Yo man, when speaking in terms of opinions, there is no right or wrong. Maybe you're not reading my messages, in their entirety. So, I'll repeat what I said. As far as you saying that there were drummers playing the way Gerald was, but not getting the exposure...I totally agree. Everyone has an influence. Something had to be played to inspire Gadd, to play the way he did. The thing is, we don't know WHO it was. And it doesn't really matter that much. There are drummers all over the world who we copy and imitate, and none of our peers know these guys. But let's stick to the subject here. To this day, Gerald isn't on a lot of gospel projects. When Gerald played those albums, he had the same experience we've all had all our lives....CHURCH! But, his sound was so big, and commanding, and aggressive, and everything else. It was his time bro! He took all the things he liked from Jeff Davis, and Steve Gadd and whoever else, and came up with his own thing. And we he put it all together, it was sick! Everybody started playing Gerald Heyward licks. And if I'm wrong, prove it. Bring me and album B4 those Hezekiah albums. Because I know everywhere else I went, drummers were playing those licks! And to go a step further, Gerald did exactly for Gospel and black RnB live drumming, what Gadd did for fusion and jazz! There would be no room for players like myself, Tony Royster Jr., Aaron Spears, Rex Hardy, Spanky, Teddy Campbell, etc...if Gerald hadn't started that revolution man! Drumming in our community changed, when Gerald stepped out. I grew up in church bro....straight up church! I didn't know anything about Steve Gadd, Tony Williams, Billy Cobham, and a host of others. I was about 11 or 12 when I started learning about those guys. Now, am I the only one who grew up like that? Feel free LGM to answer back! We didn't have the tools that this generation has...at least not in the beginning.
I don't know what your definition of progression is, but in my book it means forward advancement of higher stages. So, I'm not sure how you relate progression with "has beens". You said I'm not doing the stuff Aaron Spears is doing...my response to that: You are correct. However, and I say this in a total manner of professionalism and with confidence as to who God has made me, Aaron isn't doing what I'm doing! Me and Aaron are two totally different individuals, two totally different musicians, who live in two different parts of the United States, and who have had two totally different musical journeys. So, there is no need to COMPARE or COMPETE as to who is doing what. Because for one, we have a huge respect for each other as men, and an even greater friendship. And for two, we have the respect of artist and our peers as two musicians who have our own language and sound, when we get behind the kit. When someone wants Aaron, they call him. And when someone wants Calvin, they call him. I can mock and imitate Aaron's sound, and from time to time, I do! But my sound aint Aaron's sound! That's his story and his language. And that's why he's working like he is! I never think of drumming as a competiton, because I can only play what's in my heart. And drums and music are in my heart. So, if I have to sit down with Aaron Spears, and I have before, I believe that some will enjoy what I have to say, just as much as they will enjoy what he does. I've known Aaron for years! And in my opinion, the WORLD was late! Because he has BEEN the monster that he is! And he gets better and better with time. In a couple years, there will be someone else. But because of the musician that Aaron is, he will always work!
Lastly, you made reference to how many people knew me before "Rain On Us". But I know a lot of people who've heard that song a million times, and never knew it was me. I know a lot of people who never heard the song, at all. That song didn't bring me to where I am. Not to be all deep or spiritual, but if I never recorded the song, I'd still be here today. Because this time is ordained...plain and simple! If Gerald never recorded those songs with Hez, he'd still be here today! Because his time is ordained! So Is Aaron's, and so on and so forth!
Let me start of by saying man I do respect your drumming and what you have brought to Gospel drumming...As for you being 25 I dont know cause you told me you were that age two three years ago when I saw you with Fred Hammond in Toronto.. 
Anyway I have to disagree with you! You're wrong! There were other drummers playing like Gerald before those two Hezekiah Walker albums came out, again they didnt have the exposer that Gerald had doing albums and touring with Hezekiah! Again like I said previously, One of the first times Gerald came to Toronto some light skin guy came with him who was doing all the same licks he was.....Who was that guy? Who knows!!!
I do admit he changed the way our generation looks at Gospel drumming WHY!? No one known was playing like him at the time......Progression! Progression does not mean you are a has been not at all but for real, you aint doing the things Aaron is doing so for today and this time in progression he set the new standard! Like us with Gerald all the kids now are trying to be Aaron, just watch You Tube and you'll see what I mean. I think your playing is getting better as you get older, you are becoming seasoned and I really enjoy listening to you play! When I said "me and you just fell in a line of progression"....I mean in the Gerald time frame, that's why we were more influenced by him then any other Gospel drummer (Trust me, I use to get up before school and watch the boot leg videos...Audio tape the bootlegs and play them in my Walkman on the way to school...Practice at lunch and after school to the boot legs.....Walk home listening to the boot legs....come home fight my brothers fore the TV to watch the boot legs or practice in my basement...so yo! No one was a bigger Gerald fan then me!)
Ill use you as an example! Until rain on us who really knew you!? You might have had some what of a name in Chicago (sp?) But world wide heck no! The solos and your licks in the time of progression (in Gospel) so like Gerald was to us you were to another generation....like Aaron is to this generation...Do you see what Im saying!? Sorry man, I aint scaird of Aaron but I know in a competition Id have to practice...and you too!
