The Anti-Virg

[PocketPlayer]

Saw Herman Matthews last night in an Old Skool Soul type jam with some of the guys he plays with from Tom Jones'band.

This guy plays 8th notes on the hats longer than just about anybody I've ever seen. He is "pocket." I respect that he played the music so tastefully (the band was great if you love this type of "root" oriented soul/ funk music). One of the tunes (name slips me) was also played Live on a CD I have w/Jeff many years ago. Interesting to listen to how they both approached the music. Herman played a DW kit with a 15" floor and 16" hats. His time was impeccable.

As I listened, I couldn?t help thinking (feeling) the need to insert little hi-hat flurries and more ghost noting. Herman did none of this?just played it straight. I kept thinking, ?Either he has the most confidence of anybody in the room, or just doesn?t care anymore.? Does this thought relate to anyone?

Oh...and by "Anti-Virg" I only mean he played so little notes and played pocket for so long. No rip intended AT ALL.

[Randy walker]

Hermann rules. Love that guys playing.

[ladanny]

I'm bummed I wasn't able to join you. I need to be exposed to more HM for sure.

[Pocketime]

He plays some great groove this TOP disc that at the moment escapes me.

[tombo74]

"Souled out" is the title. I LOVE this CD!! So much groove-soul-funk on it! A Sony rep gave it to me and it's my car since then.
HERMAN IS THA MAN! [img]graemlins/thumbs_up.gif[/img]

[FuseU1]

HM is indeed a good & mature player.

Saw him, live, twice -
1st, w TOP;
2nd, w Richard Marx.

I must say i was dissapointed w the TOP show - NOT because he isnt a great groove/player, but that i was used to Garibaldi. But as i look back, you guys are right about him "underplaying" [which is the sign of either a very mature or considerate player who doesnt have to hog the spotlight, or one who just simply can't play more "stuff" [img]wink.gif[/img] . [I dont necess. think HM's prob is the latter [img]wink.gif[/img] ]...he gets called quite a bit!

He did a good job w Marx, altho I feel that Keane grooved both the original Dont Mean Nothing & Have Mercy better...
...& where was that great simplex Tris fill towards the end of Hold On to the Nights?! [img]eek.gif[/img]

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ March 01, 2004 05:35 PM: Message edited by: FuseU1 ]</font>