My 2004 Guitar Center Drum-Off Video

**CLWarunki** · September 30th, 2004, 08:33 PM

Hey bro, nice chops! I have seen your video clips before (a friend sent them to me) and I was quite impressed. Here is my input with Originality, Technique, Style Skills, Showmanship, Stage Presence, Overall Performance in mind.

1- I can tell just from looking at your setup that you are a Dennis Chambers fan. Then when I watch you play, I can confirm that you are a huge Chambers fan (correct me if I am wrong!). This is not a bad thing, since he is one of the deadliest drummers out there - BUT - I would inject other influences into your playing. Don't get me wrong, I am sure you are into a ton of other drummers, everyone is, but this is where the originality is lacking IMO.

2- You are right, the stick twirling is necessary for the showmanship aspect of the performance, however, the twirl that you are using is the oldest trick in the book. I would recommend the Thomas Lang DVD for some very captivating tricks that are explained.

3- Obviously, you have great technique and that's why you can play like this. I do like how you switch back and forth between trad and match, that shows diversity and sophistication. You have nothing to worry about here.

4- Everything you play is within a Rock/Fusion spectrum. Try to bring some other musical influences into your playing - I think someone else here mentioned Latin, for example. Then again, you are young and have lots of time to expand and develop.

5- Stage presence is tough for us drummers cause we are forced to be on our asses all night, and that's why I liked your cymbal work and how you stood up at times. There's not much we can do here, so that was a good move!

I don't want to be too critical, you are a smokin' drummer and have time on your side. How old are you by the way? I assume you are a bit younger than me (I am 24). Keep up the good work, and best of luck with the drum-off!!!

**nevesis** · September 30th, 2004, 08:38 PM

Originally posted by CLWarunki:
Hey bro, nice chops! I have seen your video clips before (a friend sent them to me) and I was quite impressed. Here is my input with Originality, Technique, Style Skills, Showmanship, Stage Presence, Overall Performance in mind.

1- I can tell just from looking at your setup that you are a Dennis Chambers fan. Then when I watch you play, I can confirm that you are a huge Chambers fan (correct me if I am wrong!). This is not a bad thing, since he is one of the deadliest drummers out there - BUT - I would inject other influences into your playing. Don't get me wrong, I am sure you are into a ton of other drummers, everyone is, but this is where the originality is lacking IMO.

2- You are right, the stick twirling is necessary for the showmanship aspect of the performance, however, the twirl that you are using is the oldest trick in the book. I would recommend the Thomas Lang DVD for some very captivating tricks that are explained.

3- Obviously, you have great technique and that's why you can play like this. I do like how you switch back and forth between trad and match, that shows diversity and sophistication. You have nothing to worry about here.

4- Everything you play is within a Rock/Fusion spectrum. Try to bring some other musical influences into your playing - I think someone else here mentioned Latin, for example. Then again, you are young and have lots of time to expand and develop.

5- Stage presence is tough for us drummers cause we are forced to be on our asses all night, and that's why I liked your cymbal work and how you stood up at times. There's not much we can do here, so that was a good move!

I don't want to be too critical, you are a smokin' drummer and have time on your side. How old are you by the way? I assume you are a bit younger than me (I am 24). Keep up the good work, and best of luck with the drum-off!!!

Thanks for the lengthy response and advice. I am only a year younger then you dude! I am 23!

**shedder** · September 30th, 2004, 09:01 PM

listen to dave dicenso's open drum solo at daddy's clinic. its some of the sickest open solos i've ever heard. IMO i think dave's open solos top virgil/vinnie/weckl's any day.

link

[ September 30, 2004 06:02 PM: Message edited by: shedder ]

**nevesis** · October 1st, 2004, 04:38 AM

Originally posted by shedder:
listen to dave dicenso's open drum solo at daddy's clinic. its some of the sickest open solos i've ever heard. IMO i think dave's open solos top virgil/vinnie/weckl's any day.

link

[ September 30, 2004 06:02 PM: Message edited by: shedder ]

As much as I love Dicenso's playing.

Cmon dude, tops any Virgil/Vinnie/Weckl? I STRONGLY disagree. Not to say he can't play, he is up there with the BEST of them obviously!

But they are all in a league of their own, especially Vinnie and Virg.

Listen to the old school Vinnie clinics from back in the day. Nothing can touch those.

Virgil is a totally different style from Dave D. So its hard to compare them, but he is easily comparable to Vinnie's style.

In my opinion, no one can touch Vinnie in his glory days. The proof is in the audio/video

[ October 01, 2004 01:43 AM: Message edited by: nevesis ]

**shedder** · October 1st, 2004, 07:01 AM

its just my taste. i like open solos with a lot of space, long and short notes and a ton of dynamics. vinnie and virgil can both play some amazing technical stuff and phrase like no other but they both don't seem to take much advantage of space and is mostly on the louder side throughout the entire solo. vinnie and virgil make me go "wow, that's some crazy sh*t!" but dicenso makes me go "f**k yeeeeaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!".