just to sum it up for you guys, i dont think the poster was hating or jealous in any way although what he said in his honesty may have not came out the best! first , the poster has a very valid point. We need to give credit where it is due is true , most of the drummers mentioned all the time are very good drummers, im from chicago (where Calvin Rodgers live) i know Calvin very personally we played alot in the City and hang quite a bit! He has earned the right to be mentioned as one of the best, and like wise the often mentioned others as well. Its about paying dues I remember Calvin sat under several drummers when he was younger who was known as "the men" in chicago at the time, when he could barely play, and threw hard work and dedication you guys see what he has acomplished, as a pro drummer. Its about paying dues, you must be willing to learn to better yourself. You can only grow as much as you are willing to sit and learn with a humble attitude!! The bible says your gift will make room for you and bring you before great men. So this is something earned not given, getting aculades, is not without sacrifice. However in sentiment, i share the posters opinion, we must learn to expand our horizons, and embrace new talents and styles of other drummers playing that have earned the right to be mentioned in these categories now. I agree with the poster, gospel music is one of the few genres of music where musicians are more idolized by thier chops versus thier musical expression and style. A good drummer once told me "its not what you play that matters , but the understanding of WHY you played what you played", how did what you play, add to the music and flow, its is obvious most drummers do not underdstand this. We are impressed with how tight some one does fill ins, or how fast someones foot is, all is useless if you dont understand your role as a drummer! a good drummer is FELT not Heard, music should be. Ive heard some AWESOME drummers with chops out to mars, but add nothing to a song , or group, or artsist flow because thier so busy trying to impress with runs and moves! In gospel we tend to hold on to artists well after it is time to accept the new person on the scene. 'we are better at holding on to the current wheter imbracing the new! DO we really think there are no more Fred Hammond, John P kees, etc... in the world, if we believe that then God has stopped giving his anointing after these artist. Isreal Houghtoin have been singing and writing praise and worship for years, but we just decicded to accept him now in the "new" circle of artist ive known about his anointed music for years before. SO what the poster is saying is we need to give others and chance, and when they have earned the right in chops to be in this class then lets also GIve credit to whom credit is do to these as well!! And also to contrary of popular belief, some of the best drummers on the planet, most dont even know about! Lets not forget some of the very guys we idolize for thier playing was once undiscoverd hidden talents!! We ALL know SOMEBODY whether in our city or abroad that should be mentioned in this class that most dont know about yet !! It only takes word of mouth, or a big gig, to get your name out there, thats the only thing that seperates these big names we speak of, over some great drummers who havent been found yet!! SO lets build up, encourage and boost everybody with out any tainting of jealousy, or envy, for threw this is the only way God can open the doors of great things to you! We must do that to further grow and only then will we see change and reform in the field of gospel music and ministry alike! Lets keep praying and seeking God for his direction and guidence in our lives that his perfect will will be done ! Peace guys! P.S even in disagreeing, we must learn to value, and respect everybodys opinions and in that process there is something to be learned, even in our disagreeing. After all, this is a Message board, we dont have to agree but lets respect every bodies views.
