Listening to a little Neal Morse this evening, I was reminded of what fabulous music a great drummer can make. My favourite, of course, is Neil Peart. (Check out this fabulous video of a dazzling visual and auditory array!) "The Professor" was instrumental (no pun intended) in moving drummers beyond the basic beat and into the realm of true musicianship. Hearing Neil play was my first hint of the kit as a "real instrument", and introduced me to the concept of Rock music beyond the basic 4/4 time. His work on YYZ, Superconductor and the Trees are three favourites. Another much-loved drummer for me, and the inspiration for this blog post, is Mike Portnoy. Best known for his work with Dream Theatre, Portnoy's work is well known to drummers of all genres. I first met Mike Portnoy on Neal Morse's "?" album, where Mike's loud, firm beat provides a critical ingredient. I particularly enjoy the opening track, which was in essence my first real intro to Prog Rock. I listened to this album loudly and often, cranked up in the car while driving to work and elsewhere, for nearly 6 months straight before growing weary of it, and recently, I re-discovered it. Truly a masterpiece! Several other drummers stand out to me... Paul Delong, for example, or Porcupine Tree's Gavin Harrison... but if I had to pick a third choice for my "top three drummers of all time", it would definately be ANIMAL, from the Muppet Show. ANIMAL, who doesn't talk much, has a number of outstanding drum solos, but he is perhaps best known for his face-off with Buddy Rich, from Episode 552 of the Muppet Show. Imagine my surprise and delight when I recently glimpsed ANIMAL in person at Toronto's Gay Pride Parade! Reblogged from Power Windows FINALLY finished my first draft of report cards... quite possibly the most meaningless garbage I have ever written (see rant here). In any case, what better way to celebrate than with the NEW RUSH ALBUM??!!! Clockwork Angels came out on Tuesday, and did not disappoint! Being a drummer, I of course tuned my ears primarily onto ze drums, and was well pleased with Peart's loud, trashy cymbals, feather light brush work, and general musicianship on the kit. I am rediscovering my relationship with my iPhone.
After my laptop was stolen at the beginning of the summer, and I got a new computer, I was afraid to sync my iPhone. Being sometimes prone to luddite-esque tendencies, my big transformation from CDs to MP3 (iPod) several years ago resulted in my music library being split between several locations, including one external drive! So I was afraid to plug in my up-to-date iPhone into a new computer and lose everything. Consequently, I had been walking |
About Vera...After writing for several teacher and multiple birth publications, including ETFO's Voice Magazine, Multiple Moments, and the Bulletwin, Vera turned her written attention to prolific blogging for some years, including BiB, "Learn to Fly with Vera!" and SMARTbansho . Homeschooling 4 was her travel blog in Argentina. She now spends more time on her Instagram (@schalgzeug_usw) than her blog (pictures are worth a thousand words?!)
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The views expressed on this blog are the views of the author, and do not necessarily represent the perspectives of her family members or the position of her employer on the the issues she blogs about. These posts are intended to share resources, document family life, and encourage critical thought on a variety of subjects. They are not intended to cause harm to any individual or member of any group. By reading this blog and viewing this site, you agree to not hold Vera liable for any harm done by views expressed in this blog. Categories
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