One of the most enduring lessons I took from my college cinema class (way back when) was the principle of “invisible” art. Filmmakers thrive on it because they want the viewer to get so involved in the film that they don’t realize they are watching one. Directors like Spielberg and Scorsese are masters at this (Saving Private Ryan and Goodfellas, respectively)…they pull you into the film and before you know it you are having a “real-time” experience. “Invisible” art makes this possible by hiding the technical goings-on behind the scenes. It assumes a total dedication to the experience of the viewer and by its very nature is an act of selflessness.
What does this have to do with drummers or drumming, you might ask? I’m here to say that we drummers have more in common with the great filmmakers of the world than you might think (or we should)! Drumming in a band context, and even in a solo context, is best served when we remove ourselves from the technicalities of what we’re doing and focus more on the achievement of a musical or emotional statement. This, in a sense, is “invisible” art in that we are soliciting a heart felt response from our listeners and viewers, as opposed to a more ‘left’ brained-analytical response. Not to say that we aren’t to play on a technical level as this is how we learn our technical vocabulary, not to mention it can be quite entertaining (almost exclusively to drummers and other musicians) to attend conferences, clinics and master classes that feature the technicians of our craft…we all love the Donatis and Weckls of the world. However, don’t let them fool you, these guys are masters of the “invisible” art, as well.
The point being that we can learn from “invisible” drumming artists, such as Ringo and Ricky Lawson. These drummers have attained professional achievements that are beyond the comprehension of many musicians and they did it by playing for the song. We all know the emotional affect a Bonham groove has on even the most unsuspecting listener. And Ringo’s groove and fills are still being copied today, I definitely dip into my “Ringo bag” every now and then. Another outstanding “invisible” drumming artist is the great Steve Gadd. Check out Paul Simon’s 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, it’ll make a believer out of all you skeptics out there.
Not to be misunderstood, I love technical drumming and the discipline required to reach the most physically and mentally challenging drumming one can achieve; but the beauty of drumming is the choices it presents. We have the choice to self-indulge or to serve the music. Both choices are fine but must be appropriate for the music and audience. The problem is often times we forget to make the distinction. So, my suggestion is that we look to our counterparts in the film industry and borrow one of their artistic principles. Hey, if it works for them, by golly it can work or us!
1 Comment
June 26, 2007 at 5:51 pm
hey my man, i had to leave a comment here too!
you rock, brother!!