Stewart's Hi-Hat Work

[Zak]

Probably some of Mr. Copeland's (we're not on a first name basis yet) most recognizable licks are the Hi-Hat "flourishes." When trying to copy Mr.C's playing I always play these flourishes as a single stroke three...RLR, or a single Drag, RRL or LLR. When feeling daring, I'll add a stroke to the end of the Drag, RRLR. Do we agree? Does anyone play them differently? Any input would be great. In many respects, Mr. Copeland has earned the "genius" title, but especially in his drumset work. [i]Simplicity[/i]. To the un trained ear its just another lick, to the trained ear, its a work of art. Thanks Stewart. I love your work. Oops, I mean thanks Mr. Copeland.

[Mrs. Gradenko]

Mr. Copeland sounds weird, he's not THAT old.

[georgygirl]

Mr. Copeland is not about age, is just for respect...

I don't really know about hi-hat meaning, cause I am not a musician, but a simple R & R listener.

The man has his own style whith music & drums, and I love hearing it...

[Captain Blood]

Are you Zak Starkey?

[Marshmallow Jones 1]

I'll agree Zak, that's generally how I play them, but keep in mind that some of the hi hat fourishes you hear were done thru either a>running it thru an echo machine or b>overdubbing after the original recording.

realizing this has helped keep me sane, when i first heard some of his snazzier work and tried to duplicate it
i was ready to throw my drum sticks in the fireplace.

[Ska Man]

Stewart used a lot of echo & reverb in his drumming but please keep in mind echo and reverb are absolutes in Reggae music I play drums myself and trust me i went through the same pain (reggatta de blanc) but what i recommend is listening to Carlton Barret ,Bob Marleys drummer (live). also try listening to some DUB reggae from the 70's KING TUBBY, THE SCIENTIST and soon you will master it like the MASTER HIMSELF DID feel the intoxicating riddim of the Reggae beat easy rudee

[Zak]

Indeed Mr. C used beaucoup reverb and echo, but listen to his Hi-Hats on the Police Live album (especially disc II) and you'll have a new understanding of the Drag. (LLR LLRL or visa versa) Yikes. Does he initate the drag with the left hand or the right hand? His Hi Hats sound so incredibly crisp and clean. I know they're Paiste's. But for the "Police Live" were they Paiste 2002's? I dont think he was still using RUDE's at that time... I know he uses Paiste Signatures now. Hmmm...so many questions. Such incredible talent. I guess thats why we're all here right?

[georgygirl]

Yeah, many, but very interesting questions.

I am learning some about hi-hat, just reading this.

[Ska Man]

I'm sorry i need to be more clear when i say rude this is acutually a friendly way of saying pal or guy or buddy people who listen to ska or reggae will call each other rudee. I am not referring to Stewarts cymbals. But what is most important is Feel not so much LLR or LLRL reggae is not that technical its more feel so yah you could do triplets on the high hat RRR RRR or LLL LLL. That drag you mention is actually a rest so it FEELS like a drag Stewart played right handed so i imagine he initiated this with his right hand but try to feel the music rather than break it down to this or that. when the Police played live they would do improv sort of speak (DUB) where stewart and sting would play off of each other and andy would flavour it again i HIGHLY recommend listening to Bob Marley records (live or studio) and you will hear what Stewart is doing more clearly, remember Stewarts kit has echo reverb etc so its difficult to truely understand what he is doing unless we see it
perhaps the master himself can explain check this out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=likyYfMQnsU i think this will help

[Divemistress of the Dark]

Hey Ska? You really need to make a list of five records I need to go buy, like right now. I've been looking for someone who can guide me on this for a while now.

I guess I always think of the Clash when I hear someone use 'rudee'...as in 'Rudee can't fail...' Also an unexpectedly reggae-influenced band.

Hey, while I'm talking to all the drummers, you guys really ought to check out Cuban drummer Carlos 'Patato' Valdez. Bought a disc of his on a whim this week, it's terrific.

[Ska Man]

I'm glad you trust my judgement on the 5 essential pics what genre would you like my opinion on? one album which comes to mind immediately is Bob Marley & The Wailers Babylon by Bus.....its SOLID GOLD BABY !!!

[Divemistress of the Dark]

Yeah, but I already have that one.

Went to Jamaica last year and loaded up on CDs. Also got some good ones in Belize...and can bore you to death with the details if you like.

[zilboy]

For the Synchronicity tour, I believe Stewart used 13-inch Paiste Formula 602 Heavy Hi-Hats. I'm pretty certain that he used these for some of the Ghost tour as well.

If you watch the Synchronicity Concert DVD, on "Message," Stewart does a little hi-hat lick just before verse two. He plays a four-stroke ruff with the sticking RLLR. The correct sticking is actually RLRL or LRLR. This is phrased as a triplet (as four-stroke ruffs are supposed to be). This is how I have always done this lick when I've had to play Police covers (RLLR).

*Discliamer: Only drummers will know what a four-stroke ruff is.

Hope this helps.

[zilboy]

And this drummer does apparently not remember how to spell "disclaimer." Sorry!

[Ska Man]

so its reggae your after i love so much different kinds of music that its very difficult to choose just 5 if your more specific as to the genre then maybe but there is so much great music i'd even include Nirvanas nevermind album i think its the blueprint for modern rock grunge whatever you want to call it nonetheless its a masterpeice David bowies Lets Dance album WOW the list/beat goes on and on and on i've struggled with this question for years you've got my thinking cap on though