anaxcrosswords Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Drummer Bill Bruford writes: "[i]Surprise, attack, understate, or overstate, but whatever you do, avoid the two cardinal sins of being either boring or predictable[/i]." Seriously? OK, Bill, can I just point out a few things? In a band you have something called the rhythm section, which comprises drums and bass guitar. These combine to form the backbone of the band’s sound and, as such, they should work together – each should know precisely what the other is going to do, otherwise it can get messy. You may be thinking, Sir Bruford, that you can combine mahooooosive ego and chosen instrument and that these will produce a God before whom all should kneel in worship. But no – that is the guitarist’s job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beer of the Bass Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 It seems to work for Bill! A rhythm section who are constantly on their toes are more fun to listen to than one who are on autopilot. That attitude might get you some funny looks in certain professional settings, admittedly, but Bruford is not chasing those gigs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhysP Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 [quote name='anaxcrosswords' timestamp='1423581286' post='2686590'] Drummer Bill Bruford writes: "[i]Surprise, attack, understate, or overstate, but whatever you do, avoid the two cardinal sins of being either boring or predictable[/i]." Seriously? OK, Bill, can I just point out a few things? In a band you have something called the rhythm section, which comprises drums and bass guitar. These combine to form the backbone of the band’s sound and, as such, they should work together – each should know precisely what the other is going to do, otherwise it can get messy. You may be thinking, Sir Bruford, that you can combine mahooooosive ego and chosen instrument and that these will produce a God before whom all should kneel in worship. But no – that is the guitarist’s job. [/quote] Yes, but Bill was never going to settle for being a standard rock'n'roll drummer, and I for one am thankful for that. He's one of the few drummers that is genuinely interesting to listen to. When you've got a back catalogue & list of credits like Bruford maybe then you'll be qualified to let him know where he's been going wrong all these years. Maybe.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anaxcrosswords Posted February 10, 2015 Author Share Posted February 10, 2015 Aw. I thought I was telling a guitarist joke Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambient Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 He's one of the few famous musicians I've met, he was a very kind, patient down to earth guy. He most certainly didn't have an ego problem. I've met far more nobody's with bigger egos. I'm personally all for musiand pushing and wanting to experiment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 I haven't listened to any of his recent work but loved his drumming on The Yes Album from 71. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spongebob Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 I agree with Bill. A good lesson for many bands and artists. Will it always work? No - but it's better than the same old same old IMHO. Take some risks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maude Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Think how much better The Who would have been if Keith Moon had just been a bit more predictable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 [quote name='anaxcrosswords' timestamp='1423585334' post='2686660'] Aw. I thought I was telling a guitarist joke [/quote] It made me chuckle. Carry on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beer of the Bass Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 [quote name='Maude' timestamp='1423589111' post='2686742'] Think how much better The Who would have been if Keith Moon had just been a bit more predictable. [/quote] He could be certainly be depended on to drink too much and do something silly. I suppose that's predictable in its own way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 [quote name='anaxcrosswords' timestamp='1423585334' post='2686660'] Aw. I thought I was telling a guitarist joke [/quote] Don't give up your day job, bro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alun Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 [quote name='anaxcrosswords' timestamp='1423581286' post='2686590'] Drummer Bill Bruford writes: "[i]Surprise, attack, understate, or overstate, but whatever you do, avoid the two cardinal sins of being either boring or predictable[/i]." Seriously? OK, Bill, can I just point out a few things? In a band you have something called the rhythm section, which comprises drums and bass guitar. These combine to form the backbone of the band’s sound and, as such, they should work together – each should know precisely what the other is going to do, otherwise it can get messy. You may be thinking, Sir Bruford, that you can combine mahooooosive ego and chosen instrument and that these will produce a God before whom all should kneel in worship. But no – that is the guitarist’s job. [/quote] It depends on the style of music, it's not really about ego. In jazz and prog, where he generally resides ( or resided as I think he's retired from live work) this is exactly the approach. It wouldn't work in all contexts but in that world it does, while still meeting the fundamental rhythm section role. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhysP Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 [quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1423666925' post='2687687'] Don't give up your day job, bro [/quote] Unless "comedian" is his day job..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 [quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1423929716' post='2690491'] Unless "comedian" is his day job..... [/quote] That [i]is [/i]a joke, isn't it..? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnm93 Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 [quote name='anaxcrosswords' timestamp='1423585334' post='2686660'] Aw. I thought I was telling a guitarist joke [/quote] So did I... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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