Sick Of Calvin Rodgers?

[bigblackdrummer]

LOL Im not I love to listen to his playing and where hes going these days!!! BUT where is the rest of you!? The U.S. seems so big but new gospel musicians being used on Cd's and Dvds seems so small. WHY? Guys like Calvin (no disrespect Calvin you're just my example) cant be better then all of you so whats going on? Im always joking with my U.S. friends that if I ever moved down there none of you guys would be playing for anyone!!!! But where are all of you? Why is there no new people on kit for the recordings?

[B3Wannabe]

Personally, I think most (keyword is most) of the big time players are more humble than an equally-talented "normal" church musician. A lot of guys get good, it goes to their head, and they start burning bridges. When that happens, no one wants to play with them. That's just my opinion, at least of all the musicians I've come across.

I've known some guys that were really good in all the black keys on the piano, and since they could outplay me (in those keys), they felt they were better. The kicker is the church actually encouraged it! When they'd get on the keys/piano/organ people start cheering, but then there's quiet for everyone else.

Maybe I'm the only one that has ran across this.

[dude-on-drums]

This brings up an interesting point.  I remember reading an article where Nissan was saying how P. Diddy flew him to New York to audition over (200?) drummers and not one of them was worthy of the gig in question.  As soon as I read it, I was like, "yeah right."  No one can make me believe that out of all the drummers in NY, not one was worthy.  I hear things like, "Oh its just my season!"  Yeah right!  Thats just an excuse to keep doing all the gigs and never plugging anyone else.  I mean you got cats on the drums playing for Chris Brown and they are old enough to be his father!   

Same thing in Chicago.  I know cats from that area that are killin hard right now.  No one can make me believe that out of all the drummers in Chicago, Calvin is the only one qualified for the big gig. 

There are alot of politics in gospel/r&b music.  You gotta be friends with the right people.  The ones that have political pull.  Too many drummers know too many drummers.  Why?  Why do drummers care what other drummers think?  They will never hire you for a gig!  Drummers need to know keyboard players.  Music Directors.  You may even have to converse and hang out with these gay choir directors!  Thats how you get in good.  Its what you do after choir rehearsals and concerts that count!  Do you go straight home or do you politic?  Are you willing to take less money for a gig?  Are you willing to risk being called gay?  If so, you may have a better chance of appearing on a chain of gospel albums/r&b tours.

Look at Tye Tribbett.  What are the odds of you seeing a regular super talented "Joe Blow" on the drums playing for G.A.?  What?  Do you think Spanky and Pudge are the only cold drummers that want to play for him?  Do you think they are the only humble and talented cats for that job?  I hope not.  There is loyalty there.  Family.  They take care of their own.  They stick with who they know and who's closest to them. 

The game is being hogged up right now.  Cats are not trying to bring new people in.  And when you do hear about a new cat, its because he slipped through the cracks...by luck.  Peep the Aaron Spears story about how he got on.  Do you really believe that Gerald meant for Valdez to hear Aaron?  Heck naw!  Gerald would have done that gig himself if he had what it took. 

The talent is out there.  In most cases, they just have'nt kissed enough butt to be heard yet. 

[MIKELOVE]

This brings up an interesting point.  I remember reading an article where Nissan was saying how P. Diddy flew him to New York to audition over (200?) drummers and not one of them was worthy of the gig in question.  As soon as I read it, I was like, "yeah right."  No one can make me believe that out of all the drummers in NY, not one was worthy.  I hear things like, "Oh its just my season!"  Yeah right!  Thats just an excuse to keep doing all the gigs and never plugging anyone else.  I mean you got cats on the drums playing for Chris Brown and they are old enough to be his father!   

Same thing in Chicago.  I know cats from that area that are killin hard right now.  No one can make me believe that out of all the drummers in Chicago, Calvin is the only one qualified for the big gig. 

There are alot of politics in gospel/r&b music.  You gotta be friends with the right people.  The ones that have political pull.  Too many drummers know too many drummers.  Why?  Why do drummers care what other drummers think?  They will never hire you for a gig!  Drummers need to know keyboard players.  Music Directors.  You may even have to converse and hang out with these gay choir directors!  Thats how you get in good.  Its what you do after choir rehearsals and concerts that count!  Do you go straight home or do you politic?  Are you willing to take less money for a gig?  Are you willing to risk being called gay?  If so, you may have a better chance of appearing on a chain of gospel albums/r&b tours.

Look at Tye Tribbett.  What are the odds of you seeing a regular super talented "Joe Blow" on the drums playing for G.A.?  What?  Do you think Spanky and Pudge are the only cold drummers that want to play for him?  Do you think they are the only humble and talented cats for that job?  I hope not.  There is loyalty there.  Family.  They take care of their own.  They stick with who they know and who's closest to them. 

The game is being hogged up right now.  Cats are not trying to bring new people in.  And when you do hear about a new cat, its because he slipped through the cracks...by luck.  Peep the Aaron Spears story about how he got on.  Do you really believe that Gerald meant for Valdez to hear Aaron?  Heck naw!  Gerald would have done that gig himself if he had what it took. 

The talent is out there.  In most cases, they just have'nt kissed enough butt to be heard yet. 

That’s the truth right there, that’s exactly how it is in the states no matter how talented you are.

[JFunky]

This brings up an interesting point.  I remember reading an article where Nissan was saying how P. Diddy flew him to New York to audition over (200?) drummers and not one of them was worthy of the gig in question.  As soon as I read it, I was like, "yeah right."  No one can make me believe that out of all the drummers in NY, not one was worthy.  I hear things like, "Oh its just my season!"  Yeah right!  Thats just an excuse to keep doing all the gigs and never plugging anyone else.  I mean you got cats on the drums playing for Chris Brown and they are old enough to be his father!   

Same thing in Chicago.  I know cats from that area that are killin hard right now.  No one can make me believe that out of all the drummers in Chicago, Calvin is the only one qualified for the big gig. 

There are alot of politics in gospel/r&b music.  You gotta be friends with the right people.  The ones that have political pull.  Too many drummers know too many drummers.  Why?  Why do drummers care what other drummers think?  They will never hire you for a gig!  Drummers need to know keyboard players.  Music Directors.  You may even have to converse and hang out with these gay choir directors!  Thats how you get in good.  Its what you do after choir rehearsals and concerts that count!  Do you go straight home or do you politic?  Are you willing to take less money for a gig?  Are you willing to risk being called gay?  If so, you may have a better chance of appearing on a chain of gospel albums/r&b tours.

Look at Tye Tribbett.  What are the odds of you seeing a regular super talented "Joe Blow" on the drums playing for G.A.?  What?  Do you think Spanky and Pudge are the only cold drummers that want to play for him?  Do you think they are the only humble and talented cats for that job?  I hope not.  There is loyalty there.  Family.  They take care of their own.  They stick with who they know and who's closest to them. 

The game is being hogged up right now.  Cats are not trying to bring new people in.  And when you do hear about a new cat, its because he slipped through the cracks...by luck.  Peep the Aaron Spears story about how he got on.  Do you really believe that Gerald meant for Valdez to hear Aaron?  Heck naw!  Gerald would have done that gig himself if he had what it took. 

The talent is out there.  In most cases, they just have'nt kissed enough butt to be heard yet. 

...Wowza!!!

[sabianuser]

wassup fellows and ladies im new to lgm and i find that this topic is very interesting...i think this is a two way street...yes i do agree that alot of gigs are being ate up by the same cats..but as a musician you have to understand why?

first of all alot of these md's and choir directors and a&r's play it safe they go with who the know will get the job done. most times they dont have time to have auditions and go the sheds for new talent!!im not agreeing with it..but thats the way it works..being a drummer if you need some one to feel in on keys or bass your going to either get someones opinion or call the best person you know..same thing! its just what Dude-on-Drums was saying its all about connects...i made up in my mind that everytime i play out or at a gig or even at my church im going to be clean and professinal and pick my spots to chop wisely because you never know who is listening and who they know...My man Calvin is killing right now because he gets the job done the first time most of the time no overdubs and that saves artist and labels money..thats why he is on everything he is everything you need in a gospel drummer and more..why not call him..we as drummers have to strive for that and put ourselves out there and not wait for someone to come get us..and also make sure we are ready when the time comes cause if were not then th same people are going to keep getting the gigs...

lastly, no good thing will the lord hold from them that diligently seek him!!!!

be blessed!!  SABIANUSER

[JFunky]

wassup fellows and ladies im new to lgm and i find that this topic is very interesting...i think this is a two way street...yes i do agree that alot of gigs are being ate up by the same cats..but as a musician you have to understand why?

first of all alot of these md's and choir directors and a&r's play it safe they go with who the know will get the job done. most times they dont have time to have auditions and go the sheds for new talent!!im not agreeing with it..but thats the way it works..being a drummer if you need some one to feel in on keys or bass your going to either get someones opinion or call the best person you know..same thing! its just what Dude-on-Drums was saying its all about connects...i made up in my mind that everytime i play out or at a gig or even at my church im going to be clean and professinal and pick my spots to chop wisely because you never know who is listening and who they know...My man Calvin is killing right now because he gets the job done the first time most of the time no overdubs and that saves artist and labels money..thats why he is on everything he is everything you need in a gospel drummer and more..why not call him..we as drummers have to strive for that and put ourselves out there and not wait for someone to come get us..and also make sure we are ready when the time comes cause if were not then th same people are going to keep getting the gigs...

lastly, no good thing will the lord hold from them that diligently seek him!!!!

be blessed!!  SABIANUSER

...truth!  I think Calvin would've said the same exact thing.

[BEATBOXERZ]

This brings up an interesting point.  I remember reading an article where Nissan was saying how P. Diddy flew him to New York to audition over (200?) drummers and not one of them was worthy of the gig in question.  As soon as I read it, I was like, "yeah right."  No one can make me believe that out of all the drummers in NY, not one was worthy.  I hear things like, "Oh its just my season!"  Yeah right!  Thats just an excuse to keep doing all the gigs and never plugging anyone else.  I mean you got cats on the drums playing for Chris Brown and they are old enough to be his father!   

Same thing in Chicago.  I know cats from that area that are killin hard right now.  No one can make me believe that out of all the drummers in Chicago, Calvin is the only one qualified for the big gig. 

There are alot of politics in gospel/r&b music.  You gotta be friends with the right people.  The ones that have political pull.  Too many drummers know too many drummers.  Why?  Why do drummers care what other drummers think?  They will never hire you for a gig!  Drummers need to know keyboard players.  Music Directors.  You may even have to converse and hang out with these gay choir directors!  Thats how you get in good.  Its what you do after choir rehearsals and concerts that count!  Do you go straight home or do you politic?  Are you willing to take less money for a gig?  Are you willing to risk being called gay?  If so, you may have a better chance of appearing on a chain of gospel albums/r&b tours.

Look at Tye Tribbett.  What are the odds of you seeing a regular super talented "Joe Blow" on the drums playing for G.A.?  What?  Do you think Spanky and Pudge are the only cold drummers that want to play for him?  Do you think they are the only humble and talented cats for that job?  I hope not.  There is loyalty there.  Family.  They take care of their own.  They stick with who they know and who's closest to them. 

The game is being hogged up right now.  Cats are not trying to bring new people in.  And when you do hear about a new cat, its because he slipped through the cracks...by luck.  Peep the Aaron Spears story about how he got on.  Do you really believe that Gerald meant for Valdez to hear Aaron?  Heck naw!  Gerald would have done that gig himself if he had what it took. 

The talent is out there.  In most cases, they just have'nt kissed enough butt to be heard yet. 

Real talk lil bro.

wassup fellows and ladies im new to lgm and i find that this topic is very interesting...i think this is a two way street...yes i do agree that alot of gigs are being ate up by the same cats..but as a musician you have to understand why?

first of all alot of these md's and choir directors and a&r's play it safe they go with who the know will get the job done. most times they dont have time to have auditions and go the sheds for new talent!!im not agreeing with it..but thats the way it works..being a drummer if you need some one to feel in on keys or bass your going to either get someones opinion or call the best person you know..same thing! its just what Dude-on-Drums was saying its all about connects...i made up in my mind that everytime i play out or at a gig or even at my church im going to be clean and professinal and pick my spots to chop wisely because you never know who is listening and who they know...My man Calvin is killing right now because he gets the job done the first time most of the time no overdubs and that saves artist and labels money..thats why he is on everything he is everything you need in a gospel drummer and more..why not call him..we as drummers have to strive for that and put ourselves out there and not wait for someone to come get us..and also make sure we are ready when the time comes cause if were not then th same people are going to keep getting the gigs...

lastly, no good thing will the lord hold from them that diligently seek him!!!!

be blessed!!  SABIANUSER

I couldn't agree with you more. Welcome to the drum forum...

[JFunky]

...if yall cats would've picked up Modern Drummer Mag. with Max Roach on the cover and READ Marvin McQuitty's Article, you would've known that the only way to get up there is to put yourself out there or stay busy playing with different bands and active in your own church. 


The opportunity will arise but will "I" be ready???? 

[Jedi3]

The "game" is really is not being "hogged up."  If you ever get a chance to sit with some of the cats being mentioned, I think what you will find is that they have a lot in common.  And I'm not talking about the way they play.  Many of those dudes are the nicest, most humble cats you'll ever run into.  That's why they work as much as they do...because people want to work with them.  What they would probably tell you is that what helps you to get and keep gigs is how well you mesh with the people around you.  You may only be on stage for two hours a night, but you'll be on the tour bus or piled into a hotel room for far longer.  As I'm sure most would agree, there is no shortage of good or arguably even great drummers (or any other instrument for that matter) in the world, let alone the US.  You can find somebody anywhere to play any gig.  But do you want to be locked up with them in a bus, on a plane, or hotel room for hours on end? I think the problem we see these days is a lot of musicians not capably negotiating the very fine line between confidence and arrogance.  Too many folk think that they are owed something that they haven't earned, just because they play well.  It's not enough just to be able to play because there are so many people who can play.  I think what folk may be missing is how you distinguish yourself away from your instrument.  It does count for a lot.  "Hogged up," I don't agree.  "Hated up" maybe.

B

[young talent]

wassup fellows and ladies im new to lgm and i find that this topic is very interesting...i think this is a two way street...yes i do agree that alot of gigs are being ate up by the same cats..but as a musician you have to understand why?

first of all alot of these md's and choir directors and a&r's play it safe they go with who the know will get the job done. most times they dont have time to have auditions and go the sheds for new talent!!im not agreeing with it..but thats the way it works..being a drummer if you need some one to feel in on keys or bass your going to either get someones opinion or call the best person you know..same thing! its just what Dude-on-Drums was saying its all about connects...i made up in my mind that everytime i play out or at a gig or even at my church im going to be clean and professinal and pick my spots to chop wisely because you never know who is listening and who they know...My man Calvin is killing right now because he gets the job done the first time most of the time no overdubs and that saves artist and labels money..thats why he is on everything he is everything you need in a gospel drummer and more..why not call him..we as drummers have to strive for that and put ourselves out there and not wait for someone to come get us..and also make sure we are ready when the time comes cause if were not then th same people are going to keep getting the gigs...

lastly, no good thing will the lord hold from them that diligently seek him!!!!

be blessed!!  SABIANUSER

Man thats truth right there. Welcome to LGM!!

[chevonee]

wassup fellows and ladies im new to lgm and i find that this topic is very interesting...i think this is a two way street...yes i do agree that alot of gigs are being ate up by the same cats..but as a musician you have to understand why?

first of all alot of these md's and choir directors and a&r's play it safe they go with who the know will get the job done. most times they dont have time to have auditions and go the sheds for new talent!!im not agreeing with it..but thats the way it works..being a drummer if you need some one to feel in on keys or bass your going to either get someones opinion or call the best person you know..same thing! its just what Dude-on-Drums was saying its all about connects...i made up in my mind that everytime i play out or at a gig or even at my church im going to be clean and professinal and pick my spots to chop wisely because you never know who is listening and who they know...My man Calvin is killing right now because he gets the job done the first time most of the time no overdubs and that saves artist and labels money..thats why he is on everything he is everything you need in a gospel drummer and more..why not call him..we as drummers have to strive for that and put ourselves out there and not wait for someone to come get us..and also make sure we are ready when the time comes cause if were not then th same people are going to keep getting the gigs...

lastly, no good thing will the lord hold from them that diligently seek him!!!!

be blessed!!  SABIANUSER

Welcome to the LGM family Sabianuser, God bless you!! From the looks of this post I can tell that you are going to fit in nicely around here. Fa' sho!

[Zelevo]

wassup fellows and ladies im new to lgm and i find that this topic is very interesting...i think this is a two way street...yes i do agree that alot of gigs are being ate up by the same cats..but as a musician you have to understand why?

first of all alot of these md's and choir directors and a&r's play it safe they go with who the know will get the job done. most times they dont have time to have auditions and go the sheds for new talent!!im not agreeing with it..but thats the way it works..being a drummer if you need some one to feel in on keys or bass your going to either get someones opinion or call the best person you know..same thing! its just what Dude-on-Drums was saying its all about connects...i made up in my mind that everytime i play out or at a gig or even at my church im going to be clean and professinal and pick my spots to chop wisely because you never know who is listening and who they know...My man Calvin is killing right now because he gets the job done the first time most of the time no overdubs and that saves artist and labels money..thats why he is on everything he is everything you need in a gospel drummer and more..why not call him..we as drummers have to strive for that and put ourselves out there and not wait for someone to come get us..and also make sure we are ready when the time comes cause if were not then th same people are going to keep getting the gigs...

lastly, no good thing will the lord hold from them that diligently seek him!!!!

be blessed!!  SABIANUSER

Well said Sabianuser.

[DuvalsLilJohnLumpkin]

OK let's analyze this cat...

Calvin Rodgers is an annoited drummer who practices what he preaches on and off the kit.  I can hear the standard of Christ and holiness within his playing.  Above playing with a click track or knowing the chord changes within the song,  this cat demonstrates PRESCENCE.  I can't explain it enough, but this cat brought to the table SOLID MUSICIANSHIP in all ways.  Who else can you talk about like that?

[JFunky]

OK let's analyze this cat...

Calvin Rodgers is an annoited drummer who practices what he preaches on and off the kit.  I can hear the standard of Christ and holiness within his playing.  Above playing with a click track or knowing the chord changes within the song,  this cat demonstrates PRESCENCE.  I can't explain it enough, but this cat brought to the table SOLID MUSICIANSHIP in all ways.  Who else can you talk about like that?

...Marvin McQuitty, Terry Baker, and Calvin Napper.

[fLaT-fIfTh]

LOL... gospel cats continue to get the game twisted! Stop focusing so much on who gets the work and FOCUS ON YOURSELF. Instead of asking why someone else got the gig, ask yourself why YOU didn't get the gig! Were you at the audition? Have YOU done everything in YOUR power to get YOURSELF heard? Have YOU practiced? Can YOU play it like the record? Do YOU have a press kit?...
If you are sitting at home with no gigs, do what I do... make a gig! Oh, you can't do it? Chambers did it. Weckl did it. What's your problem, churchboys? What are you waiting for? You ARE good enough, aren't you?... I knew you were!
Set your goals higher than any gig. Don't be known as "the guy who used to play for..."

Much luv to errrbody!

God bless

[MIKELOVE]

wassup fellows and ladies im new to lgm and i find that this topic is very interesting...i think this is a two way street...yes i do agree that alot of gigs are being ate up by the same cats..but as a musician you have to understand why?

first of all alot of these md's and choir directors and a&r's play it safe they go with who the know will get the job done. most times they dont have time to have auditions and go the sheds for new talent!!im not agreeing with it..but thats the way it works..being a drummer if you need some one to feel in on keys or bass your going to either get someones opinion or call the best person you know..same thing! its just what Dude-on-Drums was saying its all about connects...i made up in my mind that everytime i play out or at a gig or even at my church im going to be clean and professinal and pick my spots to chop wisely because you never know who is listening and who they know...My man Calvin is killing right now because he gets the job done the first time most of the time no overdubs and that saves artist and labels money..thats why he is on everything he is everything you need in a gospel drummer and more..why not call him..we as drummers have to strive for that and put ourselves out there and not wait for someone to come get us..and also make sure we are ready when the time comes cause if were not then th same people are going to keep getting the gigs...

lastly, no good thing will the lord hold from them that diligently seek him!!!!

be blessed!!  SABIANUSER

This is true, he does get it right the first time. What i think it comes down to  when recording producers have a sound in mind that they want to hear from the dummer. so insed of having to say play it like calvin or whatever they bring in thereal thing. less time less hassle.  Why use an imitation when you can have the real thing. so i guess like fifth said we got to make a gig, cuz i know i dont want to be "the guy that used to play for......"

[E.R.]

LOL... gospel cats continue to get the game twisted! Stop focusing so much on who gets the work and FOCUS ON YOURSELF. Instead of asking why someone else got the gig, ask yourself why YOU didn't get the gig! Were you at the audition? Have YOU done everything in YOUR power to get YOURSELF heard? Have YOU practiced? Can YOU play it like the record? Do YOU have a press kit?...
If you are sitting at home with no gigs, do what I do... make a gig! Oh, you can't do it? Chambers did it. Weckl did it. What's your problem, churchboys? What are you waiting for? You ARE good enough, aren't you?... I knew you were!
Set your goals higher than any gig. Don't be known as "the guy who used to play for..."

Much luv to errrbody!

God bless

Now that was a SPEECH!  Thanks for that Flat!

[stiksnmypocket]

LOL... gospel cats continue to get the game twisted! Stop focusing so much on who gets the work and FOCUS ON YOURSELF. Instead of asking why someone else got the gig, ask yourself why YOU didn't get the gig! Were you at the audition? Have YOU done everything in YOUR power to get YOURSELF heard? Have YOU practiced? Can YOU play it like the record? Do YOU have a press kit?...
If you are sitting at home with no gigs, do what I do... make a gig! Oh, you can't do it? Chambers did it. Weckl did it. What's your problem, churchboys? What are you waiting for? You ARE good enough, aren't you?... I knew you were!
Set your goals higher than any gig. Don't be known as "the guy who used to play for..."

Much luv to errrbody!

God bless

This was great.... Thanks doc

[Audiocr381ve]

I'm not trying to get all "chuch" on everyone, but honestly, our focus as Christian musicians needs to change.

We have to many Christians who worship and idolize their craft. The drums shouldn't be what we have breath in our lungs for!

Look, their are two different kingdoms, and whether we like it or not we each co-operate with one of them to further its cause. We can do things the worlds way and get on the grind, fake it till' we make it, and rush rush rush. Or we can do it God's way and sloooooooow down and trust trust trust lol. I speak from experience when I say it gets old networking all day and playing gigs all night. "Making it" is a state of mind.

Don't close your ears now, haha. Gods plans exclusively for us, are far greater than ours can ever be. It's always hard work, but it's more productive than trying to make the wrong connections on our own. So many of us hate to hear this stuff because we hear it so often and we never see it happening solely because we want to make it happen ourselves. It's because we actually think we can do it with out him.

At the end of my lifetime, I will not be thinking about the great gigs I played and who I had a chance to work with. I want to be satisfied on my death bed knowing that even if I wasn't doing the most glamorous thing my entire life, and even if it may not seem so, I want to know that God used me to accomplish far more than anything I could have done with my own efforts.

I only bring this up because of the responses given. I know it's a bit off topic.