than us or our abilities. This is what makes each
player unique.
[Carl] Sometimes the best thing to do is wait.
Don’t play for a while. Look for a sound to fit in
for just a moment. Then get out again. Having
played orchestral music helped me understand
this a lot. Also, listen carefully as you play to
the balance and tone of all your parts and
how they work together. In modern music the
options are endless, but it’s important to find
just the right sound for just the right time. For
both drum set playing and percussion work I’m
always trying to discover the inspired sound.
A great musician is always listening… always
learning… always willing to do something a bit
different to bring inspiration to the moment.
Alex rehearsing with Richie Furay
[Julio] I compare the percussionist with a chef
using spices for cooking.
The percussionist is there to add flavor and
aroma to the music. We already have all the
important ingredients required for our dish, but
the spices can transform a meal by adding a
range of flavors, from a hint of sweetness to a
kick of heat.
The percussionist should enhance the taste of
the music, and even change and/or enhance
the color of the music.
If that can’t be achieved, why should we even
bother hiring a percussionist?
drums since the year 2001 and I absolutely love
“Hub caps, brake
family to me and it’s located only 75 miles away
from my house, so I get to visit them often, and
drums, Coke
I love hanging out with them.
signs, empty
Don Lombardi, his son Chris Lombardi, and
5-gallon water
John Good are some of the coolest people on
earth and the artist support that I get on the
road is fantastic! I have been able to get top-
bottles, and
of-the line backline and support all around the
toys… everything
is fair game.”
world and their instrument quality is simply the
best.
[Alex] Do you mix cymbal brands onstage, or
-Alex
[Alex] You cannot say enough about finesse,
everything about the company. It feels like a big
especially when you are talking about cymbals
do you stick with one brand?
[Julio] No, I don’t mix cymbals. I endorse
and worship. I’m often disappointed when
Paiste cymbals and I will travel with my own
drummers/percussionists don’t fully utilize the [Carl] Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute drums cymbals everywhere. Paiste cymbals to me are
full function of the cymbal. You can scrape are still my favorite. (22” Kick, 10”, 12”, 14” and the best cymbals in the world period, and they
it, hit the bell, play the edge, crash it, swell it 16” toms, and assorted snares.) Yes, I have are a huge part of my sound, so I always bring
with felt mallets, and even create a “moan” other drums, but that is my go-to kit. them with me, and stick to my sound.
the underside while holding the bell. A good [Todd] I have a GMS Special Edition 4pc kit [Todd] I usually stick with one brand if possible.
cymbal has a remarkable, emotional palate of that I love. It’s the perfect blend of vintage and Currently I am playing Amedia cymbals.
colors to use. modern. (24” kick ,13”,18” toms, and a 14”
sound simply by using a rubber mallet from
Black Beauty inspired custom snare).
What is your current drum kit of choice?
for live and studio playing right now. Great
[Julio] I have been proudly endorsing DW
142
[Carl] I love the Heartbeat Custom Dry series
November 2019
warm tones, and they don’t overpower the
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