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SAN JOSE PRO DRUM CLINIC
SABIAN sponsored a clinic last Saturday evening featuring Todd Sucherman and Jimmy DeGrasso. The event was organized by San Jose Pro Drum and hosted by the nice folks at Willow Glen High School. More than 100 people were treated to a unique format by two of the most in demand drummers around. Jimmy and Todd worked out a format during sound check so they could perform together to begin the clinic. That lead into solos by each followed by a Q&A with both drummers at the same time offering some of their individual experience to common questions.
DeGrasso played along to a classic Alice Cooper track (his current gig) showing the audience how to lay down a solid groove that will get you called back every time. Next he played a track by his band F5 which displayed more of his masterful metal technique and showcased his limited edition 23" Override signature cymbal.
Sucherman did a solo clinic at SJPD just last fall where he played his signature track by Jerry Goodman and some Styx (his current gig). So, this time he decided to do something different for those that came back a 2nd time. He performed a couple tracks off Taylor Mills' album which he also produced and whom he just happens to be married to. He played along to a different Jerry Goodman track in so many different time signatures that the chart must have looked like a calculus textbook! Of course Todd made it feel like bunnies riding on the backs of kittens- smooth and fluffy that is. He finished up with a Styx cover of an Allman Bros. tune.
SABIAN's Chris Stankee says, "Even though both drummers are very different in style they played so well together. They definitely have 'big ears' to be able to improvise in a form for a ½ hour. Seriously, it was like watching them write a song in front of everybody. Very cool and what a treat!"
Jimmy DeGrasso is the owner of San Jose Pro Drum and can be found on tour with Alice Cooper for the rest of 2010. He has performed with Ozzy Osbourne, Montrose, Megadeth, Suicidal Tendencies, David Lee Roth, Y&T and many more.
www.jimmydegrasso.com
Todd Sucherman is the drummer for Styx and is universally acclaimed for his instructional DVD Methods & Mechanics. This is a must have for all drummers. He also performs and records regularly with Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys.
http://www.toddsucherman.com/