Reconnecting with my DRUM KIT after weeks of not playing // Drum Solo by DrummerMartijn

Dear drummers, I must confess: I haven't been playing drums for weeks... We've spent some time in Italy, for a wonderful holiday. There was sun, a swimming pool and lots of ice-cream. But no drums, no practice pad. I didn't bring sticks. I didn't even listen to music (though I tried to read a book instead). And to be very honest: I loved it. I guess sometimes it's healthy to really take some time off your instrument. Which is of course my biggest passion and obsession... but is also sometimes just plain work.
So what happens if you get back to your kit after a couple of weeks not playing at all? This was my little experiment in this video. This footage shows literally the first notes I'm playing. One take. No warm up. No edits. All improvised, from scratch. Obviously, my fingers and wrists felt pretty stiff, damn! And the execution of the majority of fills should be cleaned up for sure! If you're looking at my face, you can clearly tell when and where things go wrong, LOL!
But at the same time, this drum solo felt like visiting and having a conversation with an old friend. Such a rewarding experience. And besides that, OMG muscle memory (i.e motor skills) is such an unbelievable thing! Like you'll never forget how to ride a bicycle or how to swim...the craft won't disappear, you just get rusty.
What I was looking for: because of the (well-needed) time off - pun intended - , suddenly your mind is free again to go to any direction you want: flowing on the drums, developing musical phrases, expanding melodic ideas, exploring sounds & textures. And of course, I'll have to 'brush off the rust' again. I will. In the upcoming weeks.
So please, if you're looking for the perfect drum solo: this one isn't. Hell no, not a chance. But I hope you'll enjoy it anyway. And maybe you'll get inspired to play the drums yourself today. You know you should ;-)
M
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Drum solo (one take, unedited) recorded on July 17, 2024
Tama Starclassic Drums, World Max Snare, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth 5A Sticks
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[@SuperNick090]

Awesome ! 👍👍🔥

[@malinwj1167]

A break/reset is necessary. Great playing here

[@sisterc.thebadhabits7294]

Love your playing man. What is that snare drum and what models are the cymbals?

[@DrummerMartijn]

Thanks! This particular snare is a World Max model thinking it's a Black Beauty Ludwig ;-) Cymbals are various Zildjian K's, hats are Constantinoples.