BackBeatDrummer
Mark Beckner
Prospect, Kentucky, United States 
Member Since:
Dec 29, 2008
Last Login:
Jan 25, 2012
Profile Views:
7582
Points:
1433
Status:
Will a note from home help? (15 days ago)
Occupation: Tribologist / Retired Drummer
About Me:
OK, please tolerate another Video from Rod. The second video features a famous solo (among drummers anyway) he composed to perform with The Dregs. It features a very cool ostinato near the end (3:14), and the live crowd really shows their appreciation.
Here is a video that demonstrates what the genre "Fusion" is. But, very hard to classify this band. Featuring Steve Morris, Andy West, T Lavitz, and of course....Rod. Once again, my favorite.....The Dregs.
Ok, Ok...now for a drummer you may have heard of...from Neil..aka,The Master;
I started playing chess and drums both when I was 9. Because of an older brother that played guitar in working bands, I was fortunate enough to be listening to the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Cream, while still in grade school. Been in 15 or so working bands that you have never heard of (except maybe locally). I have worked/rocked/lived/played chess in Charleston South Carolina, Greensboro North Carolina, and a few others while in aircraft fueling in the Air Force and also in the private sector. In 1992, I finally came back home to Kentucky, to be near my family. My (you can also substitute "the band I was in" for "my band") bands would travel up to 500 miles for a job if the money, exposure or benefit cause was right - you may have heckled or thrown things at my band before! Thank God for that chicken wire!
A band member, one of my best friends, passed away unexpectedly in my last band (we had been together for years - during three different working bands - he played bass - very crucial for a drummer as well). I always said that once it became a choice, and not an all consuming drive inside of me, I would quit playing professionally - it did and I have. I remember him everyday when I hear songs we were doing when he passed, "Pour some sugar on me" or "Can't you see?, for instance. I like all kinds of music, "If it moves the listener - it is valid". Favorites are Pink Floyd, Rush, Van Halen, Z Z Top, Deep Purple, Dave Mathews, Dregs, Stones, Jean Luc Ponty, Led Zepplin and so on....Any Rap Music would have to be listed as least favorite...too vocally based for my taste. I also disdain drum machines....music needs to breathe...and a silicon chip cannot be inspired, so cannot inspire a human audience....not to the extent that the primal power of a real band/drummer can. Besides, how much showmanship can a box of circuits have? Have you ever watched a circuit, and been blown away by it's talent. Ok, enough negativity. lol
I like to be brutal on my kit when the song calls for it. Work up some sweat. My chess is the same way (Minus the sweat ;) - Attack, Attack, Attack. I then I usually - Lose, Lose, Lose ;) Currently, I am working with "Chess Mentor" - I am sooo tired of seeing, "That's a good move, but not as strong as the move we are looking for". LOL After a little training or a puzzle or two, I usually end up in "Live Chess" playing games and/or chatting. I don't care for blitz much. I make enough mistakes when I do have longer to think. Generally I choose 30/10. You can send me a challenge and when free, we can play. Because of the many online games I may have going at anyone time, sometimes I go to live chess just to chat with friends and relax. If I decline your challenge there that would most likely be the reason. If my game load is not to heavy at the time (It doesn't take too many for me to max out.LOL), I will accept challenges for online games at 3 days per move.
I have met many wonderful people in this chess "Community". I have established relationships here that I hope will last my lifetime. I REALLY value these friendships. I encourage everyone to go and PLAY a lot - Chat a little! Or is that the other way around? ;) I love chess because nothing is left to chance, as in cards for instance, and nothing is hidden. All is on the board for both players to see. You have to out play your opponent. That is the only way to win.
Sometimes I will find a local band I know, and "sit in" for a couple of songs. But, for the most part I keep my chops up by playing Cd's through a PA, and rockin' to what ever band I want to "be in". Maybe some Van Halen, "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" (Except for Pleasure Dome....WTF is Alex Doing on the bass drums...lol). Once I feel those endorphins flowing, I know I have "hit that sweet spot" (pun intended). I have a 6 piece Pearl kit (3 aerial toms, 1 floor tom) with dbl bass pedal, 9 cymbal set-up including a China Boy and China Splash, also wind chimes, blocks, and of course I have a cowbell for when I get that "Fever". I like to whittle my sticks (5a with wood bead tip) till they look like a Wood Chuck gotta hold of them!
See YA From Across The Board, Or From Across The Stage, or from in the gutter - looking up at the stars!!
Mark 
P.S. Marty (1956-2006) - We All Miss You.....
If you have made it this far, maybe you have time for this;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RouXygRcRC4
