Dave Weckl and the Camera Eye

[PocketPlayer]

On the other hand, in a related kinda way, guitarist Neil Schon said he hated listening to himself. Jeff Porcaro said he liked maybe one song he played on...ONE. His session list would keep you busy reading for over an hour.

When you think of it, because many today seem hesitant to record themselves (as stated in the above post) and most drummers over the past 80 years did not have access to this technology, only a handful of drummers really have done this.

Is it a great tool? Yes. Is it necessary to becoming a great player? No. Think of all the great drummers who never had a tape recorder!Have times changed and the requirements for drummers increased? Yes.

As for myself, it is an issue of security. I want to know what others are hearing when I play. Behind the kit, I can be self-deceived, especially the way my hats and kit sound. I also think my time during a ballad can be right on until I hear myself. UGH! Most importantly, it helps me to refine--to eliminate all wasted notes that are not musically balanced or interesting.

[eaglebeat]

While on the topic of recording. Check this out:
http://www.johnjrrobinson.com/JR-pag...aphy-full.html

By the way, I think Jeff mentioned in an old MD interview that the only track he's been satisfied with is Steely Dan's 'FM'.
To me, everything he played on became "Golden Classics".

http://www.johnjrrobinson.com

[five eight]

I love The House, so many refreshing perspectives and intelligent points of view. This forum will open your mind. Much more immediate than MD too.

What you said, el Pocketo, about the limited technology was quite thought-provoking. Only people making records got to hear themselves (in the old days.) Never thought of it like that but you’re right as rain.

One more thing about the videotaping yourself: It’s a quantum leap over just using a tape recorder, but if you have nothing but a tape recorder for God’s sake avail yourself of it. A tape recording can mask hesitations and improper sticking, not so a camera. Like those antediluvian teachers who’d make you execute rudiments on a piece of carbon paper to see if the accents were done with the correct hand. Jeff Procaro once said he was REAL good at covering his mistakes on recordings. If you had video of him with a new chart on a master session you’d see all his pulls and twitches too (not that they would impact the inevitable outcome much, I’m sure.)

[beats]

Great post.Everything on this thread is truth.I dont own a video camera (yet),but have a friend who always tapes my shows.Ive been able to simply get better in every facet,just by seeing video.I like the humbling aspect,makes u more curious to get better.Because i dont own a camera,i practice with a mirror and usually audio tape(on a crappy ghetto blaster).

It is of vital importance that drummers employ documenting your progress.It only helps.Dramatic results generally occur when u see/hear what may be underdeveloped in your playing.I have a student that videos his lessons.He was receptive to the suggestion.As a result he is improving at a ridiculously fast rate........................................peace. ......beats.

[Pewit]

Great, inspirational post 5/8. Gotta dig out that tape recorder RIGHT NOW. Really.

Thanks!

[ptrack]

Honestly,

My philosophy regarding recording myself has always been about critique .....Usually,I critique myself too hard....To me the Video\audio and a metronome...DO NOT LIE!!!!!

So I am more inclined to believe a playback than an audience member...