Chick Corea Elektric Band Review

[Shawn40]

Hi Guys,

Hey G_A_M, I like your last post for SP.

But still, we must give a lot of consideration to the fans, they buy tickets, they buy CD's, drum video...
I think that we have to do it even against our personality, specialy after a show or drum clinic whatever...

So Dave should do it too, I can't believe that he still did not change this aspect of his personality...

And or not, we must to consider every human being !!!

Anyway...

[Rhythmatist]

The couple times I met DW were completely different which leads me to believe that he can be moody. So what? So am I. The first time was after a show he did with the Brecker Bros. and I was backstage with a friend who was doing a book of Mike Brecker transcriptions and he had to get some clarifications from him. I was about to approach Dave but a red flag went up that told me just to back off. He was visibly upset about some distractions the light man had timed so well during his encore solo feature (everyone in the place wanted a piece of that *ss h*le). Being the tempermental one that I am I knew better than to disturb him at that time. I waited till they were about to leave and simply complimented him on a memorable performance. He replied, "thanks, man. I really appreciate that. Everything was going so well till the light show."

The next time I met him at a meet and greet and he was as warm and receptive as anyone can be. We even spoke about some personal things that we both had in common.

To me, there has always been something wierd about giving an autograph. I can't for the life of me understand why anyone in their right mind would ask ME for one. This is common in our business especially those of us who do this for the sheer enjoyment and not for the notoriety. There's a huge difference and it holds true no matter what level you are at. Some days it's easy to be receptive and say sure and just do it, but there are those times when people act like you're the second coming of Buddy and it becomes more than embarassing, especially when I know there are thousands of guys out there who play rings around me. I'll never understand it. This just demonstrates that there are those who simply have those moments when they feel uncomfortable doing these things for whatever reason. We need to just be understanding of the human condition and allow our heros the space they need if they need it and not be put off if they don't give us acknowledgement.

If you've been reading posts here for a while you'll know Dave's had some personal issues recently, especially with regard to his father's health. So if he seems distracted it probably means that he is. He probably put aside these issuses for an hour to give you a memorable performance and when the gig was done it was time to go back into the real world and he undoubtedly had things on his mind that took priority.

[JoesMechanic]

Hey S.P.!!

I'm glad you enjoyed the show. I saw the same show here in L.A. and thought it is was amazing!! Not to mention Stevie Wonder shows up to play an encore with the band.

Coming from someone who knows Dave very well, you and others are right when they say he can be edgy sometimes. He's a passionate guy, and is more in touch with his feelings than most. But rest assured, he's a really really nice and a genuine guy if you get to know him.

One thing that I could see him getting perturbed at would be if you came off as a "groupee" or something. Try to be "matter of fact" with the guy, not giddy. Like others have said, he can be a serious kinda guy at times. So if you treat him like he's just another guy (down to earth, kinda on the low key) he'll respond to that. Ask him about something most won't know about (like the insanely fast 69 Corvette I built for him). That'll open the door to you guys talking about something else than drumming. It's kinda like if you did taxes day in and day out for a living, and then you come to dinner to someone that wants to talk shop with you after a hard day at the office.

I thought about popping him an e-mail for you..... I know how much you think of Dave and Vinnie. I'll let you know if he responds. Ok kiddo!!??

I love the way you're so enthusiastic at the age of 17. I hope you grow up to be a great drummer lil buddy. So far, and especially for your age, you're posts here have been really great. Keep it up man!!

-j

[S.P]

Hey Rodge,

You make a very valid point and ideally, every artist that relies on fans etc should be nice, but they are still human and so unfortunetely they do seem to make a couple of slip ups, from that i have learnt to just repress them (basically to forget about them) and just listen to their playing.

And John!

Thanks so much for the kind words! Haha i guess i am kind of an anomyle at my age, i get really excited about music and especially about the guys i really look up to like Dave and specially Vinnie. I guess it was my fault for the let down that i experienced as i was so excited, i had known about this gig for months and couldn't wait to see my no.2 drum hero live! Dave's playing was awe inspiring and i couldnt do enough (i thought so anyway) to show him and the band how awesome they were and how much i loved their much, how much they inspired me and motivate me to reach my goals in life.

Hence then i was soo happy when i learned whilst waiting after the concert, that they would in fact come out.

Anyway's i will try your tactic and the drum clinic john! Thanks again sooo much for the kind words towards me! i really appreciate it