Work for Drummers in these lean times!

Hey guys,


Just wanted to share with you some outlets of creative employment I've been experimenting with as of late.

  The old tried and true method of going to jam sessions to let other musicians know of your availability seems to be a thing of the past, and it's a shame because that was always a very good test of mettle, if you will.
  So, I've come up with some new ways of finding work although not very conventional they seem to be working quite well especially in these lean times.

  The first avenue I worked on was the "worship" gigs, these are gigs which seem to be quite abundant if you're willing to travel distances and show up consistently. The average amount I've made is $200 for 2, 1 hour services now this won't make you rich but it will pay that cell phone bill or fill the gas tank for a few weeks while you're trying to find that ever elusive "steady" gig.

  Another method I've been developing is "gulp" playing for free...I know, I know...just hear me out.
I've always been one to say if you've got the goods you should be paid a fair and equitable fee for those services however, we are in quite a economic pickle when it comes to music these days.
  There are so many bands out there now with the DIY approach to making music, whereby any money being made goes into a band "kitty" which pays for gas, food and lodging if needed. You can negotiate with these groups for a small stipend to cover your expenses of getting your kit to the gig and while it won't be enough to really make any money the return is two fold.

  Say this band decides they really dig your approach to their music this could lead to a recording, which is very important for you to start doing by the way, and it could also lead to mini tours, or a full blown national or even international tour.
  I wanted to share these ideas with you because I know we are all struggling to make it, and I don't mean "make it" in the sense of being millionaires, but keep in mind you SHOULD be getting paid something.
  I once did a gig with a reggae band at a bar in the Boston area for a pitcher of beer and a plate of chicken and rice which led to me getting a gig with a R&B band which was working 6 nights per week and they were right around the corner from where I was living.
Keep your heads up and don't despair, you deserve all the universe has to offer...and your worth it!!

Merry Christmas to all!!

Rhythmically Yours,
Dan

Big Screen Dream - Music performed by the Lamont Jazz Orchestra Video by Lamont Jazz Orchestra - MySpace Video

Big Screen Dream - Music performed by the Lamont Jazz Orchestra Video by Lamont Jazz Orchestra - MySpace Video

Heel Up or Heel Down?

What are you views?  Drummer are always asking me "..what's the best technique for the bass drum?"

My answer would be whatever works best for you!  I've always played with my heel up but I've studied with some jazz guys who say "heel down, always heel down".  I just feel it lacks the power needed especially when you're playing in a club with no mic system at all.  But, even in the studio I play heel up and have never had a producer or engineer say anything remotely adverse to the sound of the bass drum.  I usually get complimented that my bass drum sounds so good, so go figure.
All in all I'd say it's a matter of personal comfort and taste, but I do have to admit when I am playing with a trio or in any combo setting I do notice I don't need to work that hard and guess what? Most of the time in that setting, my heel is down!!!

Weigh in and give your opinion guys, and thanks for joining!! Feel free to tell me about your experiences and share ideas if you're willing.
Have a great weekend!
Dan Dever

More Pics of Droitwich,Worcester and Stratford-upon-Avon

One of the best coffee shops I've had the pleasure of visiting in a very long time, excellent food and service right in Droitwich Spa,UK.

My new book

I have been trying to finish a book I've been working on for about 5 years now and from what I can see in the marketplace the likes of it do not exist so I know it will most likely be received well.  I have already torn up or deleted work on the first draft which took about 6 months to outline, research and sketch and have moved on to what I feel is a better outline with more concise content.  I am not going to release the name of the book as I am awaiting copyright status but, I was wondering if there was anyone who has some publishing experience as I have a million questions.  It will be a self published book but the process seems quite involved so any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.
To be honest, I never thought it would get off the ground but now that I am close it's a great feeling to catch a glimpse of what the finished product might look like.
So, to all you cats in the ether...peace!
DD

My trip to Rushok to pay my respects!

This was my second trip to Rushock to pay my respects to one of my biggest influences from a very young age, Mr. John Henry Bonham.  It was an unbelievable experience for me, but it was also a reminder of how this business can do that to you if you're not careful.  But all in all it was a beautiful part of England to see and I am hoping to return in the spring of 2010 if the fates are kind.

Mohawk Time

What can I say?  I was needing a change!

Gateway To Lisbon

A jam session at the Devon Arms in Teighnmouth,Devon,UK

A trip through the moors during my stay in England

New England In The Fall

I have to admit, it's great being home at this time of year. The leaves have changed the air is cooling which is cyclical of life here in New England.
I've been traveling so much I've forgotten the simple pleasures of staring out a window, or meeting up with old friends for a cup of coffee to see how their lives have changed. I feel it puts things in perspective to a degree that travel does not, it makes one feel whole and peaceful.
To watch the sky change within an hour is something I've completely forgotten about, getting so caught up in where the next trip will be and then having to prepare for it takes a lot of the whimsical nature out of perspective.
But coming home always revitalizes the senses and makes me realize how much I've missed out on. I am looking forward to winter and not because it's part of that cycle but because it really drives home the nature of self reliance which is something that cannot be taught.
Like my private instructor Ed Kaspik at Berklee would say " you can't teach natural!" Ed, now there was a drummer of such magnitude I don't think I've ever heard anyone play like him, it's a shame he left us so soon.
He is missed.
I used to ask him what he was going to do with his break between semesters he would always reply " I'm gonna sit in my favorite chair and do nothing"
now keep in mind, our breaks were about 4-5 weeks long. Needless to say, he was my drumming idol.
Well, that's it for now until inspiration strikes again.
I hope you're all well and healthy and by the way...
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
BOO
DD

Excerpt from my new Instructional Book

The Logistics of Drumming
Stick Control/Technique

As important as the previously mentioned material the most important aspect of all has to be stick technique and execution of all fundamental aspects of drumming. This includes a very good understanding of the proper execution of all the rudiments, their history and their usable functions.
I can’t stress enough how important it is for the student to not only know intrinsically what a 15-stroke roll is but, how and when it can be used. The time keeping skills will come with time, patience and practice with a metronome, unfortunately the rudimentary side of hand technique is often overlooked or it looked upon as “I don’t really need to know any of this” and I can assure you without a doubt that you will.

Most university and college music program auditions are set up on a base or steps foundation. They will often times have a drum instructor in the room for your audition and that instructor will ask you very forthrightly to play a series of rudiments on the snare drum. There is no “fudging” it with these cats they know what a rudiment is supposed to sound like and they will know if you haven’t given the proper amount of time to learning them. It doesn’t matter how well you play when you reach this level, there is a certain understand that by the time you reach university you are saying to the faculty “I’m here and I am ready for this” if they don’t feel you are ready , you will be denied. It’s that simple!
So go out and get, if you haven’t already, Ted Reed’s book called “Syncopation” and George Lawrence Stone’s “Stick Control” and start digging into all the exercises and if you get confused about what the examples are supposed to sound like, then get yourself to a qualified instructor. You should always go for a drum instructor with a degree if you can, and if you can’t then ask other professional drummer that you see playing live what their recommendations are.
There are no shortcuts regarding hand technique.

A new idea for a logo!

I've been playing around with PS and think I've come up with what I think, could be a great idea for the start page of my upcoming website.  I think the welcome page should reflect emotion as well as lure the curious, I'm still not completely happy with the layout but I am still tweaking so if you have any suggestions by all means, do get in touch.  Thanks.
D

My apologies, I simply haven't had the time!

This will eventually be my home on the web, when I get break from traveling the world.  Watch this spot for updates on my first instructional book and DVD release as well as videos and pictures of my adventures abroad.
If you're a drummer by all means, feel free to leave any questions you have about the instrument and I will do my best to respond in a timely manner.
Rhythmically Yours,
Dan