Realistic

So, I've come up with another project to do.  I've decided that my knowledge of specific drummers is really low.   Therefore, I've chosed 6 drummers and will study each one in depth for 2 months.  The drummers I've chosen (in no particular order) are Elvin Jones, Bill Stewart, Philly Joe Jones, Max Roach, Matt Wilson, Clarence Penn.  I decided to choose 3 modern drummers, and 3 legends. 

I've started with Bill Stewart (as I was already working on transcribing a solo of his.)  I'm working on lifting the drum solo from Question and Answer from Pat Metheny Trio Live.  Here's a link to the drum solo.  The plan is to transcribe solos, read some books/articles about them, watch some youtube videos (which I never do...) and listen to them a ton.  I've also written a tune that is inspired by one of Bill Stewart's tunes. 

Another thing I've realized (in my quest to consistency and musical maturity) is I need to keep my goals realistic.  Not that I don't want to push myself, but just be realistic.  Last year my New Years resolution was that I was going to practice every single day.  This isn't really a realistic goal.  Some days things come up, or I may be travelling, or whatever.  I've decided to be a little more loose with the interpretation of my goals, and set out to constantly improve.  Does that make any sense?  Well, it does to me.

One last thing.  I know this is a blog about practicing...but...I saw Avatar last night, and it rocked!  I can't stop thinking about it.  Good flick.