JPF Home Page Forums Musician Gear and Techniques Bass and Drum Forum The human rhythm section: Man vs machine.

Right now I kow more drummers than anything. My problem is the good ones are too busy and the others aren't worth the aggravation. I've been in two bands with the same guy. he claims to have been a drummer since high school but you couldn't tell it. I prefer a drum machine to this particular individual. I play very well with programmed drums, especially when recording.

Just like everybody I prefer to play with a live section, but what's the point if the guy can't keep time or insists on throwing in fills at ridiculously odd moments? Could it be me? Nah, I've played with real pros. When I was a beginner I was often aware of little things the experienced drummers I played with did to push or pull me into the pocket. As a Bass player I've learned lots of little inside things to throw at a drummer who's drifting or missing the pocket. These tricks go from pumping straight 1/16's or 1/8's to playing the simplest of lines to meet on the one. But this cat just doesn't listen. Yet his feelings are always hurt when he finds I did a project without him.

Sorry about the rant. It's been building up for awhile. I guess I'm spoiled because the first drummer i ever played with was a jazz trained gospel drummer. I learned more about playing bass from him than from any bass player. He no longer plays secular music. Sigh