How to Solo

Hey Darren,

I recently played a gig with my band Free Delivery (it was actually my bassits's and my birthday party), and I figured since it's MY party, I should do a drum solo. So that week I worked on one, and from the response I got from my fellow bandmates during rehersals that week, they liked me building it up...starting just fiddling on the snare, then around the toms, and so on. I got a great response from the crowd, too. So my advice on soloing would be too definately keep it musical and not go bazerk (as you said) and to have a sense of a rising action, and climax. Also, add as many visuals as you can (stick twirling, facial expressions). The crowd responds well to that. And one last thing I learned that I did not think would happen...MORE COWBELL! The crowd shouted it, so I just on the spot made this groove with the cowbell, and they went crazy! So those are my tips on soloing.

Jon Thomas - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

p.s. Darren I love your podcasts. I've been learning alot from them. Also, I must say your drums sound great for 96' Pearls!

Darren, you know I support ya 100% ! But this lesson did a number of things for me no other had - I really saw you pull out some chops ! Although you obviously love your audience and want to pull them along, not overwhelm with show-offiness, it meant alot to see that you've got alot more in you than many previous lessons revealed. I consider myself your equal as far as technique, and yet this lesson really showed me I can learn alot from you from as a drummer, not just as an educator and really fascinating person, for which I've always admired you ! Your comments about how nobody can truly be the best to everyone are entirely right on. You're awesome man !!

hello
its a nice solo...but some prolems...i dont think he is keeping time with the high-hat...lol...i like the double bass...
kurt

hey
joey sordison from slipknot soloing

pretty kool....
eric

Hey Darren, i would like to thank-you for doing such a great job on this podcast. In the fall i plan on auditioning for my high school jazz band, i can play a basic jazz beat with four on the floor and the snare on the back beats. I was wondering if you could tell me how complex high school jazz gets so that i can prepare for the audition in the fall.

Thanks
Mike
Paxton, MA

Hey, Darren: thanks for doing the podcast, we really enjoy and appreciate it. I play a little drums, my son drums in our band.
I wanted to mention, for Lucas, that when in a competition for a spot in a band it's a good idea to approach your "audition" with some knowledge of the band's style and the temperament of the "judges" or decision-makers. Then put together a performance that demonstrates your strengths relative to these factors. I would caution against attempting to be something you are not just to get the gig; there might be some regrets later and you might even miss out on a more enjoyable opportunity that might later arise.