Crazy Good (prt 2)

So a few years ago, I discussed 2 drummers (Benny Grebb and Chris Coleman) and what I consider their respective styles. They are two of my favorite drummers and I love what they do.

Today, however, is about my newest find – Larnell Lewis. This Canadian powerhouse isn’t just a drummer….he composes, produces and even teaches (yeah for us, right?!?!). From church beginnings to Brooklyn stages, Larnell mastered the art of rhythm. And with the band Snarky Puppy, his electrifying beats have made him a jazz fusion star!

Larnell Lewis behind his kid

His timing is unbelievable, to the point of trying to figure out how he does what he does, yet keeps the hi-hat consistent. For example, he starts his solo at about 5:55 in the clip below where he is playing at a Zildjian Live Studio show. Pay attention to his hi-hat lick at about 6:03……that’s STOOPID!!!!! Then, his independence on the floor tom at about 6:04 – just amazing musicality!!

In the video, he is playing with Snarky Puppy. The tune itself is amazing, and his playing is fucking flawless. Watching him play in this video just shows the joy he is experiencing, and it’s really cool watching someone enjoy their craft the way Larnell does.

During the build up to his solo starts at about 4:58 with a funky little vamp. Then at about 5:12, he starts in with the cowbell (this is how you can tell he’s starting his solo). At this point, listen attentively to the consistency of his hi-hat (for 13 bars by the way)…..and watch as his hands and right-foot become extra-terrestrial, making your head spin due to the cleanliness of notes that appear from some otherworldly place. This fuckin’ guy is a mad scientist!! At 5:40, he has what could be considered a simple hi-hat to crash cymbal choke that is tasty as hell. But because he is playing at mach 10, the beauty of it oftentimes gets missed. God to be able to play like this cat!!!! At 5:48, listen to the syncopation of his kick drum…..I don’t know about you, but….

As the band comes back in, the tune builds to a frenzy of controlled-chaos where the brass are sustaining some notes, a keyboardist, guitarist and Larnell are all playing the same 32nd note type of lick, and the whole thing comes to a fever-pitch cacophony of kick-you-in-the-teeth sound! I LOVE IT!!!!

Larnell is an amazing drummer, and I am SOOOOO happy I stumbled upon him. I continue to go back to both of the above videos when I need a little lift and some good drumming. And with that, I am looking for more of his amazing playing.

That’s all for now folks…..until next time; remember to live life loud!!!