My Experience With John Blackwell

by ThatDrummerKid on Wed, 01/02/2008 - 14:46

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Well, let’s start when I got to Seminole Music and Sound. Damian and I arrived right around the time that Eric was going in for his lesson. While wandering around the store, I was feeling a little anxious as to what I would say to him. After all, he is a professional that has played with some of the most premier artists in the music industry. After Eric finished with his lesson, it was my turn. I was very excited to sit down and ask him some questions, and see some of his little tricks that I could incorporate in my playing. I told him a little bit about myself and then he wanted to hear me play a little something for him. I didn't really know what to play, so I gave him one of my better funk grooves, and then we went from there. To be honest, we listened to music on Blackwell's laptop most of the time. He was just running through some tunes from the early Funk era, explaining a bit about each song, and what to look for. I also asked him about his open-hand style of playing because I believe it is a great way to change things up and sprout new ideas. He said learning the open handed playing was "accidental" in a sense. This was interesting to me being that most drummers get their ideas accidentally by just "messing around" on the kit. Another interesting factoid is that John, like myself had to adapt to playing a standard drum kit because he is actually left handed! All in all, the lesson was great, I now have plenty of music to listen to for reference, and I got to ask him a few questions about what it's like touring with Prince. For sure a privilege to have sat down with him.

Drummer Comments (1)

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drumfreak Says I enjoyed my lesson...

Submitted On: Monday, Jan 14, 2008 - 8:30 PM

I enjoyed hanging out with John Blackwell during my lesson. I was thrilled that he offered up his personal music collection for listening as I sat with him. His skill behind the drumset is amazing and I asked him to just play instead of myself trying to fumble around in this unmatched situation. I had a good time, Thanks John Blackwell and thanks to John Spinelli at Seminole Music for providing us this opportunity!

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