The Rock Time Zone

I was thinking through some different styles I've played recently, either on drums or my iPod. I think feel can be unawaringly uninvited sometimes. Between styles like folk, jazz, rock, ect there has to be a certified specific approach with a drummer's feel. And, the feel of the other players..

I entered the discussion of touching on how each style works. Jazz is different from folk is different form rock and then swing and so forth. Country drummers lay back on everything. Jazz guys keep the ride steady, but kick and snare are used more like axillary percussion half the time. Rock guys on the other hand just "lay down the law" so to speak. The ground work. Solid. The accountability. These words come to mind.

Since rock records have advanced in a sense of heavier production, most of the them lock the band in to one 'time space' I'll call it for now. No 'breath' between instruments. Weather the rock drummer has a "behind the beat feel" or plays "on top", (usually on top), the band is right there not straying from every hit. It may sound tight, but the reality of the band 'breathing' doesn't exist.

When you listen to a Led Zeplin record the guitars totally take off at times, ahead of the beat, and that's because they probably tracked it playing live in the studio. Now, I don't endorse leaving a bad take in a final recording, by all means, get good takes!! Don't be sloppy. But, when it comes to the feel of rock, guitar players are going to push, bass players should lay back, and drummers shouldn't budge the groove or tempo. It's everyone's job to play and listen 'to' the drummer as well as 'with' him. Oh right, the singers.... well, they've never been ones for tempo.

So if you're way into Travis Barker lets say, and like to push the tempo, cool. Just stay consistent with it. If you're a big ol' classic rock John Bottom kind of guy and like to stretch that pocket wide open. Sweet. Stick to it. Don't fluctuate. I'll beat you up.

jk. but seriously.