Larry
"Uncle Larry"
I've been struggling with solos now for awhile...I have the ability, but when it comes time to do them, I invariably end up doing like maybe 20 percent of what I am capable of. Its a mental thing for sure but I'm starting to overcome it because I recently realized what I want from my solos, a 2 part conversation against a steady pulse, for reference. Apparently I need some preconceived kind of basic structure to cling to and I think I found it...I've only tried it in 4/4 time, but after years of not realizing what I'm looking for I realized that I like an ostinato on the hi hat, (played with the foot) 8th notes usually, and then develop a sort of 2 part conversation using my hands and kick, a call and response type of thing. I don't care for solos that go "out of time". It's hard to keep that groove going, but to me, that's the goal. The way I look at it is, anybody can solo out of time, I can too, it's relatively easy, because you don't have to maintain anything, groove wise. This is a great leap for me because all I have to do come solo time is to start my hi hat a tappin' and then it's easy for me to craft the 2 parts of the conversation to fit the situation. You don't have to come up with uber inventive acrobatics to craft a listenable "conversation". End it on a flam on the "1" and that's the plan, in and out, nobody gets hurt. So that's my current solution to a vexing issue that's been plaguing me for years. Thanks for your support