Bob Armstrong Presents…Darrin Mooney Masterclass

27th Feb 2005. The Seminar Room, Materclass Studios, Romford.

This event was the first in a series of clinics to be held this year by highly renowned drum tutor Bob Armstrong. Previous clinics last year included Steve White, Andy Gangadeen, Ralph Salmins, Andrew Small and Pete Riley. I hasten to use the word clinic as these events are far removed from the 20 minute technical bombasts that tend to be the norm at many big drum shows. First of all you are close, and I mean really close. I can actually read the size of the sticks Darrin is using. In actuality, this is an afternoon with Darrin Mooney playing in your living room! Although relatively small, the venue is very well equipped, with comfortable surroundings, a decent PA and a large mounted plasma screen displaying shots from overhead and foot level cameras.

The relatively small performance area creates a friendly atmosphere that seems to have rubbed off on Darrin as he bounds on stage enthusiastically to launch into a powerful performance of ‘Kill all Hippies’ by Primal Scream. The precision, feel and power of Darrin’s playing are immediately apparent. He then moved on to play some of his favourite funk and rock grooves, pausing to stress the importance of feel and placement of the back beat beyond chops. However, what followed next proved that Mr Mooney has lots of chops to pull out of the bag. Darrin quite bravely decides to adlib to a click, warts and all, to show how during practice he ‘mucks about’ to come up with ideas. I nearly fall off my seat after a couple of seconds as I really didn’t know this guy had these chops. We are talking about blistering singles, Latin grooves, linear grooves, drum and bass, fast swing…basically, this guy is far from mucking around. Because of his close proximity, I could hear the technical nuances of his ghost notes whilst the bass drum felt like I was being kicked in the chest. Great stuff!!!

It is refreshing that after bowling us over with his incredible technique, Darrin took time to explain and demonstrate how he has reached his highly professional level of playing. A wide range of topics were discussed including his approaches to playing live and in the studio, his practice routine, listening habits, and some useful sticking exercises that have helped him stay fresh on tour.

After the interval (tasty snacks and drinks courtesy of Mr Armstrong), there is a moment of fun as Bob recalls some jokes and Mooney related anecdotes which are unfortunately unrepeatable on this site!
Darrin then (to my delight) decides to groove along to Smashing Pumpkins and A Perfect Circle tunes, achieving the formidable task of nailing the technique and feel of Jimmy Chamberlin and Josh Freese.
This event has been the best clinic experience I have had so far. Combing technical brilliance with valuable advice and examples you can take home and practically use.
If you get the chance to see this dedicated and passionate player, I strongly suggest you take it. If you are lucky enough to get hold of a ticket for the next Bob Armstrong Presents, I’ll see you there.

Jason Reeve