When working with multiple artists, each requires a different approach. I find it helpful to start by imagining what the artist might want to hear and feel from the drum world. For example, one artist may want something very drumloop-oriented, while another artist may want their drums to be extremely interactive, dynamic, and organic.

On the Shakira gig, I am asked to cover a very broad spectrum of styles within the course of one concert. Some of her songs are based around eighth-note rock beats where I get to put on my John Bonham hat. Others are full-on dance tunes where I play 4-on-the-floor disco beats. There are even some songs that are so electronic that I find it better to play them on my DrumKat and Akai sampler. I simply sample all the kicks, snares, and explosions from the original Pro Tools sessions, and lay them out across the DrumKat. Then, I perform the parts as if I were a drum machine so we can avoid using too many sequencers on stage. Over time, I have found that certain songs sound better when played exactly like the record, and other songs allow more room to experiment, adapt, and rock out.

Several drummer friends and I were speaking the other day about some of our favorite drum recordings of all time. Here are a few albums that make me jump out of my chair every time they show up on my iPod shuffle.

(1) Miles Davis “Four and More” (w/ Tony Williams)
(2) Jimi Hendrix “Axis Bold as Love” (w/ Mitch Mitchell… mostly)
(3) Joshua Redman “Spirit of the Moment” (w/ Brian Blade)
(4) Al Jarreau “Breaking Away” (w/ Steve Gadd… & Jeff Porcaro on one track)

My friends and I were talking about our favorite films. Personally, I find it easier to pick ten favorite bands, or ten favorite restaurants, but here is what I jotted down yesterday (this could all change tomorrow).

1. The Lives of Others
2. The Empire Strikes Back
3. Rear Window
4. Pulp Fiction
5. The Godfather Part II
6. Annie Hall
7. Monty Python and The Holy Grail
8. Wall-E
9. Amelie
10. Raiders of the Lost Ark

Here are some albums that I have been listening to lately…

(1) How To Destroy Angels – “An Omen ep”
(2) G.E.M. -“Xposed”
(3) Divine Fits – “A Thing Called Divine Fits”
(4) Telekinesis – “12 Desperate Straight Lines”
(5) Happy Body Slow Brain – “Dreams of Water”
(6) Caribou – “Swim Remixes”
(7) Alex Clare – “The Lateness of the Hour”
(8) Metric – “Synthetica”
(9) Harold Budd – “La Bella Vista”
(10) John Abercrombie w/ Steve Bagby – “Live at the Ring Theater”