brian alexander

on 2.4.24 my “i love the 80s” group performed at show bar.

here’s what i played:

• Let’s Go Crazy
• Let’s Dance
• Hammer to Fall
• Panama
• Just Like Heaven
• New Year’s Day (backing vocals, percussion)

all season long i brought my wuhan 18″ china to rehearsals to ensure just like heaven sounded dope (“buh duh dum-dum TAH”). the fast tempo 8ths made this a challenge when i played other fast beats before this one. my instructor’s advice was to focus on the 1/4-note pulse and incorporate moeller technique.

van halen’s panama was great fun, and steve nailed it on guitar. the breakdowns just before each chorus were a fun/frustrating coordination challenge between players. i love the bridge (“dream sequence”) dynamics and build up.

hammer quickly grew on me, and was surprisingly my favorite to play this season (sorry, panama, i wanted it to be you). from the loose hat on snare hits, the variation between sections, getting to use the china, and my introduction to rubato for the ending, it was very fulfilling to play.