Life As a Cruise Ship Musician!! Part 2 (Show Montage)

[@Channel-dg5tn]

You know the drummer is the most important member of the band when they put him behind bulletproof glass

[@abrahamts9613]

LOL!!

[@audric9707]

What’s that even for?

[@Benalbert11]

@@audric9707 so the drums are not super loud for the other members

[@aaronbae9327]

@@audric9707 it also gives the sound people behind a bunker in the back of the stage more control over the sound and mixing.

[@vladymartinez1232]

@@audric9707 sound control.

[@guychook825]

That guitarist is keeping up with the tempo like im keeping up with school.

[@pbaker7160]

The fact this guy can site read, in addition to his outstanding chops, shows he's definitely a professional. Anyone commenting on his "lack of skills" is just envious that they're still playing along to music in their mom's basement.

[@dota4lyf224]

*sight read but I agree with you

[@MyTEEsharp1]

This guy is bad ass!!!!!

[@dota4lyf224]

@@anael169 Weird flex, but ok.

[@patrickr.452]

I totally agree. David is extremely talented.

[@elephantgrass631]

@@anael169 *fuzz* Breaker, breaker 1-9.... Not funny... over.

[@nicholaspalacio9672]

Always cracks me up watching the bass player look over at you with the “what are we supposed to be doing right now” look during the “let’s play some riffs” bit

[@rdavidr]

can you do a lesson on how to play an 18 measure cymbal roll PLZ

[@DavidColaDrums]

HA That would be gold actually. Let me get on that

[@migtex25]

Eres una bestia bro

[@nbt3663]

Perfect!!

[@mikebarker9187]

4:55

[@sarahlee8022]

Loll

[@jgmiller804]

"Two bars until Kashmir" does a single 3 count lol

[@user-bi3qg7qd1d]

I think that the 2 Bars Until Kashmir started as soon as the vocal started, and in addition I think when the click track says "1 + 2 + 3 +" it means "1 2 3 4 5 6" - may have been a time signature issue. Sorry for the essay but that's what I though went on!

[@americanninja2.058]

My name is Scott and I thought I was a drummer until I seen this.. now I realize I'm jus a dude that beats on drums and you are a real drummer lol.. amazing chops man..

[@metalheadblues]

Your a drummer , he's a professional musician .

[@ThomasJakobMusic]

@@metalheadblues you're

[@victinitcg2056]

Same

[@0lssonalbin]

I feel exactly the same

[@mikkovaltonen3564]

Practice dude :D

[@ttroyscarrlett]

10:05 I can tell he was reaaally hype that day. When he stands up to play, that's how you know.

[@goblintdl4692]

4:17 most brutal blastbeat in history

[@eastonotsae]

Goblin TDL 🤣

[@shannonrave9112]

Do u know the first song at 15:03

[@jakebaker1051]

proudnative2005 pretty sure it’s live and let die

[@shannonrave9112]

Jake Baker thx I knew I heard it before I just forgot the name

[@kitsune630]

Thats just a really fast polka beat

[@90Aga]

The perferct example of a professional drummer: skilled, easy going attitude, awesome sight reading and wide knowledge of different music genres. Well done!

[@horstbaur7797]

You're not 'just' a drummer - you're a real pro.

[@josephbiancorosso3179]

I'm a pro musician also and I do a couple of cruises a years, but only for one week at a time. I don't directly work for the cruise ship because I work for a music group, but I get to know a lot of the on board musicians and sometimes jam with them. I think that you're getting a lifetime of experience and dude, you're an excellent drummer. Keep playing all the varieties and different styles. I make a living doing just that and I hope to come across you one day and watch play live. Rock on!

[@jakobdurst8075]

The thing you did when the clarinet was playing Sing Sing Sing and It Don’t mean a thing was great

[@rizomepaglinawan6475]

11:05 - 12:54 woooh! that was the highlight of the show..AWESOMEee!

[@kayakchrispy]

You are really professional and an amazing drummer Very entertaining

[@MitchWoods88]

You the real deal! Thanx for sharing. I play the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise. A whole different ball game. Musicians are respected and treated with reverence as we should.

[@CurtisBooksMusic]

You need to make a single video of just the bad guitar player..

[@matthewy393]

@@anael169 shut up Dave

[@RaoulDuke69]

@@anael169 yes it is

[@BrokenStrings231]

tbh i can't even hear his guitar xD

[@midnightaustin9287]

lmao

[@scarl2t]

Matthew Young Shut up lithuanian

[@paulybassman7311]

Dude! Triple stroke rolls ....on the floor and wedge...😂😂😂😂 Awesome!!

[@pacificdrumma]

Love how organic your chops are. Such tight playing.

[@jackfinucane2069]

14:29 what a groove with the somba, love it

[@seelanne]

Its a kind of a songo

[@BigJimMartinGuy]

I wanna get a guest spot on one of your cruises so you can be my drummer for a night. I'm a just a hack guitar player, but that doesn't seem to be a problem.

[@annefrank5242]

you can't be any worse than that guitarist lol

[@drew3864]

life as a cruise ship musician, part 2: quarantine

[@gabeandnessa]

Such a beast bro, its beautiful to see how clean and precise you play.

[@mattiemclean9882]

"Mike! My snare broke!" hehehe good job it was at the end of that number!

[@anthonyliberto9115]

Hi David. Thanks for posting your experiences on the cruise ship. I played on 3 Royal Caribbean ships over the span of a couple years and everything you said is true. Although i didn't work for the Cruise Ship company the band i was working with was sub contracted out by Royal Caribbean. We played on the average 13 hours a week. We would do first and second seating shows etc. During the day i did get to play with the big band that worked for the company. We would go to the big theater and just pick charts to go over and man that helped my reading a lot. I made lots of friends and it did help my resume and over all a great experience. Thank god we were able to eat at the buffets cause sometimes the food in the crew mess was well just that. LOL Your playing is fantastic and you play a lot of really tasty fills etc. Great job. Thanks again for documenting your experiences. I really enjoyed watching!

[@DavidColaDrums]

Thanks a ton man! Sounds like we have had pretty similar experiences! On my last contract I didn’t eat in the crew mess once for 4 months 😂.

[@anthonyliberto9115]

@@DavidColaDrums Hi Dave. I hear you about the crew mess. I couldn't wait to get to the port of Miami after the 7 day cruise was over so i could walk over to the mall and eat some pizza and fries. LOL Then back on the ship with the new passengers and waited to eat at the Capt buffets etc. All in all i had a great time and i would do another Cruise.

[@210caulfield]

Hi Anthony. When were you on the cruise ships? I did 5 years mostly on the original RCCL ships (Song of Norway, Sun Viking and Nordic Prince) back in the 70s when they were 18,000 tons. We played for the cruise staff show and the visiting artists who varied from 'Why isn't this artist a star?' to 'I assume this artist cannot get any on-shore gigs!!'. Great fun though and my playing and reading improved a lot and I met my wife to be.

[@anthonyliberto9115]

@@210caulfield Hi Vincent. I played on the ships in the early 90's. Sovereign of the Seas 2x and The Song of America. It was a great experience for me. I became friends with the musicians that worked for the company. We would get together during the day and go play in the main showroom. We would pick charts and try to play them down. I met lots of great players on the ships and didn't do bad financially either. I wouldn't mind playing on a few ships now. Thank you for messaging me. Have a great night!

[@210caulfield]

Anthony Liberto Not surprisingly things were different in the small ship days, 750 passengers and 300 crew. We were two in a cabin above the water line and ate in the passenger dining room (only 1) but in the tables by the galley doors! We also got newbie waiters or ones on probation. There were only 3 bands, organ duo, organ trio for the nightclub shows and quintet for the main shows and cruise staff shows. Worst thing was we had to walk around the dining room and play music relating to the themed dinner, Italian, Caribbean, America night. We hated that and often went through so fast the C Director would make us do another round!! Lol. Lifeboat still was a drag too because on the one week cruise we did it in St Thomas which was the favorite stop (Nassau, San Juan) so we didn’t get off until around 11. Musically it was the era of My Way and Feelings for the singers so not too challenging. Main shows always had a singer, specialty act and then a comedian. Some were cool and of course some were ‘ball breakers’ but I enjoyed it. I wonder how David got away with videoing so much and I’m impressed with the quality of his shipboard videos. Great drummer and seems like a fun guy. Are you still playing? I met my wife and then got into the hotel business and 5 kids do playing stopped. Now I’m retired I am playing in local blues jams and I’m enrolled in jazz combos at a local college in Orange County, Ca.

[@RyanMonty]

I could not imagine sight reading everything. I HAVE to self prepare for everything. I know every song I play live like the back of my hand. That's a skill I'll never have to patience or confidence to tackle. Truly amazing to watch as a musician.

[@brassholio]

I'm a cruise ship musician and if you can't sight read well you don't get another contract. I actually really enjoy the challenge, it makes you a super confident player.

[@RyanMonty]

@@brassholio Yeah there's no chance I'd get a first contract lol

[@dalesmith4831]

Bro you're an absolute legend, that improv after the page fell was INSANE

[@jh4malyt774]

The moment when he got off his seat and continued playing perfectly was the best part, yu are the Godd

[@douglassloan6831]

Bro, you seriously need to get your butt to Nashville. You would crush it there! You are an unreal player.

[@carsondrum]

Yeah there are definitely no cruise ships in Nashville let alone the ocean, that might pose a problem for finding work lmao

[@burntpizzacomicsofficial9498]

I’m driving to Nashville rn

[@G65gear]

A drummer that is professional, precise, tallented and enterntaining... YEAH!!!!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😀😀👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@benmortimer4783]

This man literally started playing the stage.

[@ReignJeffersonCTria]

Ur profile looks scary af

[@andycharlton6798]

Watching this I'm reminded of my times in the showband on cruise ships. We used to say about solo instrumental acts that we had to back, like pianists, banjo players violin players etc. They played, "Too high, too loud, too fast." 😂

[@jp-rw8do]

wow. this stuff is so fascinating. I'm not a drummer but I love these vlogs. window into another world.

[@willmadden6355]

6:04 that bass was on point

[@coyoteeffect]

What's the song called i can barely remember it

[@redrockingthesecrocs4668]

Coyote Effect superstition

[@irondrummerdfw2788]

Being able to sightread like this sharp young fellow is what separates a career player from a weekend warrior. Hats off to you and your talent.

[@ttroyscarrlett]

11:48 The only part I could probably play, I have drumline to thank for that!

[@rickychase7814]

wow the guitarist yelling out and switching riffs every 2 seconds is a total amateur.....

[@AaronKaiMCDNLD]

maybe the budget was spent on the drummer but not on the guitarist

[@whimpypatrol5503]

David Cola is in a separate category. He's incredibly versatile. He can sight read music unbelievably. He can play anything for anybody. Don't knock the rocker guitarist just because David is so good. Both are commercial quality, and if you think you could perform with a guitar in either's level, I'd love it here it.

[@bajablast3356]

@@whimpypatrol5503 that guitarist had absolutely awful rhythm, he was playing every riff off tempo

[@qualitytrash2257]

I had no idea who you were talking about till I got to that part and noticed literally immediately

[@RyanMonty]

@@whimpypatrol5503 That was pretty awful. Any decent guitar player can outperform that...he is not commercial quality from a guitar playing perspective...entertainment wise, maybe. sjBCqZwxV5U There's a crappy live video.

[@thornsandrosesofficial]

I could not stop smiling at 10:58. This was so fricken good! Never seen anything like this before -- amazing job David!!

[@Rifle56]

I believe he’s paying homage to the great Gene Krupa….. and what a skillful and fun tribute it was! 🙂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKGvlIGBpcypaM0

[@Joeh1154]

Now that is pure musicianship expressed on percussion. Well done David! Every night a different front person or group. Every night you're up to the challenge. Skill, technique, reading chops and a deep understanding of different musical styles. Killin' it.

[@martinalexander4777]

In every band I have played in over the years, the drummers and bassists are always the real pros. Always nice always enthusiastic and fun. No singer or lead guitar halo. Just lovely people. They are what really makes a band.

[@tomobrien4182]

3:36 that bassist in the background was IMPRESSED!

[@DrumsTheWord]

Wow. Such talent!

[@raystaar]

Great drumming and great pro attitude. You'll go far...and I don't mean just in actual miles. All the best, David (I play drums) Cola.

[@tomobrien4182]

Flawlessly pulls off a drum solo with no music or indication of length. Props.

[@Futurebeefcake]

I feel like drums are the backbone of music

[@Newzchspy]

Chase they are! That and the bass!!

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

lol no shit.

[@michaeldebrier1705]

Without drums all the other musicians would be clueless lol

[@Futurebeefcake]

Michaël Debrier true

[@alobosk]

You live in the last bastion of real cabaret performance left on the planet. I wish I'd take that path in life. My parents worked for almost two decades in hotel bars like that. I saw (and look, I have it in my own channel) cruise ship performances back in 1989 (Costa cruises) and I still long so much for that style of performance; the style of music. It's magical!!! Whenever you feel down, just remember there are people that envy you so much for being able to live that. Not even Vegas survived to the times. I'd love to perform on a cruise ship. That's the essence of the cabaret.

[@TheNigeltwist]

I was professional for many years but never learned to sight read, kudos to you, you do an amazing job!

[@cliffordpearsonjr.9748]

VERY EXCELLENT! WOW... I'm a 'Club,wedding,Dance,Drummer Myself (45 years worth!)and always Wondered how the Cruise ship Thing was...YOu showed it PERFECTLY!! thanks for this...and I Love your Playing!! I'm a FAN! Definitely a 'REAL' drummer. Much Impressed!!

[@reggiechavez1747]

You might have yourself a side gig as a film editor! I’m digging the videos.

[@thetuxedotesla1149]

David your chops are ridiculous. You really are a consummate session drummer. Your pocket is incredible, your fills are well placed and amazing, you can sight read brilliantly and overall you're just a top notch drummer

[@fabianvanderelst9643]

Woooooow, that solo that starts at 9:53 is amazing! Also, I've barely seen so much joy in someone's face while playing! It makes it a joy to look at as well! :)

[@notcaydenhenschel1226]

The best drummer I've ever seen not kidding

[@antonnym214]

I liked the stuff when they let you do your thing. Loved it on the floor!

[@etiquettefiend]

Such positive energy. Thank you for sharing.

[@BangBangBeefyMacNCheesy]

5:00 minute mark: “Longest cymbal swell ever” award 😂 (was that 24 bars of swell? Holy good lord lol) (PS- I know you played what was written, but it was funny to watch that.... you’re playing is amazing BTW)

[@stevenjohnson5197]

Bravo! Showing how hard the drummers and other musicians work to keep the crowd happy.

[@LucianoClassicalGuitar]

16:09 Man!!! I really dig it

[@nicholaspalacio9672]

Maaaaaan. This drummer is phenomenal.

[@markbrown2450]

Alright, that was really fun! Thanks for taking us along for the ride.

[@volwalker]

i am always amazed at the cruise ship bands. Total pros 🙌🏻

[@benevolentsun]

How is it possible that this guy is not endorsed???

[@muchogusto9957]

He can play a lot of styles but just mediocre at best in each and doesn't really excel in any of them.

[@jojoremeny]

@@muchogusto9957 ..I'm a jazz drummer and clearly see he has good chops in most genres of music like any session musician has .. Even at his own admission David is not comfortable in the jazz arena but can adequately play jazz to get him through. .. Let's see you upload your amazing drum skills .. neanderthal!! Come on internet idiot please enlighten us with your drum skills .Please upload your drumming videos!!!

[@muchogusto9957]

Yes. You are correct. He is adequate enough to get by in multiple genres. Isn't good enough to be a signed musician in any one of them. As for my playing, I'm a total Neanderthal heavy metal drummer. I've been in enough bands and on enough albums were I have nothing to prove anyone. I never claimed to be good in multiple genres. I stick with what I do best.

[@lockedandloadedsigns4424]

Can we get some links to your stuff maestro?

[@Lastyearsjacket]

Mucho Gusto He is absolutely good enough to be endorsed, signed and successful. Many inferior drummers have gotten away with much more. His rhythm is on point, he can read music, his dynamics are solid, he can improvise, chops are clean and he has an ear for/plays to the music. You really can’t ask for more than that in a drummer. Not to mention he appears to be about 24-26 years old, tops. He’s well in his prime and has an apparent enthusiasm that would lead me to believe he’s pushing his ability further all the time. I understand it’s your opinion but I strongly, and respectfully, disagree.

[@cowboyvalley]

David, Thank You! My wife and I have been on over twenty cruises and I have always been amazed at well the ship's bands play. Your two vids on how it goes on are fantastic! And while I always applauded the ships band, I will do so even more with a better understanding of what it takes to do what they do. 👍👍👍

[@chocolatemint9225]

Well done, legit chops. You play with a good feel, across all genres. I used to be a Disney musician and I know the fate of the entire show literally rested in our drummer's hands. If the drummer ain't right, nothin's right-

[@conordmcp]

this is probably my favourite drum video on KZbin. still unmatched.

[@francoelicabe4279]

9:57 That part was savage! Full of emotion

[@steffsilverstam]

You master most of all genres. Great skills. Well done. You certanly will not run out of jobs. Thanks for sharing.

[@jhrharrison]

9:22 : "The Immigrant Song" chorus - brass version, interpolating the ending of the "Theme from Shaft?" And I love the "non-traditional percussion" portion of the show, where you are on the other side of the kit. You're probably one of the ideal crew members that the cruise lines appreciate a little more than those who constantly complain! (And yes - being able to read notes makes you invaluable!)

[@olibanks3846]

I was half watching this then that drum solo where you literally played the stage, wow!

[@JoroJugga]

7:27 Did that guy just stumble on the stage by accident? His playing sounded like he accidentally tripped on guitar strings too.

[@ebenhandoko]

Wow if every night is like this I bet you'll never get bored. New music every night...

[@christiancea6]

This is great! Putting a human touch on music. Awesome!! Thank you for sharing. Cheers!!

[@guysmalley]

I have done many many cruises and always impressed with how professional you guys are. Not easy with the boredom that happens.

[@CarmineStrollo]

People don't really know what it takes to be a cruise ship player...they think its just all fun playing and have a good time sailing around. They don't really realize how tight and on top of your game you have to be. It's like a mini version of being a "Tonight Show" Player. FRom one drummer to another, you really bring it! Very professional and informative. I will be showing these 2 vids to my students as well. Congrats on a job well done!

[@christianmapanirosescharli9204]

Stumpled upon this video swimming through drumming videos! David, you just got yourself another fan! Great humor and great drumming!

[@pierrebenitez1877]

7:28 sums up my hatred for guest ents

[@kallekontio2322]

Your solidity is something i havent seen before

[@lhenn_]

12:08 Audio engineer runs down the stairs and punches you in the face XD

[@lordnord9526]

This guy is amazing. As someone who (after watching this, the best I can describe it as) attempts to play the drums, I was just blown away by everything in this video

[@DanielClaytonFarnsworth]

If you ever are in chicago and wanna do some session drumming, i'd love to have you play on some tunes! You got massive chops and great energy!

[@laurabethcoomer]

WOW!!!!!!!! That solo was BANGIN!!!!!!

[@rosschabot4346]

hey David just found your channel today. I worked in the entertainment industry for 19 years working on live plays and shows and I have to say you are a great drummer and performer please stick with it and consider broadway I think your the right type...

[@dustinwiget8088]

You definitely inspire me to get back to reading. The versatility you bring to the table is incredible!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@ADAngeloM]

Once upon a time I swore up and down that I was going to be a drummer on a cruise ship...then I found out you have to know how to sight read😟. So now I'm going to live vicariously through these videos. Keep them coming!😃

[@michaelgaboardi9817]

Of course you have to know how to sight read...

[@metalheadblues]

Don't be a dork , start learning.

[@aidanschram9652]

Learning to sight read doesnt take long to develop

[@blackboard_sx3488]

Stick 15 minutes of sight reading into your daily routine, to start. You'll eventually get hooked. If you don't have a daily routine, do that, to start. It just takes repetition, and opens up many avenues in gigs, your musicianship, and creativity. It won't take long for the basics. If you've ever played something like Rockband, you're partially there.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

So learn to sight read music. You can read English text, so we know you can learn to read. Do it and follow your dream.

[@gsdrums]

Good heavens do I love your fills. Jaw dropping.

[@lorenzoaloisi4018]

I really loved this video . Outstanding drumming man

[@jamesfpianist1168]

Nice playing. Recognized "Shaft". That's a fun chart to play for sure.

[@surfsunsand]

very impressive. I always wanted to work on a cruise ship as a guitar player. 21 Hrs to my self.

[@nicolavaleriik6hiq]

Really GREAT musicians, in the Cruise ships!!! I know a couple of italians musicians..

[@AsianJBlazian]

What song were you playing at 14:30 it has such a nice groove to it

[@max_435]

AsianJBlazian I know it’s not the song but the jazz tune “Caravan” has a very similar drum groove. It was used in the film “Whiplash”

[@marcusshor7334]

The song is 'Whitney Houston - It's not right but it's okay', I like this cover better than the original

[@DanielFacite]

Wow Man you are really taff 👌👍 I've been working on cruise ship and circus big band for several years, I think you are the most professional musician I ever heard Congratulations 🥇

[@jakemf1]

That sing sing sing part was great fun

[@garyreid6165]

Your mastery of the drums is very impressive. You made that small drum set sound so huge. Bravo. As to mishaps during a performance, I suffered a mishap onstage while opening a show. I play tenor saxophone. My job was to play the song Solitude and get off the stage, disassemble my saxophone and pass it to the actress who was using it as a prop. The night before, an actress who had to play my saxophone, whom I taught her to play one song (The Lion Sleeps Tonight), damaged the reed and it had to be changed. After an hour of saturation, I was ready to go. But, I made a miscalculation and I struggled. The audience laughed and thought it was part of the show. My training in acting told me to roll with it and never let the audience know that I was in trouble. Never let them see you bleed, as they say. I walked out so pissed off, I wasn’t thinking straight. I played again, the next night and it was a lot better. Lesson learned. I wish you much continued success on your musical journey.😎👍🎷✌️

[@singingfan]

7:28 criiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinge

[@gwarfiend9717]

seriously hahaha what a freakin knob

[@justingarrett2239]

7:51 Lolllll he just looks back at the camera

[@nathandrums0]

Props to him for not moving tempo lol. Happens to me all the time but with singers and they do not want to return back to the tempo the rest of us are playing at.

[@breadyegg]

That was hard to listen to

[@karthikvenugopal9139]

im happy i visited this channel

[@GiorgiosApostolou]

14:30 that groove tho

[@johnmcgrath8886]

Thanks for showing us this insight into the world of a pro session musician, David - shows the importance of having good SR skills.

[@asgdrums]

Soooo.... What'd you do after the snare broke?

[@ceilingphan8575]

im surprised no one replied

[@gblakev]

@@ceilingphan8575 - He replied in the first part

[@sweetadelinedrummer]

I hope there were spare drum heads somewhere!

[@sgtpepper1138]

Pretty much any working drummer will have another snare ready.

[@jessehenson1027]

He laughed and didnt panic so i will have to assume another snare was near by haha

[@mwarnas]

Envious of your talent. Enjoy this life and this gig. Before long you'll have to settle down and these will be some very cool memories.

[@onculcan]

Hi David, I from Turkey. Your drumming is top notch, your fills are great and your technic is flawless. Any suggestion to a new drummer? Which paterns to study?

[@chinnarciso]

That stage solo was amazing!