I don't make a point of posting my YouTube videos here, but I'm proud of this one. It represents a radical departure in two senses: 1) I'm playing laid-back, in-the-pocket shuffle drums, rather than swinging absurdly out in front of the beat; 2) oh yeah: I'm playing chromatic on a gig for the first time.
This is NOT a high energy cut. It's heading lazily in the other direction. Very unusual for Satan's apprentice. I suspect it had something to do with the fact that it was in the mid-80s and pretty humid.
As for the chromatic playing: Hey, whaddya expect from the drummer? He's trying to keep a steady beat. The mistakes will go away over time.
No soundman, btw. We did sound from the stage. The kick and the small harp amp, hidden behind me, were the only things that were miked, and neither was miked very hot.
Last Edited by on May 08, 2012 3:20 AM
That is just SO cool! I love that old-timey Count Basie kind of sound that comes from a chromatic--and the new drum set-up is really killer. As for the laid back part--well that is just right for an old fart like me. . . ----------
I enjoyed listening to that, what a pleasant surprise, I knew you where learning the chrome - your a fast learner and your gettin darn GOOD - Nice tone on the Chrome and I can hear some George Smithish qoutes in there too...
@Frank: Yes, there's definitely a little George Smith in there. Ideally I should have cranked the small amp up one more notch for a shade more overdrive.
Last Edited by on May 08, 2012 5:44 AM
And I Thank You !! Playing in key of "C" should be as manageable as any. I will try to work on this one. I have the same drum setup. Thanks Adam for you advice on the Farmer Double Stomp. Delivered last week. Beautiful piece of art and a great sound.The down beat pedal is pure and simplistic. I'm using a brass jingle stick. New head on the snare drum. I'm trying to decide if I like a mallet or a "brush" ( like Deak Harp uses )on the snares kick pedal. Makes me just want to bang on the drum all day!! P.S. You didn't tell me what a work out it would be. Working on cross roads, wears me out!! ---------- And I Thank You !! KCz Backwoodz Bluz
Last Edited by on May 08, 2012 1:02 PM
One thing I've noticed is that the vid sounds much better on headphones than on the tiny speakers in my Mac. On those little speakers you lose the balance between the bassdrum thump and the snare whap/clatter. The groove almost sounds unbalanced. But on headphones it all works--and live, of course.
Very nice! Looking forward to hearing more of the chromatic. Has an almost sinister, brooding sound to it. That sounded 100% tongue blocked - was it? I've only tried chromatic playing a few times but it sounds as if most people tongue block (on blues that is).
