I just had NO IDEA, sstrams. NONE. Sure, I had heard of them... but to see what they accomplished in music? It knocked me outta my shoes.
By the way.. my gig this last weekend. ARRRGGGHHH but I was out of practice. (this will have a happy ending, however). I was sloppy, horribly so. I'd go to make a run down my toms's and it just wasn't there. Not long into the first set I was ready to stand up and announce to all in attendance that I was officially retiring. Instead:
I backed off. I started concentrating on just staying in time... NOTHING fancy. Keep the beat. I did this with a 'bad attitude' born of frustration. So at first it was not enjoyable. BUT... and not all that long after I backed off... I began to realize it 'sounded' ok... even 'good'. There came a time I began to think it sounded 'great'.
I finished the gig that way, ( it wasn't a long one, 3 hours)... and I finished with renewed hope. I know I'll never be the drummer I once was, (which wasn't very good to begin with).... but I realized I can still play, and make it sound good. I just have to stay within my limits... which are far more restrictive than I wish they were... but no need to 'retire'. - JamesJM
