Britts Newest Venture- Mock Turtle

[brittc89]

Hey everybody, I decided to post some of this stuff from my newest group Mock Turtle. We play fusion and straight ahead jazzy stuff too. We just had our first rehearsal tonight and we already made two recordings. One of a song the bass player wrote, and the other of Milestones, forgive the sloppy form, Im not sure what was going on there. Im actually really happy with the recording quality we got and the overall playing of everyone in the group. Tell me what you guys think! Im really excited about this group and I think I might be here for a while, since we all seem to get along (however me and the bass player have been friends for some time) and have a pretty good group dynamic after even one rehearsal. These two tunes were only 2 takes each. These were recorded at my home studio, with no click as you can probably already tell? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

ah, my computer can never play that type of file. what format is it in?

[brittc89]

ah, my computer can never play that type of file. what format is it in?
Mp3 I believe, it plays in quicktime for me. Im not sure how to post it anyohter way man. Sorry.

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

no problem, i'm going to download the latest version of quicktime, hopefully it'll work then

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

got it. i had to click 'save' instead of 'run'.

awesome! i love it. sounds very professional, what did you use to record?

and this is was your first rehearsal?? you all were definitely on the same page.

tasty fried chicken: you got to show off your chops a bit there. your playing sounded very

nice, and i liked the basic groove of the song. very cool

milestones: at about 55 seconds it reminded me of the doors riders on the storm, just the

drums and guitar tone. the rest of the song was just incredible, i can't tell you how much i

enjoyed it... when's the album coming out?! i'm seriously very interested. i like the

direction. while i'm waiting, can you recommend me some artists that might sound similar?

awesome music.

[brittc89]

Thanks so much for the compliments man. I dont know when the album is coming out, ha! I guess these are just the first two songs for our working demo? But I will be sure to post more songs when we get them recorded. To record: I used on my drums, a cheap audix mic for my snare, an sm 57 on the bass and two audix overhead head compressors. For the bass I had a direct in to a behringer board which then lead to my recording station, a something something mkII, like an all in one module, I had a nady mic of some kind comparable to the 57 to record the tenor player and finally the same mic I used for my snare to mic the guitar amp. Thanks a lot for the compliments again. I would say check out the band Garage a trois if you enjoyed tasty fried chicken. They do some really cool stuff with about the same instrumentation as we used. And then milestones is a standard, and I threw in that litle flare of afro cuban just to mix it up a bit. Thanks for the kind words man.

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

I would say check out the band Garage a trois if you enjoyed tasty fried chicken. They do some really cool stuff with about the same instrumentation as we used. And then milestones is a standard, and I threw in that litle flare of afro cuban just to mix it up a bit. Thanks for the kind words man.

hey garage a trois is on my list of bands' cd's to get.

definitely keep us up to date on mock turtle's status. your two songs have already made their way to my i pod.

[mattsmith]

Well first off Britt, the high quality of your own playin' was no surprise. To me you and the tenor are the best players, and the bass player definately has some skills. Your funk playing on that first track is really creative, with great dynamics and multiple timbres. Is that tenor player a high school guy too? Man, I would love to be able to play with good guys at my high school.

Same with Milestones. You comp great and you listen great too. My only nitpick would be that you rush your solo just a little, and for this music I like a dryer sound, but that's just me.

IMO, the guitarist is the hold up, especially on the Milestones track, where the jazz comping really isn't happening. All he does is state melody over and over again, and can't capture the phrygian vibe of the B section because he's playing wrong notes.

But you and these other guys...a different story. Why not just reform as a trio? Is the guitar player a close friend, brother, girlfriend?/hope not(lol).

[brittc89]

Thanks a lot for the compliments and suggestions matt. I did realize that I rushed that solo a bit. The tenor player is as old as me, going into junior year. He really is a killer player and I think that for his age he is just amazing. I really love playing with that guy. Thanks again for the comments matt, its appreciated.

[LinearDrummer]

Man that first song was SWEET!

The only thing I would have liked to see you use would have been a cowbell as the ride at some point,,,,maybe during the solo breakdown....

Don't get me wrong it was better than anything I could do - I just really think the cowbell would have givin it a little more flavor especially with that type of groove...I don't know maybe it would have been too much more on the Latin side cause it sounded like maybe you were goin for the New Orleans thing...

But during the solo a cowbell voice would have been nice - JMO....

[brittc89]

Thanks for the comment. A cowbell wouldve added flavor. I didnt really think about it when I was playing. Thanks for the tip, Ill try and throw that in next time we play. Glad you liked the tune.

[Drummer Karl]

Great feeling, great comping, just awesome stuff buddy! I love Milesstone!!!
Great tunes...also the other players are great, I like this sax player, well done!
On what ride cymbal are you playing there?

Karl

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

I listened to the first tune once. I liked it. I listened to it again, I loved it. You've really, really got something going on there Britt, your sax player and bass player are both absolutely sick. Obviously we all know what a good drummer you are, but you are absolutely perfect for this ensemble, I can't find a single complaint. The band is so tight, it's just marvellous.

[brittc89]

Thanks for the compliments guys. I really love playing with these guys. Its just so different playing with really good musicians, like that sax player, instead of some kids at my who want to jam out on some fallout boy. Ha! The ride I play on is a Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride. Thanks again for the compliments everybody. Im actually gettin really excited about where this group might be going. Thanks again everybody.
MFB

[KCDrummer]

Both of these sound great! You guys obviously have some chemistry, I think after a few months of playing together, you're gonna be totally KILLIN'!

I like the band's approach. The way you guys play the head on "Fried Chicken", really sparse and leaving lots of space, and the way you sort of collectively worked your way into the head on MIlestones and changed up the feel and the orchestration on the bridge, you guys already are putting your personal stamp on this stuff. I have my own trio here in KC and I'm seriously considering stealing that bridge. Very cool, keep us posted.

Oh yeah, wicked drumming too ;)

[drummersgroove]

Wow. What can I say, I want more! Those tracks were WONDERFUL, reminded me a bit of Steve Smith and Vital Information. This is exactly the kind of band I want to be in, I am envious of you for finding one with such great musicians (amazing bass and sax, and your ability of course) - you gel so well together. I would love to hear more of your stuff.

[brittc89]

Thanks a lot you guys. Im really glad that you enjoyed the tunes. And that you especially liked the style change at the bridge of milestones KC drummer. And thanks for the vital information comment drummersgroove, thats kind of what I was going for. A steve smithy kind of aggressive elegance, but I dont know if I really achieved that or not. Thanks again though you guys, glad you liked em.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Britt good stuff....keep it coming, and Radio thanks for the suggestion, its being loaded on my iPod as we speak (type)

[jazzgregg]

Britt,
Well, first let me say that this is not my kind of music at all, I hate 'fusion', Vital Info and all that stuff. Keep this in mind=) 'Mock Turtle' is a great name though, I love that.

The first tune is very marketable, people will (as you can see) really like this tune. It sounds like a cross between Super Mario Brothers and 'Rockit' with various other allusions in the head in. Your playing is good, solid as always- solo is in context-very fusion-y=) Very contemporary and likable for those into that stuff for sure.

Do you listen to Astral Project with Johnny Vidacovitch? I'd guess no, but your entire band needs to! You'll love it.

Milestones- LOVE THE INTRO. However, it doesn't really go with the sound and concept of either Milestones the tune or the first tune. Now, with a bit more arranging, you could fix that as it is now, it sounds disjointed and seperate.

Let me offer some information that no one else has from a bandleader perspective. You need to find your sound and keep it all relative. Oh no, that doesn't mean you can't experiment, you need to, but for example, New Orleans, Vital Info fusion with Phrygian rubato might be a bit confusing for the lister, especially if the latter is followed by a more or less straight ahead version of Milestones. I other words, find your band's concept. This isn't criticism as I know it was your first rehearsal, it's advice.=) You'll need something that identifies 'Mock Turtle' as 'Mock Turtle'. Take some time, experiment to see where you guys want to go, what your sound is, this is very important and often overlooked. And remember, it isn't that you can't do something, because you can do ANYTHING, you just need to find out how to do it and have it be identified with that group of people under the name 'Mock Turtle', you know?

Now for the comments- I don't like the version of Milestones, sorry man. I don't mind the guitar somewhat-reharming of the B section though, it's kinda cool. Your swing time though, sounds as I said in your last clips, fusiony and rockish. You need to spend time on the ride cymbal if you're going to play actual Jazz and not fusion. And, also as last time, your comping is very bar oriented, it seems that you are more doing fills than comping, in Jazz, this is a no no, for the most part. Oh, you're listening as Matt said, that's true, but don't forget NOT to say something at every pause in the music. Also, the fills are again, fusion-y. If that's what you want, cool, you're getting that absolutely- same with the drum solo and the licks/chops you play in it.

You can take my comments as criticism or compliments, depending on what WANT to sound like, seriously.


G

[brittc89]

Well gregg, I understand what you were saying and Ive made a decision that I think was a long time coming. Im not a jazz drummer and Im not sure if Ill ever be able to. I try, I really do try, but I guess Im just not cut out for it and I dont know if I want to spend the time to force it. I really like fusion and I guess I am and will continue to work on being a better fusion drummer and stop trying to pass myself off as some type of jazzer. Thanks for the comments and I was thinking the same thing about the focus of the band.

[jazzgregg]

Well gregg, I understand what you were saying and Ive made a decision that I think was a long time coming. Im not a jazz drummer and Im not sure if Ill ever be able to. I try, I really do try, but I guess Im just not cut out for it and I dont know if I want to spend the time to force it. I really like fusion and I guess I am and will continue to work on being a better fusion drummer and stop trying to pass myself off as some type of jazzer. Thanks for the comments and I was thinking the same thing about the focus of the band.
Cool man, you took them as compliments and int hat case, well done, you got what you were going for, so there you have it!

Keep it up.

G

[Loading...]

I admire how tight and smooth your playing is Britt, the snare work on the first song is perfect. I've been trying to listen to more fusion but I'm having trouble finding good material. Could you reccomend a few groups other than say, Chick Corea's Elektric Band or Weather Report?

[T.L.]

Britt,

You are one talented guy! Between you, theduke and mattsmith (and a number of others of course) there's no shortage of young talent on this forum.

You said you're "not cut out to be a jazz drummer" in your previous post............. I think you should reconsider, really.

Greg is right in saying that right now you have a fusion sound going on (kind of Weckl-ish I think).

Just remember, though -- you are really, really young.

If you want to be a fusion drummer, great. BUT, don't think for a second that you can't become more of a jazz player................ For a teenager you are way ahead of most -- you've got solid time and good technique at a young age......very impressive.

If you're interested in jazz, just keep listening -- I really believe that the music we listen to is probably the most important factor in what we sound like.....Just by listening to your playing, I'd say you've been listening to lots of Vinnie, Chambers (Dennis not Paul!), Weckl, Steve Smith, Gadd, etc.

If you start listening to Philly Joe Jones, Art Blakey, Max Roach, etc., similarly, you'll start sounding like them too -- like a jazz drummer.

As Gregg said, if fusion's your thing than great.......BUT, I'd also say that you should develop your jazz playing too -- because you're so talented and though playing opportunities (gigging) for jazz musicans can be quite limited these days, playing opportunities for fusion are even harder to come by.

[brittc89]

Hey TL-
I think youre probably right. Im gonna keep on working on my jazz playing, since I cant see any harm in being affluent in every style and I know itll be useful later in life to be a versatile player, especially if I can sound authentic in every style. Thanks a lot for the compliments and words of encouragment man.

[wondering]

wow, amazing songs. I donwloaded milestones first, then wanted to listen to the second one. it's very very good, you play with lots of dynamics and you feel the music very well. What can I say, for a first rehearshal, what shall it be in a few months !!! keep us tuned

[tomgrosset]

Well Britt, I had to go and dig this up and I have to agree, those recordings are incredible man.

Milestones was very well done and you have a good sense of communication between you and the other musicians. Excellent use of dynamics and your comping is great.

Tasty Fried Chicken has such a nice groove to it and your chops are very accurate in this song. I'm diggin' the rim stuff you're doing there and besides the fact that your solo sped up a little, it was still overwhelming.

Also, it's really impressive to have such good musicians that are from your highschool. Perfect oppurtunity to demonstrate your talent when your with your friends.

Basically man, you've got some serious chops and your group is remarkable with the excellent music that you guys are producing. You're definitely gonna go far with this.

[foursticks]

Damn that was incredible! Very smooth, flowing playing. I especially loved your tenor player and if that was the first practise then you guys will be monsters in a year. Just out of curiosty how long have you been playing for? You seem very talented and I can imagine going places in the future.

[HardcoreLogo]

I ment to comment the first time around, I'm glad this thread is back.........all I wanted to say is......great playing, and oh ya, you young talented players make me sick!!!! Just kidding, but not really...........lol

[timebandit]

Tight Doubles!!!!!!!.........Yeah,Baby............Yeah!

[brittc89]

I was a little surprised to see this thread getting replies again, but thanks everybody for the compliments and words of encouragement.
Foursticks: Ive been playing for about 5 maybe 5 and a half years.
I thought I might also just take the opportunity to upload some of our newer stuff too in case anyone cared to listen.
Thanks again everybody.

[foursticks]

Damn, I only hope to be as good as you when I reach 5 years...

[Maytridy]

Awesome playing. What kind of snare did you use on the recordings?

[kacperivo]

dude, that's AWESOME! you can tell Skerik and Charlie, they're pretty good here too :P. i'd love to play such music someday.

[brittc89]

Awesome playing. What kind of snare did you use on the recordings?

I used a Dunnett 14x6.5 stainless steel snare. Thanks for the compliments man.

[brittc89]

dude, that's AWESOME! you can tell Skerik and Charlie, they're pretty good here too :P. i'd love to play such music someday.

Thanks! Yeah, I love garage a trois if you were referring to skerik and charlie hunter. It is a lot of fun to get to play this genre though, whatever it is. Im glad you enjoyed it.

[tomgrosset]

I was a little surprised to see this thread getting replies again, but thanks everybody for the compliments and words of encouragement.
Foursticks: Ive been playing for about 5 maybe 5 and a half years.
I thought I might also just take the opportunity to upload some of our newer stuff too in case anyone cared to listen.
Thanks again everybody.

I really dig this kind of stuff that you've presented here... it's fricken sweet man. That's some solid playing and one hell of a guitar player. The saxaphone and bass player are awesome too. You guys groove so well collectively.

How'd you find such good players?

[tamadrummer132]

VERY tight playing. You might want to make a few tracks for your drummin buddies, without any drums in em. They sound like some great play alongs.

Overall great stuff tho, lovin it

[fusssion]

Why haven't I seen this thread before today?!?

WOW ...Chicken Dinner is sweet!! Very very nice. If no one would have brought it up, I probably would NOT have said that you 'rushed' your solo. But,..if you agreed w/ the comment then you must have felt it! I know I have that issue w/ fills sometimes, so I get it!

Not sure I really understand jazzgreggs comments ....I mean his comment saying "you can take these as compiments or criticism" .....I don't know what this means....what was the intention Gregg? :) Anyhow...I'm sure it was useful for you....

I love them....great job......very nice, very tight.....going to listen again right now! :)

[slingerland755]

Hey everybody, I decided to post some of this stuff from my newest group Mock Turtle. We play fusion and straight ahead jazzy stuff too. We just had our first rehearsal tonight and we already made two recordings. One of a song the bass player wrote, and the other of Milestones, forgive the sloppy form, Im not sure what was going on there. Im actually really happy with the recording quality we got and the overall playing of everyone in the group. Tell me what you guys think! Im really excited about this group and I think I might be here for a while, since we all seem to get along (however me and the bass player have been friends for some time) and have a pretty good group dynamic after even one rehearsal. These two tunes were only 2 takes each. These were recorded at my home studio, with no click as you can probably already tell? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

I have really enjoyed those tunes. Nicely done!

[dairyairman]

wow! that sounds like a professionally recorded cd! the drum sound is great. your playing is great. the tune is great. the rest of the band is great. there's nothing not to like here.