Tommy Igoe Rocks...
I came across this site today...(and please note, the video starts playing as soon as the page loads and the volume is loud...so if you're at work, you've been duly warned!). When I worked at Lone Star Percussion back in the early 90's, Lone Star sponsored a clinic that Tommy gave at my alma mater, and I remember getting to be part of the crew to help set up the kit and transport it from Lone Star up to UNT. I met Tommy and I'm sure we talked, but I was also feeling really self-conscious, 'cause I had graduated a few years early from this prestigious University, and what had I made of myself? I was working during the days at a percussion warehouse, and playing in some reggae bands, and at some churches, and may have even started playing with Sixpence back then. As far as I knew my future was going to be one of dashed hopes and dreams and struggle. I was embarrassed that I hadn't become someone "famous" and that I was still lacking in the talent department. Ugh.
Anyway, I picked up a copy of Tommy's book, Groove Essentials and have started using it a bit in my drum lessons. I think it's an awesome book, I love Tommy's writing style, and find the charts helpful to me and my students. I think the book is well written and well worth the price.
So as I found myself at his site today, I have to say I really enjoyed the videos of him playing and as far as drummer web sites go, I think it's one of the better ones I've seen. No annoying FLASH intro, and stupid graphics. Just straight forward and to the point. I love the video content as well. It's a great way to be introduced to an awesome and seemingly down to earth player. Very cool...
Oh, and some more trivia from the past, the drum set Tommy used for his clinic, was later given to me when I refused to take health insurance from Lone Star (I had another health plan at the time). This drum set was the one I played on tour with Sixpence in the early years of my time with them and is the set you hear Sixpence's second record, "This Beautiful Mess." And partly because of me playing that set (it was a Premier), my former employer hooked me up with an endorsement deal with Premier once Sixpence started getting more exposure. Had someone told me back when I was setting up drums for Tommy's clinic that my life would have gone where it's gone, I wouldn't have believed them...it's amazing how your life can change so quickly. Looking back, it seems like a short period of time, but while I was living it...oh how excruciating! It's a bit nerve wracking following your dreams, you never know where your life will take you...Oh, the places you'll go!
