Jazz Drumming

Phlemingo said:
If y'all are going for some outing to listen to jazz, count me in?

Except, does the place allow underage people?
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Yes they do allow entrance to "underaged" people. But they won't serve you alcohol though ;) The other night I saw 3 kids (probably under 7 years old) in there. And I've met some other teenagers in there too... BarStop is basically a bistro (the food is good!), not a club like Harry's or Jazz at South Bridge.
 
Nice to see a healthy interest in the jazz genre (esp bebop) among the younger drummers here. After many years playing pop/rock/funk styles where the groove is paramount, I started tinkering with jazz bebob about 10 years ago...it took a while to get used to the different approach and rhythmic philosophy that makes bebop so different and inventive from the usual 2 & 4 idiom of pop and rock. Nowadays I prefer to play jazz (where the gigs also pay more) although I won't say no to a hard rocking pop/rock gig.

As one gets older, hard driving double pedalled rock drumming becomes quite exhausting...and frankly not quite appropriate for a senior citizen in average circumstances. But I still try.

But Jazz is more invigorating...and stimulates the creative juices and demands more technically...without the energy sapping athleticism of rock.

There are few venues that offer regular jazz jams of any consistency and standard. It is obvious most of you have not heard of, no even checked out the dedicated Jazz Jams that are held every Sunday at the Tanglin CC from 2 - 6 pm. Here is your chance to jam with other musicians at all levels (usually quite proficient)...weekly...and develop your musicality and skills. The atmosphere may be a little intimidating for first timers but it's all in the mind. Here is where you can really get stuck into the music without worrying about mistakes and bloopers..everyone makes them and learns in the process.

You get to play with some really hot bassists and pianists that will develop your rhythm section skills...and also learn to play with horns and saxes that sharpen your musical instincts on accents and phrasing. But of course do arm yourself with some basic techniques and knowledge of the jazz idiom... but not to worry there's no formal "qualifications required. Only unbridled enthusiasm. And guess what...I am the friendly Jam Master as well !!

It's one thing watching the pros do it at hotels and clubs ..quite another to get into it yourself. It is also commonly known that with the exception of the few hardcore Jazz clubs like Southbridge and Harry's at Boatquay, much of the "jazz" you get in hotels and bars are the more listener-friendly stuff - devoid of the hard edge of improvisation and dynamics that is the beauty of jazz but, alas, not as appealing on a commercial basis. Jazz pros can attest to the fact that they have to play mostly commercially acceptable jazz at hotels and pubs so as not to turn the average customers off.

So how to play the real stuff? Well..come down on Sunday and find out. Basement Studio Tanglin CC - all equipment provided except your personal instruments.

See ya !
 
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beboptang said:
Hey Phlemingo,

Ya, drop by BarStop on any of the nights and you can talk to any of the drummers. Of course, Jazz at SouthBridge, Harry's Quayside at Boat Quay, The Bar at The Regent Hotel are great too!
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[/quote]

 Hi Audrey..

Wah Yong has been telling me about this Barstop gig you guys are doing but I somehow have not found the time to drop by...must really try to do so. Maybe the promise of a good meal will heighten my motivation :))

What's up with your other band..the one that Walks on Water ? Hope to catch up sometime at the CC as well. do drop by on Sunday to jam if you have the time and energy..

Cheers,
F
 
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Hehehehe ! not at all my Bro - you are most welcome - it's a pleasure to have you here in Soft Mr Jam-Master to share with us your vast Drumming Experience in the area of Jazz Drumming. Afterall that's what Soft's Drum Exchange Singapore is all about here - Shared Passion Within Our Small Community Of Drummers In Singapore.

Thank You Frank - I'll see you tomorrow at the Xchange my Bro.
 
Hi, you can pop by and have a chat with Boon Gee (the drummer at Jazz@Southbridge). He's a also the resident drum instructor with Anaki Records and can answer your questions. Don't worry about being obligated to take up lessons / sign up for long-term packages etc. Anaki isn't really into that sort of thing. Why not you call 6534 8016 to check Boon Gee's schedules and see if he's free for a chat?
 
Boon Gee... awesome jazz drummer and a very sincere guy!!! do check him out and u can pay a visit to jazz@southbridge to see him play first if you not sure ;)

cheers
 
Hi Frank,

My other band, Walking on Water, is on hiatus, because our bassist, Mylene is in Perth fulfilling her permanent residency requirements. But Christine, Ruth and I still do some function gigs and shows occassionally.

I miss playing with WoW, but I'm having a different learning journey with the jazz band at BarStop now.

Peace,
Beboptang.
 
I have watched Boon Gee develop and blossom over the past 10 years and it is amazing how a burning desire to improve coupled with the opportunity to play with good musicians on a nightly basis can transform a drummer from ordinary to excellent. And through it all Boon gee has remained very humble and soft spoken, albeit with a wry sense of humour that makes him a cool guy to hang out with you.

Jazz drummers can learn much from him the refined and tasteful approach to jazz drumming.

Ho yeh, Boon Gee !!
 
Hi Audrey,

Thanks for the update and sorry we missed each other at the Exchange.

I don't keep up much with the club scene these days but I must make the effort to come support you guys and my many friends who are now gigging regularly...2007 is a good year for working musicians.

WoW was quite a unique setup and I hope you will revive it in due course.

Cheers
F
 
here is another thing which i don't know if you guys realised.... we're all drummers here and we're recommending another drummer ;)

this is what beats my drum and i feel good that we can do this for each other, open our hearts and minds and not be afraid to endorse and support each other.

cheers!!!
 
Yes Bro Plainsman we are indeed a very small population of Drummers here - but, what's amazing is that - We're Indeed A Healthy & Closely Knitted Family Out Here and this is what matters most - and I most proud of that seriously and this is the core reason why we are growing steadily & rapidly since this year. We have a Healthy Culture now evolving around drummers within Soft with A Good Attitude Of The Mind Towards Drumming.

and I am proud to be a drummer and a part of it within this community.
 
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Thanks for all the replies and suggestions guys!

I'm really happy about our attitudes towards drumming, and appreciate the help and friendliness of the soft people lots.
 
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