variousing

Nice one. I think between us we have lots of enthusiasm and energy - and it's that stuff which matters, *. We have our lineages, and these contain useful crossovers and areas of common interest. I'm proud of the things I've done; and I'm sure you and * are, too. God yes! What I like about * is his commitment and engagement; his get up and go. He's not fatalistic or lazy. He has a thorough idea of who he is artistically and he has the wherewithal to do something with that. I get the same impression from you; and I know I have these qualities, too. Artistically/musically - * works in an area away from rock music and its mores. As I've said, that's what I want, as well; and you've said as much, also. To my mind, * caters for the rockist end of improv - and I wish him luck with it. It isn't enough for me, though, to just continually turn up and see what happens. Systems are good things; and refinement is not inimical to improv and experimentation. Plus, there's a challenge to use conventional instruments without falling into conventions; without it being some kind of the rhythm/some kind of texture/some kind of solo-type of improvising. In that sense, I like your openness to expanding your role as a drummer - with devices, different approaches/attitudes. Same with me: I'm not interested in using the bass to riff etc. This, I feel, is a definite area to work on personally: expel the rockist elements, try something very different; even make it look different in performance; think about different layouts of, say, arranging drumkit pieces, etc. One thing I did for a thing in Belfast last year was to have the bass on a stand until I was actually using it; and put it back there when I wasn't. The bass is just part of it anyway - I use keys/laptop/MD/CD/lots of devices. Just sound sources to me these days. It is down to chemistry - and all we can see is if we get on which each other and if there is that spark. * suggests bringing anything relevant along - music if possible, as I said already, but art stuff, writing, stuff that's important, whatever. See you Thursday 7.45pm. Best wishes, Anthony