I’m not Stewart Copeland from The Police, but I’ve studied just about all of his drum parts. Everybody is inspired by something–celebrity, actor, sports figure, fashion, nature, a teacher, a chef, musical groups, etc. When I first heard The Police circa 1979, my brain melted! I spent all of my money on the recordings, various Rock magazines (CREAM et al), posters, buttons, pins, a Modern Drummer subscription, and attended my first live concert (with my cousin Scott) at Shea Stadium, Queens, New York. Interestingly, REM opened up for Joan Jett, who in turn, opened up for The Police’s Synchronicity Tour. My drumming life began in the 80’s and it’s still going strong…
The Police: An extensive Wikipedia discography…
There are so many “hits” and I cannot remember which one inspired me first: Roxanne, Don’t Stand So Close To Me, Message in a Bottle, I Can’t Stand Losing You, Spirits in the Material World, De Do Do Do De Da Da Da, So Lonely, Walking on the Moon, Wrapped Around Your Finger, King of Pain…
Which song did YOU like first?
My first drum teacher, Joe Bedford, was really into Stewart Copeland as well. He loved all of the aforementioned hits–especially So Lonely. We spent time listening to many tracks, jotting parts down in scattered notebooks, learning polyrhythms, and just having a blast enjoying creative drum parts and music. There are so many pages online that really explore Copeland’s style and analysis… However, let’s just say his parts were unpredictable, lots of emphasis on hi hat accents, groove, a piercing Ride Cymbal Bell, Splash Cymbals, Octabans (sic), hard/loud snare backbeats, etc. He was inspired by Rock and Roll, Lebanese music, some Jazz, and Reggae. The Police’s music is characterized as a blend of Rock, Reggae, Punk, Ska, and something else…
Here we are in 2023, and I’m still deeply inspired by Stewart Copeland, The Police, and Sting’s solo career. I’ve played many Police songs during and after college…I’m currently playing in The Thom Parks Group in Florida. We performed “Walking on the Moon” at a gig 2 weeks ago. It was so much fun to revisit that triplet Reggae feel, 4 on the floor, and 3:2 polyrhythm cross stick (quarter note triplets). If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you can listen to the tune, and also consider taking drum lessons with me for a deeper dive…
If you’re serious about drum lessons in Florida–Vero Beach, Sebastian, Micco, Malabar, Melbourne, Indian River County, St. Lucie County, Brevard County–please take a moment to fill out the easiest contact form. You can always send an email with “DRUM LESSONS” in the subject: jacobsone34@yahoo.com
Evan Jacobson will help YOU with the following DRUM WISH LIST and anything else that YOU WANT to do to be the best possible drummer:
*Sounding better at jam sessions–having FUN!
*Playing faster without struggling–smooth playing…
*Playing with great technique to avoid injuries & emotional damage…
*Playing songs from YOUR favorite drummers/bands…
WATCH EVAN PLAY DRUMS WITH STREAMED FACEBOOK VIDEO: Catch LIVE MUSIC JAMS in 2023 with Dave Scott, Lee Miller, Mojo Mike, Chris Sadlers, The Thom Parks Group, et al:
BADGE, SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE, HOW SWEET IT IS, OYE COMO VA
If you want to see and hear me play drums LIVE at JAMS in Florida, check out these jams:
The Dave Scott Jam, Tiki Bar, Sebastian, Monday’s, 6:30-10 PM
Music Jam, Singe house band, CC’S Wine Bar, Sebastian, Tuesday’s, 5:30-8:30 PM
The Dave Scott Jam, JAMILY, Filthy’s, Vero Beach, Wednesday’s, 7-10 PM
Sometimes, I sit in at Grind & Grape, Vero Beach, Sunday’s from 11-5 PM and Monday’s from 7-10: An amazing Jazz Jam with legends Kenny Clarke (Organ), Jeff Loforte, Todd Walker, et al.
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Here are a few bands that I perform with:
Vintage Radio, The Thom Parks Group, Collins & Company, Mike Presutti and his NASTY habits, Vinyl Signs featuring the legendary Dave Scott on Guitar…
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TRUE STORY:
Roughly 7 months ago, I attended my first jam at CC’s Wine Bar in Sebastian. To be honest, I was extremely nervous and didn’t know what to expect. A drummer friend, Duane Marshall, encouraged me to attend this jam. I signed up on the jam list and they called me up to play White Rabbit, by Jefferson Airplane. It was my first time playing this ever. The performance speaks for itself, and I hope you enjoy it. When you take lessons from great teachers and practice, you can do anything!
Dear Evan, I enjoyed reading this. I believe that people who have passions
are lucky and should follow them for their own happiness.
We may never meet but please keep me posted.
Love, Marcia
It’s awesome hearing from you, cousin Marcia! I agree that if one can identify a passion and set goals, then take action steps to get there. “Luck” is another topic that goes beyond this post… However, I remember a teacher from many years ago who told me the following: “Combine 99% perspiration with 1% inspiration…” If one works hard at something, then the universe provides an opportunity (not a guarantee). I’ve never considered myself lucky, but I do know that there is much to appreciate in life. This is getting very heavy on the spiritual realm and that’s okay. 🙂 I will always keep you posted and would love to hear about your adventures… Please hug Stanley for me! Happy holidays and thank you for reaching out! Love, Evan J.
i’d, be asking for more help with my, drum, game more often if we still lived near by.
Ian:
Thank you for responding. You’re a fabulous Jazz drummer in addition to other styles as well… I’m ambitious, so I work on a lot of different books because I want to be ready to take on anything. I’ve also created multiple song playlists because people are doing that now on Apple Music, Spotify, and other places. I keep all of the playlists on my iPod Touch and listen in the car, while I’m doing dishes, or wherever… The drummers that are working in Florida do the same thing: They are constantly listening to music playlists and learning an average of 40 songs from each playlist. When they get the call, they are ready to go. Work on songs, work on books, just keep working and there’s always improvement. Thank you for being a HUGE support in my music and friendship world. Let me know when you’re coming to Florida and we’ll catch up. Hugs to you, brother Ian!
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