In New York, the drummers rush for a reason - because there's so much energy crackling through everything in that city and so many collisions at a highly accelerated rate.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
Historically, musicians know what it is like to be outside the norm - walking the high wire without a safety net. Our experience is not so different from those who march to the beat of different drummers.
There are so many musicians in New York, and there is this energy and fire in this city that inspires you and makes you want to learn and to get out there. People are constantly evolving and constantly creating here, and you get pushed along just by being in that energy.
As regards my feelings about drummers - there's Buddy Rich, and then there's everybody else.
I've talked to some drummers who seem to have a very hard time staying in shape on the road, including some drummers touring with high-profile acts that don't have to live on fast food every night.
They're simply following what was laid down in front and they play the same thing. So, there's no great challenge In being a classical drummer.
Why should we be in such desperate haste to succeed, and in such desperate enterprises? If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.
A drummer is usually like the backbone.
The drummer is stereotypically the dumb guy. Maybe that's why I always respect drummers who do more than drum.
When I speak of natural drummers I'm talking about guys that are playing with the talent God gave 'em.
Drummers are conductors - we set the pace for the music - so if you're not relaxed and feeling right, the whole thing goes out the window.