Hi fellas and God bless you all in Jesus' name!!
This year's IDFJ Celebration was even better than last year's. The reason all comes down to MINISTRY.
Yes, there was supreme talent, but it was a ministry concert on Friday and great clinicians on Saturday.
Drummers that Stood out to me (that played the Friday night concert):
1. Teddy Campbell- unreal power, stick control, hi-hat showmanship, funky beats and he rocked the house. Super clean too.
2. John Blackwell- supreme stick control, showman with awesome timing and very agile around the set. He played the opening song with Teddy and they just had a ball playing off each other. Sticktwirling on his video can't do justice until you see it live. Simply God-gifted.
3. Sean McCurley- (Kirk Whalum's drummer for 13 years strong) this brother is so down-to-earth and talented. near the end of the show, he, Teddy and John played together and it was absolutely awesome. Sean can do just about anything on the set. His style is smoothe and precise no wasted motions or energy. Just super tight and quick hands and feet.
4. Alex Acuna- GREATNESS!!!!! Nothing else to say but a 50 year legend Period!
5. Ritchie Gajate- awesome percussionist
6. Bill Bachman
www.BillBachman.net - if you really want to know how to use rudiments on the kit go to this brother's website. He got stupid on stage with Andrew Beall on Xylaphone (yes a percussive instrument). It was down right awesome.
7. Alvaro Lopez and Yamaha player and L.A. Studio Legend Russ Miller accented the evening with great solos.
Day 2: Clinics
I have to tell you this. I heard a solo by Derico Watson on his website
www.dericowatson.net but this man has to have one of the fastest right foots I have ever seen. Unreal spead and power. Check this brother out. great testimony about living right and serving God while you are playing.
Now, I don't chime in much on this board but I read what you guys say and all of you that said Chris Coleman was the truth LIED!!! He is the ANSWER to anyone. This brother (whom I spent time talking to) was probably the BEST player there. He spoke from the Word of God with Power and his techniques (though simple, using a double paradiddle pattern on the set) were top notch. This guys spirit is so refreshing and humble. I love this brother and I am glad I met and talked with him. Please if he is playing anywhere near you go support this brother.
Time with the Fellas:
I am the lead drummer at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship (Tony Evans is my pastor). On Friday night (March 11) after the show we all walked over to the youth center to cool down and chat. The drummers I chatted with in a back room area were (Chris Coleman, John Blackwell, Teddy, one of the Potter's House drummer, my boy Chris Knox of LW records, Spud and Derico).
Let me tell you succinctly, Teddy and Spud were acting a fool and we laughed and talked until 2 am. It was a great time and I wish all of you could have been there. Try to make it next year.
Also, BIG thanks to my man Carlos Benson (founder and CEO along with his wife) for doing such a great job AGAIN!!!
God bless you all and remember, You Drum For Jesus!!!
PS. Continue to pray for John Blackwell whose still feeling the sting of losing his 2- year old daughter last year.
