Well, "intermediate" drummer is stretching it in terms of jazz playing. I've practiced all sorts of jazz books/syncopation and have been constantly urged by teachers to start playing live jazz. I've playing a grand total of 3 years now I think and am 26 years old.
I can keep steady "swung" jazz time up to 100 bpms. Nothing to flashy. Independence is okay, I can do triplet variations with hi-hat/snare/bass anywhere within the "time". Fills I'm not great at yet... it's like I cling to a groove and as soon as I let go, I struggle to jump back in with jazz. Which is why now, I've been urged to start playing with people. You hear it all the time, "One of the fastest ways to get better is to play with people." I want to get better, and practicing by myself constantly is going to be a slow, slow road.
Thing is with jazz, it seems like everyone is looking for some uber-seasoned pro drum player with massive chops. That ain't me, and I highly doubt that every jazz group sprung into being with all it's members being super experienced from the get go. These guys had to start playing "live" at some point when they were just starting out.
With all the groups looking for seasoned players, how is a guy supposed to start playing jazz live with people? I'm 26 years old, I guess I could swallow my pride and play with some awesome 13 year old's on guitar or something. Any ideas on places to find people like me? It's like the chicken and egg problem.
I can keep steady "swung" jazz time up to 100 bpms. Nothing to flashy. Independence is okay, I can do triplet variations with hi-hat/snare/bass anywhere within the "time". Fills I'm not great at yet... it's like I cling to a groove and as soon as I let go, I struggle to jump back in with jazz. Which is why now, I've been urged to start playing with people. You hear it all the time, "One of the fastest ways to get better is to play with people." I want to get better, and practicing by myself constantly is going to be a slow, slow road.
Thing is with jazz, it seems like everyone is looking for some uber-seasoned pro drum player with massive chops. That ain't me, and I highly doubt that every jazz group sprung into being with all it's members being super experienced from the get go. These guys had to start playing "live" at some point when they were just starting out.
With all the groups looking for seasoned players, how is a guy supposed to start playing jazz live with people? I'm 26 years old, I guess I could swallow my pride and play with some awesome 13 year old's on guitar or something. Any ideas on places to find people like me? It's like the chicken and egg problem.