Every now and then, I receive a letter from a frustrated young drummer. Many of the letters say something like: “I have been playing for X amount of years. I’ve taken some lessons, but my reading needs improvement. I play two nights a week in a Top-40 band. I would like to be playing original music with a top rock (or jazz) group. Should I move to L.A. or New York? I feel stuck where I am now. Signed,  Frustrated.” Another version of this is: “I have been playing for X amount of years. I can read, play all the rudiments and virtually all drumming styles. The problem is that I am stuck in a town with no one to play with. I’ve tried forming a group, but I haven’t been able to find people who play well and who are willing to make a serious commitment. Should I move […]

October 1985 Issue