Have you heard of 'blast beats' ? They are used extensively in many of the heavier metal genres. If you are curious.. look up '66Samus Blast Beats' here on youtube. It's educational to say the least. ;)
Could you perhaps comment on (timing as appropriate) your understanding and use of percussive techniques relative to your harp playing / performances. Those also add beat and texture to the overall music. Perhaps you can cover how (in Classical music context), other instruments fill in or compensate for a lack of drums... rhythm section, establishing timing, beat, etc? So we understand more completely some of the alternatives in terms of producing the desired final musical experience.
This is a bit of a nuance, but one that I've always definitely applied to Neil Peart - he is a percussionist, not just a drummer. I know the performance is called a drum solo, and Neil is called the Rush drummer as these are more commonly used terms, but Neil has always been a percussionist - he uses multiple instruments to create the sounds and atmosphere many of which we saw in this performance, bells, blocks, xylophone and he's used tubular bells, triangles and basically anything he can hit to create just the right sound at the right time. To say he's a drummer, just doesn't do justice to the craft that he has spent a lifetime mastering. My 2 cents.
Stewart Copeland of The Police (among many other projects over the years) is another player I think of in largely the same light; it was not at all uncommon for him to have a rock drum set, another different drum set, a set of bells and other orchestra percussion and then an assortment of wood blocks and gongs and things as well littered about the stage he would move between for different songs or even different parts of the same song. I'm not even a huge fan of The Police (though I would say I am of Copeland himself) and watching him play live on some of their tracks is magical.
I think she will really appreciate the RUSH song, Losing It. It moves along in an incredible way from soft, pretty, and slow into something driving, beautiful, and forceful. And the lyrics are fascinating. Also see lyrics for The Garden, his swan song.
Having structure and design is very true. This solo was the culmination of forty years of performance and soloing. It has elements from all of his previous solos, some elements from Rush songs, and his days studying big band music. It is a short essay of his percussion performing life.
For most of his career until near the very end, Neil Peart composed every note of every song he played in Rush, and executed those parts faithfully, note-for-note, just as though they were the timpani part for the William Tell Overture. I absolutely consider him a classical composer in this regard - and I'm a card-carrying bachelor of arts in music.
@@joeday4293 Absolutely, and what’s also amazing is his gift of writing the lyrics to his band’s songs. Poetry and storytelling. An amazing author, too.
Neil the percussionist. Neil the lyricist. Neil the philosopher. Neil the traveler/explorer. Neil the author. Neil the Father. Neil the husband. Neil the new guy in the band. i wept in silent sorrow for the loss of each one of these. Yet there is one aspect of Neil which gets me crying every time i remember it. And that is Neil: the guy who quit the best band in the world to be the librarian at his daughter's school for his remaining years. What must his love for learning and family been to make that his final priority. To me, this is as beautiful as i can conceive with my humble mind, and it is a mind expanded by RUSH for most of my life. Geez, can you imagine going to check out an old copy of Where the Red Fern Grows and an old guy looks you in the eye and advises you to pay attention to the narrative structure and it's ol' mister Peart the librarian. Legend!
Neal had only been a professional musician for about 7 years and he was already considered one of the top percussionist in rock. That was in the late 70’s when I first saw them perform. He continued to elevate his art and craft for his entire career. In the 2000’s when he was called “The Professor” by his peers for his skill and knowledge and was considered one of the world’s greatest percussionist he humbled himself by going back to school and taking drum lessons from a fellow master of the art. He never stopped learning.
Neil was not just a superb drummer/percussionist, he was also a philosopher who wrote Rush's wonderful lyrics that spanned an amazing range of human problematics, he was a wonderful soul. His songs helped me carry through adolescence and I was later fortunate to see him play live twice. RIP, professor!
He wasn't a philosopher. Philosophy is a discipline that requires years of rigorous, concentrated study, reading often highly complex, abstract, and technical academic material (journals and books from academic presses) and writing analyses of them, whether in a formal setting or autodidactically. And that's just the beginning: decades are required to truly master that subject of inquiry, as much as it is even within the power of human cognition to comprehend that most foundational, abstract, and challenging subject matter. Neil was a casual reader who mostly read the easy stuff (fiction), and had a neophyte knowledge of other areas (sciences and various humanities, including philosophy). He wrote sometimes clever and insightful lyrics, he was of above average intelligence, but his knowledge of any one area of human inquiry did not reach above the 101/Intro level. If he tried to sit down and write an essay on any topic in philosophy from his knowledge or memory (having no material such as books or essays to draw from), I'm sure it would have been in the "do over" category for any Phil. 101 class. This is not to be overly critical, but simply honest. We do a great disservice to true intellectuals who work so hard to attain their level of knowledge and expertise when we devalue their disciplines by thinking that those not trained in, or even only barely familiar with it, deserve to be designated as masters of it. I know next to nothing about drumming (nor do I care to); so I should not be labeled a drummer. Same with my level of knowledge of chemistry: I know the basics so I'm not a chemist. I bet Neil would agree that he was not a philosopher, and be embarrassed by the honorific. I've studied philosophy since I was 11 years old (parents started me on it), but after 3 decades of countless hours spent studying it/thinking through its problems, a college minor in it, and hundreds of books/thousands of essays read and owned; I wouldn't call myself a philosopher. So those like Neil, who at best causally read a handful of actual philosophy books, along with some popular introductory works to the subject, certainly were not.
@@dHolbach77 sheesh, dude! No need to go all condescending! I know what a philosopher is, what papers are, and what it takes to get an advanced degree (have a PhD of my own from a major US university), I'd just been told years ago that Neil had a background in Philosophy, just like Brian May is an Astrophysicist. I was mistaken but, oh my...
First saw them in Atlanta during the Grace Under Pressure Tour.... and thereafter, Hold Your Fire, Presto, Counterparts, Rush 30 and finally in Austin. Favorite 3 piece of all time.
Neil put out a DVD years ago called Anatomy of a Drum Solo that explained in detail how he came up with the structure for these performances. There is a reason he was called the professor. Truly an absolute master of his craft
Ok you’ve struck gold. Neil was my childhood/adult hero and mentor. Then he became a client and friend. He was a golden hearted fellow. I suggest listening to two things: Live version of Xanadu from Exit Stage Left The album Permanent Waves or Moving Pictures in their entirety.
Agreed...then after that listen to everything else 👀 Awesome story btw, what an honour that would've been. Rush's Time Machine Tour was my first concert when I was 12. My life was completely changed by that experience, I've been chasing the concert dragon ever since. lol It's crazy the force 3 guys from a few small towns in Ontario put into the world. They made all us Ontario outcast kids proud to be the weirdos we were haha
I also agree. Xanadu shows off Neil’s use of analog percussion instruments, is lyrically based on the poem Kubla Khan written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and showcases the band’s incredible use of different time signatures, dynamics and musical virtuosity. Bassist Geddy Lee sings, plays electric bass at a mastery level and plays keyboards (sometimes even with his feet). As a classical musician you’ll most certainly appreciate the different sections (movements) in the song as well.
The drum solo from the album version of ESL is his best recorded performance. The rosewood Tama Superstar kit was his best looking and best sounding kit. Looking at it in photographs is like looking at the open jacket of KISS Alive II.
@@michaelzilkowsky2936 I agree 100%. I don't care if people like the later solos better - the ESL was insanely original and a great length. There are so many parts where he sounds like 2 drummers...
The fact that someone at Neil Peart's level would have the humility to decide to take lessons on how to play his instrument in different ways, decades into his career, gives you a view into the depth of the man. Add that all to his wonderfully deep and insightful poetic lyrics, his nonfiction travel writing, and you have one of the greatest artists of all time. I'm glad you were given this as a homework assignment. Well done Karl!
He even threw in the "traditional" grip in his left he started using late into his career as away to learn something different, I only caught it once, but it was in there about halfway through.
100% and although we have all the recordings to this day I can't reconcile myself that all that knowledge, ability and talent was taken from us way too early and Neil didn't get longer to write and enjoy his retirement for longer.
He was already a multiplatinum-selling recording artist three decades into a wildly successful career, as well as the youngest member of the Modern Drummer Magazine readers' poll hall of fame, when he apprenticed himself to a master teacher in search if something he felt was missing. If that's not a role model for an artist, I don't know what is.
Concert on a kit. God needed a "drummer" and tapped the best. RIP Professor I have probably watched this solo 40 times and I'm not embellishing. So beautiful.
Jan 7th marked 3 years since we lost The Professor. I love whenever someone is awakened by the genius of Neil Peart and the music of RUSH for the first time. 🥁
Amy, thank you for listening to Neil Play. When we get together at PASIC, we will have a chance to explore some more drumming and I will ensure I get you on a drum set. In addition, I will present to you some of the subtleties that Neil is using, particularly the triplet against straight feels he uses in the performance. I have performed the solo you watched, on a number of occasions with Rush Tribute bands I have played with, and the performances never cease to get positive reactions. Thanks again for doing your “homework” and I do hope that some of your listeners and subscribers enjoyed watching a drum solo in the hands of a master and a creative genius. Karl Sloman
Awesome that you got her to react to this. Apparently you were one lucky guy to be able to have met Neil and to be able to sit behind his kit (A dream come true for many drummers)!
@@richierich398 Richie, yes, as I said in the documentary they made, it was the single most remarkable day of my life, and it remains so. I was very fortunate to meet the entire band and make friends with many associates of the band that I remain in touch with. Neil was my greatest influence, among others and there are many of them, but he will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for commenting!
@@karlsloman5320 The best representation of this fantastic instrument, by one of the greatest human beings to ever " hit things with sticks". The perfect recommendation for Amy and her journey. Spot on, Karl!
There was a time when Peart would cycle between venues if they were less than 150 miles apart. He needed that level of fitness to play and being alone on his bike gave him time to think. There’s a reminder of that in the trouser clips he wore on stage. His drumming hats were a tribute to a master drummer he played with during a cycling tour in Africa. He put all of himself into his playing. I was devastated when he passed into memory. “Though its all just memories some memories last forever.” (Lyrics by Neil Peart)
The thing many people don't recognize is his incredible limb independence, as all great drummers have. The middle part where he maintains the waltz beat with his feet while driving crazy complicated and fast parts with his hands is unreal.
Neil was the living embodiment of percussion skills. Only a small handful of humans in music history have had such an impact with their respective skill and dedication. He was truly one of the greats… Rest in power, Professor.
As a Drummer (Percussionist) myself, it's wonderful to see someone like yourself, a fellow musiciann of different instrument take time to discover and gain a respect for something outside of your experience. I have been playing Metal/Rock/Jazz and Blues, for 35 years but have been studying verious Classical music the last few years and continue to gain a deeper respect and love for the Orchestra and it's grand diversity of instruments. I've always found the Harp to be a wonderful, weird, magical instrument. Neil and I are from the same home town. Probably not a coincidence that RUSH is my favorite band. 😂 Thanks for posting! Hope you continue an exploration of RUSH. 🤘😁🖖🇨🇦❤️
those timing changes are sick! Neil blazed the path for a whole generation of modern drummers. His demonstrate in this one solo about a dozen styles...lol He went the full gauntlet from Jaz, to rock, hard rock , metal , classical to improve LOL there will never be another like him! :)
Structure and design indeed. Make no mistake; this is a dynamic piece of living music. This drum solo evolved and matured over 4 decades of careful curation; parts have been retired and replaced by new parts, while certain themes can be heard across several iterations. From Canada and the US to Thailand, Africa, and China, Neil sought and found inspiration worldwide. The final jazz portion of this solo was inspired by "Cottontail", a drum solo by Neil's idol, legendary jazz great Buddy Rich (also visible in the film clips on the video screen behind Neil).
And now you really see why Neil Peart is held in such high regard by so many. This is why he's often referred to as "The Professor" or "Your favorite drummer's favorite drummer". I really hope you'll come back to Rush at some point and hear what they do in some of their songs.
Neil was constantly improving and challenging himself in his technique and intensity. People often why he had such a huge kit, but he used it all. If you check out “Xanadu”, he changes up his striking instruments like a mad scientist adding a pinch of this and a dash of that. When you see him play live, it’s apparent you’re watching a master at work.
Whether or not one appreciates rock music, it's impossible to deny Neil Peart's dedication, professionalism and innate talent that he brings to his chosen art form. That transcends musical genre if you ask me.
Your reaction to Neil's solo and discussion almost made me cry...in a good way. Neil Peart and RUSH played such a big role in my musical upbringing and as a Canadian I am doubly proud of this band. Thank you for choosing this as one of your musical topics. I was an early subscriber and really enjoy your channel. Bravo!
The other thing to remember about Neil, besides being an awesome drummer, is that he was also the primary lyricists of the band. And he has some very deep, clever and interesting lyrics.
Neil Peart is your favorite drummer’s favorite drummer. He was a master percussionist and an incredible lyricist. He has and continues to inspire millions.
The reason you found that this is a piece of music with structure is that this is a composed piece: each section is based on a different period and different ethnicity in which drums /percussion have played a significant role. Neil was a Renaissance man in the truest meaning of the term. He was a lifelong student who applied what he learned in many ways: through playing percussion, writing lyrics, writing books, travelling, and photography.
I think Neil would have had a tear in his eye, listening to your words. He always had melody in mind in all aspects of his craft. He had to, he wrote lyrics, and had to work very closely with Geddy and Alex in the creative process. He even had Alex teach him chord structure and scales, to better understand better, how he could write his percussion parts.
I had to watch this twice- I wasn’t ready for that hypnotic effect to end. It seems to me that drumming is not just music, but one of the earliest forms of music. To see something like drumming, that feels so fundamental, brought to such a high art is a true pleasure. I’m glad you enjoyed it too!
I am not a fan of Rush for different reasons but no-one can take away the sheer musical talent of the three guys in the band and this drum solo was extraordinary. Just... wow.
@@analogkid4557 if he hasnt named them, then they are none of your or anyones business and shouldnt be asked for... they are given when the person wants to :)
My father was a professional drummer, so I picked it up naturally. I played thru out high school, and with a couple of bands. Played for several years, and yet was never good enough to make a drop of sweat on Neil Peart's forehead. Rest easy Neil. You set the bar so high it is doubtful anybody will ever reach.
Yes. So happy you've done this. And what's most impressive about Peart is that, structurally, he plays this way with the band. Exquisite musicianship. No doubt you've already received requests for Rush songs, but, I'd vote for Xanadu or La Villa Strangiatio.. or, or, or...
Ty for the recognition of Neil's composition. This performance was during the 30th anniversary Rush tour. Neil Peart's solo was played about 2 hours into a 3-hour concert. "The Professor" (the nickname given to him by his bandmates, Geddy and Alex in 1974 or 75) was around 52 here as well. I was lucky enough to see this 2004 tour in Milwaukee. RIP Professor 🙏🥁
Hi Amy, I don't know if you've heard of an Irish band called Clannad, but I know you would love them. They are melodic with harp and other traditional instruments, beautiful harmonised voices and a mystical feeling. They successfully combine traditional Irish instruments with modern ones. They were categorised as "new age" but to be honest they were a genre all of their own. I am primarily a rock musician, but I've always taken inspiration from classical music and my phone is filled with it. I'm so pleased that I subscribed to your channel. You're an inspiration and the harp is one of my favourite instruments. ✌️♥️🇬🇧
Amy, as a harpist, please listen to the short piece by Clannad called "Lady Marion" that was part of the soundtrack of the "Robin of Sherwood" TV series.
@@Ronnie1001 yep, amy would love Clannad, but I just noticed she put a pinned comment at the top saying leave your questions only here. So I guess you have to belong to her patrion channel for requests.
As a 35-ish year fan of Rush, I thought your analysis was beautiful. I loved the surprise at the sophistication of Mr. Peart's drumming and his inclusion of many famous drummer's signature styles, all in one performance. 😁👍
A superb analysis! Neil's drumming has so many nuanced layers, each designed for a specific purpose in which the parts(as great as they are) add up to a greater whole. Neil's singular brilliance cannot be defined solely by technique, speed, melody, artistry or showmanship-many top drummers excel at one or more of these. Very few, however, have ever managed to integrate all of these pieces into a uniquely crafted piece of actual music, for what Neil somehow accomplished was to turn the drum set into a symphony of sound, sound that even a classical harpist as well or even a metal head can listen to almost rapturously. We shan't see Neil's like again and we are blessed to have seen a genius pass through our midst.
After going down a bit of the Rush rabbit hole, I watched another great Canadian band, Triumph, play "Fight the Good Fight" and "Lay it on the Line" in 1983 at the US festival. I've watched those videos before, but seriously, I could watch them every day. Anyone who wants to play in a rock band should watch those performances, because that is how it's done and what rock n' roll is all about.
Both Neil Peart of Rush and Bill Bruford of King Crimson and Yes fame were master stylists (no doubt Bruford inspired Peart to some degree). This solo is a wonderful example. What's even more impressive about Peart is that he's written some of the best lyrics of all time. Lyrically, Rush's song, "Losing It" is one of my favorites. Lyrics just don't get any better or more meaningful. R.I.P., Mr. Peart, who will live on as one of the great creative geniuses in modern music.
I worked with a wonderful lady, Pat, who played harp. She was capable of playing jazz on the harp, and was often hired to play with touring jazz bands. She was way past the "swoopy arpeggio stuff" that harps are well known for. In terms of "drum" (really percussion) solos, your friend gave you great homework. Neil was the best of his generation, hands down. He shied away from being some sort of "Rock Star", disliked being chased by people that didn't know him, and learned about percussion up until he passed away from brain cancer. He was also the lyricist for Rush, and wrote hundreds of amazing lyrics, all of which can stand on their own as poetry.
So your first class is a master class. Mine was also (almost) The first song I learned to play to was kiss doctor love. The second was Rush 2112 side one . Helped Shaped my musical approach
I am impressed with your analysis of what you heard and saw. Having listened/watched Mr. Peart since the 70's, I have always been keenly aware of his true musicianship. Many of us are "drummers", he was SO much more. Many here have spoken eloquently about their love of him and that they miss him. We all do. To get back to your reactions, I thought they were lovely and real and your observations are spot on. I saw a person who really does not know the instrument hear and listen and respond quite intelligently. Thank you so much. Brava!!!!
Glad you got to experience this new world of music you weren't really aware of before. It's a real treat watching Neil Peart. I had the honor of seeing Rush live. Equally mesmerizing is Danny Carey of Tool. The Pneuma drum cam video is something very nice.
You will really appreciate the RUSH song, Losing It. It moves along in an incredible way from soft, pretty, and slow into something driving and forceful. And the lyrics are fascinating. Also see lyrics for The Garden, his swan song.
The middle part of this drum solo is a tribute to Max Roach's, "The Drum Also Waltzes". During this section he is playing a 3-pattern with his feet while playing mostly 4-pattern fills with his hands. Not only is it interesting musically, but it is an excellent display of Neil's technical proficiency to be able to separate his hands and feet so that he can play two contrary musical rhythms at the same time.
Neil was more than just another rock drummer. He did more than play, he composed; melody, texture, nuance--these were the were the tools of his metaphorical bag and tricks. Over time, Rush fans came to dub him "The Professor", and that's exactly what he was. Neil was never a fan of giving interviews and meet-and-greets, so the fact that your friend had an interaction with him is very special. R.I.P., Neil.
I sincerely hope that at some point you will check out Tool - Pneuma, in particular the drum playthrough video. For a small picture of why I say it's an important video to check, I'd like to point out that Danny Carey plays something like 4 simultaneous polyrhythms at one point in the solo.
And, that drum kit is 24k gold! Neil was quite impressive! We all miss him! And, yes, he claimed to be a percussionist, not a drummer. I’ve watched it 100 times and never get tired of it! Rest in peace Neil. You are now with your wife and daughter.❤
Percussionists understand how “drums” are musical instruments. Neil was a percussionist and he was a master at that. His Glockenspiel work on “Pieces of Eight” is a great example.
If I may make a suggestion for the next drum solo video, check out the official live version of the song Freedom by the Japanese band Band-Maid. The drummer, Akane Hirose, is the perfect blend of showing off immense talent and chops while also serving the song and injecting the rest of the band with energy throughout the performance, all while having a huge grin on her face 🙂
As a big Rush and Band-Maid fan, I heartily second this recommendation! And it’s a much shorter drum solo, maybe 45 seconds within the structure of the song. Yes, I suppose Band-Maid would be the best band to serve in Amy’s education of a current, all-female, rock band, that blends hard rock musical elements while continuing the thematic costume entertainment approach borrowed from theater plays or opera and brought into the rock music scene by many performers across rock music history. Can’t go wrong with our five incredible maids. I know of no better rock band on planet earth 🌍 today than Band-Maid. ✌🏼🔥🎸🎼😎
That's one of my favourites. I believe it predates the Maids (meaning mostly Kanami in this context) writing their own music, and it's a very simple song, but in the right way. It's always so uplifting to listen to, and that live version with the drum solo is so good! Trying to find a BAND-MAID song to showcase Kanami's writing and the musicianship of the whole band is trickier, not the least because of how broad a range they have. Giovani, perhaps? Or No God? Where do you start with them, there's so many great songs! I must say, I also love how many of us old Rush fans seem to love BAND-MAID. Ever since I started to notice that it makes feel all warm and fuzzy for some reason. I also think it says almost everything you need to know about BAND-MAID.
A wonderful video and thanks for sharing it. Sad that Neil is no longer with us but it's fantastic to remember his talent and even his sense of fun with the drums.
Amy's 2nd part/follow-up videos are the key to each song she reviews. Background; explanation(s) of music theory involved in each piece's composition; and best of all, her piano/harp examples of the way(s) that song was written/composed. Each are must-watch videos. Anyone else check YT every day hoping for a new Amy video? :)
Neil Peaet is a icon for a very definitive reason. He was not just a drummer by any measurable metric you could apply he was a complete musician. And an incredible lyricist. This drum solo tells a story, it takes its time.. it is a composition in its own right. And it touches on several key benchmarks throughout Rush's long career in the things that he references and the late motif of the fundamentals of rock and roll that he opens with. Good stuff. I'm truly interested in getting your perspective on this especially in the Deep dive section. Very cool to see this. Your channel is exceptional, and your approach to reactions is very refreshing. All my best, mars.
You have just witnessed the best drummer ever. There’s never going to another better than him but every drummer has been trying to be him for the last 35 years.
Saw Rush in Kansas City years ago - during the drum solo, of course the crowd was air-drumming along and I looked up the row from where I was sitting. About 5 seats away was Mike Portnoy (this was just before he left Dream Theater) air-drumming along with the crowd. It's amazing to see so many great drummers that looked up to Neil. He was one of a kind and is sorely missed.
Amy, I as so happy you got to see this performance. It is something I really wanted you to see, but considered wishful thinking, since I didn't think it fit into the way you have structured your approach. So now you can at least avoid my inevitable comment once you get to Rush saying, "Hey Amy, just for fun check this link out on your own." 😉This is one of the few drum solos that I think the general music lover can appreciate. Most people will quickly get bored with rock drum solos that go on too long. The only other ones I think could appeal to the general audiences, are the shorter ones that Buddy Rich, an amazing jazz drummer, used to do on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson back in the 1970s.
@@Hartlor_Tayley Yeah, the big advantage of an electronic kit. Of course, Neil's kit is a mix of electronic and acoustic. He even triggers the audio/visual displays from his kit. I think he was one of the first to incorporate electronic components in his performances. Shifting topics, I bet you remember those Buddy Rich drum solos from Carson's shows. Of course they were usually part of an overall jazz tune. Buddy was one of Neil's biggest influences.
@@LeeKennison I can hear the buddy rich in there. Neil has quite set there. He really does span the gap between classic rock and modern metal drumming.
@@Hartlor_Tayley Yeah, when he gets to the part where he is playing very fast an crossing his arms, that is pure Buddy. Buddy also introduced some comedy in his playing, although he may have just done that for Carson's sake. Apparently he was a difficult musician to work with though. He was extremely demanding as a band leader, and could be fairly demeaning to other musicians in the band.
@@LeeKennison Buddy Rich stories I’ve heard a couple. Not many bandleaders were drummers, Gene Krupa, Art Blakey come to mind as bandleaders. too many amazing Jazz drummers to name. Whose you favorite drummers?
Perhaps the most polite listener I have ever seen. Thank you for being as mesmerized as I have been since I first saw him in 1980. Your analysis was fair and accurate. Well done.
The only thing is that if Neil Peart is your 'gold standard' because he's the first drummer you ever watched all others you'll watch will be disapointing.
@@Dutch1961 I think Senri Kawaguchi comes close, even if I don't see her at *quite* the same level as Neil Peart. Definitely not disappointing though, and my second favorite after Neil.
I saw this show in Birmingham UK. Seeing Rush live was always a spiritual experience from 3 amazing human beings. RIP Neil and longevity to Geddy and Alex. X
You can't go wrong reviewing any Rush song. Try "YYZ"; it's instrumental perfection. Also check out "Analog kid, Live", and "Losing It"; both songs are poetic, and hauntingly beautiful.
Thanks so much for the great reaction. I am not a musician but I love listening to almost all types of music. Your perspective was very enlightening. I particularly enjoyed your careful and thoughtful use of language to express your impressions. You are very deliberate and I'm sure that all who know you listen carefully to every word you have to say! 😄 Too far? At any rate, you know what I mean. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
Neil Peart was utterly fantastic as a percussionist. I think you would greatly enjoy also watching the "other greatest rock drummer ever", John Bonham on his 1970 live drum solo called Moby Dick. To say it is influential would be a huge understatement and it another masterclass on a different part of the rock drumming spectrum
Thank you for posting this! Of course I don't know Neil personally, but I have been a avid fan for over 40 years and have read many interviews. He always said that his solos were not meant to be an egocentric display of technique, rather a musical journey or story. If he were alive, I think it would put a huge smile 😄 on his face to hear you say that "It had structure, it had design, and that it took you on a musical journey" Cheers!
Neil Peart was a genius and he is partly responsible for some of the most creative music to grow from Canada. God rest his soul and hope he is still playing in Heavens gate.
Neil Peart is The Genius. And period. Thank you Amy for your first words after Neil's performace - its full music not just drumming. You point out that music is much more than just rhythm and beat (which I hate in contemporary songs). There are many components to music. Neil and Rush never forgot these components. I am grateful to you for reminding everyone about space and structure in music. 🙏😊
As a bass player and a lifelong Rush fan, I've always loved Neil's drumming and his solos. And his grooves just never quit, no matter what time they're in (and all those guys know their way around many a different time signature). I'm paraphrasing here, but many who read this comment will recall it; Neil once likened playing a live Rush concert performance to performing extreme acts of precision athleticism while solving equations at the same time. As Rush fans, we can't thank you enough for this.
You might find entertaining a video of the band Tool and their drummer Danny Carey performing "Pneuma" (live concert, 26 million views). He has a similar style that uses tonality and rhythm in a complex arrangement. It's worth a look.
One thing to consider is that Neil, and Rush, played thousands of shows, all at a high level with consistency. Neil never let down with explosive energy, especially in the 70s and early 80s. Think about the motivation to do that, to do something so difficult. He also took care of the ideas and themes, which led into art and production, for all the records. This is what I will always remember and be inspired by. RIP Neil.
And what better place to start your journey into the study of drums than with the greatest technical percussionist of the 80's generation! Sadly, Neil is no longer with us. But I can't help but think that every time his work brings a smile to a new person's face that he's looking down and smiling back. ☺️
I'm not a huge fan of drum solos, but Neal is a very creative guy, so, like you, I appreciated his incorporation of melody into this solo, even though they were pretty simple one's with no harmonic complexity, it was creative and made the solo much more than it might have been. It's also a very good solo to allow you to appreciate that the drum kit, is an instrument in it's own right that deserves recognition. Like any instrument, the mileage will vary depending on the driver, so to speak.
Leave your questions ONLY here, please!
Have you heard of 'blast beats' ? They are used extensively in many of the heavier metal genres. If you are curious.. look up '66Samus Blast Beats' here on youtube. It's educational to say the least. ;)
Please watch and listen to Danny Carey drum cam Pneuma by Tool?
Do you plan on reacting to and analyzing Rush soon? And if so will you do one of their epics/suites or one of the more radio friendly tunes?
@@uoabigaillevey Nils Fjellstrom is a good one. There are a lot of reactions to his stuff as well as a couple demos.
Could you perhaps comment on (timing as appropriate) your understanding and use of percussive techniques relative to your harp playing / performances. Those also add beat and texture to the overall music. Perhaps you can cover how (in Classical music context), other instruments fill in or compensate for a lack of drums... rhythm section, establishing timing, beat, etc? So we understand more completely some of the alternatives in terms of producing the desired final musical experience.
This is a bit of a nuance, but one that I've always definitely applied to Neil Peart - he is a percussionist, not just a drummer. I know the performance is called a drum solo, and Neil is called the Rush drummer as these are more commonly used terms, but Neil has always been a percussionist - he uses multiple instruments to create the sounds and atmosphere many of which we saw in this performance, bells, blocks, xylophone and he's used tubular bells, triangles and basically anything he can hit to create just the right sound at the right time. To say he's a drummer, just doesn't do justice to the craft that he has spent a lifetime mastering. My 2 cents.
Wasn't it in the Permanent Waves liner-notes that he was called out for "plywood" as one of his 'drones'? And, what song was that on??
Stewart Copeland of The Police (among many other projects over the years) is another player I think of in largely the same light; it was not at all uncommon for him to have a rock drum set, another different drum set, a set of bells and other orchestra percussion and then an assortment of wood blocks and gongs and things as well littered about the stage he would move between for different songs or even different parts of the same song. I'm not even a huge fan of The Police (though I would say I am of Copeland himself) and watching him play live on some of their tracks is magical.
He also played and recorded the horns you hear in this solo. He triggers the recordings with a midi foot pedal.
Very well said indeed!
I think she will really appreciate the RUSH song, Losing It. It moves along in an incredible way from soft, pretty, and slow into something driving, beautiful, and forceful. And the lyrics are fascinating. Also see lyrics for The Garden, his swan song.
"It had structure. It had design." That is Neil Peart.
Not just a drummer, but a true *percussionist.*
RIP Professor.
RIP
Having structure and design is very true. This solo was the culmination of forty years of performance and soloing. It has elements from all of his previous solos, some elements from Rush songs, and his days studying big band music. It is a short essay of his percussion performing life.
For most of his career until near the very end, Neil Peart composed every note of every song he played in Rush, and executed those parts faithfully, note-for-note, just as though they were the timpani part for the William Tell Overture. I absolutely consider him a classical composer in this regard - and I'm a card-carrying bachelor of arts in music.
He would be pleased as punch to hear her say this...
@@joeday4293 Absolutely, and what’s also amazing is his gift of writing the lyrics to his band’s songs. Poetry and storytelling. An amazing author, too.
Neil the percussionist.
Neil the lyricist.
Neil the philosopher.
Neil the traveler/explorer.
Neil the author.
Neil the Father.
Neil the husband.
Neil the new guy in the band.
i wept in silent sorrow for the loss of each one of these.
Yet there is one aspect of Neil which gets me crying every time i remember it. And that is Neil: the guy who quit the best band in the world to be the librarian at his daughter's school for his remaining years. What must his love for learning and family been to make that his final priority. To me, this is as beautiful as i can conceive with my humble mind, and it is a mind expanded by RUSH for most of my life.
Geez, can you imagine going to check out an old copy of Where the Red Fern Grows and an old guy looks you in the eye and advises you to pay attention to the narrative structure and it's ol' mister Peart the librarian. Legend!
Motorcycle enthusiast as well.
You Forget The Professor !!!
Neal had only been a professional musician for about 7 years and he was already considered one of the top percussionist in rock. That was in the late 70’s when I first saw them perform. He continued to elevate his art and craft for his entire career. In the 2000’s when he was called “The Professor” by his peers for his skill and knowledge and was considered one of the world’s greatest percussionist he humbled himself by going back to school and taking drum lessons from a fellow master of the art. He never stopped learning.
Neil was not just a superb drummer/percussionist, he was also a philosopher who wrote Rush's wonderful lyrics that spanned an amazing range of human problematics, he was a wonderful soul. His songs helped me carry through adolescence and I was later fortunate to see him play live twice. RIP, professor!
Not alot of people (even some fans) didn't know that Neil also wrote childrens books.
He wasn't a philosopher. Philosophy is a discipline that requires years of rigorous, concentrated study, reading often highly complex, abstract, and technical academic material (journals and books from academic presses) and writing analyses of them, whether in a formal setting or autodidactically. And that's just the beginning: decades are required to truly master that subject of inquiry, as much as it is even within the power of human cognition to comprehend that most foundational, abstract, and challenging subject matter.
Neil was a casual reader who mostly read the easy stuff (fiction), and had a neophyte knowledge of other areas (sciences and various humanities, including philosophy). He wrote sometimes clever and insightful lyrics, he was of above average intelligence, but his knowledge of any one area of human inquiry did not reach above the 101/Intro level. If he tried to sit down and write an essay on any topic in philosophy from his knowledge or memory (having no material such as books or essays to draw from), I'm sure it would have been in the "do over" category for any Phil. 101 class.
This is not to be overly critical, but simply honest. We do a great disservice to true intellectuals who work so hard to attain their level of knowledge and expertise when we devalue their disciplines by thinking that those not trained in, or even only barely familiar with it, deserve to be designated as masters of it. I know next to nothing about drumming (nor do I care to); so I should not be labeled a drummer. Same with my level of knowledge of chemistry: I know the basics so I'm not a chemist. I bet Neil would agree that he was not a philosopher, and be embarrassed by the honorific. I've studied philosophy since I was 11 years old (parents started me on it), but after 3 decades of countless hours spent studying it/thinking through its problems, a college minor in it, and hundreds of books/thousands of essays read and owned; I wouldn't call myself a philosopher. So those like Neil, who at best causally read a handful of actual philosophy books, along with some popular introductory works to the subject, certainly were not.
@@dHolbach77 sheesh, dude! No need to go all condescending! I know what a philosopher is, what papers are, and what it takes to get an advanced degree (have a PhD of my own from a major US university), I'd just been told years ago that Neil had a background in Philosophy, just like Brian May is an Astrophysicist. I was mistaken but, oh my...
@@dHolbach77 Everybody has their opinions, even if they are factually wrong.
First saw them in Atlanta during the Grace Under Pressure Tour.... and thereafter, Hold Your Fire, Presto, Counterparts, Rush 30 and finally in Austin. Favorite 3 piece of all time.
Neil was such a humble person. One of the greatest. Taken from us far too early.
It's 2024 and I still get tears in my eyes whenever I watch anything about him. One of my heroes.
RIP Professor. Gone but will never be forgotten. Wish everyone nothing but the best peace.
Neil put out a DVD years ago called Anatomy of a Drum Solo that explained in detail how he came up with the structure for these performances. There is a reason he was called the professor. Truly an absolute master of his craft
Most drummers don't know the drums are capable of that much. Neil was the undisputed Professor.
Ok you’ve struck gold. Neil was my childhood/adult hero and mentor. Then he became a client and friend. He was a golden hearted fellow. I suggest listening to two things:
Live version of Xanadu from Exit Stage Left
The album Permanent Waves or Moving Pictures in their entirety.
Agreed...then after that listen to everything else 👀
Awesome story btw, what an honour that would've been.
Rush's Time Machine Tour was my first concert when I was 12. My life was completely changed by that experience, I've been chasing the concert dragon ever since. lol
It's crazy the force 3 guys from a few small towns in Ontario put into the world. They made all us Ontario outcast kids proud to be the weirdos we were haha
I also agree. Xanadu shows off Neil’s use of analog percussion instruments, is lyrically based on the poem Kubla Khan written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and showcases the band’s incredible use of different time signatures, dynamics and musical virtuosity. Bassist Geddy Lee sings, plays electric bass at a mastery level and plays keyboards (sometimes even with his feet). As a classical musician you’ll most certainly appreciate the different sections (movements) in the song as well.
I concur 100%. That live performance of Xanadu is something every musician must see regardless of what genre of music they prefer.
The drum solo from the album version of ESL is his best recorded performance. The rosewood Tama Superstar kit was his best looking and best sounding kit. Looking at it in photographs is like looking at the open jacket of KISS Alive II.
@@michaelzilkowsky2936 I agree 100%. I don't care if people like the later solos better - the ESL was insanely original and a great length. There are so many parts where he sounds like 2 drummers...
I've given up trying to explain to non drummers how exceptional he is.
The fact that someone at Neil Peart's level would have the humility to decide to take lessons on how to play his instrument in different ways, decades into his career, gives you a view into the depth of the man. Add that all to his wonderfully deep and insightful poetic lyrics, his nonfiction travel writing, and you have one of the greatest artists of all time. I'm glad you were given this as a homework assignment. Well done Karl!
He even threw in the "traditional" grip in his left he started using late into his career as away to learn something different, I only caught it once, but it was in there about halfway through.
*That* constant learning made Neil a *Grand Master* of his craft 👍🤘
100% and although we have all the recordings to this day I can't reconcile myself that all that knowledge, ability and talent was taken from us way too early and Neil didn't get longer to write and enjoy his retirement for longer.
He was already a multiplatinum-selling recording artist three decades into a wildly successful career, as well as the youngest member of the Modern Drummer Magazine readers' poll hall of fame, when he apprenticed himself to a master teacher in search if something he felt was missing. If that's not a role model for an artist, I don't know what is.
Concert on a kit. God needed a "drummer" and tapped the best. RIP Professor
I have probably watched this solo 40 times and I'm not embellishing. So beautiful.
Jan 7th marked 3 years since we lost The Professor. I love whenever someone is awakened by the genius of Neil Peart and the music of RUSH for the first time.
🥁
Amy, thank you for listening to Neil Play. When we get together at PASIC, we will have a chance to explore some more drumming and I will ensure I get you on a drum set. In addition, I will present to you some of the subtleties that Neil is using, particularly the triplet against straight feels he uses in the performance. I have performed the solo you watched, on a number of occasions with Rush Tribute bands I have played with, and the performances never cease to get positive reactions. Thanks again for doing your “homework” and I do hope that some of your listeners and subscribers enjoyed watching a drum solo in the hands of a master and a creative genius. Karl Sloman
Awesome that you got her to react to this. Apparently you were one lucky guy to be able to have met Neil and to be able to sit behind his kit (A dream come true for many drummers)!
@@richierich398 Richie, yes, as I said in the documentary they made, it was the single most remarkable day of my life, and it remains so. I was very fortunate to meet the entire band and make friends with many associates of the band that I remain in touch with. Neil was my greatest influence, among others and there are many of them, but he will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for commenting!
Hats off to you sir. If you can do this solo, you're in a special category, IMO. I'm a drummer but much more average, LOL.
@@karlsloman5320 The best representation of this fantastic instrument, by one of the greatest human beings to ever " hit things with sticks". The perfect recommendation for Amy and her journey. Spot on, Karl!
I teared up when she said you actually got behind his kit- my bucket list goal for 45 years. I am very sad I never got a chance to shake his hand.
There was a time when Peart would cycle between venues if they were less than 150 miles apart. He needed that level of fitness to play and being alone on his bike gave him time to think. There’s a reminder of that in the trouser clips he wore on stage. His drumming hats were a tribute to a master drummer he played with during a cycling tour in Africa. He put all of himself into his playing. I was devastated when he passed into memory. “Though its all just memories some memories last forever.” (Lyrics by Neil Peart)
"that he passed into memory" bravo Sir..you are a wordsmith
Neil Peart is your favorite drummers favorite drummer.
Greatest Drummer of all time. RIP Neil Peart
The thing many people don't recognize is his incredible limb independence, as all great drummers have. The middle part where he maintains the waltz beat with his feet while driving crazy complicated and fast parts with his hands is unreal.
I can't tap my feet and have my hands move at a different pace at all
Neil was the living embodiment
of percussion skills. Only a small
handful of humans in music history
have had such an impact with their
respective skill and dedication.
He was truly one of the greats…
Rest in power, Professor.
As a Drummer (Percussionist) myself, it's wonderful to see someone like yourself, a fellow musiciann of different instrument take time to discover and gain a respect for something outside of your experience. I have been playing Metal/Rock/Jazz and Blues, for 35 years but have been studying verious Classical music the last few years and continue to gain a deeper respect and love for the Orchestra and it's grand diversity of instruments. I've always found the Harp to be a wonderful, weird, magical instrument. Neil and I are from the same home town. Probably not a coincidence that RUSH is my favorite band. 😂 Thanks for posting! Hope you continue an exploration of RUSH. 🤘😁🖖🇨🇦❤️
those timing changes are sick! Neil blazed the path for a whole generation of modern drummers. His demonstrate in this one solo about a dozen styles...lol He went the full gauntlet from Jaz, to rock, hard rock , metal , classical to improve LOL there will never be another like him!
:)
Structure and design indeed. Make no mistake; this is a dynamic piece of living music. This drum solo evolved and matured over 4 decades of careful curation; parts have been retired and replaced by new parts, while certain themes can be heard across several iterations. From Canada and the US to Thailand, Africa, and China, Neil sought and found inspiration worldwide. The final jazz portion of this solo was inspired by "Cottontail", a drum solo by Neil's idol, legendary jazz great Buddy Rich (also visible in the film clips on the video screen behind Neil).
I LOVE his ode to big band jazz at the end of this drum solo.
And now you really see why Neil Peart is held in such high regard by so many. This is why he's often referred to as "The Professor" or "Your favorite drummer's favorite drummer". I really hope you'll come back to Rush at some point and hear what they do in some of their songs.
John Bonham is your favourite drummer's favourite drummer.
@@lyndoncmp5751 nah Bonham is just EVERYBODY's favorite drummer
I do believe he was a professor at a uni in Canada. Perhaps university of Ontario.
Neil was constantly improving and challenging himself in his technique and intensity. People often why he had such a huge kit, but he used it all. If you check out “Xanadu”, he changes up his striking instruments like a mad scientist adding a pinch of this and a dash of that. When you see him play live, it’s apparent you’re watching a master at work.
Whether or not one appreciates rock music, it's impossible to deny Neil Peart's dedication, professionalism and innate talent that he brings to his chosen art form. That transcends musical genre if you ask me.
Your reaction to Neil's solo and discussion almost made me cry...in a good way. Neil Peart and RUSH played such a big role in my musical upbringing and as a Canadian I am doubly proud of this band. Thank you for choosing this as one of your musical topics. I was an early subscriber and really enjoy your channel. Bravo!
I love how she pronounces Neil's name properly. That's refreshing!
The other thing to remember about Neil, besides being an awesome drummer, is that he was also the primary lyricists of the band. And he has some very deep, clever and interesting lyrics.
Good tip for drummers. Write lyrics, get more publishing credits.
I think that this was part of why the call him The Professor.
Neil Peart is your favorite drummer’s favorite drummer. He was a master percussionist and an incredible lyricist. He has and continues to inspire millions.
The reason you found that this is a piece of music with structure is that this is a composed piece: each section is based on a different period and different ethnicity in which drums /percussion have played a significant role. Neil was a Renaissance man in the truest meaning of the term. He was a lifelong student who applied what he learned in many ways: through playing percussion, writing lyrics, writing books, travelling, and photography.
Your left eyebrow gave it away. It raised at exactly the right time through the entire solo. Yeah, he’s one of, if not the best ever.
I think Neil would have had a tear in his eye, listening to your words. He always had melody in mind in all aspects of his craft. He had to, he wrote lyrics, and had to work very closely with Geddy and Alex in the creative process. He even had Alex teach him chord structure and scales, to better understand better, how he could write his percussion parts.
I had to watch this twice- I wasn’t ready for that hypnotic effect to end. It seems to me that drumming is not just music, but one of the earliest forms of music. To see something like drumming, that feels so fundamental, brought to such a high art is a true pleasure. I’m glad you enjoyed it too!
Watch his solo at the Buddy Rich ceremony
Also: the black page: Terry Bozzio & the Zappa plays Zappa DVD. Equally ridiculous kit that gets utilized fully in one sitting.
MORE RUSH!!!!
I suggest Xanadu or La Villa Strangiato -- the live versions from Exit Stage Left.
Neil Peart.
Admired for his talent. Respected for his intellect. Loved for his humanity.
RIP PROFESSOR.
I am not a fan of Rush for different reasons but no-one can take away the sheer musical talent of the three guys in the band and this drum solo was extraordinary. Just... wow.
I am curious what those reasons are.
@@analogkid4557 if he hasnt named them, then they are none of your or anyones business and shouldnt be asked for... they are given when the person wants to :)
@@THCLK That makes no sense. Lack of logic.
@@analogkid4557 Of course it does.
@@davegink9222 how?
My father was a professional drummer, so I picked it up naturally. I played thru out high school, and with a couple of bands. Played for several years, and yet was never good enough to make a drop of sweat on Neil Peart's forehead. Rest easy Neil. You set the bar so high it is doubtful anybody will ever reach.
Yes. So happy you've done this. And what's most impressive about Peart is that, structurally, he plays this way with the band. Exquisite musicianship. No doubt you've already received requests for Rush songs, but, I'd vote for Xanadu or La Villa Strangiatio.. or, or, or...
Ty for the recognition of Neil's composition. This performance was during the 30th anniversary Rush tour. Neil Peart's solo was played about 2 hours into a 3-hour concert. "The Professor" (the nickname given to him by his bandmates, Geddy and Alex in 1974 or 75) was around 52 here as well. I was lucky enough to see this 2004 tour in Milwaukee. RIP Professor 🙏🥁
His percussion is so next worldly. And his mental independence between his feet and hands is just ... it's a superpower.
Well said.
I was there in Frankfurt at exactly this concert. I can tell you, it blew my (our) mind. The best drummer of all times. RIP Neil!
I can barely imagine what the experience was like.
Hi Amy, I don't know if you've heard of an Irish band called Clannad, but I know you would love them. They are melodic with harp and other traditional instruments, beautiful harmonised voices and a mystical feeling. They successfully combine traditional Irish instruments with modern ones. They were categorised as "new age" but to be honest they were a genre all of their own. I am primarily a rock musician, but I've always taken inspiration from classical music and my phone is filled with it. I'm so pleased that I subscribed to your channel. You're an inspiration and the harp is one of my favourite instruments. ✌️♥️🇬🇧
Amy, as a harpist, please listen to the short piece by Clannad called "Lady Marion" that was part of the soundtrack of the "Robin of Sherwood" TV series.
@@Ronnie1001 yep, amy would love Clannad, but I just noticed she put a pinned comment at the top saying leave your questions only here. So I guess you have to belong to her patrion channel for requests.
As a 35-ish year fan of Rush, I thought your analysis was beautiful. I loved the surprise at the sophistication of Mr. Peart's drumming and his inclusion of many famous drummer's signature styles, all in one performance. 😁👍
I highly recommend watching the Vic Firth video of Danny Carey playing the song “Pneuma” with the band Tool.
so very cool! very happy you are on this journey! Rush is one of the greatest bands ever. one of their best is Xanadu off the Farewell to Kings album.
Percussion mastery, compositional genius and lyricist extraordinaire. Mr. Peart, you will be forever missed.
A superb analysis! Neil's drumming has so many nuanced layers, each designed for a specific purpose in which the parts(as great as they are) add up to a greater whole. Neil's singular brilliance cannot be defined solely by technique, speed, melody, artistry or showmanship-many top drummers excel at one or more of these. Very few, however, have ever managed to integrate all of these pieces into a uniquely crafted piece of actual music, for what Neil somehow accomplished was to turn the drum set into a symphony of sound, sound that even a classical harpist as well or even a metal head can listen to almost rapturously. We shan't see Neil's like again and we are blessed to have seen a genius pass through our midst.
After going down a bit of the Rush rabbit hole, I watched another great Canadian band, Triumph, play "Fight the Good Fight" and "Lay it on the Line" in 1983 at the US festival. I've watched those videos before, but seriously, I could watch them every day. Anyone who wants to play in a rock band should watch those performances, because that is how it's done and what rock n' roll is all about.
I've been a drummer for over 50 years and Niel was the guy that created inspiration
I am loving taking this journey with you! I am 71 years old and a lifetime Rock-n-Roll fan and I find your explorations fascinating. Thank you, PJ 😁✌🧡
Neil was a professor on the drums and he still sought out other drummers for knowledge.
Literally brought tears to my eyes. Thank you Neil, and Rush, for decades of amazingly inspired, and inspiring, music.
Both Neil Peart of Rush and Bill Bruford of King Crimson and Yes fame were master stylists (no doubt Bruford inspired Peart to some degree). This solo is a wonderful example. What's even more impressive about Peart is that he's written some of the best lyrics of all time. Lyrically, Rush's song, "Losing It" is one of my favorites. Lyrics just don't get any better or more meaningful. R.I.P., Mr. Peart, who will live on as one of the great creative geniuses in modern music.
I worked with a wonderful lady, Pat, who played harp. She was capable of playing jazz on the harp, and was often hired to play with touring jazz bands. She was way past the "swoopy arpeggio stuff" that harps are well known for. In terms of "drum" (really percussion) solos, your friend gave you great homework. Neil was the best of his generation, hands down. He shied away from being some sort of "Rock Star", disliked being chased by people that didn't know him, and learned about percussion up until he passed away from brain cancer. He was also the lyricist for Rush, and wrote hundreds of amazing lyrics, all of which can stand on their own as poetry.
So your first class is a master class. Mine was also (almost)
The first song I learned to play to was kiss doctor love. The second was Rush 2112 side one . Helped Shaped my musical approach
I am impressed with your analysis of what you heard and saw. Having listened/watched Mr. Peart since the 70's, I have always been keenly aware of his true musicianship. Many of us are "drummers", he was SO much more. Many here have spoken eloquently about their love of him and that they miss him. We all do. To get back to your reactions, I thought they were lovely and real and your observations are spot on. I saw a person who really does not know the instrument hear and listen and respond quite intelligently. Thank you so much. Brava!!!!
Glad you got to experience this new world of music you weren't really aware of before. It's a real treat watching Neil Peart. I had the honor of seeing Rush live. Equally mesmerizing is Danny Carey of Tool. The Pneuma drum cam video is something very nice.
When you SEE what you are listening to, it gives you a whole other level of understanding and appreciation to what the musician is doing...
You will really appreciate the RUSH song, Losing It. It moves along in an incredible way from soft, pretty, and slow into something driving and forceful. And the lyrics are fascinating. Also see lyrics for The Garden, his swan song.
The middle part of this drum solo is a tribute to Max Roach's, "The Drum Also Waltzes". During this section he is playing a 3-pattern with his feet while playing mostly 4-pattern fills with his hands. Not only is it interesting musically, but it is an excellent display of Neil's technical proficiency to be able to separate his hands and feet so that he can play two contrary musical rhythms at the same time.
Neil was more than just another rock drummer. He did more than play, he composed; melody, texture, nuance--these were the were the tools of his metaphorical bag and tricks. Over time, Rush fans came to dub him "The Professor", and that's exactly what he was. Neil was never a fan of giving interviews and meet-and-greets, so the fact that your friend had an interaction with him is very special. R.I.P., Neil.
I sincerely hope that at some point you will check out Tool - Pneuma, in particular the drum playthrough video. For a small picture of why I say it's an important video to check, I'd like to point out that Danny Carey plays something like 4 simultaneous polyrhythms at one point in the solo.
And, that drum kit is 24k gold! Neil was quite impressive! We all miss him! And, yes, he claimed to be a percussionist, not a drummer. I’ve watched it 100 times and never get tired of it! Rest in peace Neil. You are now with your wife and daughter.❤
Percussionists understand how “drums” are musical instruments. Neil was a percussionist and he was a master at that. His Glockenspiel work on “Pieces of Eight” is a great example.
You are one of the few that did not interrupt the video to learn about Neil peart thank you. He is the greatest drummer that ever lived
If I may make a suggestion for the next drum solo video, check out the official live version of the song Freedom by the Japanese band Band-Maid. The drummer, Akane Hirose, is the perfect blend of showing off immense talent and chops while also serving the song and injecting the rest of the band with energy throughout the performance, all while having a huge grin on her face 🙂
As a big Rush and Band-Maid fan, I heartily second this recommendation! And it’s a much shorter drum solo, maybe 45 seconds within the structure of the song. Yes, I suppose Band-Maid would be the best band to serve in Amy’s education of a current, all-female, rock band, that blends hard rock musical elements while continuing the thematic costume entertainment approach borrowed from theater plays or opera and brought into the rock music scene by many performers across rock music history. Can’t go wrong with our five incredible maids. I know of no better rock band on planet earth 🌍 today than Band-Maid. ✌🏼🔥🎸🎼😎
That's one of my favourites. I believe it predates the Maids (meaning mostly Kanami in this context) writing their own music, and it's a very simple song, but in the right way. It's always so uplifting to listen to, and that live version with the drum solo is so good! Trying to find a BAND-MAID song to showcase Kanami's writing and the musicianship of the whole band is trickier, not the least because of how broad a range they have. Giovani, perhaps? Or No God? Where do you start with them, there's so many great songs!
I must say, I also love how many of us old Rush fans seem to love BAND-MAID. Ever since I started to notice that it makes feel all warm and fuzzy for some reason. I also think it says almost everything you need to know about BAND-MAID.
First heard drum solo by Neil Peart is like driving a Ferrari as a first car driving experience..... congratulations......
Neil Peart was the Yoda of drummers; a Zen master who approached the instrument with a philosophical approach that was almost fanatical.
Yoda, but never above seeking council from other Jedi Masters to better use "the force."
A wonderful video and thanks for sharing it. Sad that Neil is no longer with us but it's fantastic to remember his talent and even his sense of fun with the drums.
Amy's 2nd part/follow-up videos are the key to each song she reviews. Background; explanation(s) of music theory involved in each piece's composition; and best of all, her piano/harp examples of the way(s) that song was written/composed. Each are must-watch videos. Anyone else check YT every day hoping for a new Amy video? :)
Neil Peaet is a icon for a very definitive reason. He was not just a drummer by any measurable metric you could apply he was a complete musician. And an incredible lyricist. This drum solo tells a story, it takes its time.. it is a composition in its own right. And it touches on several key benchmarks throughout Rush's long career in the things that he references and the late motif of the fundamentals of rock and roll that he opens with. Good stuff. I'm truly interested in getting your perspective on this especially in the Deep dive section. Very cool to see this. Your channel is exceptional, and your approach to reactions is very refreshing. All my best, mars.
You have just witnessed the best drummer ever. There’s never going to another better than him but every drummer has been trying to be him for the last 35 years.
I hope they keep trying, and I hope someone succeeds because any heightening of the craft is also another big win for Neil and his legacy.
Saw Rush in Kansas City years ago - during the drum solo, of course the crowd was air-drumming along and I looked up the row from where I was sitting. About 5 seats away was Mike Portnoy (this was just before he left Dream Theater) air-drumming along with the crowd. It's amazing to see so many great drummers that looked up to Neil. He was one of a kind and is sorely missed.
I'm pretty sure EVERY drummer that played for Zappa since Jimmy Carl Black was at least this good .
That was such a pleasure, thank you! I love engaging percussion solos and compelling, drumming with complex rhythms in general.
Amy, I as so happy you got to see this performance. It is something I really wanted you to see, but considered wishful thinking, since I didn't think it fit into the way you have structured your approach. So now you can at least avoid my inevitable comment once you get to Rush saying, "Hey Amy, just for fun check this link out on your own." 😉This is one of the few drum solos that I think the general music lover can appreciate. Most people will quickly get bored with rock drum solos that go on too long. The only other ones I think could appeal to the general audiences, are the shorter ones that Buddy Rich, an amazing jazz drummer, used to do on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson back in the 1970s.
Midi triggered sounds ?
@@Hartlor_Tayley Yeah, the big advantage of an electronic kit. Of course, Neil's kit is a mix of electronic and acoustic. He even triggers the audio/visual displays from his kit. I think he was one of the first to incorporate electronic components in his performances. Shifting topics, I bet you remember those Buddy Rich drum solos from Carson's shows. Of course they were usually part of an overall jazz tune. Buddy was one of Neil's biggest influences.
@@LeeKennison I can hear the buddy rich in there. Neil has quite set there. He really does span the gap between classic rock and modern metal drumming.
@@Hartlor_Tayley Yeah, when he gets to the part where he is playing very fast an crossing his arms, that is pure Buddy. Buddy also introduced some comedy in his playing, although he may have just done that for Carson's sake. Apparently he was a difficult musician to work with though. He was extremely demanding as a band leader, and could be fairly demeaning to other musicians in the band.
@@LeeKennison Buddy Rich stories I’ve heard a couple. Not many bandleaders were drummers, Gene Krupa, Art Blakey come to mind as bandleaders. too many amazing Jazz drummers to name. Whose you favorite drummers?
Perhaps the most polite listener I have ever seen.
Thank you for being as mesmerized as I have been since I first saw him in 1980.
Your analysis was fair and accurate.
Well done.
You will never look at drums the same now. RIP Neil.
The only thing is that if Neil Peart is your 'gold standard' because he's the first drummer you ever watched all others you'll watch will be disapointing.
@@Dutch1961 I think Senri Kawaguchi comes close, even if I don't see her at *quite* the same level as Neil Peart. Definitely not disappointing though, and my second favorite after Neil.
I saw this show in Birmingham UK. Seeing Rush live was always a spiritual experience from 3 amazing human beings. RIP Neil and longevity to Geddy and Alex. X
The Professor (Neil Peart) was more of a percussionist. A true genius. He's desperately missed.
Try reading the lyrics and listening to any of RUSH'S songs . You will be futher impressed at hos geinusness. R.I.P. NEIL WE MISS YOU
You can't go wrong reviewing any Rush song. Try "YYZ"; it's instrumental perfection. Also check out "Analog kid, Live", and "Losing It"; both songs are poetic, and hauntingly beautiful.
Thanks so much for the great reaction. I am not a musician but I love listening to almost all types of music. Your perspective was very enlightening. I particularly enjoyed your careful and thoughtful use of language to express your impressions. You are very deliberate and I'm sure that all who know you listen carefully to every word you have to say! 😄 Too far? At any rate, you know what I mean. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
Neil Peart was utterly fantastic as a percussionist.
I think you would greatly enjoy also watching the "other greatest rock drummer ever", John Bonham on his 1970 live drum solo called Moby Dick. To say it is influential would be a huge understatement and it another masterclass on a different part of the rock drumming spectrum
Thank you for posting this!
Of course I don't know Neil personally, but I have been a avid fan for over 40 years and have read many interviews.
He always said that his solos were not meant to be an egocentric display of technique, rather a musical journey or story.
If he were alive, I think it would put a huge smile 😄 on his face to hear you say that "It had structure, it had design, and that it took you on a musical journey"
Cheers!
Another vote for you to review Rush’s Xanadu (live version from Exit Stage Left is wonderful to see them perform it)!
A true master of his craft,and a massive influence on me through my drumming journey, a true beethoven on the kit
Oh this was awesome I never seen this drum solo before but wow that was masterful
You need some more RUSH in your life!
Neil Peart was a genius and he is partly responsible for some of the most creative music to grow from Canada. God rest his soul and hope he is still playing in Heavens gate.
Neil Peart is The Genius. And period.
Thank you Amy for your first words after Neil's performace - its full music not just drumming. You point out that music is much more than just rhythm and beat (which I hate in contemporary songs). There are many components to music. Neil and Rush never forgot these components. I am grateful to you for reminding everyone about space and structure in music. 🙏😊
As a bass player and a lifelong Rush fan, I've always loved Neil's drumming and his solos. And his grooves just never quit, no matter what time they're in (and all those guys know their way around many a different time signature).
I'm paraphrasing here, but many who read this comment will recall it; Neil once likened playing a live Rush concert performance to performing extreme acts of precision athleticism while solving equations at the same time.
As Rush fans, we can't thank you enough for this.
You might find entertaining a video of the band Tool and their drummer Danny Carey performing "Pneuma" (live concert, 26 million views). He has a similar style that uses tonality and rhythm in a complex arrangement. It's worth a look.
We will never see his like again. Farewell to the King
i think you should also watch Danny Carey playing "Pneuma" live
One thing to consider is that Neil, and Rush, played thousands of shows, all at a high level with consistency. Neil never let down with explosive energy, especially in the 70s and early 80s. Think about the motivation to do that, to do something so difficult. He also took care of the ideas and themes, which led into art and production, for all the records. This is what I will always remember and be inspired by. RIP Neil.
cool. loving the channel so far. keep it up.
And what better place to start your journey into the study of drums than with the greatest technical percussionist of the 80's generation! Sadly, Neil is no longer with us. But I can't help but think that every time his work brings a smile to a new person's face that he's looking down and smiling back. ☺️
I'm not a huge fan of drum solos, but Neal is a very creative guy, so, like you, I appreciated his incorporation of melody into this solo, even though they were pretty simple one's with no harmonic complexity, it was creative and made the solo much more than it might have been. It's also a very good solo to allow you to appreciate that the drum kit, is an instrument in it's own right that deserves recognition. Like any instrument, the mileage will vary depending on the driver, so to speak.
Amd yet, he continued to take lessons throughout his career.
Simply, one of the best....lucky enough to see RUSH I'm concert, nine times....
Neil also was the primary lyricist for Rush.
Lol, we posted the same comment at the same time.
@@LeeKennison doh !