Not afraid to fly (a drummer’s perspective).

More pics here. Thanks Dave!

Playing music is fun. I’ve been in Altered with my friends John and Jeff for about 7 years now.

I ended up leaving for the gig later than I should have. I was at my friend Derek’s watching Denzel Washington in The Great Debaters (an excellent movie). As a result I ended up rushed from that moment until downbeat. I had to change a few heads on my kit before tearing down and packing up, which took some time. Well spent however, the drums sounded great (I bought them in High School. Yamaha Recording Customs for the win, Alex). I get there, setup and folks are already arriving. I manage to think ahead and order a chicken salad (opting not to eat a huge baked potato before playing). I setup, then sit to scarf down the salad while saying hi to friends as they arrive. I step outside to clear my head for a few, then return and we hit.
Gigs are always interesting in the way they bring together people from various aspects of one’s life. Co-workers, former co-workers that are friends, friends, family, music fans, strangers, all come together and this unique energy is felt as the eyes and ears are upon you. There is nervous energy but it is kept at bay by confidence of past repetition.
I immediately I notice the room sounds a bit strange (it always does, there’s a wall at my back and the sound is loud but dry). I make every effort to hear John and Jeff and try not to step on things volume wise while forking out my share of energy. I like to use the “pilot taking off” as a good analogy for starting a song with a band. Get the tempo, count it off, watch and listen. Make sure the song gets to the altitude it needs to as smooth as possible in terms of tightness, tempo, and overall feel. Every tune has a very specific place it’s intended to get to, I am always conscious of it’s arrival and what happens next. Usually with us it’s the musical version of some kind of loud protest that ends peacefully. That’s how we like though.
The first set is over as soon as it starts (all 60 minutes of it) and I am told by our 2-man/5-camera film crew that all is well. They’re not filming the second set, but despite dome flubs I think there may have been some moments in the first set worth checking out. As of now I haven’t even received the footage yet. I say hello to friendly faces while refilling small thin glasses of water from the bartender. The waitress is a gorgeous Gweneth Paltrow look-alike that is covered in tattoos. I’m curious what her story is. Folks leave, the hardcore stay and the second set happens. I take more chances with less eyes on me and the comfort from set one’s success. We have fun and play music, then tear down while exhausted. The doorman is pleased and so are we.
Until next time..