DRUMS
THE MULTIPLE DRUMMERS & PERCUSSIONISTS CHALLENGE | Carl Albrecht
There’s a trend in modern worship to have two As a drummer, I usually look for the percussionist the part that already exists for the song. This is
drummers and multiple percussion players on a to “weave” their playing into mine. always my “default setting” for playing music.
team. This is a very powerful choice for a lot of The drummer is still “driving the bus” so to songs, but also super challenging. speak. The percussionist should never try to A great tool for checking out your sound is to
push or pull the tempo around. They should record everything you play. I’ve mentioned this
For drummers and percussionists to work always try to line up their time and feel to what in other drum articles, but it is really true for
together well, every aspect has to be in place. the drummer is doing. Of course, in modern every player. You can get a true perspective of
All players must really be “locked in” to the music the goal is precision for everyone. All the what you sound like when hearing the recording
tempo. Dynamically, they need to sound like players have to play with almost machine-like from any event you play. Be objective when
one unit and play at a volume appropriate accuracy, and yet make the music feel good. you listen, and decide if what you’re playing
for the music. Their parts must be carefully
really works with the music. If not, be mature
arranged to work well with each other, and to I’ve
heard
percussionists
say
that
their enough to make the proper adjustments. Listen
complement the rest of the group. For a great drummer doesn’t play well and that they have to carefully! Do you need to push your time more
reference check out the live video from Bethel’s overpower them to make the music work. This or layback to make the music feel good? Are
“We Will Not Be Shaken” project. It should be might be the case, but my first recommendation you too loud or too soft? Do you need to leave
studied by every modern worship band. is to work it out first. Get with your drummer out some ideas because there is just too much
and start practicing with a metronome, drum going on? Hearing a recording of yourself is one
loops, and sound tracks. Communicate with of the most educational tools you can use. Be
each other. Build a relationship where you think brave and do whatever it takes to improve your
like a team, and learn to help each other. Music work. Developing your drum and percussion
never feels good when there is a musical or team into a great music machine will make
personal battle on stage. you an honored and vital part your band. Stay
humble, and focus on making the music sound
I can always tell when the percussionist is not
great.
listening to what the drummer or the rest of the
band is doing. The part they play might conflict
with the hi-hat or ride cymbal part. Maybe they Psalm 133 – “How good and pleasant it is
are playing too busily. Filling every space with when we “groove” together in unity.”
some sound effect or percussion fill is like having The New King "Carl” Version (NKCV)
too much salt in your soup! I will actually discuss
with the percussionist about how we arrange Blessings,
our parts for the music. I might ask them to not Carl
play for a section. Maybe they should just color
the 1 st verse and chorus with sound effects, and
not do any “groove” parts until the 2 nd verse. It
all depends on the music! If there is a recording
to reference, both players should be copying
what was already “composed.” Yes, I think of
recorded music as a composition. Unless the
leader asks for some other interpretation, play
November 2018
Carl Albrecht
Professional drummer for 30+ years, playing with
Paul Baloche, Don Moen, Ron Kenoly, Abe Laboriel,
LeAnn Rimes and others. He’s also a clinician,
author & pastor.
Contact Carl for coaching, online lessons, producing,
or sessions. I’m still growing too..
www.CarlAlbrecht.com
WorshipMusician.com
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