Average band with a great drummer sounds great, great band with an average drummer sounds average.
Buddy RichRead
I think the drummer should sit back there and play some drums, and never mind about the tunes. Just get up there and wail behind whoever is sitting up there playing the solo. And this is what is lacking, definitely lacking in music today.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the importance of supporting others in their expressions rather than seeking personal recognition.
Buddy Rich emphasizes the value of being a supportive musician, suggesting that the role of a drummer is to complement the soloist instead of trying to take the spotlight. This reflects a broader idea applicable to many aspects of life, where collaboration and selflessness can lead to greater overall success than individual acclaim.
Themes
MusicSupportCollaborationDrummingSoloTeamwork
In practice
Example use cases
In a music class, to encourage students to support each other during performances.
More from Buddy Rich
All quotes →I consider every drummer that ever played before me an influence, in every way.
Buddy RichRead
But, I don't think any arranger should ever write a drum part for a drummer because if a drummer can't create his own Interpretation of the chart and he plays everything that's written, he becomes mechanical; he has no freedom.
Buddy RichRead
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