Very well done! Certainly a story worth telling and told with lots of heart...Great distribution in time of the journey from the lonely unappreciated drummer with no smiles, to the smiling appreciated and accepted drummer with the icing of an implied possibility of love. You have shown the magic of being a musician and someone who follows their heart. And...how the light can suddenly emerge from the darkness. I very much loved the father and mother's unhesitating request for "Crescent Moon" from the solo drums and then dancing beautifully, free of the harmony and melody until the voice was added. Great work!

Hey Bill,
very enjoyable!
Do you know that there's a fabulous drummer in Nashville named Billy Block? billyblock.com
Best wishes,
Markus

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I'm a 58 year old jazzhead and over the years have come to realize that there are those musicians out there that play music because they have to. They have no choice. The only way they can express their hopes, fears, despair and longing is through music. The avenue of words is closed to them. Miles, Chet, Bill Evans, and others I have often wondered if they play because they want to, or have to.

Thank you for this. It is the most moving and real of any jazz films I've seen to date.

Hey, Bill!

We all wish a break would come so easily to those who wait! Anyways, loved the flick! You should make it into a feature length movie! My only problem was that you introduced guitar and bass as she started singing. Now, being a musician myself I prefer realism in music movies (i.e. make sure the drummer isn't playing the hi hat when the audio is playing the ride, not have rhythm guitar in the background while the sole guitar player on screen is doing a solo, etc) and that kind of thing takes away from the overall experience of the scene for me... I think the nakedness of the moment and the beauty of him being accepted that way would've been even stronger if the absence of the band was not only seen, but also heard. Again, that's a minor thing and I thought this was a beautiful little story - I just wish this kind of opportunity would come my way in heavy metal form!

Kind Regards, Emil

Bill,
The casual viewer will see a day in the life. The career musician will see a lifetime. You've done a fantastic job of incorporating so much we musicians experience with such a minimal amount of dialogue (or monologue as some of your characters discover). It's been posted on my Facebook page since yesterday.
Thanks for a great film.
All the best,
Jimmy

Nicely done, and really rings true. I've had those calls from my parents, I've felt that way when opening a card from my Grandma with money inside it...it's hard for people, even myself, to understand the lonely pursuit of the drummer...thanks for this.

Thanks man! this film made me cry, it really seems that u know...how is this frustrating and beautiful life. How much effort and hope we bring to universe, without in many ocassions any reward.
Man... you have enlighted my Argentinian morning.

PD. sorry if my english is not perfect.

Big Hug

Max

Great short film Bill. Your short is getting some exposure on a drum forum I am very active on. Great forum with many accomplished drummers. Pass this on to Dave: drumforum.org/index.php?/topic/39901-short-film-the-drummer/page__pid__437834#entry437834

Thank you for making this, Bill - another great touch of reality is that Dave's not wearing tux pants or shoes. A marvelous film!

This was fantastic! I loved every bit of it. Well made, well shot, fantastic story... Well thought out with a great message. Cheers for this one! I am sharing it with all I know.

What a great piece of work! I'm a 47 year old drummer who also (thank God) has a day job - but I still play gigs. Got linked to this from drumforum.org. I agree with the comment from The Asorbant, and am glad you're considering changing the next version. Other than that nitpicking (constructive criticism) ... this film really captivated me. I will figure out how to share it with friends - it deserves an audience. Thanks Bill for such fine work. Ben

Bill,

I LOVED his drum transport method. I would bet the old-timers didn't use cases - for them the drums were tools, not collectors items. And for Dave, it's the same - even though these are some valuable drums, he would never want to see them as having monetary value (although his Dad would) - they're just the best tools to be close to his idols, to express himself.
The scene I'm wondering about is when he's looking in the window of the music shop early in the a.m. You included a shot of that Pearl kit for a reason - it seems the polar opposite, drum-wise, from his old RK kit. Is he thinking of pawning, or trading in? Did you have to remove a logo from the bass drum heads?
The fact that I'm wondering about the motivations of a fictional character means that you did a good job with this "short story."

From my Perspective: The gramma who slips a few dollars to the "greatest drummer in her world," your poignant video is a winner.
True artists, like your drummer don't know any simple solutions to their problem, they only know the melody and rhythm which is their driving force.
Your film story shows that perfectly. Thanks, Bill, for touching my heart.

Bill, your video said it perfectly and I am happy that I "got" your message. My message to you is yours to use any time!
I wish you well!

Hello Bill! As a drummer myself, this film hit every emotion that exists. This story was so beautifully told from the side of a drummer, the passion of music weighs so heavy to his heart, that he carries on through the dedication and power of music through the good and bad that he faces daily. Very inspiring! Thank you for doing such a masterpiece!

This is great! Excellent job!

Crescent Moon sounds like it was lifted almost note-for-note from Cole Porter's Love For Sale.

Outstanding! As a career musician, I relate on so many levels that it was almost painful to watch. But, that certainly didn't make the journey you took me on any less enjoyable. Thanks so very much for telling an artist's story so skillfully. I really was moved by your film, and that IS the power of art in a nutshell.
MARS

Thanks MARS,
I truly appreciate you taking the time to write. I'm honored my film spoke so truthfully to you... especially a career musician! Cheers, Bill

Pretty amazing video, primarily because it hits home so deeply with those of us who are working musicians. Some have said it is for the money, but I believe it is truly for the love of the music...why else do we work our lives around our love for it?

Please watch this video of John Miles entitled 'Music'. I believe it says it all, it certainly does for me.

youtube.com/watch?v=RSsWWA2_SDQ

Bill,

I f@#king LOVED this film! Man, oh man- my mom used to call me all the time saying all that crap about "giving music up" and forgetting my dream! The funny thing is, I still get that crap from her, but now I'm a professional drummer and I write for Modern Drummer Magazine! It never ends! I just passed this video on to the other guys at MD! You rule, dude!

-Pistol Pete Kaufmann
rockinlifestyle.com

ps.

I've been to that jam session at Smoke many times!

I love it, Bill. If you're not a drummer yourself you obviously have had a lot of experience in the music business. I'm a drummer and, over the years, I can't tell you how many emails I've received from those who had played in their teens then gave it up for a 9 to 5 gig - asking if I think it's too late to take up drumming again. My answer is always the same... if you're still breathing it's not too late.

Now, in addition to that advice, I'll point them to your terrific short. And what's so cool about it is that the message applies across all generations of Drumheads... As long as the passion is there and you don't quit trying, it's never too late to get your shot. Excellent!

One the best movie I seen for the musician. I've had those calls from my parents, and also in your face confrontion from my Dad, but my Mother who passed away three years ago, I quit the band, actually I got replaced. I been goin to Jams for three years now, switchin back to Bass, kinda been lost for few years now, seein this film, made me see how love of the music is still important..I have opened a few cards from my Mother with money inside it, what a thrill.......when he's looking in the window of the music shop early in the a.m. showing the pawn shop, it just shows that he would live in the streets if he had too, Music is in his blood... at the gig, which he was doin what he does, the looking at his watch, (to be on time is everything, adjustments can be done after the first tune, and all the way up till the first break, thats when the band talks about it). The couple sees what he doing, having class, requests for "Crescent Moon" from the drummer, Then the parents dancing beautifully to just the drummer. Then the singer gets on stage and sings you introduced guitar brass, and bass after she started singing. hey it's the movies, great feel, (artist interpretation). Thanks so much for "Chris Tofield", for postin this. Keep up the good job, BTW, I clicked on your site and the music started playing, I was busy reading the comments, I didn't even care or know anything about the other tunes. I went of your site, I love these other tunes too, we have a blues night down in Florida on Monday nights......The slip was funny to watch also...Thanks so much, can't wait to see the next film, BTW this did make me actually tear up, loved it......Dave Eagle

Hey Dave,

Thank you for your comment... and for being so open about your own journey. Being a true artist is difficult enough, but then trying to make a 'business' out of it is next to impossible. It's as if you have to be of two minds and those two minds need to work in tandem. Yes, there are those who are gifted at both. What sucks is that those more gifted in the business side of things seem to be guaranteed greater (financial) success than those seriously gifted artists with no idea of business.
In the film, I am clearly celebrating the true artist. Though those business-savvy artists get there first, they still need to have the chops and the talent to achieve true longevity. It is my belief that the true artist, such as the drummer in the film, is eventually given their moment to shine. If he or she has been unwavering about their dedication and their passion then they will indeed shine at that moment and be recognized. Once that talent and passion is recognized, there's no stopping them.
It's obvious I'm a 'glass half full' guy but I have to be. Otherwise I couldn't do what I do... the negativity surrounding an artist's life (or just the choice to be an artist) is enough to send any doubtful person running. I applaud you and all the other musicians and artists out there struggling against all odds. That's what the film's about and I am so glad it speaks to you! You have made my day!
Cheers,
Bill

Bill, outstanding piece! I loved it. Captured very well and with a great looking & realistic cast. It's obvious you intended this film to be a very real look into musicians lives...not just drummers. But, my being a drummer am glad you chose to use a drummer for the lead...realism!

Someone above (The Absorbant) mentioned the use of dubbed in instruments (guitar, bass, sax). If I may suggest an idea for an extended film...If you used the same effect of adding in the other instruments, I would think a shot from behind the drummer (close up of his ear) would make the viewer hear what HE is hearing in his head, then a snap shot out front of just him and the singer playing alone without the other instruments.

One more close up of just his eyes and a couple quick flash back scenes of him playing in a smokey club or grand ballroom filled with dancing folks from the 30's - 40's era. This will add focus to what he seems to be about, what he really dreams about.

As it is, this film has brought on a few wet spots on my cheeks. It speaks to me and many other musicians. I was fortunate to have this film linked to me from drumforum.org. If you as an artist seek praise from your labors, I suggest you join this forum. Many great people there have passed this film on, and I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones to share it as well.

Great great job!

Den

VERY VERY Well Done....
I appreciate this film on so many levels. I had always wanted to be a "jazz drummer", but to be honest, I just did not quite have it. We cannot all be Benny Keats.
From a film making vantage point, I am impressed. I am not a film maker, and know nothing about that craft. But the guys that made this movie must be good at it. You guys must have had a decent budget and/or access to some decent sets, props, actors, equipment, etc.
The sound and lighting were all excellent for a short, "low budget" film.
It was all just great. The struggling 40 year old and his Father, the landlady, the gigs (getting to and fro), the chic singer, the party coordinater....it all rings true.
Near the end, in the car, Dave is so pleased with himself, you can see it clearly in his face. And then it comes, that slightly innocent/slightly provocative kiss from the pretty girl vocalist. It must have felt good.....right.?! She was a nice looking girl. That kiss on the cheek must have felt good. There was just enough of "a bit more than thank you" in that kiss to make a guy walk a few inches off the ground for awhile.
Well Done
Good Job......

Terrific film Bill! Like others have said it's really close to the bone but beautiful all the same. Well done!

This video is killer!! I'm gonna feature it on my drumming blog. Definitely felt like this guy before....

Thanks Ryan! I'm honored! It means the world that drummers like yourself approve of the film... but then to feature it on your blog, well that's above and beyond and incredibly cool!
Cheers,
Bill

Interesting; your character seems so "shut out" from the world, yet so many people can relate to him.

Hey Thomas,
Thanks for checking out the film and thanks for chiming in. Yeah, maybe we're not all so alone after all.
Cheers,
Bill

This one hit me straight to the heart!!! Amazing stuff Bill!!!
Congrats for the piece!

Hey jeracravo,
I truly appreciate your congrats. Hopefully you'll feel the same about the feature version - I'm in the midst of trying to fund it so hopefully I'll get it shot and have something to show you all in the coming year.
Cheers,
Bill

Fantastic!

Wonderful!

Dave is just as captivating as your storytelling is enchanting. Verbalised subtext seems to burden the supporting characters' dialogue, and I would love a bit more of the subtle camera moves in the first act, but other than that, this is a truly delightful film. I hope you can realize your feature version! Best wishes from a new fan in St Paul, Minnesota ~