So, I was listening to Rainbow the other day and thinking about how awesome Cozy Powell is. Is there a better rock drummer who gets less run than Cozy??
All he does is lay in the pocket, keep perfect time, play tasty fills, and you can always tell his style when you listen to him.
Whether its Whitesnake, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Emerson, Lake & Powell, Blue Murder, etc. you always can tell which songs/albums on which he played.
Plus, how many rockers can say their name is Cozy. Love that!!
I'm not familiar with all the different bands with which he's played, other than those mentioned above, but I can always listen to that dude.
If you are a fan or if you've never heard of him, do yourself a favor and go check out some of his stuff right now!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
Ozzy vs Dio
Ok, I get that this isn’t a “drummer” discussion but I’d like to talk about this for a second.
I’m not talking solo albums; I’m talking about their respective careers as the front-man of Black Sabbath. Both were unique and great in their own ways but, seriously, I’m calling Dio.
What?!?
Hold on, hear me out…
First of all, Black Sabbath’s best album is Heaven and Hell. Period. That’s not because of RJD’s voice but, rather, it’s his writing. I know that it’s kind of unfair to compare the writing because of the difference in ages of the individuals at the time the songs were written but, I also recognize that when truly great songs are written, age doesn’t factor into it.
The songs and albums that BS put out during the RJD days are much better and are far more digestible than the long “jam sessions” that they passed off as songs early in their careers. Those songs are more iconic but also reflect the mood of the times. They were ground-breaking and the entire band was a pioneer of an entire genre but that doesn’t mean they were a better band. Sorry.
I totally love both versions of Black Sabbath and I love both singers in and out of the band but I just wanted to throw that out there.
I will say this, RJD never did anything worthwhile after Last in Line. Ozzy continues to be a force and consistently puts out awesome solo records that totally rock and the Rock/Metal genre is better for his presence.
I know you’ve got opinions…
Thursday, September 1, 2011
The Best Solo Section Ever!
A quick note about something...
Is there a better rhythm section beneath a guitar (or keyboard in this case) solo than what Alex Van Halen and Michael Anthony have going on in 1984's "Jump"?
I have to say, No.
Or, if there is, I've never heard it.
I'm open to hearing opinions on the subject, though. Have at it.
Is there a better rhythm section beneath a guitar (or keyboard in this case) solo than what Alex Van Halen and Michael Anthony have going on in 1984's "Jump"?
I have to say, No.
Or, if there is, I've never heard it.
I'm open to hearing opinions on the subject, though. Have at it.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Drumheads...
Ok,...so, I switched to Evans heads about 5 years ago after using Remo for the previous 25+.
I Totally Love Them!
I had just always played Remo because they were the heads to use back in the day. They stood up to a good beating and sounded fine. Plus, a bunch of my guys used them so I was all in!
Buy, I've got to say, the Evans brought my drums to life in a way that I had never heard them. Obviously, I get nothing from Evans to say this and I don't have an axe to grind with Remo. I'm just saying to you guys if you've gotten comfortable with a brand or product, it's not so terrible to give your ears a taste of something new. I could jump ship from Evans tomorrow but I doubt it. I've given up on brand loyalty. If it sounds great and lasts, I'm into it.
What do you guys play and why? I'd love to hear and try some new stuff if I hear enough good things about something.
I Totally Love Them!
I had just always played Remo because they were the heads to use back in the day. They stood up to a good beating and sounded fine. Plus, a bunch of my guys used them so I was all in!
Buy, I've got to say, the Evans brought my drums to life in a way that I had never heard them. Obviously, I get nothing from Evans to say this and I don't have an axe to grind with Remo. I'm just saying to you guys if you've gotten comfortable with a brand or product, it's not so terrible to give your ears a taste of something new. I could jump ship from Evans tomorrow but I doubt it. I've given up on brand loyalty. If it sounds great and lasts, I'm into it.
What do you guys play and why? I'd love to hear and try some new stuff if I hear enough good things about something.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Question: Who are your influences? How did you get started?
My playing has been called a mix of Tommy Lee, Alex Van Halen and Terry Bozzio. I'm totally stoked about that because all those guys have had a huge influence on my playing over the years, especially in the beginning.
The first albums I ever bought were: Rainbow-Straight Between the Eyes, Van Halen-II, Def Leppard-High and Dry, AC/DC-Highway to Hell and Black Sabbath-Sabbath, Bloody Sabbath.
All of these albums/drummers had an influence on my style and the way I developed. The deep groove of Phil Rudd, the quiet mastery of Alex Van Halen, Bobby Rondinelli's driving presence and, of course, the power and freedom displayed by Bill Ward.
I had begun playing along with the radio on some boxes I had set up in my closet. My mom wasn't ready to buy me drums because she wanted to be sure I had a genuine interst in it and that it wasn't just a faze. I'm sure she wished it Was just a faze because it became Everything to me in just the first couple of years. I am self taught and she had to listen to me suck for about 3 years.
After showing enough of a passion for it and sticking with it like I did, she finally agreed that I could get some drums. One problem...I had to pay for them. Ugh! I don't need to tell you, drums are an expensive hobby! But, I mowed lawns, did chores and washed cars until I saved up enough money to buy the first set of real drums that I ever set my eyes on. It was a mix of Ludwig and Slingerland with some crappy cymbals and the worst collection of hardware I've ever come across in my life! I didn't know it then and, I wouldn't have cared anyway. I was in heaven!
I started buying records (above) and learning by ear, mimicing everything I heard these guys doing. Obviously, I had a lot to learn but I drummed every minute of every day on anything that was near me. My legs, the arm of the couch, the floor, my bed and, when I was allowed my new, crappy kit!
I wouldn't change a thing!
I plan to post some songs on this blog. I have recording going back to 1985, I think.
Stay tuned and, thanks for reading!
The first albums I ever bought were: Rainbow-Straight Between the Eyes, Van Halen-II, Def Leppard-High and Dry, AC/DC-Highway to Hell and Black Sabbath-Sabbath, Bloody Sabbath.
All of these albums/drummers had an influence on my style and the way I developed. The deep groove of Phil Rudd, the quiet mastery of Alex Van Halen, Bobby Rondinelli's driving presence and, of course, the power and freedom displayed by Bill Ward.
I had begun playing along with the radio on some boxes I had set up in my closet. My mom wasn't ready to buy me drums because she wanted to be sure I had a genuine interst in it and that it wasn't just a faze. I'm sure she wished it Was just a faze because it became Everything to me in just the first couple of years. I am self taught and she had to listen to me suck for about 3 years.
After showing enough of a passion for it and sticking with it like I did, she finally agreed that I could get some drums. One problem...I had to pay for them. Ugh! I don't need to tell you, drums are an expensive hobby! But, I mowed lawns, did chores and washed cars until I saved up enough money to buy the first set of real drums that I ever set my eyes on. It was a mix of Ludwig and Slingerland with some crappy cymbals and the worst collection of hardware I've ever come across in my life! I didn't know it then and, I wouldn't have cared anyway. I was in heaven!
I started buying records (above) and learning by ear, mimicing everything I heard these guys doing. Obviously, I had a lot to learn but I drummed every minute of every day on anything that was near me. My legs, the arm of the couch, the floor, my bed and, when I was allowed my new, crappy kit!
I wouldn't change a thing!
I plan to post some songs on this blog. I have recording going back to 1985, I think.
Stay tuned and, thanks for reading!
Who am I and What am I doing here? Intro Post...Welcome!
Hey Folks,
My name is Jef Kirchmaier and I've been playing the drums since 1980. For some of you, that sounds like a long time and, well, maybe it is. I've never loved doing anything as much as playing the drums. It has been the only constant in my life since I started.
I think I began playing to deal with my parents divorce. Easy to say now but that had nothing to do with Anything when I started! I had originally wanted to play guitar. I had just bought Van Halen II and hearing Eddie play, like so many others, made me want to...until I realized I had No Idea what the hell he was doing!! Alex, on the other hand, made sense to me. I could hear the different drums and cymbals...I Knew what his hands and feet were doing instictively! It was an Awesome revelation! It changed my life and chartered the course for me from that day forward.
My biggest influences have been varied and powerful throughout my drumming career: Alex Van Halen, Tommy Lee, Cozy Powell, Charlie Benante, Lars Ulrich, John Wright (Nomeansno), Terry Bozzio, Tim "Herb" Alexander, Reed Mullen and So many more. I will mention people as they come up in other posts.
I decided to write this Drum Blog as a way to connect with other drummers and musicians and as a way to stay active in the drumming community. I don't play as much as I used to or as much as I'd like to. I guess I'm hoping to fill a little bit of the void of not playing in a band, interacting with musicians, talking about music, gear, saring ideas, etc...
I play a Pork Pie kit, Ludwig Black Beauty snare, Tama Iron Cobra double pedal, Paiste, Sabien, Meinl cymbals, Pro-Mark sticks and Evans heads.
So, if you're a musician of any kind, no matter what genre, age or anything else, hang out, post your comments, questions, listening habits or suggestions below and follow me if you'd like. Thanks!
My name is Jef Kirchmaier and I've been playing the drums since 1980. For some of you, that sounds like a long time and, well, maybe it is. I've never loved doing anything as much as playing the drums. It has been the only constant in my life since I started.
I think I began playing to deal with my parents divorce. Easy to say now but that had nothing to do with Anything when I started! I had originally wanted to play guitar. I had just bought Van Halen II and hearing Eddie play, like so many others, made me want to...until I realized I had No Idea what the hell he was doing!! Alex, on the other hand, made sense to me. I could hear the different drums and cymbals...I Knew what his hands and feet were doing instictively! It was an Awesome revelation! It changed my life and chartered the course for me from that day forward.
My biggest influences have been varied and powerful throughout my drumming career: Alex Van Halen, Tommy Lee, Cozy Powell, Charlie Benante, Lars Ulrich, John Wright (Nomeansno), Terry Bozzio, Tim "Herb" Alexander, Reed Mullen and So many more. I will mention people as they come up in other posts.
I decided to write this Drum Blog as a way to connect with other drummers and musicians and as a way to stay active in the drumming community. I don't play as much as I used to or as much as I'd like to. I guess I'm hoping to fill a little bit of the void of not playing in a band, interacting with musicians, talking about music, gear, saring ideas, etc...
I play a Pork Pie kit, Ludwig Black Beauty snare, Tama Iron Cobra double pedal, Paiste, Sabien, Meinl cymbals, Pro-Mark sticks and Evans heads.
So, if you're a musician of any kind, no matter what genre, age or anything else, hang out, post your comments, questions, listening habits or suggestions below and follow me if you'd like. Thanks!
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