I’m in a band that has a percussionist along with me on drums. He’s a very nice guy and all band members are close to him. The problem is that he’s a lousy percussionist. He was their drummer but rather than kick him out they made him the percussionist. That was 5 years ago and I’ve played with them for 1 year. His setup includes congas, bongos and cymbals. He hits cymbals with his hands and congas/bongos with sticks. They turn his mike volume way down and the leader acknowledges that he sucks as a player but “has good stage presence “, which makes no sense. They’ve asked me to teach him but I don’t think he has the aptitude.
Half of the band members have music degrees and they’re all excellent players. I use this guys drum kit at rehearsal so I’m grateful for that, and he really is a nice guy.
He occasionally attempts to give me advice on how to play something. I always just ignore him. Last night he was hacking away over there and then offered me some advice. I was right on it with all the stops but he keeps playing, which sounds very sloppy. I almost spoke up but bit my tongue. It’s hard because he does compliment my playing often and will always help me move my gear, nevermind that I’m using his kit at rehearsal.
These guys have fired several members over time so I’m surprised they’re willing to accept him only because he’s a nice guy. Sorry for the long rant but this is getting on my nerves and I know they’re not interested in getting rid of him. I don’t claim to be a great player but I practice a lot so that I play everything right at gigs.
Any advice?
Half of the band members have music degrees and they’re all excellent players. I use this guys drum kit at rehearsal so I’m grateful for that, and he really is a nice guy.
He occasionally attempts to give me advice on how to play something. I always just ignore him. Last night he was hacking away over there and then offered me some advice. I was right on it with all the stops but he keeps playing, which sounds very sloppy. I almost spoke up but bit my tongue. It’s hard because he does compliment my playing often and will always help me move my gear, nevermind that I’m using his kit at rehearsal.
These guys have fired several members over time so I’m surprised they’re willing to accept him only because he’s a nice guy. Sorry for the long rant but this is getting on my nerves and I know they’re not interested in getting rid of him. I don’t claim to be a great player but I practice a lot so that I play everything right at gigs.
Any advice?