Rayzz

Hi All,

Not much happening theses days, playing wise. I’m still jamming every weekend at the Gas Pump and every Wed. night with KickbacK. No gigs though. Did a couple of gigs at the beginning of July. One was a party gig which paid good and the other was a club gig which, of course, paid crap. Club gigs are where we get to play more of the type of music we like to play though. It’s still fun, whatever we’re doing.

When I say “we”, I mean my wife and I. I should mention that the support and help I get from my wife to help with moving gear or setting up is waaay beyond expectations. Thanks, honey.

Teaching has slowed during the summer, but it has allowed me to do much more mixing in the studio. Expect to see another original tune from KickbacK soon!

On a sad note … Doug Jenson, long time Edmonton Guitar player and vocalist, passed away last week. He had a style I really liked. A great player. Rock on Doug!

Mike Chenowith and myself are continuing to get together and rehearse and write. The Shufflehounds are on a break right now.

I have been in conversation with the Alberta Government re: doing some recording for them. The project would be to record material for a LD (Learning Disabled) student. Something I have a lot of experienced doing.

Anyway, that’s about it for now. Remember to support live music!

Hi All,

Well, I had my Drum intensive with drumming great Dave Weckl. What a kick! I have a bunch of new technique stuff to try. (Moeller Technique) There were 11 of us students at the intensive and everyone got a chance to jam a bit with Dave. He is, as you might imagine, very knowledgable in all aspects of drumming. The drum clinic he did the following day was awesome!

I’m looking to ‘drum’ up some more work for myself. Sophie and the Shufflehounds are taking an extended hiatus so I will be trying to book KickbacK more. I have been gigging with a couple of other fill in bands and that is always interesting.

I have been looking at a set of Mapex drums for the last year or so and the kit that I really wanted went on sale and I got a killer deal, so I am now the proud owner of a cool black set of Mapex drums. Walnut and Maple shells, 7 ply. They are very punchy and tonal. My Sonor kit leans a little more towards being punchy, whereas my old Rogers kit is very tonal. (a very nice sounding kit) The Mapex is a little of both. (myself and George the Bass player are really digging the kick drum!)

KickbacK has had a couple of gigs recently and everyone really enjoys our Steely Dan material. We try and pick tunes that are commercial and interesting and perhaps tunes that people haven’t heard for a long time. One thing for sure with KickbacK – the band is very tight and the musicianship is both challenging for us players and appreciated by those who listen.

Remember to support live music! Cheers!