super reverb-heavy (or possibly synth) ride cymbal starts playing quarter notes. It's faded in so that you're not sure when you actually start to hear it.

Seriously, I was blown away. I happened to be on my way to pick up a bass-playing colleague of mine for lunch, and I made him listen to it. He was also blown away. Between the two of us, we'd never noticed the layers before. 

Take another listen to this track, and enjoy the work of musicians who know how to serve the music.

Happy drumming!

Friday Feature: Terry Bozzio

I've seen Terry Bozzio (pronounced Bo-zee-oh) perform live twice (thanks Backbeats!), both times as a soloist. The first time, I was a Freshman in college, and I went because the other percussion guys were going. I really didn't have any idea who he was or why he was significant in music and drumming. The second time - needless to say - I attended his performance/clinic as a devoted fan.

If you've seen Bozzio play, you know that he's a totally unique musician with a totally unique approach and a totally unique drum kit. In fact, his tech crew lovingly refers to his setup as the "HMS (His Majesty's Ship) Bozzio."

All of his drums and cymbals are chosen for his specific needs and for their specific tone quality and pitch. The wide selection of drums and cymbals, combined with his meticulous tuning, allow him to play melodically and harmonically - and it's a beautiful thing.

For more amazing pics, check out the Terry Bozzio page on Drummerworld or his own website here.

Two things you'll notice about Terry Bozzio are:

1. His use of ostinato.
2. The various hair styles and lengths with which he rocks at different points in his career. And he always looks like a rock star.

If you don't have time to watch this next video in its entirety, Terry comes on stage at about the 1:10 mark, and starts playing at 2:30. It's worth listening to the introduction and listening to Terry talk. He's a down-to-earth, intelligent and funny guy. 

Lots of fun. He puts an entirely new spin on the term "drum solo." 

As always, I hope this is simply a jumping off place for you. Terry Bozzio is worth checking out and emulating in many ways. 

Happy drumming!