Neil Back In The Day

[BennyAndTheSkins]

Am listening to "Exit Stage Left", for the first time in about 5 years. Neil really was at the height of his poweres during this stretch, until late 80's (Hold Your Fire), in my opinion. I actually think he hurt himself by changing his approach to playing after studying with Freddie, since I think he tried to make himself into a player that he wasnt. But it's sure cool to listen to that stuff again, and reminisce, back when I was a boy and would have endless dreams of being behind that sea of cymbals and drums, terrified of having to fill the shoes of a legend.......

[troutbrooke]

Yeah, it's weird how some players (of any instrument for that matter) can change for the better, and others can change and lose something...

[JoesMechanic]

Funny that you guys mention that.

I downloaded that "certain artists" video that Kurt R. uploeaded (thanks by the way!! Great Show!!) and was watching Gadd play. From what I could tell, he was playing matched grip the whole night!!??

Talking with Dave (Weckl) the other day...... Dave's hurt his left arm. I guess from that bio-flex (or whatever it's called) machine. Knowing how I gravitated towards matched grip as a kid, I wonder if there could be any truth to hurting yourself by playing traditional grip, especially over the years?? I find myself using the trad grip on more delicate to moderate work, whereas I seem to fall into the matched grip mode when really banging it out, or wanting to do more technical stuff with VOLUME.

Anybody else have some feedback on this?? I was just curious??

[JoesMechanic]

Oh!! Silly me!! I forgot to comment on the Neil trad grip thing.... That's where my thoughts were 1st!! [img]tongue.gif[/img]

I thought him going to the trad grip was kinda of big surprise, at least for me. I'm not sure Gruber was the guy to teach him the grip. I know Vinnie studied with Dick Wilson out here (the S.F. Valley) before he died. Vince pretty much shook his head up and down when I mentioned to him, "hey, I understood you studied with Dick Wilson and he helped you with your hands??". I always said I would do lessons with the guy, and Rich Karisony always warned me "you better not wait!!". So you know the rest.

I wonder what other great method teachers are still out there teaching that are up in thier years??