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[matricks]

Lovin' it! [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

[spaceotter]

Hey Louie--

I envy your time and facility around the kit, which is awesome. Your pocket is deep and strong on most of the tracks as well. Kudos; your work ethic is showing as well as your natural talents, which are manifold. This DVD is a great business card of your competence in several styles.

I agree with the above on the jazz assessment--the playing on the slow tune was a little clean and on top. The suggestion of an Elvin injection is an excellent one.

I think it's hard for players to get a good feel on dance styles that are primarily electronic in nature, but you did a great job keeping the groove alive and bumpin' on those, particulary on the "jazz it up" track. The D&B track you held solid; however, I kept hoping you were going to tear the shit up at some point. Given that there is some insane programming in this style, I was itching to see what you could do if you stretched out with the arsenal of chops at your disposal.

My biggest critique is that when you do stretch out your influences may be overpowering your own voice (to my ear)--especially Weckl. Voice is a hard one and many people spend a lifetime refining and allowing theirs to emerge. I think Dazzler's feedback about getting out there and playing with as many musicians as possible is the most germaine to this point. Non-drummer musician collaborators will help you transcend (not shed--just "incorportate without being ruled by") your training, which seems important to this end.

I'm also thinking a close encounter with some earthy, looser players in general could complement the Lang/Weckl perfecitionist thing. Stanton Moore, Steve Jordan, Elvin, Gadd, Ritchie Hayward, could open up some pleasurable and helpful directions. My concern about the whole technical angle is the relentless pursuit of chops & cleanliness. Dazz may be right--you may already have more technique than you will need. Joy, funk, and "puttin' a little stank on it" (as they say in the States) can help keep it fun and help complement discipline. It also gives non-musicians more access to your playing. It's really up to you though.

Best wishes and regards--spaceotter

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ September 18, 2005 01:49 PM: Message edited by: spaceotter ]</font>

[palmerlouie]

thanks for all the critique guys, its great.

i am feeling that too and have been checking out some steve jordan esp. at the mo.

as for the voice thing, that is something i think about alot and have discussed at great length with thomas. i think a lot of the stuff i play i play without thinking - i never ever purposly think "lets play this weckl lick" or whatever - i dont think i play any of his licks as such - i guess its more of an overall style thing - but i've always been a fan so its hard for it not to seep into some of my stuff. i dunno - what hasnt been done yet? seems like there isnt much left playing wise - there always is - but doesnt seem like it sometimes.

thanks for all the input.

[Derek DeFields]

I thought it all sounded killer. Playing with other people is the answer to finding your own voice so I wouldn't worry about it too much.