Well, it's that time again ... and everyone can participate!
Here's what you need to do:
1.
Download one of the three MP3 accompaniment tracks (see below) to play to. This is what you'll listen to while playing your solo. Not only does the accompaniment provide a rhythmic-bed for you to play over, but it helps get everyone in the right tempo. The loop is in 4/4 at 85 bpm to the quarter-note. The accompaniment starts with a two-bar count-off (cowbell) followed by 24 measures of Bass groove. You will actually only need to groove/solo for 12 bars; the extra 12 bars is there in case you need more time to find a pocket.
- http://www.drummercafe.com/download/DC_Solo_Full_85bpm.mp3]Full Accompaniment @ 85 bpm
- http://www.drummercafe.com/download/DC_Solo_Bass_85bpm.mp3]Accompaniment - Bass only @ 85 bpm
- http://www.drummercafe.com/download/DC_Solo_Cowbell_85bpm.mp3]Accompaniment - Cowbell only @ 85 bpm
2.
Record yourself playing to the Solo Accompaniment track. Not everyone has their own recording studio ... and that's okay! Just do the best you can with what you have. Record only yourself, we don't need to hear the accompaniment track, that will be added in the final mix, in post-production, by myself. Depending on what everyone does, I may add other instruments to fill out the mix.
Feel free to just groove and add a few solo licks here and there if you want; you don't have to solo through the 12 measures. In fact we want more GROOVE this year! Also, don't allow yourself to be pigeonholed by the bass track. You can play straight or swung figures, it WILL work, but it's up to you and what you hear and want to play.
3. Something new this year:
Take a photo of you behind your drum or percussion set-up or video tape yourself performing. That's right, this year we are adding video to the mix. This is completely optional on your part, but in order to enter your solo I'll at least need a solo. Video can serve two purposes; the visual and the audio. Many people don't have a means to audio record their solos, but they do have access to a video camera. If you are pleased with the audio that you get from the video camera ... use it! NOTE: I do not want and will not accept separate audio/video files. I don't have time to try and sync everything, so just send a video of you performing OR an audio recording of your solo along with a still photo.
4.
Send your recording and photo to solo@drummercafe.com. We want to give everyone plenty of time to make their recording. My goal is to mix the project by the early part of June 2008. When it's time to send in your portion of the solo, I'll want it in a stereo mix, WAV or AIFF format; 44.1 kHz, 16 or 24 bit. Video can be in just about anything; MOV, AVI, WMV, MPG, etc.
MORE INFORMATIONFirst of all ...
this is NOT a contest, it's only an exhibition, so please ... no wagering! Seriously, this is going to be a Community Solo recording for everyone to participate in. You don't have to have professional recording gear, nor do you have to be an incredible soloist. Have fun, experiment and come up with some interesting things to say on your instrument. We want to hear you play, even if you just groove and keep time with the loop track.
I would suggest that
each person start by landing right on the downbeat of ONE at the beginning of their groove/solo. What you do after that is up to you! In prior years I've had soloists begin with a cymbal crash on the downbeat of ONE. This allowed me to know where you are starting in the phrase, and will help all of us clearly hear when one drummer stops and another starts. I'll include your username and photo with your solo, so that when people are listening to the final product, we'll know who's playing.
I prefer that you
not record the loop to your tracks, just record your drums or percussion. I'd like everyone to groove, solo or a mix of the two for 12 measures. Longer solos will not be used! The loop is long enough so that you'll have some time to get into the groove before you actually play. Please do not go over 12 bars;
we want many soloists rather than a few
long solos. I reserve the right to cut the solo down if need be.
12 measures at this tempo is close to 30 seconds for each individual.I will NOT be editing solos. What you send me is what will appear in the final mix of the Community Solo #4. Also, let's not Pro Tool or "fix" the solos to death. Play it the best you can ... and leave it alone. We want to hear you just as you are!
Please post to this thread when you have finished your solo recording. I'd like everyone to have their solo recorded by
May 31, 2008. This gives you over a month, so don't delay in getting this done. Late entries
will not be accepted ... so again, don't delay in recording your solo.
Have fun!
P.S. If you are not familiar with our community solo, click http://www.drummercafe.com/contents/download/CommunitySolo3.swf]HERE to listen to last years solo!
:D Awesome accompaniment track Bart! I'm going to feel right at home with this.
I love that track. That's going to be lots of fun.
Very nice...
Hannah
Groove! I'm in!
I will try to do it by Video. Sounds fun!!!!
Nutty
I'll be passing on the video. I don't want to damage your retina.
"...my eyes!..."
Hmmm, I'm tempted.... but unsure. :D
Bart - you just line up all the clips by ear? You don't want/need the reference?
Quote from: New York Frank on April 09, 2008, 05:07 PM
Bart - you just line up all the clips by ear? You don't want/need the reference?
If you start your groove/solo on beat one, then all I have to do is drag the solo to the beat one of the bar on the grid in Pro Tools. I have the reference track. I don't need you to record it again. You just send me your solo and I'll add the reference track later, mixing it where it needs to be. The track is just for you to play to so that we are all playing to the same thing. There are slight differences when putting to an MP3 as well as playing it back on different players, but for our purposes it's negligible.
In the words of Kaa the snake, from the Jungle Book ... "Trust in me!"
I've done this before! 8) | | (https://drummercafe.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dvdmg.com%2Fjunglebookpic4.gif&hash=c60664d1581898216f103e082f902ac10560bcf8) |
It would be very very easy for me to just have one bar of the bass/cowbell track and fade it out on the 4& for you to line it up perfectly, or even just start the mp3 in line with beat 4 (and have it silent).
I'm just a little anxious that if this is about groove, and things are being lined up based on the position of the first beat, that the whole groove could end up being shifted slightly back or forwards.
You don't have to start on the first bar. I've provided you a 24-bar loop to play 12-bars of groove/solo. Start on bar 9 if want, it doesn't matter. The track is just a guide. The only thing you need to be concerned with is playing 12 measures in time.
Quote from: Antman on April 09, 2008, 09:39 PM
It would be very very easy for me to just have one bar of the bass/cowbell track and fade it out on the 4& for you to line it up perfectly, or even just start the mp3 in line with beat 4 (and have it silent).
I'm just a little anxious that if this is about groove, and things are being lined up based on the position of the first beat, that the whole groove could end up being shifted slightly back or forwards.
Again, you really need to trust me on this. This isn't my first pool party, so to speak. I've been recording and engineering for almost two decades ... and we have had people record this way for the past three Drummer Cafe Community Solos.
You adding or keeping part of the track then fading it does me no good because I'm not going to line clicks up. It's your first downbeat that matters. This is why I've had people put a Crash on beat one of their solo. If this was a full-on recording project, sure, but this is just a 12-bar solo/groove. Unless you have a DAW, your player and recorder are not going to have any time clock to keep things accurate. An MP3 isn't perfect either. So adding a click at the top and fading just doesn't matter.
I sometimes have to slide tracks a few milliseconds to compensate for everyone's players. We aren't trying to win a Grammy here; this isn't a contest. Just have fun!
I do have a DAW but okay fair enough. (This forum needs a big thumbs up emoticon someday ;D)
That bass line melted my face off. Excellent.
I am really looking forward to submitting this year, and I like the accompaniment.
Quote from: Antman on April 10, 2008, 09:29 PM
I do have a DAW but okay fair enough. (This forum needs a big thumbs up emoticon someday ;D)
That's cool.
Well, if you do have a DAW set-up, create a grid, set the tempo to 85 bpm in 4/4 time, drop the accompaniment track in at the zero mark and play away. I'll be able to just drop your performance in with no problems. You can always crop the part that you want, finding the 12 bars you like best and send it to me. You'll be able to tell if everything lines up with the track. If you bounce/render your performance starting at zero, or exactly with the first downbeat of the bar you are starting ... it will be golden. ;D
Done ! I emailed my mp3 and jpeg files today.
paul
Haven't been around the Cafe in a while, but nothin' like the ol' community solo to get me back in the mix. I haven't missed one yet and I don't plan to miss this one. File will be coming soon!
All done! The video is being sent through cyberspace.
Can't wait to hear/see the final version.
Thanks for all your work Bart!!
Can i play with tabla drum? ;)
Quote from: tablaji71 on April 21, 2008, 05:31 AM
Can i play with tabla drum? ;)
Absolutely ... any drum or percussion instrument is welcome ... including mallet percussion!
Are we allowed to multi track in some percussion? I got some new toys for my birthday I'd love to include in there, partly because I want to learn how they sound in this context. :D
Namely my Djembe and some Indian drums I don't yet know the name of.
Quote from: Antman on April 21, 2008, 07:31 AM
Are we allowed to multi track in some percussion? I got some new toys for my birthday I'd love to include in there, partly because I want to learn how they sound in this context. :D
Namely my Djembe and some Indian drums I don't yet know the name of.
I would ask that you not do that. Just create a set-up and show us what you do ... without multi-tracking.
Remember to video tape your performance ... OR ... record your audio performance and send a photo of you playing your set-up.
Can I send an MP3 via soundclick?
Quote from: stevesmithfan on April 22, 2008, 02:17 PM
Can I send an MP3 via soundclick?
Sure, if that works best for you. It just creates more work (time) on my part. ;)
Sent mine in. It's not my best playing and I'm not all that happy with it to be perfectly honest. But it's the first time since July that I've played my drumset without mutes and I figured I might as well submit it. Right after this take I could hear my neighbor upstairs so I decided I'd better not make any more noise today.
You have my sincere sympathies.
I can remember trying to play in an apartment many years ago, and the neighbor below me gave me No slack. Forget about any later night stuff - if I dared touch the drums even at 6:00pm it was instant banging on the ceiling. It really stressed me.
I'm sure the clip you sent to Bart is cool.
Keep your eye on the prize - which is to someday get out of that apartment. :)
Keep sending in your solos ... the video clips are working perfectly!!! ;D
As I'm currently moving from my appt. to a real house, My drum is sleeping in my room for the next month :(
I'll record something though, with what I have on hand, I'll try to be as creative as possible with what I find here ;)
Quote from: AutoCrat on April 25, 2008, 02:27 PM
As I'm currently moving from my appt. to a real house, My drum is sleeping in my room for the next month :(
I'll record something though, with what I have on hand, I'll try to be as creative as possible with what I find here ;)
you could record your drum snoring?
... those snarebeds and kick drum pillows come in handy, eh?
ok ... I'll stop. :-X
Right on, cool groove...this will be fun! ;D
I sent mines.
As bad as I want to do it this year, I am not sure I am going to make it. I am having big problems on the marriage after 20+ years and I even have the camera this year to do it live. I am having surgery tomorrow so it ain't looking good this year. I am looking forward to hearing the rest of you though. Maybe if Bart extends a few weeks I can come up with something?
Nutty
Quote from: drumnut1 on May 07, 2008, 04:37 PM
As bad as I want to do it this year, I am not sure I am going to make it. I even have the camera this year to do it live. I am having surgery tomorrow so it ain't looking good this year. I am looking forward to hearing the rest of you though. Maybe if Bart extends a few weeks I can come up with something?
I can most definitely extend the deadline. I just wanted to get it done, so there's no rush at all. It's just going to take some time to put it all together, but it's not that involved. I won't be able to record my solo until after I return from the Chicago Drum Show.
If possible, try to have it done by June 1
st. If you (or anyone) needs more time beyond that, I can do it as long as you let me know in advance.
I suddenly have a cam corder or whadjamacallit available, and a sort of idea for the solo. Nothing "big" or even slightly complex but I'd like to try to fit in... If the tuning and overall acoustics don't ruin it, and is deemed acceptable. Hopefully Sunday.
I sorta kinda have an idea, too, and I can't bring myself to record it because of:
- Previous red light nastiness
- My mic is terrible and won't do this justice
I'm going to try to turn it around one way or another this weekend.
FYI ... I've extended the deadline for entries to May 31st, 2008.
The video entries are working great, so if you can record your groove via video that would be best. Do what you can and have fun!
This is an exhibition, not a competition, so please ... no wagering. ;D
I have mine done. It is just soooooooooo amazing ;D
Really, I had fun with this one. I will send you a pic or two maybe 3? later Bartman.
Thanks for the extension. I need it. Didn't get to it with Mother's Day duties,
and this week is off to a nasty start at work.
Later. And thanks again.
I just have sent mine... And looking forward to listen the whole community solo.
Just submitted mine!
Bart, I took some pics of me too. Do I send those to the same email address?
thnx
me.
Quote from: felix on May 23, 2008, 05:18 PM
Bart, I took some pics of me too. Do I send those to the same email address?
That will be fine. Send to the same address so I know what they pertain to.
Thanks!
Quote from: felix on May 23, 2008, 05:18 PM
Bart, I took some pics of me too. Do I send those to the same email address?
thnx
me.
Should we be a-scared? ;) ;D
Just sent in my abomination poopie contribution.
I sent mine in yesterday.
EEK.
Just sent mine. Hope it arrived ok.
I bet mine is the simplest entry submitted.
Oh we are not allowed to wager. :D
Quote from: felix on May 28, 2008, 06:03 AM
I bet mine is the simplest entry submitted.
Oh we are not allowed to wager. :D
Umm - don't forget - I entered this year. :D
My clip is not a Solo. It's a groove with a coupla - very simple - fills.
Done.
If I pondered it any more, I never would have sent anything in.
[The joke I was going to insert in my clip, but didn't, was:
Interweaving the 50 Ways Groove. :) ]
As the new guy, I sent mine in. It's kind of cute. :)
Just sent mine, and now I'm off to Cancun for a week. ;D
Just submitted mine. Can't wait to hear everyone's interpretation.
-Vik ;D
I am not going to make it this year. Just to much happening with Life right now. Can't wait to hear some of the members that I haven't heard before. Sounds exciting with all these new ones.
Nutty
Excited to hear what everyone's come up with... I was hoping to get a late entry in but we had a sudden change of situation at work (where my kit was) and now I am currently without a space to play or practice in (aside from the practice pad).
So, hope someone did what I was thinking of doing so I can live vicariously through it. :D
My son wanted to participate, so I uploaded a groove from him. He joined the school band on snare drum and is just getting started.
Argh. Looks like I'm not going to make the deadline. Life got too busy the past few weeks. :(
It's going to take me awhile to get this all put together, so if you think you can get your solo done this next week ... DO IT! ;D
I haven't recorded mine ... and David Crigger is going to contribute a solo as well, so I'm waiting on his as well.
Quote from: Bart Elliott on May 31, 2008, 12:11 PM
It's going to take me awhile to get this all put together, so if you think you can get your solo done this next week ... DO IT! ;D
I have a camera at home Bart. I just sent you a PM to ask a question. It may still be possible? I will have to work on it after work. My next day off is next Friday so I would really be pushing it.
Nutty
Goody! I just got back in town after an overseas junket. Will lay it down the first part of next week, but if you're ready to launch, don't hold the catapult for me.
OK, I started working on it tonight. I may make it after all. ;D
Nutty
I feel like someone who gets to school, hears what everyone else did to study for a test, and realizes I didn't study enough. :o
Maybe I should withdraw mine. :-\
Quote from: New York Frank on May 31, 2008, 11:15 PM
I feel like someone who gets to school, hears what everyone else did to study for a test, and realizes I didn't study enough. :o
Maybe I should withdraw mine. :-\
If it makes you feel any better mine was just the first thing that came to mind when I hit record and sat behind the drums. I did two takes and left it at that.
It Does make me feel better. :)
When I did it, I just decided to do it, put it on, played two takes, and picked one.
Total elapsed time, with getting the mic out :) about 5 minutes.
[But, the amount of effort Will be reflected in the final product. :) ]
Frank,
Don't worry about it. This was all about groovin'. It wasn't a chop fest. I worked on mine some last night and how much chops can you put into a funk beat? It is all about feel. This one was fun. Why worry about it? Sometimes, less is best anyway.
I love this rhythm. This one was really fun for me. I will record my final product tonight. I will try to do it in two or three takes too.
Nutty
Quote from: New York Frank on June 01, 2008, 07:25 AM
It Does make me feel better. :)
When I did it, I just decided to do it, put it on, played two takes, and picked one.
Total elapsed time, with getting the mic out :) about 5 minutes.
[But, the amount of effort Will be reflected in the final product. :) ]
Hey Frank,
My wife has very little patience with me these days, ::) so I am sending the first take.
Don't feel bad, I am sure there are drummers on here that will smoke my &^%, :'( but it was fun. DONE!!! ;D
Nutty
Hi Bart..I was away on business..I just got back..is it too late to submit my solo? Also ...it should be no more than two min...not sure?Thanks Chris :)
Quote from: snaresoff on June 01, 2008, 10:32 PM
Hi Bart..I was away on business..I just got back..is it too late to submit my solo? Also ...it should be no more than two min...not sure?Thanks Chris :)
It's not too late.
The groove solo should just be 12 bars; playing along with the bass accompaniment track.
Great! Gonna get to it! Thanks for the speedy reply Bart. Peace Chris :)
Dang! I totally missed the cutoff date! Oh well, next time! ~Kat
Quote from: Bart Elliott on May 31, 2008, 12:11 PM
David Crigger is going to contribute a solo as well, so I'm waiting on his as well.
That's awesome. David is just such an incredible player.
Bart - what's the outlook for posting the final product?
8)
Quote from: New York Frank on June 03, 2008, 09:15 AM
Bart - what's the outlook for posting the final product?
When everyone who has asked for more time gets their submission to me ... and I get the time to mix the final product. ;D
Thanks to the date extension that allowed my kids to start summer vacation, I finally had a chance to sit down and try a few takes. I'll get it out tonight FWIW.
I have to mic a new kit up to test it tomorrow, I am going to see if I can quickly put something down & send it straight away.. Hopefully it will be in time..
:)
N
When you hear my clip, you'll also hear how long I took to *mic* the kit.
About - 15 seconds. ;)
With - yeah, baby - a Radio Shack mic.
I Should be in the running for worst tone of the bunch. Yeah.
I've been mixing the solos for the last few days; I'm about half-way done. Being that there is video and photos, as well as text labels (showing your name and username) it takes a little longer to make it all nice and pretty.
If you are going to send a video in, you need to do so by this weekend as I'm planning to show this on DCTV next week!
Don't delay ... get your groove in today! ;D
Mine will be in video format and be with you for Saturday evening if that's ok..
:)
N
Quote from: Bart Elliott on June 06, 2008, 09:44 AM
I've been mixing the solos for the last few days; I'm about half-way done. Being that there is video and photos, as well as text labels (showing your name and username) it takes a little longer to make it all nice and pretty.
If you are going to send a video in, you need to do so by this weekend as I'm planning to show this on DCTV next week!
Don't delay ... get your groove in today! ;D
I plan to get to mine this evening since I didn't take that gig.
12 bars, right? (or was it 10 bars and two strip joints?) :)
Shewwwwwww....doing mine this weekend as well!
Thanks Bart!
Hannah
Nothing like a deadline to kick everyone into gear! :)
Quote from: Jim R. on June 06, 2008, 12:59 PM
Nothing like a deadline to kick everyone into gear! :)
Just like school. :)
Man, this is great. Hannah is going to make it and Dave is too. I knew you all wouldn't miss getting in!!!! ;D. How many do we have this year so far Bart?
Are you going to set a record?
Nutty
This is the fourth year?!?! :o
My my, where has the time gone?
Quote from: drumnut1 on June 06, 2008, 04:13 PM
How many do we have this year so far Bart?
Are you going to set a record?
We have about the same number as last year; around 20.
Once I get all of this weekend's solos in ... there may be more than that.
I wanted to mention, as a learning process to
everyone, that when you submit a solo like this, don't crop or edit the solo before you send it to me. Many of you cut the release or downbeat of the final note of the solo, which makes the overall mix sound very choppy.
In the future, if you have to play a 12-bar solo/groove ... it's best to NOT play ANY pick-up notes ... because you now are cutting into the solo before you. Yes, I can edit it out. Also, be sure to play a downbeat in the 13th bar/measure to end the solo.
A rule of thumb is to give more, not less. I can cut and reduce, but I can't/won't add ... meaning I can always remove if there's too much, but I can't add to your solo. ;D
Sorry about the pick up Bart. Cutting it will be fine. It was the only place I could think of to stick a cow bell in there. (thinking of Louis) ;D. I am sure what ever you do will be fine. I can't wait to hear/see everyone this year. The goove you gave us to work with was really COOL. ;D
Nutty
Quote from: drumnut1 on June 07, 2008, 09:48 AM
Sorry about the pick up Bart. Cutting it will be fine. It was the only place I could think of to stick a cow bell in there. (thinking of Louis) ;D. I am sure what ever you do will be fine. I can't wait to hear/see everyone this year. The goove you gave us to work with was really COOL. ;D
FYI ... I wasn't singling you out; no need to apologize. I can always cut that out, but I can't make the solo longer ... and some people did their own editing before sending me their solos. Again, no worries ... just wanted to make this an educational/learning opportunity for everyone.
HA! Mine had a pick-up too! I just couldn't help it! I'm sure Bart can fix it!
Quote from: felix on May 28, 2008, 06:03 AM
I bet mine is the simplest entry submitted.
If we could, I would ;D
Mine is not what you would expect from me at all...
Very restrained...
;)
N
Finished. Sending it in as I type here.
Well, once again find myself challenged at just trying to produce a simple recording. LOL
Actually Dad and I started the day yesterday with good intentions and we experienced an awful equipment melt down with some brand new gear. I thought Dad was gonna stroke. I keep telling him he's getting to old to get so worked up. LOLOLOL
Anyway, as a last resort at the deadline we just shot a very low quality video with a digital camera. Although a bit apprehensive about sending something so crappy I did not want to be left out. I honestly asked Bart to be totally honest and if he didn't think it was worthy to leave it out and I would understand.
So we'll see what Mr. Elliot thinks and take it from there.
Sure is great to see so many others participating!
Peace Love & Drums...
Hannah
I am really looking forward to seeing this and hearing it. Wish I had gotten involved but it just didn't work out this year. Maybe next year.
I'm going to miss James Walker's solo this year.
That guy was just an amazing person/intellect and very cool player.
Last I heard he was assimilated by the T.B. (of New Jersey) forum.
He's a CN man- that makes sense.
Quote from: felix on June 09, 2008, 05:14 AM
I'm going to miss James Walker's solo this year.
That guy was just an amazing person/intellect and very cool player.
Yep, quite right he was
the man...
Much Missed..
N
P.S. where did 563 go while we are on the subject?
Quote from: Hannah Ford on June 08, 2008, 10:16 PM
Anyway, as a last resort at the deadline we just shot a very low quality video with a digital camera. Although a bit apprehensive about sending something so crappy I did not want to be left out. I honestly asked Bart to be totally honest and if he didn't think it was worthy to leave it out and I would understand.
So we'll see what Mr. Elliot thinks and take it from there.
I'm sure what you sent in sounds great. If he filtered yours out, he'd Have to
filter mine out. :) Mine sounds like it was recorded with a Fischer Price
tape recorder.
(https://drummercafe.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F51R7A4JRD2L._SL500_AA280_.jpg&hash=41631947345a7d6c402777e8e854a3098ed06018)
Quote from: Nick on June 09, 2008, 07:33 AM
Yep, quite right he was the man...
Much Missed..
N
P.S. where did 563 go while we are on the subject?
Mark is pretty much onto other things. Drums to him were more of a side thing. Subsequently his penchant for liberal discourse probably probably focused his online time elsewhere. Last I heard he checks in once in awhile but does not participate with the rest of the peeps.
I'm going to release the Community Solo tomorrow, featuring it on DCTV. If you are going to submit a solo I really need you to do so by midnight tonight; June 9th.
WOW...under the wire..maybe even about an hour late :-\ we got an audio done that I think is a little better than the vid I had sent in earlier.
We definitely had to work for it. My Dad was using a Vegas program that just was NOT cooperating. He ended up killing Vegas and using Pro tools....
OH well...we got it done.
Hope all is well for everyone...
Hannah
Quote from: Bart Elliott on June 07, 2008, 09:02 AM
We have about the same number as last year; around 20.
Once I get all of this weekend's solos in ... there may be more than that.
I wanted to mention, as a learning process to everyone, that when you submit a solo like this, don't crop or edit the solo before you send it to me. Many of you cut the release or downbeat of the final note of the solo, which makes the overall mix sound very choppy.
In the future, if you have to play a 12-bar solo/groove ... it's best to NOT play ANY pick-up notes ... because you now are cutting into the solo before you. Yes, I can edit it out. Also, be sure to play a downbeat in the 13th bar/measure to end the solo.
A rule of thumb is to give more, not less. I can cut and reduce, but I can't/won't add ... meaning I can always remove if there's too much, but I can't add to your solo. ;D
Ooh, I think mine is one of those. I wish I had seen this before I went to Cancun, I could've fixed it.
I didn't put in a pickup fill but I did leave in the cowbell count so bartman could line it up. Should not be a big deal to do a quick chop. Awe, my bad! ;D
I fixed mine, sorry bout that Bart! 8)
Okay ... I'm rendering the video right now ... so NO MORE ENTRIES!!! ;D
Here are the solos that I have:
Hannah Ford
diddle
Jim R.
Ryan
Shoeless
Gaetano Nicolosi
Felix
Sphykik
Drum Count
New York Frank
Antman
scarmike67
Rhythm Stop
Nathan
Varbed
Drum4JC
nuttydrum1
Nick
Dave Heim
David Crigger
and myself
That's 20 entries ... plus I did two solos (one on Djembe and another on a hybrid drum set-up). Total solos: 22
I basically put all of the solos in the order I received them. The exceptions being that I placed Hannah's first because she was the last entry, and it was easier to add to the front of the project ... plus she's got some funky moves that set-up the whole thing rather nicely. ;D David Crigger closes out the solos ... no surprize there, it's David Crigger ... but when you hear what he played, you'll understand another reason.
Since some people had pick-ups to their solos, and others chopped off the end of their solo, I moved a few around to take advantage of the situation. I mixed the project the best that I could with the limited amount time, and the fact that all the solos were at different levels. I hope everyone will be pleased.
I'll premier the community solo on DCTV as soon as I can get everything rendered and uploaded ... hopefully by later tonight.
Bring it on. :)
And thanks for all the time you put in on this.
I have seen and heard it.
It's tons of fun!
Let's do it again! ;)
My wife just checked it out.
Her feedback: "Good job, but you need to buy a new mic."
Ya think?
;D
Quote from: Bart Elliott on June 10, 2008, 02:52 PMDavid Crigger closes out the solos ... no surprize there, it's David Crigger ... but when you hear what he played, you'll understand another reason.
Uh yeah. Never would have thought of his approach to this but I absolutely loved it. There was some great playing in this solo. Good job guys.
Well from Frank's post you probably already figured out that the Community Solo is now up on DCTV. We had 21 participants total and the entire community solo lasts over 12 minutes!
I hope that everyone is pleased with their solos and the way I mixed it. Congratulations to you all and thank you for participating.
I wanted to publicly apologize to Scarmike67. His 12-year-old son submitted a solo this year but unfortunately I was unable to use it or find a place for it because there were only 10 bars in his solo rather than 12. The Community Solo was set-up for 12 measures per soloist, and throwing a 10 measure solo in there was creating too much havoc for me, so I had to give up. Hopefully he will contribute again next time.
Very cool work everybody! 8)
And thanks Bart for putting it all together so well.
It's great to hear them all together, and Felix.. This just once again proves why you are 'da man!' (https://drummercafe.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hidden-smileys.com%2Fimg%2Fyahoo-hidden-smileys-28.gif&hash=3a86a2711647437b8630ebbfd14744914cf5d70f)
Cheers
;D
N
Quote from: New York Frank on June 10, 2008, 09:32 PM
My wife just checked it out.
Her feedback: "Good job, but you need to buy a new mic."
Ya think?
;D
It wasn't bad Frank. I don't think the camera I borrowed had great sound quality either but it got the point across. Thank you Bart for putting my pick up in there. I thought you would edit it out. I really enjoyed watching this year and Great job to all of you ;D.
The added pic's and Video, putting a face with the drummer was great 8). Thanks again Bart for all the hard work. With all the stuff I am knee deep in this year, I am glad I even made it in ::). Looking forward to next year.
Nutty
Too cool, awesome job everybody!
Wow...what a fun project!!!
I was so close to throwing in the towell this year because of recording challenges we faced at the last minute. I'm glad it all worked out.
Bart thank you for the extra time to help pull all of this together. Knowing how long it can take and how frustrating it can be just doing one solo, I can't imagine trying to piece all of this together coming at you from all over the world.
The other solos were great. Really exciting as you wait for one solo idea to come to an end and another is getting ready to start.
So glad to be part of the DC family.
Hannah
Great job, everyone!
It's always amazing to me how creative our community is here. Everyone had the same track to play to, but there were so many very interesting different sounds and feels.
Thank you to all the participants for making this year's solo a smashing (crashing, thumping, banging) success!
What? Nick you are toooooo flattering, you must have my playing confused with someone else. I just work here my friend. Check out my new vintage tubs in gear today. Hopefully you will dig *even though you are a Tama endorser now* ;D
It was incredibly fun having the videos to watch, too.
Next year, I gotta do video.
Bart - most outstanding editing.
I think DFC actually played less notes than I did.
Genius.
Gaetano always has a great sound and feel.
Good job Nathan and very nice playing.
I was actually going to play a shuffle feel along the lines of David Crigger. I'm so glad I didn't. I love you man, you were one of my very first influences!
And the rest of you guys played very well. Varbed, your sonor toms sounded GREAT!
Awesome playing, editing and everything else Bart. You got it all happening man. Thanks it was fun.
Great job everyone! That was a blast!! It was very cool to listen to all the grooves and ideas.
Thanks for all your hard work Bart! Very nice editing and I really dig your scratchy cymbal on the djembe sound.
Despite some complaining about the mics, I think many of you could make a career out of the cool snare sounds you're getting. That was a fun part; listening to each snare sound.
I loved everyones effort. I realized again that playing to a click/part is not that easy, and then many of you like Bart, Gaetano, David, and others show how its done, and play right in the pocket.
One of my favorites is Shoeless, cool linear sounds in groups of 3. Also, NY Frank you passion comes out in your playing and your smile! Nick, that be reserved, but I still want to thrash my head to it.
Your solo was pretty good if I recall as well Jim R
I've had a few questions about the "drum" set-up I used for my second solo. The Kick drum was an African drum about the size/shape of a 14" Floor Tom. The Snare was a Pork Pie 6x10 "popcorn" Snare. The HiHats ... bottom cymbal was a 7" Splivet (homemade w/two rivets), top cymbal was an 8" Sabian AAX Splash. I didn't do any close micking or EQ; if I had time I would have liked to ... but it was a last minute solo that I wanted to do; recorded it yesterday afternoon.
Probably obvious to many, but the drum groove was a hybrid
"Cissy Strut" feel that I wanted to try.
Quote from: Jim R. on June 11, 2008, 09:34 AM
One of my favorites is Shoeless, cool linear sounds in groups of 3.
It was interesting, especially since he played it as straight sixteenths as opposed to the swung feel that the bass track had. Just goes to show that if you play with conviction ... it
can work.
Quote from: Jim R. on June 11, 2008, 09:34 AM
Great job everyone! That was a blast!! It was very cool to listen to all the grooves and ideas.
Thanks for all your hard work Bart! Very nice editing and I really dig your scratchy cymbal on the djembe sound.
Despite some complaining about the mics, I think many of you could make a career out of the cool snare sounds you're getting. That was a fun part; listening to each snare sound.
I loved everyones effort. I realized again that playing to a click/part is not that easy, and then many of you like Bart, Gaetano, David, and others show how its done, and play right in the pocket.
One of my favorites is Shoeless, cool linear sounds in groups of 3. Also, NY Frank you passion comes out in your playing and your smile! Nick, that be reserved, but I still want to thrash my head to it.
Yea I agree....the djembe was very nice....the whole thing is just a lot of fun.
Hannah
Quote from: Bart Elliott on June 11, 2008, 10:09 AM
I've had a few questions about the "drum" set-up I used for my second solo. The Kick drum was an African drum about the size/shape of a 14" Floor Tom. The Snare was a Pork Pie 6x10 "popcorn" Snare. The HiHats ... bottom cymbal was a 7" Splivet (homemade w/two rivets), top cymbal was an 8" Sabian AAX Splash. I didn't do any close micking or EQ; if I had time I would have liked to ... but it was a last minute solo that I wanted to do; recorded it yesterday afternoon.
Probably obvious to many, but the drum groove was a hybrid "Cissy Strut" feel that I wanted to try.
It was interesting, especially since he played it as straight sixteenths as opposed to the swung feel that the bass track had. Just goes to show that if you play with conviction ... it can work.
Yeah, Bart, that kit really cut thru the mix nice. Good playing as usual bro! LOLz!
To me the groove had more of a 16th note triplet shuffle but with wider/straighter feel to it than a regular blues shuffle and probably why David's shuffle (texas meets a chicago shuffle at the Greenmill?) fit so nicely in between the cracks. It's almost as if it could have been played straight or swung but worked best in between. Maybe I'm flipping out; But it felt in between duple and triple meter.
Did you synthesize the loop on a grid this time Bart or did you actually play it on some keys live and to the click? May I ask?
Hey Felix,
REALLY enjoyed your groove....very cool
Hannah
Flattery will get you everywhere Hannah ;D
Well the intent was to have draggy, pulling feel to it and of course with lots of space. It can be difficult for me to hold that vibe but I think I got it happening a couple of times. What ev.
Ok back to my day job!
Quote from: felix on June 11, 2008, 09:55 AM
Your solo was pretty good if I recall as well Jim R
Thanks Felix.
I don't think I hit was I was going for. I meant to rerecord it and get rid of the quirkiness, but I didn't have the time to do so.
Quote from: felix on June 11, 2008, 10:28 AM
Did you synthesize the loop on a grid this time Bart or did you actually play it on some keys live and to the click? May I ask?
The bass track was not played/recorded live. That being said, it wasn't quantized to the point of being exactly sixteenth-note triplets either. The reason was so that people could play, interpret and do exactly what they did. 8)
Quote from: Hannah Ford on June 11, 2008, 10:35 AM
Hey Felix,
REALLY enjoyed your groove....very cool
Hannah
LOL just wanted to read that again.
Hey Hannah, I'm mad at you and I will tell you why:
Your dbl paradiddles over a dbl bass groove is MINE. You are a stinker cause you just might play it as well as I do at 17 than I do at 41 >:( ;D
Thanks Felix....
Next time (since it's yours) I'll ask permission to use it. LOL
Thanks for the compliment!!
Hannah
A couple more stand out things:
Hannah's opening crashes to super powerfully. What a way to start out!!
Drumcount for throwing in the cowbell diddles. nice!
Rhythm Stop for living up to your name and putting some space in there.
Bart, those hats were only 7" or 8"? I thought they were like 10"s.
What a great compilation and I raise my glass to all of you who participated .. it truly was great fun to see and hear you guys play. I hope that in a year I am good enough and that I feel brave enough to participate.
Quote from: Jim R. on June 11, 2008, 11:47 AM
Rhythm Stop for living up to your name and putting some space in there.
Thanks! Although it wasn't very much space. :)
It's definitely cool to hear everyone's different ideas. I'm going through it a second time (and maybe a third) to see what I really dig.
Just want to congrats everyones who participated, it was nice & entertaining.
I enjoyed ;)
Two times bravo !!
Outstanding job, everyone!
Just wanted to say I enjoyed hearing and watching this solo... the video component was great and made it easier to get an idea of who was playing at any given time.
Dug a lot of the playing. Hope I get to participate next year. :) (And hopefully I will be back with a practice space soon.)
Wow, very nice job by everyone! Bart, I really appreciate the effort and time you put into this. Perhaps odd, but after watching the video I want to reup my VIP membership.
I'm kicking myself for not contributing, because playing to this kind of loop is right up my alley. I regretted not sending in anything for the three prior community solos, but I really regret missing this one.
I hope next year's will be nearly the same. The advantage of using a loop like this is it allows drummers to play a groove and mix in other types of playing along the way. I shy away from the all out solo.
Quote from: Nick on June 11, 2008, 03:37 AM
Very cool work everybody! 8)
And thanks Bart for putting it all together so well.
It's great to hear them all together, and Felix.. This just once again proves why you are 'da man!'
Cheers
;D
N
Love to read about how cool I am! LOLz 8) :D ;D
yeah, the DC TV really wanted me to re subscribe to my VIP membership. I really enjoy this place anyways.
So Nick and I were talking offline and he wanted me to comment about his copper snare drum. I actually think the compact punchy tone of it compliments his style and genre very well. He asked if he should go for a brass drum; well, I would guess brass would be more open sounding than copper if that is what you want but I'd say the copper would have a heavier vibe to it. Which is cool right?
I mean everyone has a brass snare. Gawd! ;)
That was a
good recording you did dude! YOU
always sound great and like yourself. Not easy to get your own sound happening.
Quote from: felix on June 12, 2008, 07:52 AM
That was a good recording you did dude! YOU always sound great and like yourself. Not easy to get your own sound happening.
I think my friends camera didn't capture the Audio very well.
I am going to have to invest in some better equipment. Most of the recordings came out very nicely so I agree with you Felix, as far as people were able to capture there sound and I heard some great snare tone.
You could tell the difference in Equipment big time on this. Hannah had great tone as well as Gaetano. David Criggers tone really impressed me too and Barts sound quality was great as always. The drummer that played after me had some of the best tone I heard on the list.
You guys Rocked,
Nutty
Yeah but Nutty, so what? Your groove was happening and that is the most important thing. Bart probably had to compress the files even more so the sound quality is not going to be as sweet sounding as it is in your studio.
Now Frank takes the cake for the absolute most garage band sounding recording. That in itself is feat to be reckoned with ;D Good job bro! LOLz funny stuff.
Quote from: felix on June 12, 2008, 08:11 AM
Yeah but Nutty, so what? Your groove was happening and that is the most important thing. Bart probably had to compress the files even more so the sound quality is not going to be as sweet sounding as it is in your studio.
Now Frank takes the cake for the absolute most garage band sounding recording. That in itself is feat to be reckoned with ;D Good job bro! LOLz funny stuff.
Yeah - it sounded like it was recorded underwater. Even my wife noticed.
Good news is - she'll understand when I eventually spend a few dollars
on a real mic.
Quote from: felix on June 12, 2008, 08:05 AM
So Nick and I were talking offline and he wanted me to comment about his copper snare drum. I actually think the compact punchy tone of it compliments his style and genre very well. He asked if he should go for a brass drum; well, I would guess brass would be more open sounding than copper if that is what you want but I'd say the copper would have a heavier vibe to it. Which is cool right?
I mean everyone has a brass snare. Gawd! ;)
That was a good recording you did dude! YOU always sound great and like yourself. Not easy to get your own sound happening.
Thanks Felix,
That's good info thanks!
I have also been chatting with Ryan (Ryno) about this snare, he was so amazingly helpful with the starclassic burbinga information, (superb guy, really, really helpful!) and he has also given me some killer info & also sent me a recording of his tama brass shell which was incredibly useful!
I think I am definitely going to keep this snare now 8)
Thanks Guys!
:)
N
Twas great guys, had loads of fun.
It's great being able to put faces/music/drums to peoples screen names now too.
Quote from: Antman on June 12, 2008, 08:59 AM
Twas great guys, had loads of fun.
It's great being able to put faces/music/drums to peoples screen names now too.
Hey bro, I enjoyed your playing, and you submitted a cool pic.
I remember your segment vividly - cuz it comes right before mine.
:)
Quote from: New York Frank on June 12, 2008, 09:03 AM
Hey bro, I enjoyed your playing, and you submitted a cool pic.
I remember your segment vividly - cuz it comes right before mine.
:)
Yah, really made a point about how much more important playing is rather than recording equipment/techniques :P
Really dug your groove.
I have to keep rewatching it, and absorbing everyones groove... mmmmmmm grooove *drools, Homer Simpson style*
FYI ... Drum Count didn't send in a picture, which is why I gave him a photo (The Unknown Comic). Thought it was appropriate. 8)
Quote from: Antman on June 12, 2008, 08:59 AM
Twas great guys, had loads of fun.
It's great being able to put faces/music/drums to peoples screen names now too.
Hey Antman,
Watched it again last night with Dad and we both really dug your groove....I hear something different everytime....lol
Again, this was great fun and I agree it's great placing faces with names.
Hannah
Quote from: New York Frank on June 12, 2008, 08:34 AM
Yeah - it sounded like it was recorded underwater. Even my wife noticed.
Good news is - she'll understand when I eventually spend a few dollars
on a real mic.
I actually liked your recorded sound, the killa groove helped no doubt, but there was something
gloriously low-fi about it, and there is plenty of Pro Tools plug-ins that have been developed at great expense in the last few years to create that kind of effect... ;)
Having said all that, you have permission to buy new shiny things, why are you posting here and not surfing eBay for a new toy ;D
;)
N
Quote from: Hannah Ford on June 12, 2008, 12:15 PM
Hey Antman,
Watched it again last night with Dad and we both really dug your groove....I hear something different everytime....lol
Again, this was great fun and I agree it's great placing faces with names.
Hannah
Thanks,
I dug your change from the really solid groove to the busier groove. Took me by surprise.
Thanks for the kind words, it only took me 4 years to pull it off. And its pretty sad when someone IN VIDEO PRODUCTION can't pull off a video. Also I cringe at my engineering skills having Gaetano follow me.
I've always liked the "staightening out the swing feel" and coming at things from an unexpected angle.
Sounds like diddle did a similar thing.
I liked Bobhead's feel and approach alot too
I think Bart's 2nd solo is about my fav.
Great job everyone, Bart, thanks for all you do!!!! ;D ;D
Here I am! Finally I got the time check it out... I am so busy lately that I don't have much time for internet....
Anyway, good job to everyone...Every year the community solo is geting better and better. I like a lot the idea of the video, and since I just got a video camera for my birthday, I'll video my solo for the next community solo (Bart, I may will need your help for that,I Know nothing about video :( ).
Here it is...
First class all the way!
Quote from: felix on June 11, 2008, 08:50 AM
Varbed, your sonor toms sounded GREAT!
Thanks Felix. I figured you would notice the Sonor kit. It was my first time recording with my Zoom hand held digital recorder. That thing captures the sound pretty close to actual.
Which kit did you use?
Quote from: VARBED on June 13, 2008, 03:34 PM
Thanks Felix. I figured you would notice the Sonor kit. It was my first time recording with my Zoom hand held digital recorder. That thing captures the sound pretty close to actual.
Off to go check out Varbed's audio. Hey how did you like
My audio? Huh? ;) ;)
Quote from: VARBED on June 13, 2008, 03:34 PM
Which kit did you use?
I used the sonor Delite kick 17x22 which I'm still tweaking and the Delite 5x14 snare drum (I'm pretty sure although honestly- I can't really remember for sure). Both are thin maple with glue rings.
I actually go back and forth with the Delite drumset quite a bit as it is a newer one and has not settled down like my Force 1000 and Force 3000 kits which sound remarkable for their price. The Delites have alot of potential and respond best to low volume situations where an ambient open sound is called for.
Everyone always wants me to play the Force 3000 kit though. That's the kit I hear about from all my jamming buddies.
Quote from: New York Frank on June 13, 2008, 03:35 PM
Off to go check out Varbed's audio.
Very cool audio from the Zoom unit. And very cool cymbal work at the end of the segment.
Hey Frank I enjoyed your solo...but the pic of you and your daughter is a classic....wow is she cute!!!
Hannah
Quote from: Hannah Ford on June 13, 2008, 04:01 PM
...but the pic of you and your daughter is a classic....wow is she cute!!!
Yeah - I figured I had to do Something right for my contribution.
She's a sweetie.
Hi - just thought I'd chime in and congratulate everyone on a job well done!! And, of course, thank Bart for the time and energy putting it all together.
Very cool to put faces and playing with names and writings. And the video thing - well, how cool is that. Obviously nothing like seeing the playing as well as hearing it - not in a showbiz way, but in a "how the motions of playing equate with the sounds produced". Plus kind of a kick to peek into everyone's studio, practice room, bedroom or wherever we have or call our personal little "Batcaves."
Anyway, really fun, and good job all.
David
Quote from: New York Frank on June 13, 2008, 03:54 PM
Very cool audio from the Zoom unit. And very cool cymbal work at the end of the segment.
Thanks Frank. I wouldn't worry too much about quality of the recording. The drumming was solid, and that is what counts.
-Vik
Quote from: felix on June 12, 2008, 08:11 AM
Yeah but Nutty, so what? Your groove was happening and that is the most important thing. Bart probably had to compress the files even more so the sound quality is not going to be as sweet sounding as it is in your studio.
Actually Felix, I am going to Nashville at the end of this week to get a lesson on my Groove/playing hands on. There are some bad habits that I have picked up over the years that need to be broken ::). Hope it helps!
Nutty
Quote from: Bart Elliott on June 12, 2008, 09:52 AM
FYI ... Drum Count didn't send in a picture, which is why I gave him a photo (The Unknown Comic). Thought it was appropriate. 8)
Actually Bart I sent you a video of my performance - maybe it didn't get through.
It seemed to me that the sound was out of sync at the end,
don't know if it's due to bitrate conversion or it's
caused by my digital camera.
Anyway, it was fun!
Bye!
Quote from: Bart Elliott on June 11, 2008, 12:56 AM
I wanted to publicly apologize to Scarmike67. His 12-year-old son submitted a solo this year but unfortunately I was unable to use it or find a place for it because there were only 10 bars in his solo rather than 12. The Community Solo was set-up for 12 measures per soloist, and throwing a 10 measure solo in there was creating too much havoc for me, so I had to give up. Hopefully he will contribute again next time.
No problem Bart! I told him I wasn't sure if it would make it in time anyway. He really enjoyed watching the great solos, and actually he said he would rather submit a better one next time when he's had more practice. I want to sincerely thank you for organizing this solo because it encouraged me to video him playing drums at age 12, which may not have happened otherwise. Now we have a video that will be treasured in years to come. (I can't wait to compare his solo this year to the one next year to see his improvement.)
Quote from: scarmike67 on June 24, 2008, 09:52 PM
No problem Bart! I told him I wasn't sure if it would make it in time anyway. He really enjoyed watching the great solos, and actually he said he would rather submit a better one next time when he's had more practice. I want to sincerely thank you for organizing this solo because it encouraged me to video him playing drums at age 12, which may not have happened otherwise. Now we have a video that will be treasured in years to come. (I can't wait to compare his solo this year to the one next year to see his improvement.)
Hey Steve,
Hat's off to you for being so supportive of your son!! Please keep us informed of his progress.
Tell him I'll look forward to seeing his solo when we do the next DC Community Solo.
Hannah
Quote from: David Crigger on June 14, 2008, 03:00 AM
Hi - just thought I'd chime in and congratulate everyone on a job well done!! And, of course, thank Bart for the time and energy putting it all together.
Very cool to put faces and playing with names and writings. And the video thing - well, how cool is that. Obviously nothing like seeing the playing as well as hearing it - not in a showbiz way, but in a "how the motions of playing equate with the sounds produced". Plus kind of a kick to peek into everyone's studio, practice room, bedroom or wherever we have or call our personal little "Batcaves."
Anyway, really fun, and good job all.
David
+1!
this is the first chance i get to chill and watch the cs. very cool! so interesting seeing such the wide range of styles, groove choices and kits. i like checking out the batcaves, too!
i swear i'm gonna do next year. couldn't get it together in time, and my finger wasn't happening. but it's totally getting there, so i am committing to stepping into the mix.
bravo, all!
Hey Bart,
Is there a direct link to the 4th Solo itself now? I had someone that wanted to take a look at it?
Nutty