Monthly Roundup #17 - July '19

July was another quieter month playing-wise as I again had a couple of friend’s weddings, which along with the associated stag do’s (as luck would have it!), landed on the dates that offers of work came my way! So in the end, I didn’t actually end up gigging at all in July! Needless to say though, I wouldn’t have swapped being at these weddings etc for any gig, so it was a nice excuse to enjoy some time off. There was still plenty of music going on to keep me occupied though, as I shall detail below…!

One thing that was a real treat in July was another assembly at one of my schools. It was a primary school where I had eleven students, each performing pieces they had been working on. Some had been playing for a few years already, and some only a few months, but all of them got stuck in and performed something in front of their peers and parents who came to watch, and all of them did me proud! Doing events like this really are a treat, as they all rise to the occasion and work really hard to get their pieces up to a great standard, and even if they’re apprehensive and nervous about it at first, they’re always really pleased with themselves afterwards. Like I say, a real treat!

Like June, one perk of having less on gig-wise was that I had plenty of time to get to work on things in my own playing that I’ve been wanting to work on. I’ve definitely noticed a difference lately from the extra time spent “in the shed”, and would say I’m feeling about as comfortable sat behind the kit as I ever have done - which is a good way to feel! I’ve had plenty of times in the past where I’ve not felt as comfortable at the kit as I know I could feel, so it’s much more comfortable to be this way around. It is giving me the itch to get out and play though, so I’m looking forward to getting back out soon!

Once again, enjoying my practice space!

Something else I’ve been getting back into is spending some of my free time doing some bass practice, which has been fun! I’ve had a bit of an on/off relationship with the bass over the last few years, working on it as and when I’ve had time to do so (and by no means would I call myself a bassist!), but as I say, it’s something I’ve been having some fun with again recently. I also find it a helpful way to brush up on my harmony knowledge, where I find it can easily get left behind as a drummer if I’m not otherwise saying on top of it. Plus, it’s more productive than spending an evening sat on the Playstation! ;)

My modest home studio, where I’ve been enjoying getting back into some bass playing lately

I was also back on the drums at my church a couple more times in July. I’ve settled on using my Kerope’s for that lately, which have been working great! I’ve got a 20” and 22”, plus the 15” hats. I find both the 20” and 22” are very versatile in terms of being able to both “crash” and “ride” on each of them, making them much more than just “a crash cymbal” or “a ride cymbal”. In fact, I love that they’re not branded as either a crash or ride, rather just a 20” or 22” cymbal. Truth-be-told, when I first started using them (well, the 20” which I had first), it was a bit of a learning curve with how a cymbal like that responds to being played in different ways. Also, I tend to stick a chain on the 20” and some jingles on the hats for a different vibe, should it fit the bill. I love that I can use these cymbals for anything from jazz to rock and they’ll do the job nicely - great cymbals!

A couple of weeks back on the church kit, featuring my Kerope’s!

At the end of the July, it was the usual monthly drum hang. This time, there was no particular topic or agenda, but some folks brought along some bits and bobs they no longer required for something of a “drumble sale”! Even though I hadn’t gone along with the intention of buying anything, I ended up leaving with a quirky old bass drum! I’ll be having a play around with it over the next few weeks I imagine while I try and find out what it’s like, but it was such a bargain that I thought it would be rude not to give it a try - it could become a funky little drum to have available for the odd gig here and there!

Another successful drum hang!

The quirky 20x12 bass drum I picked up at the drum hang!

And that’s it for July! A gig-free month this time as I say, but again I’ve been really enjoying getting plenty of practice done with my free time (on both the drums and bass!), and I’m looking forward to getting back into some more playing in a few weeks time. As always, thanks for checking in and I’ll catch you next time! All the best, Ed.