Drummer Kirk Covington was in his hometown of Midland yesterday, and he gave an extraordinary demonstration and an insightful lecture to an audience of fans, music lovers, and young drummers.
When he played it was like watching a whirlwind of movement with both arms and both feet going at an astonishing speed. It takes a remarkable amount of coordination to do what he did with each limb doing something different. With just his feet he could probably out drum most people.
He had sticks with a pad on one end and a head on the other, and he'd just flip it over in a blink of an eye and drum with the other end. It was a remarkable demonstration. And the energy! You don't seem many large men expend that much energy and just keep going and going. He played hard for roughly 20 minutes, and by the time he had finished he had used just about every means of beating a drum that he had available to him, and about half of the sticks ended up on the floor.
Yamaha provided the drums, and he said the set he was using was a grade "B" set costing around between $600 and $700 and the type most likely used by a junior high school level player.
He appeared to be in his mid 40s, and he is currently working as a D. J. in L. A., which he said is "a good gig with full health benefits." He began drumming at the age of 12, and he attended the school formerly known as North Texas State University (now known as University of North Texas) and played in the acclaimed One O'Clock Lab Band. He said that he remained in Dallas for a while after graduating, but eventually moved to Los Angeles. You've either got to "go where it's at or be happy where you are" he advised the young ambitious drummers in the audience. Because, let's face it, people don't come to Midland for the music.
He also advised young drummers to tell prospective musical employers that they can sing as well as play drums. And if they can't sing, then tell them they sing backup, because anyone can sing backup.
He said this about a hypothetical musical career. "First, it's 'who's Kirk Covington?' Then it's 'get me Kirk Covington!' Then, it's 'get me a YOUNG Kirk Covington.' And, finally, it's 'who's Kirk Covington?'" Well, Mr. Covington, you'll certainly be remembered by the folks who saw you yesterday.
{Aside: That morning I was at the pistol range, and hearing protection is required equipment to prevent hearing loss. Mr. Covington's pounding of the skins produced almost as much sound as a pistol shot. Yet, no one was wearing hearing protection. I hate to sound like a ninny in the midst of so much enthusiasm, but any one who is a drummer and isn't deaf should probably consider some sort of hearing protection while playing.}
Here are some links for more information:
Click here for a biography of Kirk Covington.
Click here for additional info about Mr. Covington.
Click here for some photos of Mr. Covington.
To hear Mr. Covington and other well known drummers then you can find some individual sound files at Drummerworld.
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