Episode 84 – The Mystique of Feel Featuring Lee Falco
This week we welcome one of our favorite guests, Lee Falco, back to the show as third mic. Lee was in Atlanta for a performance with guitarist, Doyle Bramhall II and was gracious enough to sit down with us before he hit the road. Make sure you say hello to Lee if you see him at a show in your city. You can learn more about Lee and see where he’s appearing by visiting his web site.
In this episode we take on the ultra subjective topic of feel. What does it mean to you? What do you listen for to determine what feels right? We start the show discussing what makes our favorite drummers playing feel so good. We also discuss that sometimes drummers that play on top of the beat to create energy and recklessness create a certain type of vibe that just as cool as their laid back counterparts.
When discussing feel the subject of playing behind, center, or ahead of the beat is good place to start. The relationship of the snare to the bass drum is crucial as well as the response of the other musicians that you’re playing with. The topic of ghost notes comes up and how they affect feel as a timing and dynamic device. We then talk about how you can practice manipulating the beat by recording yourself and viewing the transients on your digital audio workstation.
Tuning can also affect feel. We talk about how the sound and response from loosely tuned, highly muffled drums have a tendency to feel more laid back than a snare or bass drum with a sharp, highly pitched crack.
Touch is also debated. We talk about how great feel is present in all types of drummers. Heavy hitters like John Bonham and Stewart Copeland are contrasted with lighter players such as James Gadson and Bernard Purdie.
Finally we finish up with practice tips and recommendations for listening and study. Join us every Monday for a brand new episode. We’re available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, and everywhere you access your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today! Also, go by our web site www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com. There you’ll find all our episodes, videos, social media, and contact information.
