In February I started my own jazz band by recruiting musicians through local music newspapers. Owing to beginner's luck I ended up with a terrific ensemble and we've started to play out regularly. The chemistry couldn't be better and we're been having a ball.

Except that our drummer is unable to keep up with the development of the rest of the band. We've given him as much guidance, advice and encouragement as any band could, but he doesn't seem to be working very hard and his limitations are causing problems. (On our last gig he came in drumming 3/4 on a bossa nova that we had rehearsed. In general he has a lot of problems with form and feel, although is very good at keep a steady beat.)

So this week the guitarist specifically asked me to replace the drummer, and I immediately agreed. The guitarist is a fine jazz musician and he contributes so much to this band that keeping him happy is high on my list of priorities.

This is depressing for me, though. Does anyone have any advice on how to ask a musician to leave as gently as possible? Drummers are in demand around here so I was thinking of helping him find another band.

And how do I find a good jazz drummer? We have paying gigs lined up, so if he suddenly leaves in a huff we could have no drummer at all at a very bad time.

This is my first attempt at leading a band so naturally it never occurred to me that I might need to fire somebody....

I would also be interested in any advice about running a band. I think I may be in for a rocky education!

Thank you in advance!

The simplest way would be to keep him on for the gigs he knows about, then not call him again, ever. And book some secret rehearsals/auditions with new drummers. Nasty, but possibly the only way you'll have a drummer for all of your gigs if your group is busy, depending on his maturity and how tactful you are.

"Does anyone have any advice on how to ask a musician to leave as gently as possible?"


Just be straightforward, Fluter.

Say "Dan,...you're sophomoric attitude was amusing once.
But we've decided to buckle down and play seriously now. And this is not a HERD, a ghost band or in fact even a big band. DEEP...your services are no longer required, thankyouverymuch."

That should about do it, I'd think.

Nat's answer ( although sneaky ) is the most expedient solution to your problem , IMO ..unless you just want to tell the dude he isn't quite up to what you need musically, and it won't bug you to do so ...

Recommendations from other musicians is usually the best way to find new players ..

Is a drummer absolutely necessary?? Let your dude finish out his slate with you, then just play drummerless until you find one you like. I'd rather have NO drummer than a bad drummer.

Cookie's solution is surely the kindest, and also gives you time to find the *right* drummer. Just tekk the cat you've decided to change your format!

I was told years ago by a well-known pianist that I was not good enough to play with him, ever. Very blunt. Very harsh for a young trumpet player.

Best words I ever heard! Ya know why? I went out and 'shedded my ass off and practiced and got my own shit together. Now I hear through the grapevine that he'd love to play in my ensemble, and by the way, "How is Dennis Gonzalez?"

I don't suggest you be as harsh, and in fact, you sound very gentle and caring, but just tell the cat as gently as possible, "You suck!", no not really. Just tell him you need to let him go because it's not working out. It's hard to do. But ultimately for the best. Then you don't have to sneak or lie, and he knows the truth (as you see it).

Similar to Nat C. suggestion: Find/hire a drummer on the qt.
Then have a talk with the doomed drummer.
Put your complaint on another level. Simply tell him that you don't hear the style[something along that line] that you want from a drummer from him, and that you're very sorry, but you have decided to go in another direction.

Might work; stay on his good side as much as possible because you may need him in a pinch.

Thanks so much, everyone, for your sage advice.

Tonight I told the drummer I had to get a different drummer. Praised his many good qualities, his promise as a jazz drummer if only he got a teacher or other instruction, and then just explained that I owed this band a drummer with more experience and knowledge of jazz than he has at this point.

Again, big thanks over here. I owe you cats a hug and a drink. (Now excuse me as I go to get one of each off-line.)

Fluter, good to hear that. What did he say? Was he very depressed?

Peace

Hi Niko,

He didn't seem too depressed, although he was obviously disappointed.

It turns out that he has gigs with his rock band that conflict with our dates anyway. So he still gets to play out without us.

Thanks for asking!

That's good. It turned out well!

Best of luck to you with your band!
Niko

Glad it went well.

Poor drummer...

Drummers need love to ya know.

hehehehe

Keeping him on your good side is good advice. He already knows (to some extent) some of your book. Having him fill in when necesary, is always a possibility. And, the drummerless advice is good too. I've seen that done, and it was an interesting sound, everyone had to step up a bit, and it made for an interesting yet still very musical night.
Tim Bales

Erik...

Can you e-mail me?
I've sent two e-mails.
Do you have a different address?

DG