DRUMMER CAFE

Hey Drumwild, that's me! Thanks for mentioning The Sadderdays, that's cool!

My Dad was not thrilled when I wanted to take up the drums. He eventually got me a set, but he made sure it was RED, not any sort of masculine color. Oh those Dads!  

Cindy Blackman has an amazing video that I'd like to watch in slow-motion. She really can fly around the kit. I don't remember the name of her video, but I highly recommend it. Wish it was on DVD.

You should really hear her for yourself. It's drummers like her who will make you re-think your approach to the kit. This inspiration can only lead to self-improvement.

Don't forget Viola Smith. Ever heard of her?

She joined Phil Spitalny and his All Girl Orchestra in 1942. She had begun playing professionally in the late 1920s and 30s in Wisconsin with "The Schmitz Sisters". She actually played a pretty big drum kit for the times.

This was a magnificent feat, considering it was an era where the girls were expected (and often times commanded) to be in the kitchen instead of behind the traps.

Speaking of which... props to my mom for putting the pots and pans on the floor for me when I was a 'lil squirt.  

You are right about girl percussionists having a much tougher time.  Not only in orchestral/ concert playing, but on the fied with Drumline.  If you look at most professional Drum Corps, their on field ensemble is composed mainly of guys and their pit holds more girls...Though, I will have to say, I was captain of my high school drumline  And, it takes a lot to make it to the top - a lot! I had to beat out a lot of really really good guys to be able to snag the spot.  It's awful, the competition, because so many of the girls become downcast and eventually give up playing percussion because the competition can be so intense.  

That's cool! I was also captain of my drumline my senior year.

Hey dude -

Just cause I said I WAS the captain of my high school DL does NOT mean that I am old.  Get a clue - I just graduated.   Anyway, love comes and goes - I doubt you will find it in here - and, Go Girls! We rock!

oh and yeah i was just thinking about that female drummers thing  . I have my eyes open for anyone to share all of my passions with  

A really good friend of mine, who is my #1 sub for my rock gigs, is a female.  She hits the drums harder than I do, has a KILLER funk feel and is constantly being sought out by rock bands in the area.  Many times I wonder if the bands I work with would rather have her in the band--seriously!  She simply rocks.....  

A similar quality I've noticed amongst female drummers (in general) in my experience, is that they are extremely outgoing.  For example, many of them that I've known have been really successful because they immerse themselves more into the business end of things.  They will handle the managing, the booking and go out of their way to make things happen for themselves or their band(s).  Most importantly, they always seem to be very thoughtful of others.  Many male drummers do this/are like this as well, but the female drummers just seem to be more efficient at handling the business end of things mainly due to that "go-getter" personality.  They also tend to be a pleasure to work with and reliable.

By the way, Cindy Blackman is absolutely outrageous on the drums.  She has definitely done her Tony Williams homework!