Jazz is the big brother of Revolution. Revolution follows it around.
Miles DavisRead
To me, a great drummer isn't always about somebody with chops who can shred. A great drummer is someone who is part of a great band.
Interpretation
A great drummer's value lies in their ability to contribute to the overall sound of the band rather than just technical skill.
Mike Portnoy emphasizes that the essence of being a great drummer goes beyond mere technical proficiency or showy skills. Instead, it's about how well the drummer integrates into the band, enhancing the collective musical experience. This perspective highlights the importance of collaboration and teamwork in music, where the synergy of the group is more critical than individual talent alone.
In practice
During a music workshop, a member might quote this to emphasize the importance of working together.
Jazz is the big brother of Revolution. Revolution follows it around.
It's great when you play to an audience that knows the words to all your songs, and sings them back to you.
Playing live is what it's all about for me. It's cathartic, it's emotional, it's about communing with people. The way you feel after a gig is a such a powerful thing.
In World War II, jazz absolutely was the music of freedom, and then in the Cold War, behind the Iron Curtain, same thing. It was all underground, but they needed the food of freedom that jazz offered.
As for my stuff, I'm just doing guest verses for other people's records. I try to stay recording, because if I don't, I get rusty.
When I think about country music, I think about America.
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