Dave Weckl - Spur of the Moment -performed by Tom Geisler - Fran Merante Student

Ok! GREAT stuff going on here. First and foremost, Tom is tackling a CRAZY tune here. Quite challenging. And lets make one thing clear. When drummers hear "challenging", for some reason, they immediately think of crazy chops involved and a lot of notes. This is NOT what I am talking about here. The challenge here is maintaining a great feeling groove with a great pocket and nailing the hits AS PART OF THE BAND, transitioning into the different sections smoothly, and really focusing on PLAYING THE TUNE and not falling into the trap of overplaying. If chops happen to be a part of these focal points then so be it. Tom never uses his chops here just to flaunt them. Even during the solo, Tom has an opportunity to unleash some of his serious licks but chose to go the route of a focus on groove. Let us not forget, the point of a solo is not only to showcase the soloist but also to bridge the tune from point A to point B. Realizing this is what led Tom to go the route of groove. This is a funky tune. Funk is ALL ABOUT grooving. Tom's awareness of what needs to happen musically as opposed to what needs to happen to stroke his ego, is what makes Tom a great musician and I just love what he did with this tune!!

Tom also needs to be commended again and again for his willingness to do what it takes to continually grow as a musician. You see here that Tom has completely set himself up to record all of his projects. His willingness to buy the equipment necessary to learn basic recording/mixing techniques, as well as video editing techniques, and his patience in doing so, has now put him in a position to become exponentially better as a drummer. Tom had to spend much time away from his practice time behind his kit to devote his time to learning this. The sacrifice however is already paying huge dividends and will continue to do so as he continues to record himself and hear his tendencies and continues to learn what "works" and what doesn't "work" in certain musical situations.

Excellent work T!!

Fran

Category:

Music

Tags:

• geisler
• merante
• igoe
• weckl
• playalong
• DW
• drum
• workshop
• funk
• spur
• groove
• drummer
• vic
• firth
• essentials
• dave
• fran

[17drums]

VERY smooth and solid, Tom! I still can't get over the great sound you have. I was using straight mics and a board, but always wanted that studio sound that you have here--that PRO sound, (not possible of course without pro chops!) But I just got Cubase and Vegas. And though I'm a compignorant, (computer ignorant), I'm hoping for a better sound. What are you using for production, post-production?

[ttomsdw]

@17drums

Many thanks again, Dave. To start you have to have a well-tuned drum and it almost takes care of itself in the production process. I have 2 Presonus Firestudio Project interfaces (16 channels total), Sonar Cakewalk for the audio production, Audix microphones, Audio Technica mikes for the overheads - they are mounted to the ceiling to save floor space. Video production is with Sony Vegas Pro 9. Very little onboard effects - just a touch of reverb. 2 Flip Ultra HD cams.

-TG

[BV7814]

Good work ,congrats !

[ttomsdw]

@BV7814

Thank you once again for taking the time to leave a comment. Humbly appreciated.

-TG

[Redliner500]

Id like to see a cover of Brufords Hells Bells, Tom

[ttomsdw]

@Redliner500

I love that tune - consider it put on the list! Great suggestion. Thanks so much for watching. We love our fans!

-TG

[funkfanNo1]

Good quality video and sound. Good effort.

[cubefiend]

jesus this is tight tom!!

Great work as always!

- Nick

[ttomsdw]

@ChrisBakerDrummer

Thanks once again for your input and support, Chris. I'll be tweaking the process a little as I move forward.

-Tom Geisler

[ttomsdw]

@Ready4Show

Indeed Spiccoli!