Australian band "X" from 1985 with Cathy Green on drums

Whiplash

I just sent this review of the 2014 film "Whiplash" to my drummer who hasn't seen it yet:

 "19 year old jazz drum prodigy Andrew doesn't realize his life is about to change when he accepts a position in Fletcher's jazz band during his first year at the world's best music conservatory (its a fake school). The introverted boy transforms ala "Black Swan" once he becomes in contact with this bloodthirsty-in-the-name-of-greatness professor (JK Simmons). Oh there's blood all right, and torture, and loads of obsessive psychological damage. Meanwhile, enjoy lots of cool jazz standards like Duke Ellington's "Caravan" and the song "Whiplash" itself. The sticking and hand control of the players are tear-jerking. You'll sob over his ability to smoothly play through rudiments and control the tone and tempos thrown at him (okay, tear up, maybe not sob). He began the film a great player as far as I can see. The ending will fuck you up. Give yourself an hour or two to get over it. If you're feeling vulnerable, give yourself a week. Then it'll make you want to practice."

 grade: B+

The band "Stacey" from Willie Mae Rock Camp with my longtime drum student!

Whoa do they sound great! The drummer, Eva, has been taking drum lessons with me since she was in 5th grade. She is now in 8th grade. Natural loose sticking looks effortless here.

These girls met this week, wrote a song, and performed it yesterday. Bravo!!

Detroit Blue

Browsing Main Drag Music in Brooklyn the other day. Came across this beautiful dream-provoking Gretsch kit...

Drum keys

Love this. Can you name the types? Found this on a link to:  http://thedrummersjournal.com/

Recording 16 year old punk duet Petal War

Petal War are Abbie Hornburg on drums and Alex Ruiz on guitar/vocals. Check out Petal War's songs and site here.

Getting Alex all tuned up!

Abbie's view from the drums.

Isolation area for the Fender Twin Amp. Very DIY of us..

The new mixing board. We all referred to it as "sexy."

Cats in Bass Drums

23 BEST CATS IN KICK DRUMS HERE

Hurricane and more.

Its been awhile since I've written anything here, and am thankful that I have nothing newsworthy to report since my apartment and studio were undamaged during the storm last week. The difficult times around us in NYC are hard on the heart, but nothing compassion and a lot of hard work can't get us through. If your gear was damaged, please check with MAIN DRAG MUSIC. They're offering assistance with amp drying and other musical instrument repair: MAIN DRAG .

My bandmates and I in The Julie Ruin have chosen these Hurricane Disaster Relief funds to promote. If you're looking for somewhere to donate, please take a look at our short list: thejulieruin.com/ There are so many more out there.

Two of my students! I have to show them off....

Webb (guitar) and Lucie (drums) playing at the Willie Mae Rock camp show last weekend. Sophie from Care Bears on Fire on bass. Yes! All ages 15-16.

Drummer STEALS the Show! A MUST SEE...

This changed my life. Seriously, I'll never be the same again. A hero. Scroll to 1:15 or so...

I'm in this Gallery Show in SOHO

Here's the "aftermath" of me playing drum fills on a kit with 10 dozen roses at the GREY AREA ART GALLERY in SOHO Nyc, yesterday, Saturday the 28th. Waiting to see the video and final pictures. Apparently this is a moving series, and people like Moby's drummer did it in SF, other drummers took over in different cities. It was like drumming under water! As soon as the roses hit the drum heads they split and flew up in the air, or just flopped out of control. Sometimes I'd get a few good fills before I found stems left in my hands (or nothing). The goal was to create an explosion of rose petal fire works which happened a few times with the requisite "Ahhhhh" from the crowd. I want to do this again. The remains stay at the Grey Area Gallery until the end of the month. See Ted's art here.

Cute/smart/simple genius - why didn't I think of that - Drumset

Source: Absurd Photos

Drum Contest

Check out http://www.hitlikeagirl2012.com/ contest for female drummers. Prizes include cash and drum gear.

The Dinner Roll

Yes indeed. Thanks Carmine. SOURCE

In a pile of drum gear...

PHOTO Source

Music in Art - modern mix

Claes Oldenburg
1969
Minature Drums
more info

Music in Art - modern mix

Tatiana Blass at CIFO Art Space in Miami http://www.knightarts.org/

Tom Tom Magazine, a Magazine about Female Drummers

Tom Tom Magazine, created by Mindy Abovitz, fellow Willie Mae Rock Camp teacher. "Technique Tuesdays" being one of my favorite parts....

Teaching and Work

The door at Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls...

Pretty shiny colorful drums are stored at Rock Camp.

Band coaching "The Awkward Turtles" this morning. This is right before they did an interview in a film about Girl Bands. These girls are breakin' rules and inspiring other girls to break out of their "shells" and form bands too!

Rockin with my boys

I have no idea what year this was. Guys can be fun to play with too :-)