Todd Sucherman- “When the Angels Cry“ recording session for Finally George

From “Icy Skies“ by Finally George-- the actual recording session that appears on the album. I posted the bit below on my socials.... Trust along with Deceptively Simple drumming tasks: In an attempt that will fall on many deaf ears, I’ll do my best to explain why a track like this “seems simple” but it’s actually incredibly difficult. I do this at the risk of appearing like I’m tooting my own horn, but the educator in me is trying to fight the “constant dazzling chops” thing to help other players have a new, more mature perspective. This is something that I realize is largely futile— as this realization normally and organically comes with age and maturity. The “Trust’ part of this comes, in this case, from the artist (who is Finally George, and this is from the “Ice Skies” record on the song “When The Angels Cry.”) George could have easily used his original demo drum programming, which is where the bulk of this pattern comes from—as it was his own rhythmic composition. Using his own programming would not have changed the face of the piece that much and in truth, had its own charm. But he trusted me (which I am deeply grateful for) to play the pattern with human emotion and yet also play it with precise rhythmic execution. (I listen to every lyric, story line, and I let that guide me emotionally.) It’s this type of musical moment that I find a complete and total challenge that I enjoy so deeply. This video is the actual recording session that was recorded in one take. To a young drummer that has only X amount of experience, this may seem incredibly “easy” as so many young drummers are charmed by speed, licks and parlor tricks. So here’s a challenge if you think this is “nothing.” Learn this pattern and learn it exactly, as I learned George’s original idea and orchestration. I’ll also give you a hint— a majority of it is in 5/4. If you think it’s simple, I invite you to try it! Or, you can simply enjoy this great music as it was meant to be enjoyed. Anyway you slice it, slow songs with space are never “easy.” Those who know, know.