Alot has been going on for me. Something I decided earlier in the summer was really to learn about blogging and learn about the possibility of growing traffic... or better put "readership".... getting it "out there" so people who share the same interests could find the blog. The next challenge with that of course if writing something that is worthwhile in reading!

So I started a couple of blogs and then moved on to my 3rd.

yvesdrummer.com

On this new blog, if you haven't guessed it by the domain name, it's centered around drumming. I've been playing drums since the age of 12 and have had the pleasure of playing in many different styles and have also had the pleasure of teaching.

So this new blog will revolve around practice techniques, drum videos of drummers who inspire me, drum videos of me, stories... ideas.. events... whatever I come up with.

The art of drumming is something I've always been passionate about.

Thought I'd just throw this out  there.

Recently I've been looking to play some gigs, play more music again.

I've had the pleasure of playing with Platinum Drive a few times lately and will be playing with them at The Silver Fox in Summerside on Friday night.

Last sunday afternoon I had the pleasure of sitting in with Muddy Buddy for a Canada Games volunteer rally at the Credit Union Place. 

I'm still looking for work... and would gladly consider a full time gig.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of doing a short drum clinic for Music Rocks Academy in Summerside.

I was invited by Moe Hashie, one of the Academy's instructors, to give an hour long drum clinic.

So I talked a bit about warm up excercises and some of the stuff that I've practiced over the years and currently practice. I took some questions about influences and favorite drummers. It was fun.

Got to see some faces I hadn't seen in quite a while. It was a fun time.

Played some grooves... Moe asked me to play some faster stuff, so I played around the kit a bit faster and talked about playing around the kit getting the motion of the body smooth.... talked about stick control a bit as well. So I played a pattern around the kit slowly and gradually sped it up.... which in fact I had to do a bit to get it going faster. Playing on someone else's setup is always a bit different..... when the toms are a couple of inchs off where you are a customed to, it makes a difference.

Finally, a couple of the guitar instructors got up on the stage and we had a little jam. Played Crazy Train, Enter Sandman and Moby Dick (which I hadn't heard in a long long time).

It was a fun time.

 The great Louis Bellson has passed away.

Louis was a jazz pioneer and also pioneered using 2 bass drums.

He will be missed.

You can read more here:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090217/ap_en_ot/obit_bellson

I don't really buy CDs like I used to.... nor do I buy any new music (in whatever format) at the pace I used to. And I do not illegally download music. I usually buy from iTunes when I do get something.

That being said, I'm a guy who happens to love drums.... and has played drums live, studied them, been a hired hand.... played bands.. showcases... recorded.. .and I absolutely love music.

Music has always done something to me.... a good groove just does "it" ya know?

Over the last few years, I "discovered" an artist that I've followed since.

Hiromi Uehara.

She has this way of playing the piano/keys that not many could attain. And her band is simply amazing.

I bought most of her albums.. I think I'm missing one.

One album features a great drummer that really caught my eye at a Montreal Drum Fest some years back. Dave Dicenso.... amazing talent on the kit.

And on the other albums, I got to discover another great drummer. Martin Valihora. He's a great drummer... plays great jazz feel and can also lay down some great feelin' grooves.

Here's a clip from Hiromi's latest album.

Hiromi Uehara - "Ue Wo Muite Aruko" live in Palermo (11/2008)

In 1983, the Keith Jarrett trio was born.

Keith Jarrett - Piano
Gary Peacock - Bass
Jack DeJohnette - Drums

I have 2 live "Keith Jarrett Trio" albums... well ok, on CD.

I love these CDs.

I listen to lots of variety.... I may go from Anthrax, Exodus or Pantera to Genesis or Rush, or maybe Sandro Dominelli quartet, Dave Weckl, Chick Corea, Buddy Rich, Hiromi or Vital Information... then maybe some Billy Cobham... The Black Crowes, Iron Maiden, Voivod, Weird Al.... then maybe a little Bill Withers... then maybe The Keith Jarrett Trio might come on.

Jack DeJohnette is a fantastic drummer. I love the swing these guys play.... .and when they jam, I love the communication. I also love how these guys are totally into it.... you can hear Keith sing his lead melodies...

These guys are masters and really this inspires me to go out and search iTunes to buy some more Keith Jarrett Trio.

Truely classic.

(Check out the AP article on Yahoo!)

Here's a clip of my band Seventh Stone from a show at Hunter's in Charlottetown.

It was a fun night.

This song is called Wish I was.

I just found this today...

It's neat.