Rick Beckham snare solo 2007 DCA

[Dwrek427]

ohh shit, it nick cannon!!!

[spstarks]

"yeah yeah yeah" lol

[Weezy728]

this old man is a beast

[ACDCwarmachine]

my dad went to highschool with this guy

[jurihaake]

that makes u really cool

[coatssnare]

What do you mean that field percussion can't stand alone?

If you could get past your idea that WGI is a bunch of sissy's, you would see that yes it very much can. And the productions are quite good.

In terms of the secondary body movement that so many groups do today, why do you do all the visuals that you do?

Your repitious stick throwing is acceptable but guys ramming notes and being able to do what they do below the belt is weak to you?

[GoombaGoone]

wow...nice.

[HVsnare]

Drum sounds Amazing! Great job on the solo. The drum looks GREAT as well, good job Val! This is one of the best looking HVs I have seen, Other than mine. :D

[forgoten14]

loads of run-on sentences below... he's awesome, no doubt. and and.. if you dont like the "twirls and flips," minimize the window (with it playing) and imagine yourself doing better.. =) lol

[isiah1977]

I like your playing and visuals. I'll have to still some of those tricks. LOL Great job.

[SilverRegiment08]

the twirls and flips are so repititive.

[rhssnare]

what kind of drum is that?

[conglomorateman]

That is an HV, they are made by the guy who instructed me in high school/college. hvdrums(dot)com

[drummermanrick]

I think we can leave it at: Chase doesn't think my solo has musical merit, and I don't think his solo has competitive merit.

[Chase1224]

I wonder Rick, for someone who has questioned my musical intelligence, if you could tell me where I derived some of the themes from my solo. Since anyone with a decent amount of percussion knowledge should recognize it pretty quickly.

And isn't competition a "subjective" since any snare competition is really decided by the "opinions" of the judges? ;)

[drummermanrick]

I did question your musical intelligence based on your comments, not from your solo. Making the extreme statement that there is absolutely no musical value to my solo, you are basically saying that all you heard was random notes, a ridiculous assertion.

The only thing I said about your solo was that it has no competitive merit.

[drummermanrick]

If a contest is entirely subjective, there's no point in competing, since you could justify the lowest skill level winning over the highest skill level with subjective terms like "musical".

The point of a contest is to measure the skill set of whatever you are judging using as much objectivity as possible. Otherwise it's a joke.

[Chase1224]

What about the experience of performing something you've conceived in front of a live audience? Or how about just because it's fun to play a snare solo for others and share your love of drumming. Do those not matter just because it's labeled as a "competition"?

[NiklasSD]

Well u're talking about competiting with the enjoy of drumming. why not then, make a contest called "happy-drum"-contest ? - then the actual skills of drumming doesn't matter anymore. The performance with a happy performer, who enjoyed it most would win.

I don't think u want competition in music. U're mission is to delete it. U will, in time, also delete the high level and Quality in semi-professionel music(or amateuer music).

[Chase1224]

That's not even remotely close to the point I was making. I have no desire to delete competition. My point was that the very act of competing (along with the preparation and practice to attain that high level you speak of) can be fun and rewarding.

[NiklasSD]

haha yea I see what u mean Chase, my bad.

So u're saying one should "look" like one is happy for his performance(while during it). I thought people already were judged by how they seemed to feel during their performance.

[Chase1224]

No. My point is that musical competitions aren't just about winning and losing. Or just about technical execution. It should be about the performance of high quality music, and if a performer truly feels that they themselves have had a great performance, they should be happy about that no matter what number the judges put down.

Oh, and one might "look" happy if that's the emotion they are trying evoke through their music. Is there anything wrong with that?

[Chase1224]

And while I never thought i'd ever ask this, your recent posts have sparked me curiosity. Other than rudiment breakdowns and stick twirls what exactly is your musical background Rick? I would love to hear how you have become such an expert, besides your many DCA contest victories of course.

[drummermanrick]

Ok, this statement obviously displays your bias, as you lump breakdowns and twirls together in an attempt to demote them as unworthy of musicality.

And since you started this with your opinion on the lack of musicality in my solo, might I ask for your credentials first? It seems only fitting.

[Chase1224]

Rudiment breakdowns and stick twirls are not musical gestures. One is a technical exercise/display and the other is a visual display.

And I since you asked: I hold a bachelors degree in music education and I am currently working on a master's in percussion performance. My performance experience includes DCA (3 years), division 1 DCI (2 years) and solo percussion recitals, as well as performing in wind ensembles, orchestras, percussion ensembles, and several chamber music situations.

[coatssnare]

And yes, I thought Jeff Prosperie kicked ass. Entertaining, wide range of what he was playing and it had character.

[johnrussyt]

I enjoyed both Jeff's and Rick's Solos immensely. Jeff wins for execution; bottom line. I personally like this solo better however.

[coatssnare]

How many people were competing in this ?

[drummermanrick]

Ah gee, lay it to rest already. Ok Chase, I get the message. You don't care for my solo. Neither did a lot of hardcore rudimental players who wanted to hear me throw down in an XLR8 fashion. They thought this solo leaned too much towards the musical touch and away from the solid ram. You can't please everyone.

[johnrussyt]

I think what he's saying is that in Marching Band International, people sing snare solos into microphones and that is way more musical.  Maybe you should try it some time, unless your a philistine. Also, stand on one foot; bye!

[Chase1224]

I think the bottom line here Rick, is that you take any opinion that you don't agree with and simply attack it as "wrong". The world of rudimental drumming has grown immensely in recent years and it since it's not "the good old days" that you shut your eyes to it and put down everything about it. You speak ill of a PAS professor and his opinion, yet I wonder what musical background you possess other than basement pad parties?

[drummermanrick]

Chase - go learn how to play and win some contests and then come back on here and give us your subjective narrative.

[Chase1224]

Rick-Thank you for such an intelligent and obviously well-thought out response. My only rebuttal is that I don't measure my musical abilities or accomplishments by the number of contests I've one. It's obvious we have reached a point where your attitude makes it impossible to have an educated discussion about percussion or music in general so good luck winning more contests, It's been fun chatting!

[coatssnare]

You have to win a contest now to speak or comment on you? I wonder if we were to ever meet, can I look into your face or must I kneel at the DCA conquerage ground you walk on?

It must be great to be king over the people that aren't in their rudimental prime anymore.

[drummermanrick]

Certainly not. I only meant that Chase's credibility would be greatly enhanced after winning contests before he posts his opinions on musicality. I find it strange that Chase would offer his expert opinion before he has actually demonstrated that his perspective of musicality is somehow more assessable.

[Chase1224]

I never claimed to possess the expert opinion that you feel you undoubtedly possess due to your "contest victories". I didn't know that I was not allowed to express an opinion without first listing my resume.

[drummermanrick]

Now you have reading comprehension problems. Where exactly did I state you were "not allowed"? You want credibility on an opinion, you need something more to back it up with.

[Chase1224]

So basically, anyone can post an opinion, but unless they list their resume of contest victories, they aren't credible?

[ch00ch1028]

boobies!

[coatssnare]

See I don't buy that. How many times do we say "that movie sucked!" or "the ....... played like crap today."

I don't think you have to have won or even competed. You didn't put this video out but you obviously didn't have any problem with for all of America to see. Why can't you take the bad with the good? Just because Chase (like me) isn't kneeling at your feet, doesn't mean that you can accept his opinion.

[Chase1224]

I'm only 2 years aged out, I hope I'm not past my rudiemental prime yet! LOL

[coatssnare]

No I'm just saying how great it must be to be champion over a bunch of older guys that for MOST OF THEM (no, not all so don't even jump on me for that one guys) are out of their prime.

[jeffreythedrumma]

lol some people think the lame travis barker snare video is cool

[Chase1224]

There is absolutely no musical value to this solo. It's the same licks over and over. Anyone can practice and develop chops or do the same stick flip 15 times, but the snare drum is still a musical instrument and should be approached as such.

[drummermanrick]

You're so quick to criticize, I'd like to see you play it. The strengths of a field snare drum is awe and power, not indoor orchestral musicality.

[Chase1224]

I 'm sure just about any drummer could play that with practice. Chops are the result of committing to a technique and putting in the practice hours. A snare drum of any type is still a musical instrument, and in a solo format should not be treated differently than any other musical instrument. Your solo is akin to a trumpet player getting up for a solo and just triple tonguing sextuplets for 5 min. Yea, it's impressive from a "chops" perspective, but it's also boring, uncreative, and unmusical.

[drummermanrick]

Field snare is competitive, and the solos are constructed with rudiments. Learn that simple fact and watch your skills progress. Otherwise you'll stagnate.

[Chase1224]

I never said field snare wasn't competitive, so where are you getting that from? You keep side stepping around my point, which is that a snare drum competition should be no different than a competition between any musical instruments, instead of just a "chops-fest". Rudiments are present in every form of percussion playing, and they should not detract from playing musically. And in all of our solos i've watched you play the same licks, and do the same tricks so who has really stagnated?

[drummermanrick]

You come on here and attack me by making a baseless subjective claim that there is no musical value to my solo. What prompted this attack? Are you trying to raise your ego, and the only way to do it is by lowering others? Dude, rudimental solos should be judged more on objective measurement of chops and not on subjective "musicality". As for playing the same solo, I have changed my solo every year.

[Chase1224]

"Attack" you? I simply expressed my opinion of your composition. Maybe it's your ego that is involved here? What I don't understand is how you can't seem to grasp my point that any instrumental solo competition should be judged with consideration to both the technical abilities of the performer, AND the musical ideas they are expressing in their playing. While you possess technical proficiency on the snare drum, your solo is more of a rudimental exercise than a musical composition.

[drummermanrick]

You made a statement, "There is no musical value to this solo" which literally exposed your ignorance of what constitutes "musical". You sound like the PAS prof who once wrote that the Flamacue had no musical value because there was no corresponding fife/bugle phrase, failing to realize that the field drum is NOT a complimentary sound effect like the concert snare, it is a primary musical instrument that creates the musical effect with rudiments. Thus more is better.

[Chase1224]

Since when does expressing one's opinion constitute ignorance? Your solo contains no musical themes, or phrasing which anyone with any education in musical composition would realize. You still miss my point that while yes, a field snare is not a concert snare drum, it's still a musical instrument. I find it funny how before you accused me of "attacking" you, while now it seems that your ego has come into play and led you to attack my intelligence.

[FlamRatamacues]

Chase, can you honestly not detect the theme in this solo? It goes: pa-rum, pa-rum (pause) pa-rum pa-rum (pause) pa-rum pa-rum pum pum

It's first introduced at 1:41, and variations are played throughout the solo. I think you're exposing your lack of training in comprehending rudimental phrasing.

Incidentally, I was there at the actual performance. This recording doesn't do it justice. There was a lot of dynamic contrast in crescendos and decrescendos on the main theme--very "musical".

[Chase1224]

Crescendos and decrescendos are great and all, but they hardly encompass musicality. I'm not going to come on here and list my accomplishments in music or my teachers, or where my degrees are from because I find that pompous and egotistical, and that's not what playing music is all about. I never thought that sharing my opinion about the composition of this solo would lead people to make assumptions about anyone's training or lack thereof.

[FlamRatamacues]

First of all, I was being sarcastic. But you've made my point. Musicality encompasses many things, and with all your music training I'm sure you know that different things are musical in different genres of music. There are completely different standards & "rules" for classical, jazz, pipe bands, country, heavy metal, Indian folk music, etc. Rick's solo is completely musical according to the standards of the genre--unless you completely discount decades of field music prior to the 1990s.

[FlamRatamacues]

Modern American D&B-style drumming is actually a mixture of orchestral styles and "pure" rudimental styles. If you go back & listen to drum corps recordings from the 50s, 60s, 70s, & 80s, you'll see that drum corps once had a much more distinctive flavor. Rick's solo is more in line with "pure" rudimental styles of the 70s and 80s. That doesn't make it unmusical, just different from the norm today. In order to appreciate this style, you'll have to do your own study. Most colleges don't teach it.

[Chase1224]

Ok, at my undergrad school we actually spent a great deal of time discussing the roots of rudimental drumming, as far back as it's practices during revolutionary war times. Oh, and if this solo is musical for the norms of the 70's and 80's as you say, then you can't possibly believe it's in line with the musical standards of the last decade.

[drummermanrick]

Musical standards don't change...musical tastes do, which is entirely subjective.

[Chase1224]

Musical standards are constantly changing, in every genre of music. Composers and performers have been pushing the envelop of musicality and musicianship for hundreds of years and possibly more so than ever during the last few decades. Especially in the percussion world. Maybe if you left your basement and exposed yourself to what's going on in the percussion world these days you'll realize that things have changed a bit since 1970's drum corps.

[drummermanrick]

Musical standards have not changed, only the musical tastes. If you'd get your head out your a** you'd realize there's much more to music that your narrow definition. It's silly to even argue this point, what you're arguing is sooo subjective.

Now, go tell a pipe band that they haven't progressed musically and see what you get for your troubles.

[Chase1224]

Making a statement that musical standards have not changed is much more narrow minded than anything i've posted. It seems that whenever someone disagrees with you on anything you throw out the word "subjective" and claim it's a stupid argument. And your last sentence makes no sense, because my point is that musical standards have progressed, in all genres, even pipe band.

[drummermanrick]

The word "musical" is entirely subjective. I would argue that it is unmusical for field snares to play buzz rolls on the field because open rolls have better sound projection.

Please define what you think constitutes "musical"?

[Chase1224]

What rolls have better sound projection has nothing to do with musicality. Your statement is purely a technical evaluation of two different rudiments. If the timbre of a buzz roll would better suit the musical statement being made than it should be used instead of an open roll.

[Chase1224]

Musicality constitutes the ability of the performer or performing group to express an idea, concept, or emotion through their playing. There are many ways to achieve this, and yes, it will vary from person to person. The use of phrasing and musical line, can give contour and emotion to a composition on any instrument. This brings me back to my original point, which was that in my opinion that this solo is a technical display and lacks musicality, which yes, can be achieved even on a field snare.

[drummermanrick]

"Musicality constitutes the ability of the performer or performing group to express an idea, concept, or emotion through their playing." are you saying my solo did none of these? You started this thread my claiming my solo "had absolutely no musical value", and then later stated there were no themes or phrasing, very bold assertion that you've yet to substantiate with anything other than your opinion.

[Chase1224]

That's exactly what I am saying. I see no idea, concept or emotion being displayed. I see a guy standing there going "look how many rudiments/tricks/visuals I can do in 5 min. at certain tempos." And if that's the idea you were trying to express, then good for you Rick. I just think it's boring and uncreative.

How else would you like me to substantiate it? Should I do a full analysis of every lick you play, writing down what rudiments it contains and the dynamics/tempo ect.

[drummermanrick]

Well if you see none of that, then there is absolutely no point in continuing this conversation. You obviously have no conception of competitions or music beyond your college trained studies.

[Chase1224]

So exactly what was the concept you were trying to portay Rick? Since you offer no explanation I can only assume you have none and are therefore trying to end this discussion.

And since i've posted a little something about my musical background as you've asked, isn't it time for us to hear about some of your extensive musical training that substantiates your opinions?

Maybe some of your training can help me learn about competitive music, so please enlighten me.

[drummermanrick]

You sent me your background in a personal message. I'll do the same.

[Chase1224]

If you look back a page or 2 on this little forum, you'll see the same text that I messaged you. I had hit my post limit for the day according to youtube, so I messaged you. I then felt that since I was publicly requested by you, that I should post publicly as I have nothing to hide.

[Chase1224]

And you still offer no response to what concept you were portraying in this composition. ?

[drummermanrick]

Sure it does, sound projection is extremely important in evaluating the best optimal choice. If it has less chance of being heard in a noisy outdoor environment, it is a poor musical choice.

[Chase1224]

You're missing the point entirely. The drumline is there to supplement the rest of the corps/band's overall sound. In certain musical contexts a buzz roll will be a better texture than an open roll, and it's projection (if played properly) would rest on the dynamic it is written at.

[drummermanrick]

And this is where you miss the point. Drum corps was a three-legged stool of brass, color guard, and percussion, none were there to "supplement" the other. This is where the percussion kids marching today have missed the boat entirely, never realizing that field percussion can stand on it's own, unlike concert percussion which is written to support the music.

Get a clue.

[Chase1224]

Nobody said field percussion can't stand on it's own. In fact the entire activity of WGI has grown from that fact. Drum corps is 3 separate groups, but they all coexist and work together towards the same performance goal. If you feel like concert percussion can't stand on it's own, then you are choosing to ignore the multitude of solo snare/marimba/timp/xylo/perc. ensemble repertoire that exists and is performed regularly in the current musical world. Maybe it's you who needs to "Get a Clue."

[drummermanrick]

The modern field percussion can't stand on it's own, like concert percussion it is mainly written as musical effect for the horns.

[Chase1224]

You have given no evidence as to why you feel this way, you simply keep reposting the same statement. Where is your proof that marching percussion can't stand on it's own anymore, or that it ever did before in ways it doesn't now. And concert percussion is only a musical effect in some large ensemble situations. What about a snare drum or timpani concerto where the percussionist is featured with the orchestra backing them?

[drummermanrick]

You yourself said it was your "opinion", and as such I shouldn't get defensive. What is "opinion" if not subjective? Make up your mind.

[Chase1224]

I wasn't saying that musical opinions aren't subjective, I was simply stating that you use that word as proverbial "fire-escape" in any discussion where you are disagreed with.

[drummermanrick]

Isn't that the case when two opinions clash? Both are subjective in nature, and depend on the points of view of those in disagreement.

Show me where I used any "fire escape" on any facts you presented?

[Chase1224]

You simply ask the same questions and post the same close-minded opinions over and over. You view any criticism of your solo as a personal attack on your views and take it so seriously, and then turn around say "it's all subjective."

You know, it is possible for two people to openly hear opposing opinions, and then have an educated discussion about the matter.

[drummermanrick]

There is very little new under the sun now that wasn't present when Mozart penned his work.

[Chase1224]

The above statement shows your complete lack of knowledge on music of the 20th century and it's massive innovations. And in reality, there were many composers of the romantic era that brought about an entirely new harmonic language that was unheard of in Mozart's time.

[drummermanrick]

Please elaborate. I never claimed music hasn't changed, or ushered in new innovations. I only disputed your claim that musical standards have progressed. They have not. Only tastes in what constitutes musical has changed.

[Chase1224]

I am not going to teach an online music history course for you on this forum. You stated: "There is very little new under the sun now that wasn't present when Mozart penned his work." The words "musical standards" are not present in that statement. That statement says that nothing (or very little) has changed in music since Mozart. If you really want elaboration there are some great music history texts I can recommend to you.

[xxsmokeymcpotxx]

It's not supposed to have any musical value, man. It's quite obvious you're ignorant on the subject of marching snare, but as the drum tech for the Blue Devils said, "60% feet and 40% hands."

Competitions such as these are graded on chops and creativity. Not musicality. If you want musicality, look somewhere else, and yes, any drummer can get chops sch as these, but not many put in the necessary hours to gain them. I can assure it takes many, many years of practice.

[Chase1224]

I'm well aware of the hours it takes, thank you. But for you to say there shouldn't be any musical value shows your obvious ignorance in the subject of music and the performance of it.

[drummermanrick]

The problem is Chase's ignorance of what constitutes musical. He views rudimental snare with concert snare tinted glasses, and the blinders keep him from understanding, much less appreciating, that rudimental snare is an idiom separate from the concert hall. Thus until he explores the merit of rudimental drumming, and understands the musical contributions of developing technical skills, he will continue to confuse the idioms.

[drummermanrick]

No, rudimental snare is musical in it's own right. People continue to try to juxtapose Cirone onto a rudimental field drum. It is they who are unmusical, attempting to subjugate a valid idiom with another, or worse, bastardizing one by trying to mingle another.

[jsalas89]

Whats the age limit for DCA????

[drummermanrick]

There is no upper age limit.

[chism1985]

bayou city blues?, yeah they are dead, its GCS now

[drumndan1]

that was so smooth and fluent

[drummermanrick]

Nah, it was too choppy. It was no where near as smooth as I wanted it.

[jimjamkillsnerds]

sarcasm?

[enewhuis]

Rick, do you know where Leif Marwede is? A number of us Phantom Regiment alumni are wondering if he would like to hang with us next year. I was 16 when I last saw him.  Now I'm 40. Lordy.

[drummermanrick]

I'll try to find out and let you know.

[drumdude2008]

lol, Rick is definitely from another planet !

[spacitydrummer4JC]

Wow man, you've been blessed with some talent.

[RCRhythm]

Rick's hair is getting whiter and whiter each year.

By 2012, NASA will officially request that he move to rural Montana, in an attempt to keep him from overexposing telescopes in New Mexico.

[spacitydrummer4JC]

Are you friggin kidding me!!!?? What did he just do?

[spacitydrummer4JC]

the best

[kevinkro09]

im impressed with the fact that he plays good matched and trad, i only play good trad, when i play matched my pinky sticks out

[cymbalzzz]

Wa-a-a-ay better than prosperiee.

[dannefann]

I am amazed at his speed and skill that he expresses within his solo. And i am fond of DCI and have gone to several championships and such. But at some point you have to understand that there is more to drumming than rudiments and speed. there is a whole world of possibilities out there, and it seems that many people get sucked into the mentality that if it isnt drum corps. it ain't good. that is simply not true

[HVsnare]

I own a Yamaha Field corps HV snare. They are the loudest and best sounding drums I have ever heard. That drum is perfect for that solo.

[shockerwvirtue]

what kind of sticks does he use?

[MADROCKS212]

boring and lame?? rick beckhams rudimental playing is grade a. maybe sounds a little boring if you dont understand what your listening to. but this is a life study of dedication and HARD work here.

i stand by what flamratamacues said.

good one rick!!

[clydeonyamaha]

is that the moeller method hes doin

[drummermanrick]

That's not the moeller method, it's the stanislaw method.

[gush78]

i give props to the older guys still throwin' down but too many inconsitancies in this solo and its also rather boring and lame

[FlamRatamacues]

Yes, there are a few obvious errors, not his best performance ever. But "boring and lame"!? I've never seen anyone else attempt half the stuff he plays (and I've seen many, many drummers). No one in DCI comes close to being in the same league of difficulty. Maybe you're having difficulty understanding what he's playing because it goes by so fast.

[cadaverr]

One of the few to ever acomplish an even better rudimental mastery is the MBE mr. Jim Kilpatrick (sure, hes from the Scottish school, another kind of beast, but rudiments are rudiments, and we all share many of the very same). Jim would kill Beckham, no doubt. Not just he technically sounds even more incredible with his rudimental execution but he also SOUNDS way better. More interesting combinations overall.

[RCRhythm]

I've heard that Kilpatrick guy play.

Nothing spectacular. Rhytmically mediocre playing. COnstant minor execution errors. Decent chops, but nothing anyone's going to be blown away by.

[cadaverr]

LOL. There is an immense difference between being a fan and an idiot - and I'm quite sure you'll be able to figure it out by yourself. Sonner or latter. Thanks.

[RCRhythm]

I'm sorry, but I'm simply not as impressed by Kilpatrick's playing as you are.

[cadaverr]

You don't need to. The persussive world already is. 16 times the world's best snare player in the world. Something Rick will NEVER achieve in his entire lifetime... too bad. :~~~~

[RCRhythm]

The percussive world? Meaning the world of pipe band drummers? Because I'll tell you what, I checked out several more of Kilpatrick's vids, and though he has some very, very impressive speed, you could ask any truly great drum corps drummer, and they'll tell you that his playing is straight up sloppy.

[DougDinsdale]

You cannot be viewing any of his "solo" videos where he's accompanied by bagpipes, not drum salutes. In the MSRs (March, Strathspeys and Reels) or Hornpipe/Jigs he's perfectly clean. You have to tell me the videos you've seen because I'll point you to at least audio if you care to prove otherwise.

[RCRhythm]

I've just been searching on "Jim Kilpatrick."

Don't get me wrong; the dude is a real beast.

I just am not ready to hand out the "best in the world" award at all. In fact, I stand by what I said about the integrity of his playing. World-class DCI drummers would undoubetly be impressed by his speed, but the ACTUAL RHYTHMS he plays are downright dirty.

I do respect his obvious talent, though.

[RCRhythm]

P.S.

Personally, I put Kilpatrick in the Buddy Rich category: So obviously talented with speed and confidence that it makes people overlook the severe rhythmic inconsistencies.

If you and the rest of the "percussive world" are incapable of recognizing those minor but constant rhythmic inconsistencies, shame on YOU, not me.

[cadaverr]

"Personally, I put Kilpatrick in the Buddy Rich category: So obviously talented with speed and confidence that it makes people overlook the severe rhythmic inconsistencies."

And after THAT, I'm still the one to be "incapable of recognizing (...) rhythmic inconsistencies" !??? wow. Buddy had immense phrasing abilities.

[cadaverr]

He played great and different solos everyday of his life. Different combinations. On the spot. Rick Beckham, in the other "hand", is always playing the same ugly but spectacularly fast drum figures.

Over and over again. being a great rudimental drummer does not guaratee anyone about one very important thing: the ability to "put it all together" in a meaningful and musical way. No one played the kit like Buddy.

[cadaverr]

Non stop rudimental genius, single stroke control of all kinds and speed, the fastest ever over the drum kit (not just the snare)... this is just getting plain silly. I'm not going to argue with you anymore. Not interested.

[RCRhythm]

Cool.

Take your weird knack for creating legends out of human beings and your predictable drummer worship and go back to watching pipe band videos.

Maybe you can come back in a few years and tell us about how Babe Ruth actually hit a 14-mile home run. With his eyelids. Underwater. On Mars.

[cadaverr]

There is a nice difference between being honest with your "inner being" and self-potency capabilities and what you REALLY can do. Your sarcasm shows cheap value. Try to reproduce ANY technical entire solo by Kilpatrick or Buddy Rich and your whole "only-human-beings-made-freaki­ng-legends" will make more sense.

[cadaverr]

If not, well, you're just pretending to be - and to do - what you are not (and cannot do). The rest was made of silly Babe Ruth comparisons when Buddy could be followed and witnessed by thousands of different pleople up close during many decades. You have no arguments, whatsoever, just cheap, coward, vaccumm words and poor rethorics with no arguments to back up your speech against my statements. Put your brain to work and give me a direct-to-the-point reply, brain dead. :(

[cadaverr]

p.s. And yes, your reply was funny enough to bring me back here, breaking my promise quite soon. No prob.

[mj320002]

RcRhythm is right. Don't by into Jim to much. He's good but he does have rhythm issues. If you ever have a clinic with him bring a metronome and ask him to play a tune along with it, you'll be surprised.

[cjcdrums]

RCRhythm's hands are way better than yours

I'd take his opinion over your fact any day

[cadaverr]

I don't agree. Give my new "(New) me playing a snare solo" video a chance (and adjust the brightness of your screen due to some darkened footage, unfortunately) and you'll see that I can play. While its totally true that RCRhythm's drum kit playing totall destroys mine, the same cannot be said about snare skills. I've been practising my rudiments for enough time, so to speak. Yeah, RCR can do some back sticking, but so can I (at the "me playing..." video I do some quite fast).

[cadaverr]

Its not that difficult. Also, you should consider that I'm totally self-taught and have just started playing rudiments 1 and a half year ago... I think it helps putting it into perspective. RCR is awesome, no doubt, but I can also play. Tricks, moeller, singles, finger/wrists, doubles, diddles, drags, flams, press rolls, one handed, stick on stick and all that stuff.

[DougDinsdale]

Response to cadaverr:

They're both great! Apples and oranges. I've heard both extensively and they're both giants.

Response to RCRhythm:

You probably saw a video of Jim showboating at a ceilidh after a week of work shops! Yeah, he made a mistake here or there. But at competitions - he's flawless.

[saxodoc]

Amazing chops!! It was just a stellar performance, and the level of difficulty/demand....well....n­eed I say more?

[RickCogley]

That is a huge solo. Wow. Lots of very, very insidiously difficult stuff in there to execute - not just a bunch of "note rams" but lots of unique stuff. And a wonderful sounding drum, too!

[kietey14]

Is it just me or does Rick have like THE BIGGEST SOUND ever on a single drum. I think his tunning is key but it's still so loud! Sick solo RICK SICK!!!

[malibu0323]

Yeah he is loud, but he is also using a High Volume drum. Look at the holes cut in the shell.

[kietey14]

hahaha lol didnt notice that lol