Hangin’ with Dave Weckl

I’ve been on a health kick for the last year or so. I’ve lost +70 pounds and it was not a fun experience. People often say they enjoy eating healthy and working out but I’m not one of those people. I’d much rather sit on the couch watching baseball and eating a cheeseburger, but those days are gone. I still watch baseball and have the occasional cheeseburger but eating intelligently and working out six days a week is what my life has become. My gym is set up in the same room as my drums and I watch YouTube while I exercise as it helps to pass the time. Watching these videos is a much welcome distraction that makes the pain a little less noticeable. Those who work out will agree that distraction is a great help when you’re sweating your ass off. Looking at my drums is also an incentive.

One of the video series that I have come to depend on is Dave Weckl’s Weekend Hang and Q&A. You can either participate in these sessions live on Sundays or watch them on YouTube at your leisure. They are incredibly insightful and inspirational. Dave starts off every episode with a drum solo, sometimes to accompanying music and sometimes just drums. There is usually a theme to what he is playing whether it is a specific style or time signature. It is followed by a live stream of questions that can be sent directly to Dave by the audience. (Many of these questions are easily answered at Dave’s Online School which is located at http://www.daveweckl.com/learn.htm.)

The knowledge that can be gleaned from these drum hangs is very beneficial to drummers of every stage. Dave talks about time, technique, and experiences from his career such as his time playing with Chick Corea. Many times, he demonstrates on the kit what he is trying to convey. This really helps to understand what he is talking about. The variety of questions also makes the Q&A session valuable. As a huge Dave Weckl fan I’ve really enjoyed going back through all of the past episodes. From beginners, through intermediate and advanced there is something for everyone. If you’re looking for something to pass the time that’s worth your time check out Dave Weckl’s Weekend Hang and Q&A. And if you’ve been thinking about exercising. Do it!

Bonham: Paiste Artist

John Bonham is remembered for being a Paiste artist. Despite already having four albums with Led Zeppelin released Bonzo didn’t sign with Paiste officially until 1971. The contract below is a standard artist agreement allowing the company to use Bonham’s name in advertising and promotion. It reads: “With this agreement, the undersigned permits the firm of M.M. PAISTE & SOHN KG the use of his name for purposes of promotion and advertising, including the statement that he plays Paiste Cymbals”. Bonham signed the contract on 7/13/1971. Below that is a tally sheet of Bonham’s cymbal orders.