This marks a new feature, “DrumSpeak,” where we get some great thoughts from the words of great drummers…
“As a teenager I could assimilate information quickly but, what I didn’t realize until later is that you have to let that information gestate. When you’re young you think you’re a hot-shot, ready for everything because you’ve played along to records and learnt all those little tricks. But, here’s the thing–you don’t know how and why those drummers played what they did until you have the benefit of experience. I’ve sweated blood–literally–and put a lot of work into what I do, and these days so many people are not prepared to put that time and effort in. Everybody wants to be Superman overnight, and that’s encouraged by a media where everything is instantly available–be that visually or audibly. And please don’t just break everything down to chops and groove either, because that means you are only looking at two dimensions when there are so many more. Basically, the whole thing is process, but life is process. Forgive me for sounding clichéd, but the joy is in that process and the fact that there is always something new to aspire to.”
–Vinnie Colaiuta
from Rhythm Magazine, July 2012
He first gained attention as one of the winners of Modern Drummer magazine's very first drum solo contest, judged by Rush's Neil Peart.
He's played with Oz Noy, Will Lee, Alison Krauss, Curtis Stigers, Emily Remler, Joel Hoekstra, GE Smith, Andy York, Marshall Crenshaw, Tony Shanahan, The Drifters, The Marvelettes, Big Brother and The Holding Company, and many other artists.
For more info: onlinesessiondrummer.com
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I think this is especially true for percussionists moving on to new percussion instruments. For instance, I’ve seen numerous drummers pursue playing marimba after learning the standard drum set. They expect it to be easy to transition since they have some of the basics but it is always challenging transitioning to something new. Percussionists should definitely keep the process in mind.
Dear Vinnie:
I’m not a drummer. I just really enjoy listening to you. You’re versatile and everyone wants to play with you. BUT…what I do know is that your Lord is Jesus Christ and that blesses me!!
Shalom and God bless you. I pray that you are blessed, happy, full of God’s wisdom and creativity, great health, joy, peace and love.