Todd Sucherman here!

Hi Todd!

Hope your departing flight from Savannah was easier then your arrival flight;) And yes, the Savannah drum clinic was spectacular! Like I said, I have never seen so many people at a drum clinic at that store in the 20 years I have been going there. Ever! Seriously! And I have seen some big named drummers there.

Also, after having seen you play and meeting you it's quite easy to see why you were able to exceed your dreams as you are not only an amazing drummer but you are down-to-earth & personable as well. Lastly, I have a few quick additional questions:

1. What album or project did you play on with Joe Lynn Turner?
2. What was it like working with John Wetton?
3. Did you also study with Alan Dawson and/or Ed Kaspik at Berklee?
4. Who was at Berklee when you were there??? Antonio Sanchez? Mike Portnoy? Jason Bittner? John Blackwell? Others?


Safe travels and I'll be seeing you at the Savannah concert on December 16th!! My first Styx Concert!!! Rock on!

Tad
 
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Todd, On Disc#2 there is a segment called Swingtime Improvisation. As I was watching it I was not only listening to the groove but also thought how beautiful the backdrop by the river was and if you ever did any fishing there, When all of a sudden off to the left in the river there is either a friggin huge fish swimming by or a river otter. How freaking cool is that I bought a drum/ nature video!!!!!! So now you have to rename it INFONATUREDRUMMERTAINMENT!!!!
 
Todd, congrats on the new DVD set and can't wait to get my hands on it soon. As others have said, and I agree, if it's anything like the first M&M than I am in for a real treat.

Everything with your name in it - from DVDs, to Promark sig sticks, to your new snare, breathes excellence. I hope you team up with Sabian for a Vault signature ride or something :)

Thank you for helping me and all the rest of us on our creative and musical journies. Hope to see you in the NJ area sometime soon.


Dominick
 
Todd,

I just finished watching your new DVD set. I had been waiting excitedly for it to become available at the store, and I finally got it yesterday. Thank you for once again doing such a tremendous work. Your DVD leaves me feeling inspired to keep working to get better. I also love how you go way beyond the expected "this is how to use paradiddles, etc." and show such a deeper level of commitment to being an all-around professional with a good attitude. There were lots of moments throughout the DVD, especially in the bloopers at the end, that had me laughing. Thank you!

Matt
 
Moon4Sale--

Thanks for the kind words and for making it to the clinic. Here's your answers in numeric order:

1. I worked with Joe on some demos with Jim Peterik in Chicago. Not sure what ever happened with those recordings.
2. I worked with John over 2 days, again with Jim Peterik. It was a blast for me as I always held the UK records in high regard. We did 4 songs and I think 2 or 3 ended up on John's records years later I believe.
3. I did not study with the gentlemen you mention, and I think Alan was long dead by the time I got there.
4. I don't remember any of those guys you mention being there. If they were, I was unaware of their presence.

Hope you enjoy the show on the 16th!



Stillgroovin' and Trip-----

Thanks a lot!



Hey Matt----

I really appreciate your kind words and feedback. Thanks for getting it, watching it, and for sharing your thoughts with me. I hope it continues to entertain....and inspire you to get behind your kit.

Thanks again,
Todd
 
Hey guys,

For those interested, I come bearing news of a few drum clinics and news about the new "Methods & Mechanics Transcription/Companion Book." For those who have enjoyed the first "M&M" DVD, this is the companion book for you. All the songs, solos & lessons painstakingly transcribed by my co author, Brad Schlueter. Brad and I have known each other for over twenty years, and he's been familiar with my playing going back to my old days in Chicago. Included is new text from myself and Brad, who's sharp insight and educational pointers helps deeply in digesting the material. The book comes with a CD of all performances and includes a few drumless "play along" tracks. This is available from Hudson Music at the link below.

http://www.hudsonmusic.com/hudson/products/methods-mechanics-book/

If anyone lives in Calgary, Indianapolis or Dallas.....come out and say hello!

Cheers,
Todd


CLINICS:
Sunday, November 20th at 2PM
Axe Music Megastore
4114 Macleod Trail SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2G 2R7
Canada
403-243-5200
$10 admission

Thursday, December 8th at 7PM
Chops Percussion
5282 East 65th Street
Indianapolis, IN.
46220
317-813-2070

Saturday, December 10th (Time TBA)
Lone Star Percussion
10611 Control Place
Dallas, TX.
75238
214-340-0835
 
Hey Todd,
Leadfoot here, we met at Skins & Tins in Champaign. I had DVR'd and just finished watching the One With Everything concert you guys did with the Cleveland Contemporary Youth Orchestra and have to say that was the coolest thing I've seen in ages, that had to be a blast for those kids as well as all of you. I could see the joy in everyone's faces, nicely done.
 
We tried to create "snare porn" of the highest order!

Were is the Barry White music, lets get this snare porn correct.
Aside from that, what a work of art. That is one beautiful snare drum. I am trying to save up to get your new DVD and you throw this drum out there, I think I will get the DVD for now.
Cheers, yesdog
 
My M&M II has finally arrived.

Thoughts on first viewing...

A great DVD. Very inspirational and full of (for me) new ideas to work on.

I've played for many years but I especially like the brilliant playing on Manic Depression and the analysis of Tony-esque swiss triplets. (I'd never conciously tried flamming the second or third triplets...until now).

The rythmic bending section is fascinating and the Jerry Goodman track is beautiful - (I'm now hunting down some of his albums)

Thanks a lot Todd - I'm looking forward to many hours of viewing and learning.
 
HI Todd,

I'm currently a bit lost as far as my practise routine goes, because I simply don't know what to practise. Since I want to become a professional drummer practise is kind of necessary (haha) but I've been playing for a little bit over 13 years now and I think it's time for a new practise schedule.
So I was just wondering if there's anything you currently practise or something you practise if you don't know what to practise (haha :=) ).

cheers,
felix
 
Can't wait for M&M II to arrive (Germany here) in 1-2 days ;-)
UPDATE: It's here! [*drool*]

Having watched "II"...
Wow! It's a great follow-up to your "I". Here's some random thoughts of mine:

Those 5 / 7 / 9 patterns were really interesting. I was struggling with the 5 the most.

I liked the section on ghost notes and time bending a lot, that was really helpful.

"Sparks Will Fly" - What a beautiful arrangement! (And great song & vocals BTW.) Those subtle elements and additional percussion are very inspiring. Makes me want to check some of those tools/instruments out at the music store next time. It's really a great pleasure to see that your stunning chops and skills don't have to be utilised all the time to make great music and create a warm and harmonic atmosphere.

Towards the end of the DVD it was cool to see that even Mr. Sucherman might drop a stick on a concert - it just happens. Well nobody really noticed - 1 second later and the case was closed - that's how real pros handle situations like that. It was also very interesting to see some footage of you practicing on a pad and watching some combinations you used.

As to the DVD not having PDFs etc - yes, this makes really sense. Some things (usually the good ones) just take some effort.
I was happy to see that even with a mere 15 months of drumming but having picked up trad style almost from the beginning, I really had some benefit from the DVD even watching it for the first time. Some of the material - or at least the playing tempo - was within what I can handle. Well on a pad that is - on a full set there's more distance to cover.

One question - sorry if this seems dumb but on YouTube some folks were discussing whether the outdoor shootings were really done with the drums actually set up outdoor or whether a greenscreen was used. I'm not sure... I'm asking out of pure curiosity, it doesn't change a thing.

Todd, thank you so much for another great DVD and for being the drummer and person you are. One can really look up to you!
 
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Leadfoot---

Thanks a lot, man. The new "Grand Illusion/Pieces of Eight Live" DVD comes out next month. I hope you check that one out.


Yesdog---

Thanks to you, too. If you order the dvd (only 30 bucks) I hope you do so from my web store. I recoup more money (as I'm still paying for production costs) from my website than any sale anywhere else, so I thank you in advance!

http://www.toddsucherman.com/methods-and-mechanics-2.html



Supermac--

Thanks! Thanks for getting it and I'm happy to hear you're enjoying it. I hope it continues to inspire you to get behind the kit. Thanks.



Smurd---

You are what you practice. What to you want to be? Consider that and really think about it. I have many ideas for practice in both of my dvds. Be organized and be patient. It's a never ending process, so patience is key. Practice things slowly and internalize your motions. There's more than that obviously, but that's a start. I wish you luck.


Uniongoon---

Thanks for the support. I hope he does pick up the dvds!



Arky---


Thanks for getting the dvd and thanks for the detailed review. I appreciate your kind words very much! I hope it continues to give you good things to think about and that you were entertained.

Yes, the outdoor scenes were greenscreen. We filmed those in a volatile December last year at a studio and went out to the original MM1 property and shot the outdoor scenes in May. I have taken an "internet ass beating" about it for some reason, but at least we were trying something new. Technically it was difficult without a zillion dollar budget to do. We were in over our heads truthfully! But it has an 80s video charm to those sections, which are only perhaps 6% of the entire production. It mixes things up visually which is the point anyway. Thanks again, Arky!


Cheers,

Todd
 
Hello Todd,

Just want to say that I listen to the drum solo you played at the Modern Drummer Festival on the way to work every day. Of course in my head I'm imagining me playing it, lol.

It's about the same length as my commute, and I subject my fellow drivers waiting at red lights to a good helping of DRUM SOLO!

Thanks for the drum solo
 
Hi Todd,

I just watched the trailer videos on hudsonmusic.com to your M&M II DVD, and I'm really
blown away by your inspiring musicality, your diverse technical skills and also your obvious
talent as a teacher - at least as far as I can tell in a "one-way video format", haha!

Congratulations to your great work - I must have this DVD!! And as soon as I'll be finished
working through it I suppose I won't be able to resist buying M&M I, too :).

Keep up the good inspiring work and groove on!
Matthias
 
Todd,

the M&M I companion book/CD has arrived today... This book is made very well, it's great fun reading it! I also like the CD sleeve to stay permanently inside the book (it's always a nuisance having to tear those sleeves off usually which would always leave its traces - not the case with your book).

The section on double bass isn't too long but informative, it's really helping to structure what you're typically playing when it comes to double bass.

Amazing transcription work! I'm looking forward to the M&M II book/CD package.

Greets, and have a good 2012

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EDIT
One question: Do you have a typical procedure how to come up with the drums on a new song? I don't remember whether you described this on "M&M I" - I do remember that you prefer to know the lyrics so you can support the emotions. How long does it take you to elaborate the drum parts of a "complex" song (if there is such a thing like a "complex" song for you)? Thank you for your reply.
 
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Ted T---

Thanks! Glad you enjoy that solo. If you like that, may I recommend both Methods and Mechanics DVDs? Nine hours between the two, long enough to handle any commute!

My best to you, man.



Swiss Matthias---

Thanks to you! I'm happy you enjoyed the clips! I hope you decide to pick them up, and my web store ships world wide.

http://www.toddsucherman.com/methods-and-mechanics-2.html

Thanks again, and my best to you!


Arky---

Thanks for checking out the book, and I'm very happy you dig it! As far as your question goes, there's a lot of variables depending on the situation. Am I hired to play parts perviously programmed on a demo? Do I have the final say for parts? What kind of music is it? I could go on and on with questions like these because the variables are many. Ultimately I'm trying to make someone happy (artist/producer) with seeing their vision become a reality. But If it's my band or my project, that might be different. Either way I let the music dictate what should be played----and I listen to my head and heart, without sounding corny, but that's it. I never try to inflict my agenda on the music. I try to be agenda-less and ego-less as it were. I hope I'm making sense. But that's the barometer I use. I hope that helps!

Thanks again-
Todd
 
As always, a fine example of time keeping... I really enjoyed the "push and pull" fill @ 1:40... Keep up the great inspiration for all drummers...
 
Yes, the outdoor scenes were greenscreen...

I like the bit after the end credits when the greenscreen background gets truly ridiculous. Some maniacally silly, gravity-defying solos you played there! Well done! (Next time, how about some moonscapes or the lion cage at the zoo or something?)
 
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