Todd Sucherman here!

[Moon4Sale]

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

[supermac]

Originally Posted by Todd Sucherman

Supermac-

Update. DVDs arrived yesterday and are heading out to dealers this week!

Cheers,
Todd

That's great, Todd.

Look forward to getting it!

[stillgroovin]

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!!!!

[Trip McNealy]

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

[Matt]

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

[Todd Sucherman]

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

[Todd Sucherman]

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/pr...echanics-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

[Leadfoot]

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.

[yesdog]

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

[supermac]

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.

[smurd]

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

[uniongoon]

Buy Todd's video's and you would not need to ask questions like these.
The best tip I know, don't waste too much practice time on what you already know, I think Todd mentioned this in his teachings regarding making the most of your practice time and it has helped me alot.

[Arky]

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!

[Todd Sucherman]

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...chanics-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

[Ted T]

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

[Swiss Matthias]

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

[Arky]

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

-----
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.

[Todd Sucherman]

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...chanics-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

[Sirwill]

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...

[Anduin]

Originally Posted by Todd Sucherman

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?)

[2bsticks]

Todd,

Congrats to you on your NAMM award for M&M2. I have it and it's every bit as good as the first one. Great stuff and thanks for all the inspiration.

Next time your in the Boston area I need to have this copy signed too :-)

[Todd Sucherman]

Sirwill, Anduin, and 2b----thanks for your kind words!


I hope everyone's year is off to a good start. A few things I'd like to share with those interested. Styx's new live DVD/Blu Ray "The Grand Illusion/Pieces of Eight Live" has just been released. It's far and away the best documentation of this band live, and my work within it. It was my favorite tour I've done as well---playing both classic records in their order and entirety live. I hope you guys check it out, as I'm really very proud of it!

http://vimeo.com/33545776

http://vimeo.com/33545776

http://www.amazon.com/Styx-Grand-Ill...8036530&sr=1-2


Also, I have 3 clinics coming up. If anyone lives in these cities, come out and say hello! Dates below.
Cheers from somewhere in Washington State,
Todd

Wednesday Feb 15th -start time 7pm
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-850-7227
Contact: Stephen Whitesides
stephen.whitesides@gmail.com
*
Thursday Feb 16th – start time 7pm
1501 Drums Etc
548 New Holland Ave.
Lancaster, PA 17602
717-394-3786
Contact: Rick Hamilton
rick@drumsetc.com
*
Friday Feb 17th – start time 7pm
1901 Volkweins Music *
138 Industry Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15275
Contact: Evan Brown 412-788-5900
ebrown@volkweins.com

[jasonrhcp]

Todd

just gotta say how great the new MM2 is...workin on it now!!

We appreciate all you do, and keep em comin
J

[Anduin]

Just found a slightly dated but still interesting interview with Todd's tech:

http://www.performing-musician.com/p...s/techthat.htm

[stillgroovin]

Todd, it was a pleasure to meet you last night in Lancaster at DRUMSETC. Your clinic was amazing and you still remain the most humble, approachable drummer I have ever met. Thanks for the inspiration!!!!

[Swiss Matthias]

I heard you're going to perform at Musikmesse in Frankfurt. I'll be there!
Looking forward to seeing and hearing you!!

[Swiss Matthias]

Originally Posted by Anduin

Just found a slightly dated but still interesting interview with Todd's tech:

http://www.performing-musician.com/p...s/techthat.htm

Very interesting interview, thanks for sharing!

[Boom]

Hey Todd!

Just wanted to chime in and say thanks for the awesome clinic you put on in Pittsburgh tonight. I will highly recommend anyone to check your clinics out.

Your solo was just as you told us you looked for...it was musical. It was so musical that at times during it I got lost in the song you were creating. I wasn't just watching some drummer show his chops (which you had in spades) but great music.

Also, I'd make a friendly suggestion that you break down your "bastardized moeller" every single clinic. Take the 2 minutes and show how you do that...every clinic. Really. You do it in one of your Dvd's (maybe both, I can't remember) and it doesn't matter how often I see it, I want to see it again (you broke it down for us when you were asked about it during the clinic). So don't wait for someone to ask, just do it!

Thanks again!

[Todd Sucherman]

jasonrhcp---

Thanks a lot!


Anduin----

Thanks for sharing that. Paulie (my tech) and I just had our 10th anniversary. He's the best in the business.


stillgroovin---

Thanks! And thanks for making it out to the clinic. I'm very happy you enjoyed it.



Swiss Matthias---

Yes, I'll be there! Looking forward to it.



Boom--

Thanks a lot for the kind words and for making it out to the clinic. Glad you dug it, and thanks for dropping me a note!

My best to all of you guys!

Cheers,
Todd

[Swiss Matthias]

Todd, I've watched and listenend to Tears Of Joy from your first DVD many times.
I love the tune, it's really beautiful, and your playing is fantastic, musical, dynamic
and exciting. And I love the 13/16 groove, it's so weird and so full of a strange
kind of flow at the same time. Love the missing bass drum on the 1.

The question: Maybe I'm lazy and failed to see or hear it, but who wrote that tune,
and which band played it?

[Todd Sucherman]

Swiss Matthias---

I recommend checking out my first "Methods & Mechanics" DVD as not only does the DVD lead off with "Tears of Joy" but I talk later about navigating the time signature (which is actually 13/8). I also speak a bit about Jerry Goodman who composed and performed it. (If you don't know who Jerry Goodman is.....Google him!)

Both DVDs are available from my web store and ships world wide right away....straight to your mail box! I hope you pick them up. On the MM2 DVD, there is another Jerry Goodman composition called "Going on 17," which has sections in 15/8 and 17/8.

Thanks again!

Cheers,
Todd

http://www.toddsucherman.com/methods...chanics-2.html

[Swiss Matthias]

Thanks Todd! I have picked up both your dvds some weeks ago actually, but - shame on me - I've
been stuck in your rudiments on the kit section till today, because nowadays I want to not
just watch but really study dvds like yours, take notes and try out myself what hits me!

So I assume I've not come far enough to hear you talking about the song. Should have watched
it all before asking... So please only focus on the compliment section in my post :)!

Thanks anyway for the info! I've heard Going on 17 once, I had an earful of all songs on
both dvds (well all four dvds it is actually) already :).

[uniongoon]

Tears of Joy is how I discovered Todd's playing. A drummer insulted the tune, calling it a processed piece of crap on another forum, he instantly got shot down in flames, but that tune is so catchy yet so hard to grasp at the same time. I have listened to it cranked through the klipsch on the 55" soooo many times. The drum sound is second to none. Makes me proud to also play a masterworks kit.

[Arky]

Todd,
just wanted to tell you that I like your signature sticks a lot!

I just received my first pair of them (together with a P4 pad)... Wow, those are turbo sticks! I ordered them without testing beforehand and I'm totally happy. I've been practicing with heavier sticks for months so your sig sticks make for much more playing ease while providing great feel and smack. NOW I have a slight idea how it feels to play your sticks. It's great that they do not slip although they don't have a finish (been using coated sticks).

[larryz]

Another Pittsburgher here who loved your clinic last week. Hands down the most unique drum solo I've ever seen/heard. Also loved how you told the attendees to please don't record this on video and upload to the web.. Sometimes we need to unplug all these devices and jsut sit back listen and enjoy. One of the most unforgettable Friday nights in my 46 years. Thanks Todd. A gentleman, teacher and overall good guy. Peace and good health.

p.s. Yeah, us Steelers fans love Styx!

[Todd Sucherman]

Swiss---

Thanks for picking them both up! I hope you are enjoying them.



Uniongoon---

And thanks to you too!




Arky--

Glad they are working for you. They feel really creamy and organic. There's a lovely rebound and feel to them and I'm glad you dig them too!




larryz--

Thanks a lot for your kind words and for making it out to the clinic. I really appreciate your note!


My best to you all-
Todd

[last man to bat]

Hi Todd

I recently bought a copy of your M&M book, great stuff! This may be a very naive question, but as my playing is slightly *ahem* below yours *coughs and splutters* I was wondering how you formulate your playing on tunes such as Tears Of Joy. Almost every bar is different. It would take me a life time to learn how to play it! how on earth did you begin to write it? Is it that you get a feel for the groove and play around within an idea or is each bar constructed and as such played the same each time you play it?

I am really enjoying the book btw, by far the most enjoyable and inspiring book I have bought.

Thank you

[Swiss Matthias]

Originally Posted by Todd Sucherman

Swiss---

Thanks for picking them both up! I hope you are enjoying them.

Well, my pleasure!!

[resohead]

Just watching some Todd video's today. Great drummer-class act.

[Todd Sucherman]

last man to bat--

Thanks for your great feedback! It's really appreciated. The book is fairly new and haven't heard from many people about it--so I'm glad someone bought one! But seriously, it means a lot and I hope it goes a long way to spur creative directions in your own playing. As far as the "TOJ" track, I just knew the tune and was very comfortable in the composition. In the Methods and Mechanics DVD (1st one) I later talk about navigating the 13/8 time signature. Perhaps that would be helpful shedding some light on that subject. I know in the book there are a few "3s & 2s" variations for you to digest. Again, thanks and I hope you continue to enjoy it.


Swiss & resohead---

Thanks to you guys as well!

Cheers from somewhere in Ohio...

Todd