ECD percussion/Martin Brinsford kit?

Subject: ECD percussion/Martin Brinsford kit?
From: coyotebanjo
Date: 01 Oct 07 - 11:58 PM

Friends:

Am looking for online (links) or offline (books) sources on ECD percussion kit setup and playing. I have good familiarity with both traditional and more modern bands (Plain Capers to Tiger Moth, say) and have the sound of ECD percussion in my ear, but would welcome specific information about drum setups and playing techniques. I have a young drumset and drumline player with good skills but who needs direction in ECD playing.

Thanks for any info, either via thread or (if not of general interest) offlist at christopher d o t smith a t ttu dot edu

all the best,

chris smith

Subject: RE: ECD percussion/Martin Brinsford kit?
From: GUEST,martin ellison
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 04:50 AM

Can't help with playing techniques but can say that the drum set-ups of ECM dance bands do vary widely. Of course Martin B is the master of the English tambourine but uses other equipment as well (kick-drum, snare, wood blocks (cocoanuts), the odd cymbal, triangle etc.)
Other players go for a more conventional drum kit whilst others again prefer hand percussion. I used to know a bloke who used a hubcap and an enormous iron hook off a block and tackle - it made a great triangle sound.
I'd say just get along to gigs and have a good look.
Martin

Subject: RE: ECD percussion/Martin Brinsford kit?
From: GUEST,James H
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 08:14 AM

I'd agree with Martin that set ups vary widely - I'd go so far as to say that set ups don't matter at all. The thing imho that matters when drumming for dancing is getting the drive, lift, and speed right. Nothing worse than trying to dance to a drummer who speeds everything up. One way to get good at that would be for the young drummer in question to learn the dances. A really good dancer has a much better chance of being a good drummer for dancing. Not the only way to achieve it but it would help many I think. And doing at least some dancing to bands that *don't* have drummers might, for a drummer, be a better way to get the feel of the rhythm rather than dancing to a drum driven band where the temptation might be to just copy what's there. No offence but the bands that you've listed as more modern (Tiger Moth, say) sound a bit dated to my ears. Try listening to the Glorystrokes for a good drummer...

Subject: RE: ECD percussion/Martin Brinsford kit?
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 10:13 AM

The GloryStrokes drummer might be technically good but he's not the best to dance to, although he is improving.

A problem with drummers behind kits it that it is usually difficult for them to seen the dancers to gauge whether he's going too fast or too slow for them.

Subject: RE: ECD percussion/Martin Brinsford kit?
From: GUEST,Gadaffi
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 10:48 AM

Get a look at Pierce Butler of Housewives Choice - he's quite something else.

Early Flowers & Frolics had a washboard with attachments as I recall.

Subject: RE: ECD percussion/Martin Brinsford kit?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 08:36 AM

ECD - English Country Dancing!!!!

Good God! - I'm a Code Crasker!

Subject: RE: ECD percussion/Martin Brinsford kit?
From: GUEST,martin ellison
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 10:27 AM

"I'm a Code Crasker!" - hang on, I've nearly got this one. If only I could figure out that final difficult letter . . .

Subject: RE: ECD percussion/Martin Brinsford kit?
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 11:40 AM

Friends:

This is great info--thanks so much, and keep it coming.

Further to several comments above: the young woman in question is a fine dancer in several styles (though not ECD--yet!) and so she has good insights into drive and lift. Also a specialist in hand-drums, so perhaps I'll aim to start her on tambourine.

Once again, thanks for this continuing discussion.

all the best,

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