Scott Henderson Discussion

[dizzy]

Hey Scott

I have a question about drummers:


It seems like some drummers play in a free way and are very reactive to the soloist---like Brian Blade or Mitch Michel
And some drummers lay down the groove in a really literal way but don't react to the soloist at all.

There is a balance with the drummers who you play with that I like---grooving guys who also react to what you play but don't react so much that the groove gets lost.

So my question is:
How much do you verbally tell drummers what you want the concept to be for interaction in solos? Do you ever ask them to change the approach and react more or less to what you play?

And I was wondering if you have other thoughts on the topic of group interaction during solos if you could discuss them------I know you don't have time to answer such open ended questions but any thoughts would be appreciated as it is an issue that I like to think about and am trying to learn more about.

Thanks Scott

[Scott Henderson]

Group interaction is important in a solo, to a point. Drummers who over-react and jump on everything the soloist plays are immature players. Good drummers know how to keep a balance between reacting to the solo and grooving. Of course it's personal taste - some guitar players hire drummers who in my opinion overplay, and others hire drummers who stick to the groove. I guess I'm in the middle somewhere.

I've written tunes on some of my blues albums which I wanted to groove hard all the way through, and I told the drummer what I wanted, so the tune didn't end up sounding too jazzy during the solo. That was only in the studio - live, I rarely have to say anything because I work with drummers who just naturally do what I like.

[dizzy]

Thanks Scott