Thoughts on tempo/rhythm/beat

[Tom Olson]

Have one of the bandmembers discretely tell drummer "A" that drummer "B" said "A" was screwing up the tempo, while at the same time have another bandmember discretely tell drummer "B" that drummer "A" said "B" was screwing up the tempo. Then just sit back and let the matter resolve itself

Actually, I don't know anything about drumming and haven't played with a band in years, but isn't there anything out there that drummers can use to stay on a steady tempo? Maybe some type of adjustable metronome with a flashing light or something where the tempo could be punched in or dialed in and away you go? I'd be surprised if something like that were not available. Seems like that would be a good way to keep the tempo fairly constant, at least.<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Tom Olson on 10 December 2003 at 04:32 PM.]</p></FONT>

[Eric West]

Yes Tom. It's something I developed years ago while playing with Tracy Barton, Merle H's nephew.

It's called a "Spincternome™"

It's a marraige of a Wards Electric Fence Modulator, a Seth Thomas Metrone, and a long washable 315 Stainless steel Electrode.

It is simply inserted into a "special opening" in the Drummer, and only releases a painful shock in the case of a straying from the prescribed tempo. The controls, including the voltage would be controlled by the band leader OR the Pedal Steel PLayer.

Actually the electrode doesn't have to be washed between drummers, but it helps to have it "washable" in case you want to.

I was working with Mr Hankey on Spinctuner™ for steel players, but the one I was using only was controllable by the steel player.

The problem that presented itself to us early in the process was that a lot of the drummers we used in our trial applications actually liked the jolt they were getting when out of tempo. No fatalities occurred, but we were getting some that just got to close to the 1000 volt mark before they "straightened up".....

Back to the drawing board I guess..




EJL

[David L. Donald]

Roger, I did catch that the 1st time through.

I have been a drummer and played more than a few nights out. Including a 2 set replacement gig for a drummer in a 10 piece black funk band with full horn section. He missed his plane, I was mixing them a lot, and knew the tunes. Tough night for me. But exilerating.

As a bass play I am more acutely aware of rtythmic burps.
I do agree with the statement that it is everybodys job to keep good time.
But at the same time there needs to be a central repository of the groove. That often does and should fall to the drummer.

[Eric West]

Mr Dygart.

After finding myself guilty of First Degree Thread Hijacking I have to answer your original question as my self imposed sentence:

Yes, given that as you say 'minute" fluctuations don't destroy the overall tempo.

Further, things like the "Flat tire shuffle" have been lost in the "modern techno din". Like the Jimmy Vaughn "Boom Boppa Boom" double shuffle. Sloppiness IS part of the "correct" idiom.

Also that shuffle where the drummer where the drummer plays every other back beat as an eighth note, and a dotted one or somewhere inbetween.

Similarly the old "Straight Eight/ Shuffle" where the rythym guitar or piano is playing dotted eighths and the drums a sraight eight. I seem to remember Pam Tillis playing one like that. Many others.

I agree that properly done, minute fluctuations can add to the flavor, and agree with the "human factor" adding dynamic tension and relieving bordom.

My other comments about the string of hacks that I've chosen to do time with were impertanant though not incorrect.

There.

Sentence Served.

TAXI!



EJL

[Gary C. Dygert]

Worry not, Mr. West. I asked for comments, and I got 'em. This was a conversation that went off on tangents and came back to the original idea. Good points were made!

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No-name lap steel and reso in E6 and E7