Number two on my top 10 list is an insane Australian drummer, 'Virgil Donati!" He is the psychotic drummer behind the progressive metal band "Planet X" and a former drummer for the legendary guitarist "Steve Vai!"
He has taken double bass drumming to new "alien" levels in which most people cannot comprehend! One of his trademark move that I love is his amazing speed and ability to more around the drums so effortlessly. (You can see it in this video below at precisely :50 seconds into the video)
On September 2008, I was very honored and blessed to be able to meet him at Singapore during the Singapore Drum Fest 08. He was friendly and I got a front row seat to watch Donati while he did a drum workshop. Picture was taken during the Singapore DrumeFest 08'
And after he finished the workshop, he threw his pair of drumsticks to the crowd and believe it or not, I was one of the two people who caught it! To Virgil Donati: Thank you for sharing your knowledge of the drums to us humans! You are an amazing drummer and will always be in my top 10 list of the greatest drummers in the world!
In third place on my list is the amazing and master drummer Marco Minnemann.
His amazing creativity, groove, and technicality is one that leaves every drummer speechless. He is also one of the few drummers who was awesome enough to be playing for the awesome electric guitarist Paul Gilbert!
Dont be fooled by the genre of music he played in this video, Marco is a very talented session drummer! He was previously a drummer for technical death metal band Necrophagist!
Aside from being a session drummer, he also takes the time to experiment with alot of things that no man has ever done before. Imagine if someone recorded a conversation of you and a bunch of other people, what if someone can also take that conversation and put into a time signature with rhythm without even changing anything from the recorded conversation! Sounds impossible right? Well, it has been done...by the astounding Marco Minnemann.
This is why, he is no. 3 in my list. Simply amazing and I would highly recommend that you should check out his past works and current projects he is working on in his website.
Landing in fourth place on my list is Australia's master drummer Grant Collins. Grant Collins in my opinion is one the most technical drum soloist that I have ever seen. His is often known for pushing the limits and boundaries of drumming with his four-limbs independence technique. This video shows his massive drum kit and what he does with it. It's pretty cool!
Perhaps it is best summed up by internationally renowned drummer, Dom Famularo, who had this to say about Grant: "I travel the world performing and meeting many great drummers. It is not often I hear someone who is on the cutting edge of modern drum set performance. Well, in Australia I heard that person...Grant Collins! When you hear him, be prepared for the ride he will take you on... you will remember it for the rest of your life!"
The thing that I love most about him is that the way he plays makes it sound like there is a group of people play a bunch a percussion instruments when really...it is just him alone doing everything. And that my friends, takes years of hard work, commitment and an unending love and passion for the instrument.
Drummer Gavin Harrison is definitely no.6 in my top 10 favorite drummers.
Firstly, he has an amazing ability in making rhythmic illusions which has boggled my mind for a very long time. Imagine a song's time signature is in 7/8, he can make the 7/8 sound like it is in 4/4 ! That is not an easy task to do! This video is what I am talking about... the intro and verse are in 7/8 while the chorus in 4/4. Just listen to his groove, it can be very hypnotizing for a drummer (especially me).
Secondly, besides being an amazing progressive drummer, he is also very good jazz drummer and is very precise in his timing.
Thirdly, he is also a very creative and innovative percussionist and deserves credit which he has yet to have. These two videos are the proof that he is just nothing short of an awe-inspiring drummer and musician.
Finally, I admire Gavin Harrison is that he is a true musician. He once said during a Modern Drummer Interview: "I dont want to make myself sound like I am cocky and clever like, (hey, I can play in 19/16-check this out!) I want it to have a musical reason."
For those who have been asking what I've been practicing on the drums lately. This is what I've just been recently working on...
This is a composition made by a composer called Steve Reich. This is a 12/16 (similar to 6/8 or 3/4) clapping rhythm performed by two people. 1st, both clappers will clap the rhythm in unison. 1 will keep on playing the same rhythm throughout the entire time while the 2nd clapper moves 1 quarter of a note back every 4th, 8th, or 12th bar. They will keep this up all the way until the 2nd clapper comes back into unison with the 1st clapper.
Steve Reich in 2006
This is one of Steve Reich's early pieces of simple "phasing."He has done alot more other types of composition that does even more complicated phasing. For those who do not know what is phasing in a musical term; " it just means that two instruments playing the same thing in steady but not identical tempo. Slowly making them out of sync... all the way until the 2nd instruments comes back in unison with the 1st instrument."
I first got the idea to do this when I saw Glenn Kotche's interview at the Modern Drummer Festival 2006 DVD. I was so fascinating that I've tried to mimic it by ear by for a whole year couldn't find it possible until I finally sat down and spent an entire hour writing out the entire notation for clapping music. Surprisingly it is only 12 bars.
You can see Mr. Kotche talking about the Clapping Music around 0:40 in the video. In it, he also demonstrated how he did the Clapping Music with two different drum surface. One on the floor tom and one on the rack tom. The rhythm he did on the floor tom doesn't change (mimicking the 1st clapper) while the rhythm on the rack tom does the phasing (mimicking the 2nd clapper).
So what have I been practicing?... This is it. Trying to do Clapping Music on the drums like how Glen Kotche did. I have to say..this is not an easy task to accomplish. I might post a video of myself doing the Clapping music piece once I have mastered the piece. Which will probably take a while.
For the past few drummers that I have talked about in my post, I haven't really gotten to the ones that I've always wanted to talk about. The drummers that are doing what I want to do in my life. Being a drummer for Christ and winning souls! The ones that you already know are of course Teddy Campbell from American Idol and Marvin McQuitty of Israel & New Breed. But there are many others that did not come from such Gospel Church backgrounds. Many of them were lost somewhere in their life as drummer but soon became saved.
So here is my salutation and respect towards all these great drummers that I have come to enjoy seeing them drumming.
Gregg Bissonette. The drummer that I have come to realize as being one of the most versatile drummers I have ever seen. He has performed with such musicians like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Santana, and Duran Duran.
Here's an old video of him drumming in the Buddy Rich Memorial Concert.
This is him now, which kind of shows his variety of drumming styles as being both a soloist and a sideman.
Luis Conte. First thing that come to my mind is not just an amazing percussionist, but also a really humble a nice person. I've seen some of his drumming and listened to him being interviewed and I have got to say, he is a very humble and nice guy. Which is hard to find people like him especially when he has performed with such great artists like Phil Collins, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, Elton John and even a rock band like Goo Goo Dolls.
Here's Luis Conte drumming along with Phil Collins and Chester Thompson
Zoro the drummer. Do not be fooled by his looks, he is one powerhouse drummer for Christ! He was interviewed by Joyce Meyer last year and to what it is like being a drummer for the Lord. I have the interview video so if anybody wants the video, you can e-mail me.
Sheila E. There is only one thing I can tell you. Dont judge a book by its cover. She will kick your butt if you think you can drum better than her. As being both drummer/singer...she has worked with many famous people like Prince, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion.
Long ago while still working with Prince. Powerhouse drumming!!!
A video excerpt from the "Sisters in Spirit" Tour. Man, if I had a girlfriend like that, I would be considered the luckiest man in the world. (laughs)
Last but not the very least, the one and only living legend, Vinnie Colaiuta. I have to say, a poly rhythmic master like him being a drummer for Christ is truly a huge win for drummers everywhere and he is one of the most respected musicians among many drummers. I would say he has reached to a status equivalent to Steve Gadd!
To all these amazing drummers, I salute and respect you all!
Okay, the fact the my Lady Gaga drum cover has been deleted off youtube due to copyright reasons I guess was fair, but when I uploaded the video again, I have made it clear that what I did was not meant to surpass any copyright law and meant it for leisure only. Despite that, the video was once again deleted... So I made a third attempt, this time I have stated
(Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.)
guess what happened... it worked...for a day and then it was deleted again. Right now, to show my response, I have uploaded another video to in a way show them my feelings and to substitute my Lady Gaga Drum cover. Hopefully this does not have the copyright law protection nonsense. (I will post the Lady Gaga Drum Cover video on blogger if it doesn't have any copyright law protection.)
So here's Waking the Demon by Bullet for My Valentine. Enjoy!
____________________________________________________ Now, what kind of diabolical drumming style of music do you think he would be doing?
When it comes to powerhouse drumming and extreme showmanship; no one can match up to the amazing drummer by the name of John Blackwell...
John was raised in a very musical family and started his playing since the age of three when got his first drum kit. He studied in one of the most prestigious music college (Berklee College of Music) soon after, his career kicked off and was playing for big Pop, R&B, and Rap artist like Prince, P. Diddy, Utada Hikaru, and Justin Timberlake.
John Blackwell drumming for Justin Timberlake at the Grammys.
He has made a trademark of himself with his kung-fu like stick twirls when he drums which is one of the coolest things I have ever seen. He does it so fast that at times I though the video was being fast forward...it's that fast!
You can see him doing it at 0:52 in this video...
Not only is John Blackwell good in his showmanships, but also in his amazing groove and style of playing which really nice to hear...
Rock on John Blackwell!
This concludes my series of my favorite gospel, R&B, Hip-Hop drummers. My next post will be about drummers that the majority of readers will know and recognize as famous, good, cliche and extremely overrated. Although not alot of drummers like them, they have truly caught the attention of many non-drummers and non-musicians. Causing an effect that made many people want to play drums. So for that, I would have to thank them by mentioning them in my posts. But to clarify things, I do not like those drummers but I respect them.
Possibly one of the most admired drummers among many aspired Christians is what Teddy Campbell calls "Marvin- the Magnificent- McQuitty." And the word magnificent is just a small word for man this talented!
It began when he just 3 years old, mimicking his father playing the drums, soon it became what Marvin was destined to do. His drumming is very well known for his groove and uncanny musicality, also not forget to mention an amazing versatility! Because of his amazing ability to change and adapt in music, he has worked with many of today's big artist like Destiny's Child, Stevie Wonder, Mary Mary, Israel & New Breed etc.
Marvin McQuitty was brought into my attention when he performed at one of the most prestigious drumming event known to man. The Modern Drummer Festival! where he play along to one of his compositions called "Get Your Life Back". In which he performed flawlessly with tremendous fill and groove that made my eyes glued to the TV screen!
Marvin is and I quote from www.drumemrworld.com that "Marvin is living his dreams, walking in his purpose and affecting the lives of thousands with his spiritual inspiration and affinity for God."
I have got to say amen to that! Currently, Marvin is now working with grammy award winner Israel Houghton in his group "Israel & New Breed".
you can catch Marvin worshipping with Israel & New Breed and Hillsong's Darlene Zschech in that video... the camera catches Marvin at 1:19/ 2:22 My salutes goes out to Marvin McQuitty, an amazing drummer for God! Amen!
Ever since his appearance on the Modern Drummer Festival 2006. He has been one of the most talked about drummers in the Gospel arena. He has also won the award for being the "Up & Coming" drummer in the Modern Drummer readers' poll. Aaron Spears is definitely one of the most impressive drummers I have ever seen. His licks, groove, and linear fills are unbelievable!
Here is a video of him drumming to "Usher - Caught Up" at the Modern Drummer Fest 2006. It will blow your mind at how awesome his fills/licks are...
For your information... he is the official drummer for Usher.
You can catch Aaron in this video drumming for Usher & James Brown at 4:18. Which was also one of the coolest fills I have ever heard. To Aaron Spears...one of the most breath-taking gospel drummers I have ever seen.
Teddy Campbell... as for as gospel drumming goes, he is probably one of the most sought after drummer! He is particularly famous for being the drummer of American Idol. He is one of my personal favorites not just because of his amazing drum fills and gospel chops, but for his amazing ability to groove to any type of music. He proves it very well on the American Idol show, when the contestants wants rock, he'll sound like a rock drummer, when it's jazz, he sounds like he has been playing jazz for all his life, and it goes on and on...
His resume is super impressive too! Since he's the drummer for American Idol, there's no need to mention that he has performed with Kelly Clarkson, David Cook, Hudson Taylor, Fantasia etc. but he also performed with Britney Spears (back when she was at the top), Backstreet Boys and Christina Aguilera
In 2006, he was invited to perform at the Modern Drummer Festival with many other goespel drummers like Aaron Spears (drummer for Usher), Gerald Heyward (drummer for Mary J. Blige), and Marvin McQuitty(drummer for Israel & New Breed).
Teddy at the Modern Drummer Festival.
I personally had the opportunity to meet with Teddy Campbell at the Singapore Drum Festival, and he is one of the nicest guys you'll ever see and very humble. I not only respect him for his amazing drumming but also for his faith, during the festival said "When I play the drums, I am only ushering people into the presence of God." When he said that out loud just like that, I really wanted to shout amen! (laughs)...
watch this video at 1:47
God bless you Teddy Campbell and may the Lord shine upon you.
photos and info courtesy of www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Teddy_Campbell.html video courtesy of www.youtube.com
When it comes to Tony Royster Jr., there is only 3 letters that sums up the whole thing about him... O.M.G. !!!! He is probably one of the craziest -young drumemr I have have ever seen and heard. His drumming is really out of this world...
Tony Royster Jr. was voted #1 Up and Coming Drummer by Modern Drummer magazine 2000 readers' poll and has been voted #2 in the UK 2001 readers' poll. And believe me when I say this, do not underestimate him. He's currently 23 years old.... but watch this video when he was only 12 years old!
Amazing right!!!
watch him now!
Now he has groove and amzing techniques that just blows my mind that he can play better than that video (when he was 12 years old)
This video show his ability to work with a band with double bass drums....and I love his groove.
That's the thing, the groove, I do not know about you, but I find this is close to becoming a fact. Black guys who plays drum has the most amazing licks and grooves! Dont believe me? I'll let you see all the goespel drummers that I like on my next blog. Anyways, Tony Royster Jr. is one of my all time favourties because he is living the dream. Endorsed by DW Drums! That's my dream! The DW drums will make you drool!
Currently Tony is touring with big hip-hop artist Jay-Z. This video shows how nice Jay-Z's concert is with Tony by his side.
Tony makes Jay-Z sound 1000 times better in my opinion. My salutes to you Tony Royster Jr. Hopefully I might have a chance to drum with you!
Hello everyone, just want to take a break on "the drummers that I like" posts and just give you all a short update about what's been going on with me.
Well, about a 3 weeks ago, I was called up by a local magazine "BandWidth", and they said they wanted to interview me for their April's issue. I was very excited that they wanted to interview me, an 18 year old guy who just loves to play drums. =) So anyway, those of you who wants to get the mag in K.K, you can find them in San Francisco Coffee, and other local music stores. For those who wants to read it online, go to www.kkbandwidth.com.
The cover...
The content...
For those who are curious because you saw my site on the mag, yes, I am a Christian. Currently worshiping at a local Church. Jesus Christ is my personal Lord & Savior so do not get confused when I said "Creator" in the interview.
Recently, I had my exams, it was hard.... Very hard....to fail. =P My exams only lasted for 3 days(Wed to Friday), after that, my college friends and I went to the computer lab(which is also a cyber) to play Left 4 Dead (a first person shooter game). To release our tension and stress, and we went to the K-Box to sing and drink ourselves silly (except for me who just drank Coke) on Saturday night from 8 PM to 1 AM. It was a really fun time, funny how a friend of mine got drunk with only two glass of Tiger Beer. "Thank God my friend was not driving that time." Currently enjoying the 1st day of my 3 week holidays, drumming and playing my PS2.
So yea, that was overall what has been happening recently, what about you guys?
P.S. Do drop by my website as I continue on with my next fav drummer... Tony Royster Jr. (YEA BABY)
Oh boy... this is going to be a big one. A man who seriously has some of the biggest drum kit monsters I have ever seen...aside from being one of my biggest rock influences, Mike Portnoy is probably one of the most respected technical musicians in the Progressive Rock industry.
Mike's long list of Awards include 24 Modern Drummer Magazine Reader's Poll Awards including: 2004 Hall of Fame Inductee, Best Progressive Rock Drummer (12 years in a row!!), Best Clinician (twice), Best Educational Video/DVD for Liquid Drum Theater, and Best Recorded Performance of the Year (6 times) for Dream Theater's Awake, A Change of Seasons, Falling Into Infinity, Scenes From A Memory, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence and Score.
When he was a teenager, Mike Portnoy was awarded a scholarship to study at the Berklee College Of Music, where he met John Petrucci (guitarist) and John Myung (bassist) . Eventually forming the greatest progressive rock band we now know as Dream Theater. -**HUGE FAN of Dream Theater **-Mike, Petrucci, and Myung decided to stop studying in Berklee and make their own music, eventually hiring a vocalist James LaBrie and a psychotic keyboardists "Jordan Rudess". And to show you how amazing Dream Theater is...just watch this MV of them...
Guitar solo at 3:10 Keyboard solo at 3:50
The past few years since I've heard about Mike Portnoy, I have seen many of his Drum Instructional DVDs from Hudson Music and they are mind blowing-ly awesome!
Mike Portnoy In Constont Motion and Liquid Drum Theater.
One of the things I really like about Mike Portnoy is not only the fact that he drums technically but also the fact that he can make it sound sooo nice that it can even attract people who dont know a thing about drums...especially when people look at his drum kit....
and his Collection of Drums that TAMA (the drum company) has given to him... Mike and his two kids...
Another reason why I like Mike Portnoy is because he is working in a band where he is really great but he is working in a band where every single musician awesome! Here are just some short videos them!
The bassist John Myung...
A crazy 10 minute intrumental in the Live at Budokan video.... includes addictive bass lick(John Myung), mind blowing guitar shredding-picking (John Petrucci) and keyboard/ drum duet (Jordan Rudess and Mike Portnoy)
To put it simply, Mike Portnoy = crazy/awesome drummer
Mike Portnoy in Dream Theater = AMAZING/Crazy/Mind-blowing/awesome/technical/powerhouse/ music!!!!
Mike Portnoy with Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) left Mike with David Archuleta (an icon)...I'm referring to Mike.
Picture was taken during the Singapore DrumeFest 08'
To Virgil Donati: Thank you for sharing your knowledge of the drums to us humans! You are an amazing drummer and will always be in my top 10 list of the greatest drummers in the world!
