Croce's Top Hat 
  
Overall,  I was extremely impressed with my performance tonight at Croce's!   Usually I am overly critical regarding my own performance,  but I was very happy with the way I played aggressively,  yet restrained and sensitive to dynamic levels.  In a big band scenario,  the drums have the added responsibility for accentuating dynamic levels,  punches,  and cues for solos and breaks.   A lot of people don't really see the responsibility attached to big band drumming,  but I feel it's up to the drummer to make or break a band's sound.   And since the advent of the Rock & Roll era,  drums have been at the front of the band's sound,  thus nowadays,  people expect the drums to be really happening! 
  
I received a compliment from the sound man at Croce's that sort of took me by surprise,  but was sort of prophetic to me in a way... 
  
Rick:   Carlos, man!   You're the glue that holds the band together. 
  
I was really flattered that he said that to me,  and I didn't know how to take that.   I was a bit shy about receiving that kind of compliment,  but indirectly,  it was a good point in regards to reaffirming the drummer's place in a big band setting and the responsibility of the drummer to "hold" everything together. 
  
I felt really loose tonight!   Something that I've finally been able to accomplish in a major way.   It's all about feeling and control over the instrument.   I think I've accomplished that at Croce's tonight and played with great fluidity. 
  
My only regret was that I opted to twirl my sticks at the very end of my solo and almost lost one of my sticks!   I was able to catch it in midair and save myself  from a little humiliation and embarrassment.  
  
I received lots of support from friends tonight:  Jessica,  Celine,  Regina (who flew down down San Fransisco!),  Ruthie (who came down from San Fransisco, too!),  Carol  (Warren's SO),  Heather,  Keeko,  and Edward. 
 
One thing I never take for granted,  are the friends and relatives who come to the shows and support the band.   I've never received so much support from any other band I've worked in,  and it's something I really,  t ruly appreciate. 
 
 

Currently Reading:  

Drummin' Men 
by Burt Korall 
 
The Beethoven Compendium 
by Barry Cooper 
 
Web Multimedia Development 
by David Miller 
 

Keith Jarrett - The Paris Concert 
Keith Jarrett - La Scala 
Led Zeppelin - Remasters CD Box Set 
Buddy Rich - Live at Caesar's Palace 
Led Zeppelin - Four 
Yellow Jackets - Four Corners 

 
 

20 days till the Disney World New Year's Eve show! 
  
 
14 days till Christmas!