[NewMusic] Marco Eneidi's Animal Farm

[weasel walter]

> In this concert the only trouble in my mind is that Peter and Timmy 
> played as if they were the only drummer. The drummers could have 
> gotten  together and worked it out or I guess George or I could have
tried 
> to  organize the whole "Rhythm Section" since we know the drill but we 
> didn't.

look, we were not set up in a way that would even allow the drummers to
work as a section! i couldn't see spirit at all and tim and peter were
off in their worlds, being "The Only Drummer in the room". I like both
those guys, but you hit that one on the head. honestly, i didn't really
NEED to work with them as a section. it wouldn't have changed shit. if
they wanted to overplay, what the hell would i be able to do about it?
wasn't it enough that i told the entire rhythm section to shut the fuck
up during the second rehearsal? i guess not. BTW - the drummers had NO
PARTS. tim told me that he would try and "stay out of the way" when i
played, which showed a certain amount of sensitivity on his part
(appreciated), but honestly, that didn't really solve anything. basically
you had peter and timmy freaking the fuck out the whole time on the right
side of the stage and it pretty much demolished the entire horn section.
i can't teach people how to be sensitive, but i can NOT book them in my
big band, that's for goddamn sure. that's how i solve that one!

> Weasel and I listened to an incredible Tony Oxley Orchestra 
> recording on tour with four drummers that is just amazing. They have
the 
> traditions of Globe Unity and KIng Übü  to draw from, so that is a 
> big help.

oddly enough, the four drummers on that piece can control their dynamics,
lay out, acknowledge that the rhythm section doesn't have to clog the
whole piece up with constant noodling. 

> My point is that even experienced improvisors show up to these 
> things waiting to be told what to do, when you have to show up ready to

> organize yourself.

i did organize myself. i did what the hell i wanted to. what i wanted to
do was at total odds with most of the rhythm section and their personal
sensibilities.

ww