Carter Beauford

[RushianSyrinx]

Originally Posted by bubba40

IMO, above-average jazz work from Carter is as follows. First, I should say that 1) I am not a drummer, 2) I have studied and do study the technicalities/specificities of jazz, 3) I have a LOT more to learn/study, and 4) I'm 100% a jazz guy. 100%.

Good someone from a different perspective than the rest of us. I like diversity in conversation.

Originally Posted by bubba40

But I think much, hell maybe most, of Carter's work is at least jazz-influenced. Or at least much/most of his work not on Everyday/Stand Up.

This basically sums upwhat you said and what I'll say. Is the Jazz influence there? Absolutely. This sums up everything you've said in your post. And when I got here, it made me re-write everything in this post

Originally Posted by bubba40

-his tom work on Say Goodbye (highly reminiscent of the very, very early drum and fife duos that preceeded what we today call jazz)

GREAT call on this one. The only thing I find missing is the call and response. Not very much of this going on in Say Goodbye intros (or in the song). Its more like drums and flute. I agree that the connection is there though.

Originally Posted by bubba40

-syncopated groove on Spaceman

I think we can all agree that this one is just snazzy.

Originally Posted by bubba40

-A live #41 from the Coffin era, especially his high hat.
-comping/supporting work behind Roi or Rashawn soloing on Sugar Will
-background on Roi's solos on PFWYG
-his work on the outro of Rapunzel
-much of LITHOG
-the dreaming tree verse, and outro from '07-today

I can agree with the idea of a jazz influence. One of the key elements of music to me is the idea of the musical conversation - a discussion between instruments. This idea is very prevalent in jazz, but doesn't mean it can't be found elsewhere. The conversation is present throughout all of DMB's material and Carter is a very "conversational" player - so is the band.

Originally Posted by bubba40

I think Carter implements a lot of syncopated grooves in many, many DMB songs in the live setting. And I find him improvising within the established structure, rhythm, and groove of the song constantly. A little high-hat accent there, an extra snare hit here, some quick tom work there. And I do feel him frequently swinging.

This relates to my previous comment in the thread about the brain and approach to drumming. Some drummers won't change a lick (Neil Peart) and others will stretch out (Carter). Some will be more subtle in changing than others. It's all in how the individual approaches the instrument and the idea of music.

Originally Posted by bubba40

You know what, I was wrong about the latin sensibilities (with the exception of Warehouse). I can't come up with another example besides that tune. And I do really like his latin feel there.
Okay, he guested on a song on Santana's "Supernatural" album; I really liked his latin feel there.

Eh... it's "Latin" but it's not latin.

Originally Posted by bubba40

Overall, IMO, syncopation and improvisation are two of jazz's tenants. I feel that Carter utilizes both constantly. .

Agreed.

Some items that you mentioned - ghost notes and a few others - can be found in other styles though. Ghost notes are a big part of funk, too.

[aparker507]

Other songs that still make me go wow:

Drive In Drive Out
Fool To Think
Rhyme and Reason - The open/closed hi hat and bass drum pattern is VERY tricky
You Never Know
So Damn Lucky - Even though I sometimes think there's too many cymbals going on, what he plays here is just incredible.

I was also watching LITHOG from ACL the other day. I noticed he was using ghost notes like crazy, and ridiculously fast. I can't get over how he plays those that fast, that soft. His use of ghost notes to me are just incredible. When you watch him on the screens, his hands never stop moving.

One last song I think he's really come to overplay is Funny the Way It Is. The studio version is perfect, but live, this song has just gotten so loud and cymbals are everywhere. I'm never one to complain about Carter, but this is the one thing I will complain on.

[aparker507]

I lied.....One last thing I hate now Carter does is the little groove during Boyd's part during The Stone after Dave's solo part. It sounds so much better letting Boyd have that to himself instead of adding that little groove Carter has added. I'm watching Listener Supported and it's so refreshing to hear it with just Boyd and Dave.

No more Carter complaining from me

[swanparadise]

Hello there,

I've got a drummer friend, and would like to impress him with some Carter Magic.
He's a fan of the band Rush.

I would like to show him some Youtube videos, what could you recommand?

Thanks.

[Cptn. Monkeyman]

Originally Posted by swanparadise

Hello there,

I've got a drummer friend, and would like to impress him with some Carter Magic.
He's a fan of the band Rush.

I would like to show him some Youtube videos, what could you recommand?

Thanks.

He’s a Rush fan you say? Show him this Drive In Drive Out

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EayuuISrIw0

[RushianSyrinx]

Originally Posted by swanparadise

Hello there,

I've got a drummer friend, and would like to impress him with some Carter Magic.
He's a fan of the band Rush.

I would like to show him some Youtube videos, what could you recommand?

Thanks.

As far as Studio albums go, the only one that really captures what Carter can do in a live setting is Big Whiskey. The rest of the studio albums are pretty sterile when it comes to Carter’s work.

Carter GoPro Drum Solo - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=M9Pb6PF8LXA

Two Step from Listener Supported - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VllfUmKzNg8

OR

Two Step from Piedmont Park - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0UkH4JMWc8U

So Much to Say/Anyone Seen the Bridge (Carter Cam) - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=W_2x4_HfK_A


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[Matt83]

Originally Posted by swanparadise

Hello there,

I've got a drummer friend, and would like to impress him with some Carter Magic.
He's a fan of the band Rush.

I would like to show him some Youtube videos, what could you recommand?

Thanks.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...dO8aFmjfWtuatu

There you go, good buddy.

[willndmb]

Voting in 2010, yes
Voting today, maybe. Today he still is as good in bursts but can’t keep it going all show night after night like he used to. Age I am sure

[LaLaLaLaHey]

I think Carter peaked between 2013 and 2016. So much energy, but he tamed it and applied it ingeniously into his fills and beats. He’s still my favorite drummer and I’d still consider him to be at the very top of the “best drummers in the world” list, but it’s quite obvious that he hit a bit of a decline starting in 2018 with The Night Before 2/3/18 performance. Since then, he’s been slowly improving and getting his game back on, and now he’s close to where he was in 2016 but not quite all the way there. For one, the energy in his playing seems to have decreased. He “overplays” less than he used to. But this is all expected with age too - I credit him for playing to the best of his abilities and doing what he can! He’s 61.

That being said, I think his drum tone and mix has a huge factor in how we perceive his sound, and recently, I think he’s gotten a pretty bad mix treatment. Carter’s been quiet in the last many 2018 mixes. Especially his snare could use a boost. I watched a #41 Tour Warmup video, and his classic cymbal hits in the intro were barely audible because he was so low in the mix. The only post-2016 release where I can say his kit was actually mixed well is the Live at the Hollywood Bowl release. I’ve heard the Rhino’s Choice is good too, but I haven’t heard that.

[RushianSyrinx]

Originally Posted by LaLaLaLaHey

I think Carter peaked between 2013 and 2016. So much energy, but he tamed it and applied it ingeniously into his fills and beats. He’s still my favorite drummer and I’d still consider him to be at the very top of the “best drummers in the world” list, but it’s quite obvious that he hit a bit of a decline starting in 2018 with The Night Before 2/3/18 performance. Since then, he’s been slowly improving and getting his game back on, and now he’s close to where he was in 2016 but not quite all the way there. For one, the energy in his playing seems to have decreased. He “overplays” less than he used to. But this is all expected with age too - I credit him for playing to the best of his abilities and doing what he can! He’s 61.

Carter peaked between 2003-2007. That was the peak of his creativity, inventiveness and unique fusion elements. Look at how colorful and musical his playing was at that point. So many great musical conversations went on in the band. The Two Step jams with Butch? Incredible musicianship. Fantastic ideas.

Once 2008 hit and Timmy arrived, we got “bash and crash Carter - now with more double bass and China action!” The nuance left his playing, being substituted for more double bass and China cymbal reliance. He became more of a “heavy hitter” than a “painter of colors”. Two Step with Timmy is/was a tattered shell of the masterpiece it used to be. It’s that hot girl from high school who, when you come home ten years later, has 4 kids, a cigarette hanging from mouth and track marks all over.

Carter with Butch is peak Carter.


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[aparker507]

I honestly don't think he cares much anymore. He usually shows up to the gig and does maybe a practice run with the backstage kit and plays the show. Immediately to the bus and off to the next gig. Nashville last year, he flew in to the arena late, and was on the plane home immediately after.

I think he literally mostly golfs and enjoys his time away from the stage nowadays. He's got nothing left to prove, is aging, and seems mostly disinterested anymore. Just my observation.

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[snow1868]

Originally Posted by aparker507

I honestly don't think he cares much anymore. He usually shows up to the gig and does maybe a practice run with the backstage kit and plays the show. Immediately to the bus and off to the next gig. Nashville last year, he flew in to the arena late, and was on the plane home immediately after.

I think he literally mostly golfs and enjoys his time away from the stage nowadays. He's got nothing left to prove, is aging, and seems mostly disinterested anymore. Just my observation.

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So, just like the rest of the band then?

[aparker507]

He's still by far my favorite drummer of all time, and I am extremely grateful to be on stage every single year with Henry. That guy is the mastermind behind this kit.

I do miss the 15" crash in place of this new double splash stack though. Carter requested more splashes back in 15, so they removed that crash. That cymbal was such a normal, useful voice on this kit. Now his china's are basically crashes and he rarely even touches all these splashes. Puzzling, but it's what he wants I guess.

Henry sent me a picture last week of a new Acacia wood snare he's testing out for Carter.

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[willndmb]

Originally Posted by snow1868

So, just like the rest of the band then?

Not Jeff and Stefan or Tim imo

[Matt83]

https://youtu.be/4VcTigzWfeQ

https://youtu.be/7PFW4OnMRn0

https://youtu.be/ZJURCXwnBvM

https://youtu.be/8CLtqoDnHAA

While definitely not the same as July 2002 Carter (Odin's hammer in the form of a drummer), he's still got his flow and command, he's just older. Aren't we all?

[aparker507]

He's still by far my favorite. Still by far the best to me.

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[Matt83]

Fuck you Quick.
🖕

[Matt83]

Originally Posted by Matt83

Fuck you Quick.
🖕

Wrong thread. Sorry ya'll. 😳

[Thomasjd2]

Originally Posted by LaLaLaLaHey

I think Carter peaked between 2013 and 2016. So much energy, but he tamed it and applied it ingeniously into his fills and beats. He’s still my favorite drummer and I’d still consider him to be at the very top of the “best drummers in the world” list, but it’s quite obvious that he hit a bit of a decline starting in 2018 with The Night Before 2/3/18 performance. Since then, he’s been slowly improving and getting his game back on, and now he’s close to where he was in 2016 but not quite all the way there. For one, the energy in his playing seems to have decreased. He “overplays” less than he used to. But this is all expected with age too - I credit him for playing to the best of his abilities and doing what he can! He’s 61.

That being said, I think his drum tone and mix has a huge factor in how we perceive his sound, and recently, I think he’s gotten a pretty bad mix treatment. Carter’s been quiet in the last many 2018 mixes. Especially his snare could use a boost. I watched a #41 Tour Warmup video, and his classic cymbal hits in the intro were barely audible because he was so low in the mix. The only post-2016 release where I can say his kit was actually mixed well is the Live at the Hollywood Bowl release. I’ve heard the Rhino’s Choice is good too, but I haven’t heard that.

Would like to aggressively second this pov. Especially as it relates to the noticeable drop upon return from the 2017 off year and the very noticeable bounce back that has gradually happened since. And then the snare. I don't know what's up with the snare and it was better in '19 than '18 but something is still a tad off there. I'm no drummer or drum tech but it almost sounds flat?

[aparker507]

Originally Posted by Thomasjd2

Would like to aggressively second this pov. Especially as it relates to the noticeable drop upon return from the 2017 off year and the very noticeable bounce back that has gradually happened since. And then the snare. I don't know what's up with the snare and it was better in '19 than '18 but something is still a tad off there. I'm no drummer or drum tech but it almost sounds flat?

It's a rosewood snare. Not huge deal, but actually one I located for Henry and they ended up buying.

It doesn't have the old Crack of his metal snares back in the day. I absolutely love the thing, but lots have commented on that snare.

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[LaLaLaLaHey]

Originally Posted by aparker507

It's a rosewood snare. Not huge deal, but actually one I located for Henry and they ended up buying.

It doesn't have the old Crack of his metal snares back in the day. I absolutely love the thing, but lots have commented on that snare.

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After hearing you mention this previously, I've come to realize that I really like the tone that snare gives. The way it's mixed, on the other hand, ruins it. It's always too quiet in the mix. It's like they kept the same mix settings they'd use back when he had that metal snare and didn't bother to adjust it.

[aparker507]

Originally Posted by LaLaLaLaHey

After hearing you mention this previously, I've come to realize that I really like the tone that snare gives. The way it's mixed, on the other hand, ruins it. It's always too quiet in the mix. It's like they kept the same mix settings they'd use back when he had that metal snare and didn't bother to adjust it.

Their mixes are definitely all over the place. Some are great for Carter, others are like what in the world???

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[Matt83]

Carter should try this snare: https://www.sjcdrums.com/products/goliath

[aparker507]

Originally Posted by Matt83

Carter should try this snare: https://www.sjcdrums.com/products/goliath

Back in 13, he was using a Pork Pie bell brass during the encores. After 14 he went to wood. 2012, he used the rosewood half of the tour. I honestly don't think he even cares what he uses now, or sometimes even knows.

Henry pretty much, for the most part, runs the kit. Carter will make requests here and there.

I guess after using metal their entire career, they were ready to go with a less harsh sound for a while.

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[Thomasjd2]

This is all so interesting and has been a curiosity of mine for years now so thank you. Didn't think I was one response away from all these answers.

[TypicalBilly14]

On the day Jerry Garcia passed away:

I went down to our office in San Rafael. Phil and Bob were there, and [Robert] Hunter, Vince [Welnick], and [publicist] Dennis McNally. People in the office were crying. We hugged and then we went our separate ways. I was a wreck. Carter Beauford [of the Dave Matthews Band] was setting up drums in my home studio for some overdubs for an album I was doing. Carter played the session, and I didn’t want him to go home. I knew I had to be around music with other people. That was the day. It was beyond belief.


https://www.rollingstone.com/music/m...-dead-1040237/

[aparker507]

Henry sent me a picture of the new right side he's doing for Carter. He swapped the 2nd 6/8 splash stack out for an 8" A Flash splash over a 10" I Splash.

The 10" A inverted splash for a mini China is now the 14" K mini China again with an 8" Spiral stacker on top. They've got the mini China regular side up as well.

Very interesting for sure. I tried it for a while, but went back to the small crash instead of the 2 splash stacks. Just can not get used to that setup for the cb replica. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...19dc9ac996.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...5f6505969b.jpg

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