If you are unfamiliar with The Fearless Flyers, it is time for you to become acquainted. This compact lineup (Mark Lettieri and Cory Wong on guitars, Joe Dart on bass and the Jedi Master Nate Smith on drums) is one of the most entertaining bands I have heard in a very long time.
Armed with only a bass drum, snare drum and a pair of hi-hats, Nate Smith expertly drives this band for a blistering 40 minute set. So much of what Nate plays is incredibly subtle, so this performance takes multiple listens and views to unpack what he is playing here. Also, his performance here is a testament to what can be accomplished with a minimal setup, and especially the hi-hat alone. This part of the modern drumset is often overlooked for just how versatile and effective it can be all by itself. There are no ride or crash cymbals in Nate’s setup. All hi-hat, all the time.
The other aspect of Nate’s playing here that demands your attention is his use of ghost notes on the snare drum. There is a tremendous amount of detail and intention in Nate’s playing.
Studying this performance is is a worthwhile use of time for my intermediate to advanced students.
Enjoy!
ALSO, note the presentation itself. The airmen/air force thing isn’t overdone. There are no props. There is no choreography. It is a gimmick that works well precisely because the band is subtle about it.