Virgil in Chicago, August 8th!

[peter]

I already have my tickets!

I'll let you know all the details!

[rythmtroll]

Thats a good thang bro.Im gonna check out the Baked Potato show tommorrow in hollywood. Both days in a row actually! Ill tell you how it goes Peter. Good luck luck on that show. nice meeting you. RythmTroll here signing out.

[morgenthaler]

Hey Peter.
Bring a camera, and take lots of new pix for us to enjoy!
Have a great show!!
Regards, Jeppe

[peter]

I'll see if they let me. It all depends on whether it's standing room or table-seating. If it's table seating, I'll have a better chance. I don't know if he'll recognize me but I'll try and say hi from all you guys on the site.:D

[peter]

Virgil,

If you read this, I'll be there on Friday night. If I can, I'll try and pop by at 5pm for your sound check. Can I ask to come in for it and take pix for the guys?

If not, that's OK.

I know Bruce at Martyr's but he runs a tight ship and won't budge without you.

I'll say it's Pete, from your site and whatever happens is fine.

I'm looking forward to seeing you again.

[Matias]

You lucky guys! >:(

[peter]

Matias,

Don't worry. Your time will come and he'll be even better than he is now. I hope I can take pix for you.

[peter]

I'm leaving in an hour!

[D. Slam]

Hey there everyone... Just joined. Pete and I are old war veterans from BC's site.... It's great to be here. I'm looking foward to learning and growing with you all.

Pete, be sure and give us all the juicy details. I know Virg is gonna slam!

Don. :cool:

[kirk]

Welcome aboard D. Slam, glad to have here. Yes Virgil is going to tear it up tonight.

Regards Kirk

[peter]

What a memorable night!

I was running late, the markets were nuts this week and my Friday's are usually crazy as it is. The credits were one way, the currencies the other, metal another and the stocks mixed! What a mess but this was Virgil's night. I had to get down to this club before anyone else, so I'd have a chance to take some photos for you guys but luck didn't seem to be on my side. The only camera I could take was one of those old style automatics, with no zoom. I had no choice. I had to take it. Traffic wasn't the best either. I was afraid that I was going to miss my chance, if I had any of getting a note to him.

I was going to meet my contingent there (4 learned fusion lovers, one is a monster bass player and his son, who was also there; plays it even better than him!). Bob, my music buddy, bought the tickets so I said the food and drinks are on me. I won't tell you what we had but there was enough for everyone.

Now, when I walk in, I can see that the sound check is all done and the doors are open, for the general public. My heart sank.
All that trouble and I missed my chance. :(

What luck... :mad:

I showed my ID, as if I don't look like the old man that I am and make my way over to my spot, next to the soundpost. On the way, I notice a slender person, talking to someone.

It was Virgil!

I stood there, waiting for a turn to speak to him, my enthusiasm revived! He turned to me and shook my hand, saying hi. I told him that I was Peter from the Messageboard and that I promised you guys that I'd take some pictures of him, also asking if it was OK, course. You know what he said to me? Were you the person that said something like, "It wasn't destruction, it was..." He thought to himself what the word was and I finished it for him, saying "evisceration". He laughed. He said Chris mentioned our reaction to the clip from out West, that he hasn't had a chance to get to site lately with everything going on but he did hear about what we were saying.

Well, that he would remember me... I was really, really impressed.
What a guy!

He said he was really busy just then, alot going on BUT that after the show, he'd be glad to have some pictures taken for us here.

We sat down, chatted... We started talking about the 1970's and this guy were sitting next to came over and said, "Hey, you're taking about my favorite musicians here. I got to get in." I had to apologize to his girlfriend for all the music talk. You know what happens, when you get kindred spirits together, especially from a time period like the Fusion 1970's.

Before I knew it, it was showtime!

So, on a quiet evening, in Northern Chicago, we go out to the Lake, waiting for the "Battleship Virgil". Instead, we look out on the water and in the distance, it's was all black... Next thing we know, an aircraft carrier runs aground and out came Virgil Donati!

So that there was absolutely no doubt about whether Virgil Donati can groove (it was as if he'd been listening to us talk about him), he laid a sledgehammer of a half-time shuffle, spraying concrete in his wake! It was a terminal assault of a groove!

What a configuration! This is a special band!

I'm telling you right now. This is Jazz-Fusion. This is not Planet X. Now, I know how we all love Planet X here and we know that Virgil doesn't rock but boulders but there are so many guys out there that do not realize just how musical Virgil can be in other situations. Of course, we know he can do anything he chooses and that's what he does but I thought to myself that this is going to be a ground-breaker for him. People are going to expand in their appreciation of him!

I was so excited. Of course, so were the guys. They had never seen him. When they asked me to describe him, I kept saying that I couldn't. Finally, in one's doubt, I did break down and say that "...it was like witnessing a miracle...". I needed witnesses.

Well, the guys played so well - all of them. Tony was just great. Bunny was SO musical! Steve was right there, with them and then, there was Virgil... :p

I'm telling you, as if you don't already know, he is the most important drummer on the scene today, pushing the physical boundaries like no one else. I kept thinking to myself how proud Tony would be of him. I have to admit that even I felt a kind of pride, just knowing about him, being here, sharing him with you... It's hard to explain.

The flams, staggered triplets, linear-crashes, ghost lead-ins, speed, the impossible, seamless coverage of the kit and to add insult to injury, HIS DELICATE, MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT AND MONSTER GROOVE just left us devasted. It was like being swept up into a tornado and being taken to the Land of Oz! We did NOT want to come back but there's more!

One more thing - his work with his HH, his left foot, left me aghast. It was taking one of the two 16th-note riding patterns... disgusting! There were other applications... It was just drop-dead, fugly.

After the desolation, I told my buddies that I had to stay to see if I could take some pictures (I took some from where I was but I don't know how the light was. I hope these come out). Well, I paid my bill and asked where the band was. They said that they would not let me up there. I went over to the door and waited and waited and waited. I saw the guys from THE DRUM PAD, supplier of fine drum requisites, who were helping to break down the equipment and they said that he was still up there, changing and that he'd eventually come down.

I was having the last of my margarita, when someone tapped my shoulder and it was an old, old friend of mine from years ago, a great guitarist and singer, Antoine Brumfield! We hugged each other forever, it seemed. I couldn't believe it! It has been years! He came to see Tony and I to see Virgil! Go figure! Well, we talked, while I was waiting for Virgil. I asked about his family, the studio - you know, catching up, exchanged e-mail addresses and vowed to stay in touch. It was great seeing him. We parted.

I was still waiting for Virgil. I was getting worried. Another band was almost set up. I went to front of the club, by th booth, where they wree selling CD's and stuff. They had his cymbals there. I picked up one his sticks and played them a little. I REALLY liked them. They were nice and thin. I love the sound of them.

Behind the counter was this pretty girl selling the stuff. I overheard her say that she worked for The Drum Pad. I asked if she was a drummer and she said yes. I told her how pretty she was, to which she thanked me, with a very pleasant smile. We talked about what it was like to sell to mostly guys and then female drummers, like Sheila E., who is in town, doing a clinic, who can bury most guys on the kit and stick them with a stilleto heel to boot! I asked her if she'd help me out and take a picture with Virgil and then take one of me with him. She said she would.

I took a stick and waited some more, twirling it, hoping that he'd come and there he was!

Greeting me with a smile, I checked with him if it was still OK - if he wasn't in a hurry... He said it was fine, that he just wanted to put some stuff in the van but before he went out there, I put my arm on his shoulder and told him that I thought there was so much Tony in him and that he would be so proud of him and then he told me a great story about Tony.

Just before Tony died, Virgil was doing a clinic with Dennis. Tony was there. Virgil never talked to Tony. Dennis told him this later. He said, "Virgil, I think you scared him, man." Dennis told Virgil that Tony looked at him and just shook his head. Dennis knew what that meant. Of course, Tony is an icon and for him to shake his head... Well, he'd only do it, when looking at Virgil!

Virgil was so kind. I took his picture, with pretty Meg and then she took a picture of us. I should have taken one with her!!:confused: I hope they come out. I think these will, at least.

Virgil Donati... What a consummate drummer... What a consummate guy! I'll never forget seeing him tonight!

Thank you, Virgil and thank you, Christopher for mentioning us!

Forever brothers,

[peter]

Oh! Welcome D!

[kirk]

Awesome review Peter, man I can imagine what it would of been
like. Great story about Tony watching Virgil. I am sure it was a musical experience that you will not forget to soon. Man you should post your review at HOD(house of drumming) I think some guys over there would really enjoy it, just a thought anyways.
Again thanks for the great review.

Kirk

[peter]

Thanks, Kirk! My review can't, however, approach how good Virgil made me feel, not to mention the way he plays!

We are lucky!

If you read this, Steve, it's OK with me if you publish it there.

Anything for Virgil...:D

[Arf!]

Originally posted by peter
What a memorable night!

I was running late, the markets were nuts this week and my Friday's are usually crazy as it is. The credits were one way, the currencies the other, metal another and the stocks mixed! What a mess but this was Virgil's night. I had to get down to this club before anyone else, so I'd have a chance to take some photos for you guys but luck didn't seem to be on my side. The only camera I could take was one of those old style automatics, with no zoom. I had no choice. I had to take it. Traffic wasn't the best either. I was afraid that I was going to miss my chance, if I had any of getting a note to him.

I was going to meet my contingent there (4 learned fusion lovers, one is a monster bass player and his son, who was also there; plays it even better than him!). Bob, my music buddy, bought the tickets so I said the food and drinks are on me. I won't tell you what we had but there was enough for everyone.

OK, before I go on, click on this link so you can hear this band while I talk about them:

www.thediametrixletter.com/Virguffle.mp3

Now, when I walk in, I can see that the sound check is all done and the doors are open, for the general public. My heart sank.
All that trouble and I missed my chance. :(

What luck... :mad:

I showed my ID, as if I don't look like the old man that I am and make my way over to my spot, next to the soundpost. On the way, I notice a slender person, talking to someone.

It was Virgil!

I stood there, waiting for a turn to speak to him, my enthusiasm revived! He turned to me and shook my hand, saying hi. I told him that I was Peter from the Messageboard and that I promised you guys that I'd take some pictures of him, also asking if it was OK, course. You know what he said to me? Were you the person that said something like, "It wasn't destruction, it was..." He thought to himself what the word was and I finished it for him, saying "evisceration". He laughed. He said Chris mentioned our reaction to the clip from out West, that he hasn't had a chance to get to site lately with everything going on but he did hear about what we were saying.

Well, that he would remember me... I was really, really impressed.
What a guy!

He said he was really busy just then, alot going on BUT that after the show, he'd be glad to have some pictures taken for us here.

We sat down, chatted... We started talking about the 1970's and this guy were sitting next to came over and said, "Hey, you're taking about my favorite musicians here. I got to get in." I had to apologize to his girlfriend for all the music talk. You know what happens, when you get kindred spirits together, especially from a time period like the Fusion 1970's.

Before I knew it, it was showtime!

So, on a quiet evening, in Northern Chicago, we go out to the Lake, waiting for the "Battleship Virgil". Instead, we look out on the water and in the distance, it's was all black... Next thing we know, an aircraft carrier runs aground and out came Virgil Donati!

So that there was no absolutely no doubt about whether Virgil Donati can groove (it was as if he'd been listening talk about him), he lays a sledgehammer of a half-time shuffle, spraying concrete in his wake! It was a terminal assault of a groove!

What a configuration! This is a special band!

I'm telling you right now. This is Jazz-Fusion. This is not Planet X. Now, I know how we all love Planet X here and we know that Virgil doesn't rock but boulders but there are so many guys out there that do not realize just how musical Virgil can be in other situations. Of course, we know he can do anything he chooses and that's what he does but I thought to myself that this is going to be a ground-breaker for him. People are going to expand in their appreciation of him!

I was so excited. Of course, so were the guys. They had never seen him. When they asked me to describe him, I kept saying that I couldn't. Finally, in one's doubt, I did break down and say that "...it was like witnessing a miracle...". I needed witnesses.

Well, the guys played so well - all of them. Tony was just great. Bunny was SO musical! Steve was right there, with them and then, there was Virgil... :p

I'm telling you, as if you don't already know, he is the most important drummer on the scene today, pushing the physical boundaries like no one else. I kept thinking to myself how proud Tony would be of him. I have to admit that even I felt a kind of pride, just knowing about him, being here, sharing him with you... It's hard to explain.

The flams, staggered triplets, linear-crashes, ghost lead-ins, speed, the impossible, seamless coverage of the kit and to add insult to injury, HIS DELICATE, MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT AND MONSTER GROOVE just left us devasted. It was like being swept up into a tornado and being taken to the Land of Oz! We did NOT want to come back but there's more!

One more thing - his work with his HH, his left foot, left me aghast. It was taking one of the two 16th-note riding patterns... disgusting! There were other applications... It was just drop-dead, fugly.

After the desolation, I told my buddies that I had to stay to see if I could take some pictures (I took some from where I was but I don't know how the light was. I hope these come out). Well, I paid my bill and asked where the band was. They said that they would not let me up there. I went over to the door and waited and waited and waited. I saw the guys from THE DRUM PAD, supplier of fine drum requisites, who were helping to break down the equipment and they said that he was still up there, changing and that he'd eventually come down.

I was having the last of my margarita, when someone tapped my shoulder and it was an old, old friend of mine from years ago, a great guitarist and singer, Antoine Brumfield! We hugged each other forever, it seemed. I couldn't believe it! It has been years! he came to see Tony and I to see Virgil! Go figure! Well, we talked, while I was waiting for Virgil. I asked about his family, the studio - you know, catching up, exchanged e-mail addresses and vowed to stay in touch. It was great seeing him. We parted.

I was still waiting for Virgil. I was getting worried. Another band was almost set up. I went to front of the club, by th booth, where they wree selling CD's and stuff. They had his cymbals there. I picked up one his sticks and played them a little. I REALLY liked them. They were nice and thin. I love the sound of them.

Behind the counter was this pretty girl selling the stuff. I overheard her say that she worked for The Drum Pad. I asked if she was a drummer and she said yes. I told her how pretty she was, to which she thanked me, with a very pleasant smile. We talked about what it was like to sell to mostly guys and then female drummers, like Sheila E., who is in town, doing a clinic, who can bury most guys on the kit and stick them with a stilleto heel to boot! I asked her if she'd help me out and take a picture with Virgil and then take one of me with him. She said she would.

I took a stick and waited some more, twirling it, hoping that he'd come and there he was!

Greeting me with a smile, I checked with him if it was still OK - if he wasn't in a hurry... He said it was fine, that he just wanted to put some stuff in the van but before he went out there, I put my arm on his shoulder and told him that I thought there was so much Tony in him and that he would be so proud of him and then he told me a great story about Tony.

Just before Tony died, Virgil was doing a clinic with Dennis. Tony was there. Virgil never talked to Tony. Dennis told him this later. He said, "Virgil, I think you scared him, man." Dennis told Virgil that Tony looked at him and just shook his head. Dennis knew what that meant. Of course, Tony is an icon and for him to shalke his head... Well, he'd only do it, when looking at Virgil!

Virgil was so kind. I took his picture, with pretty Meg and then she took a picture of us. I should have taken one with her!!:confused: I hope they come out. I think these will, at least.

Virgil Donati... What a consummate drummer... What a consummate guy! I'll never forget seeing him tonight!

Thank you, Virgil and thank you, Christopher for mentioning us!

Forever brothers,

Great post, man. But I just wanted to highlight one part . . .

I have to admit that even I felt a kind of pride, just knowing about him, being here, sharing him with you... It's hard to explain.


I know exactly what you mean.

[peter]

This is what my friend Jerry wrote to me afterwards:

Peter,

Thanks again for your gracious hospitality at the Virgil show last night.

Your review really "says it all". However, please permit a personal observation. Our party arguably has 175+ years of combined listening / performance experience. I feel it is safe to say that none of us has ever heard a drummer with more technique, taste and thunder (not necessarily in that order).

There were times when I could not see the bandstand, but I never felt out of touch with the energy. Gifted artists reflect and focus the energy around them and project it to their audience. Last night, Virgil and the guys gave us their gift, mega-wattage sound reinforcement system notwithstanding. (Imagine the impact of the same performance with little or no amplification.)

Again, thanks for sharing the evening and your unique musical energy with us.

Jerry Priore
Anthony Priore

[Christopher]

Right on Peter! I'm glad you had a great time. I always love posting (and reading) show reviews. I remember putting one together in efforts to hopefully inspire some of you to write reviews of Virgil's shows.

Here's what I'm talking about. This was back in November 2000.
http://www.virgildonati.com/df2k.html

Thanks so much for your post. I really enjoyed reading it!
Let me know how the pictures turned out...

Cheers!

[peter]

Thanks, Christopher.

It's all Virgil. It's all Virgil.

Before I stop (again):

I don't think I stressed this but Virgil's work
with his HH depress can only be marveled at. He
would carry 16th-note rhythms, his right-hand
accenting around the 8ths violently, while his
left foot took care of the off-note.

Other times, he would carry the patterns with
just his feet (two HH's), with his hands free...
It was so creative. It makes me want to have
two HH's. I'm still spinning.

[peter]

These are excerpts of what I said about the show at Billy's, talking more about the show and the players (remember that I'm a jazzer, talking to jazzers):


www.thediametrixletter.com/Virguffle.mp3

...as compared to something like this:

www.thediametrixletter.com/dogboots.mp3

...which is what people have become used to hearing
from Virgil but these tunes are totally different...

...Like I said, this is a Jazz-Rock Fusion act, not the
Rock-Jazz experiment. It was more like you were
in the 1970's, listening to one of the familiar units,
but with different players....

...The music was VERY arranged so that each player
received highlight...

Tony MacAlpine, known for his searing rock guitar,
was in a different place altogether, sounding more
like a Scolield-Bullock-Holdsworth. You can tell that
he has a rapport with Virgil. During his solos, I
though I saw Alan and Tony again in Lifetime.

I would say that Bunny was the big surprise for me,
his melodic but still bottom-y, Alfonso-y bass the
PERFECT compliment to Virgil's playing. I really dug
his sound last night and told him so, outside the
dressing room area. He told us that a (the) new
release of this configuration was coming out at
the end of September.

Steve Weinghart(?) was VERY good. He has a tremendous
left hand on the keyboard. At the beginning of the night,
I have to confess that all I could think about was the
fact that Patrice was the keyboardist for this gig.
Indeed, she is on the DVD that I WILL be purchasing but
through the night, Steve left his signature and again
this was a night to prove that these players can and
have made the successful journey past that medium that
separates two genres.

...What about all those Gaddesque, triplet-supported
figures throughout, especially towards the end, with
those very sensitive accents, along with/beside
Bunny's bass soloing?...

...When we this tune, I hear a drummer, known for one thing,
sound like something totally different....

Again, I think this is an experiment and one that works.
You will never look at him the same way again. Go see
him and you'll see what I mean. His dynamics are dynamic.

This was/is a successful experiment. It will change
the light that you see Virgil shining under.

It is worth seeing, at any price.

[peter]

Before I forget, Virgil - the kicks
could be up a notch in the mix.
Otherwise, besides the keyboards,
in the beginning, everything was fine.

Thanks again for your kindness.

[jimi]

Great review peter! A masterpiece in Virg literature!:)
Thats so cool you had so much to talk about with Virg about the Jazz fusion and drumming in the 70s. I'd probably just get starstruck and gape at Virg with my jaw open!:D It must have been a dream come true for you and thanks so much for sharing it with us:):)

[peter]

You know, whenever I meet any of the greats, it's incredible and ALMOST as if I haven't aged at all but alas, I have and what it does is give an empathy that I could not have had as a youth. I kept looking for antennae and pointed ears but he's human and what's more, he's a great guy and we are so lucky to know him and know about him. Finally, there's no doubt that his legacy will through us as long as people will drum.

[peter]

Guys, as the CD is not market and I think
it was an honest mistake on Meg's part
(the pretty girl at the show), I have it on
pretty good authority that the track I
sampled for you from CAB was NOT Virgil
but Dennis Chambers. I am sorry about
that. I thought it was Virgil and that's why
I bought it.

Still, what I saw on Friday was a tremendously
lyrical Virgil Donati, to which my friends will
attest. I hope that I can see and hear the CAB,
with Virgil very soon.

Apologies.

[Matias]

Congratulations for the meeting Peter!, and thanks for the great review!

[peter]

It was all that I could from bursting
out with glee!

It was an incredible display. He is
taking us on a ride. Don't get off!

[morgenthaler]

Hi Peter!
I hope the pics turned out ok.
Glad to hear you had this great experience!

[kirk]

That is quite funny about the tune being with Dennis because I am thinking man this does not sound like Virgil especially in the solo section( the solo I am thinking sounds like Dennis go figure but how could it be it is Virgil man, something is not clicking here, the phrasing and bass work and precision is not quite the same as Virgil. I really like the tune with Dennis and no dissing Dennis he is a great drummer, I really like where he Dennis is laying it down with a nice fat pocket and nice HH work but like i said the phrasing in the solo section is not as precise and fluid and complex as when you here Virgil and the BD work is not even close, I thought to myself well maybe his feet were a little tired at that time;) thanks for clearing it up for my mind Peter.


Kirk

[peter]

I'm the one who is embarrassed. I was
just too excited for my own good. I let
it take over my ears. I actually know
Dennis' playing and how I could do that...
...well...

Kirk, you were not the only one scratching
your head. Dennis was great on the tunes.
It was just Dennis, NOT Virgil.

D-Slam picked up on it immediately and so
did someone else over Billy's. I heard it a
few times and then it hit me. What an idiot
I was. Again, Dennis was great. It just was
NOT Virgil. Virgil thinks differently. I'm not
going to say who or what's better. That's
not what I'm about but at the same time,
I have to acknowledge certain things and
one of them is that what Virgil can do with
his kicks, no one that I have ever heard
can do yet and that's just me talking.

Again, my apologies to everyone, especially
Dennis and Virgil.

[jimi]

When will we get to see all the pics you took peter!!??

[morgenthaler]

Ditto!