Here it is:

I just got back from teaching lessons for the night, and this is why I love the kids who love Joey Jordison (like myself): It’s an excellent opportunity to explain why the basics are necessary before you get to go crazy. Turns out one of Joey’s solos has this:

RL RF LF starting from snare to tom 1 to about tom 6 or 7.

So it’s a cool grouping in probably 6 or 7. Sped up it sounds like a monkey on meth (or Joey Jordison, same difference).

Guess what we spent half the lesson going over?

RL RFRF (snare over bass).

You should seen the light bulbs light up around the kid’s head after I pointed out this week’s lesson was essentially to be Joey Jordison REALLY slow and on no more than four drums (please).

And it was a backline setup–all borrowed gear. Like when I toured Europe, I brought my own pedal, snare and cymbals, anda few stands just in case. Nervous and worried–it was my first live show in a year–I asked the drummer what kind of drums, if I could adjust the kit, etc. I had flashbacks to May of ’06 when Zoinks! flew out to a small club in Baltimore where the backline kit had the throne slipping halfway through the set. I ended up not being able to reach the cymbals by the end of one song and was unable to properly reach the snare.

My nerves on Sat. were unfounded. The kit was superb, a lower-cost Mapex, and the cymbals were great, all Zildjians. We played five tunes by The Clash, from their first LP (can’t remember if it was the U.K. or U.S. version … yes, there is a difference). The show was a blast.

In drumming news: I am anxiously awaiting a brand new, custom made set of Saluda Cymbals. In the tradition of supporting the ‘little guy,’ I researched this brand extensively and checked out their roster. Their prices are unbelievable and I promise a review when they come in. Drum on.