No matter what, you never talked about the music on the bandstand or the gig for that matter. It can ruin a gig. You’re crazy when you’re on the bandstand, vulnerable, without defenses. Tempers can easily flair. One can’t access one’s inner resources with a regular, every day, street level mentality. The bandstand is sacrosanct. It is the one place musicians can safely allow themselves to lower their defenses together in a protected environment. Got a problem that’s serious enough to discuss, call a rehearsal.
My first gig with Phil’s [Woods] quartet was at the Village Vanguard. We were playing Airegin at a ridiculously fast uptempo that was even getting faster as my solo approached. Back in the kitchen between sets I asked Bill Goodwin if he noticed it sped up and he said, “Oh Hal, We don’t talk about the music on this band.“ I believe my sigh of relief was heard around the world.
– Hal Galper, Facebook post
You should really be following Galper on Facebook— he’s posting a ton of this stuff right now, basically writing the text book on playing. Hopefully he puts it into an actual book.
I am happy to help you with any of the materials on the site, and with anything else drumming related— contact me for private lessons, online world wide, or in person in Portland, Oregon. All levels of players, and all people, are welcome.
Email Todd | Call or text +1(503)380-9259 | Chat on WhatsApp
