SB will be on CTTE 2017 in Feb, so they need to have someone for those shows. Of course, NDV will be on board too...
This. I don't think NDV returning is an option at this point (sadly for me as I'm a huge fan of his drumming, singing and the albums with him on lead vocals - though of course I wouldn't want Ted booted out).I think it's safe to say that BBT takes a rather small part of his time but I understand he has a full time job at Sweetwater studios.
And even if he rejoined, how would he fit in with Ted still in the band?
Even if he can't come back full-time it would be interesting to have him as a one-off - him and Ted trading vocals would be pretty cool.SB will be on CTTE 2017 in Feb, so they need to have someone for those shows. Of course, NDV will be on board too...
And let me try to balance this thread a bit and say I don't really care for "Bennett" - though of course not because of Jimmy's vocals (although I have to say I was more impressed with his singing live when doing "Carie" or "Distance to the Sun").
Hope they can find someone who's up to scratch vocally as well.
Would love to see continued involvement from Neal and NDV. Really hoping to see the gang back together on the Cruise. I missed the Snow reunion. Would be great if they performed that on the boat.
Beyond that, though, would be great to hear a new album with active involvement from them. A full album of Ted, Neal and NDV trading vocals would be cool.
If everyone is done dreaming about Nick/Neal returning, welcome to reality:
http://spocksbeard.com
October 14, 2016
Since the announcement of Jimmy Keegan's departure from Spock's Beard we have been flooded with with requests - demands in some cases! - to audition to play drums with SB. We have been fortunate to have had two of the best drummers in the world playing with us, so our standards are pretty high, but if you think you have what it takes to fill some pretty big shoes, here's the process we've set up to audition:
Send links to YouTube videos of yourself playing and singing something that represents your ability to drummer@spocksbeard.com. Please do not send files, just links. The videos can be public or private, professional or just iPhone videos. If you'd like to send a video of an SB tune, here are some recommended cuts to try -
Afterthoughts
Submerged (singing the high harmony if you can)
Walking on the Wind
Here's an idea of what we're looking for, ideally someone who -
Is a world class drummer
Can groove over shifting time signatures
Has a lead singer quality high tenor voice
Able to sing and play complex stuff at the same time
Preferably in the Los Angeles or Sacramento area or at least close to a major airport (some flexibility on this for the right fit)
Has a flexible schedule that will allow for recording/touring
Is a cool person, not too big an ego, flexible, able to keep a cool head in stressful situations and close quarters
Has a cool hairdo (just kidding)
If you think this might be you, send us your links to drummer@spocksbeard.com and we'll check them out. Please understand we may not be able to personally respond to every submission. We hope to hear from you soon!
I'm surprised that with all their connections these guys haven't found a replacement.
"Has a cool hairdo (just kidding)"
Whew, for a second there I thought this undoubtedly-necessary fallback position might be closed to The Donald!
Would this be like Jon Davison resigning from Yes?
I'm thinking of an LA area drummer who meets most if not all of the requirements, and who played in one of Ryo's solo bands covering some SB songs. I sent him the link, hope he tries out.
I have none of those abilities, talent or capabilities that SB is looking for. Not even the cool person or hairdo requirements.
Chris Mack from Iluvatar could do that job. He also played with Happy the Man at Progday.
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Yeah I would have thought they'd at least have a couple of people in mind they could try out. Will feel a bit odd if they'll really bring in someone new through open auditions like that. Of course the main thing is to find the right guy so whatever works...I'm surprised that with all their connections these guys haven't found a replacement.
Chris Mack studied drumming at the Berklee college of music also. Bachelor's Degree in percussion performance.
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Chris also lived in the LA area until moving back to this area, not sure when.
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I chatted a bit with Jimmy at the Prog Nation cruise in '14. Seemed like a cool guy, and obviously super-talented. I wish the best to him and the SB lads.
It's possible that their own friends might all be full-time professionals, too busy doing something that pays a lot better. Or with the constant possibility of doing such a thing. SB's music isn't something you can learn in one last-minute rehearsal or fake your way through, so they need a real band member, someone who'll commit for a recording project or a tour - even if Fiona Apple calls and offers them four times as much to do her album or tour.
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