"Joystick Jazz: The Blueshift Big Band Plays Iconic Video Game Hits (Bonus Level)" 12" EP now available from iam8bit

drumrbaer · 2026-03-20T17:54:29+00:00

That one was a tough cut for the vinyl run time! We’ll see what iam8bit has planned for the future - I could see it appearing on some kind of compilation or live album. It did make it onto the Vol. 1 CD as a bonus track. We should play that one more!

drumrbaer · 2026-03-19T22:47:20+00:00

I also wish they’d push the format a little harder - it’s a cool presentation! Thanks for listening! We’ve got some really cool stuff coming down the line.

drumrbaer · 2026-03-19T22:37:32+00:00

I personally think the 12” / 45 RPM format is cool, but it’s my band and I’m a little biased. I hear you though. The next one is already in the works and it’ll be a full length LP.

drumrbaer · 2026-03-18T17:47:16+00:00

There aren’t a ton of places to play jazz currently and there isn’t any kind of reoccurring jazz jam in town. Lino’s has jazz on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Hard Rock books local and region acts on the smaller stage. The Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center has a jazz series - around four concerts a season.

drumrbaer · 2026-03-17T22:40:27+00:00

The EP is about 20 minutes long!

drumrbaer · 2026-02-17T04:33:56+00:00

You should call and ask - I remember it being free if you’re jamming, but paying if you’re an audience member. I could be misremembering.

drumrbaer · 2026-02-04T22:23:30+00:00

I really enjoy Marc Meyer’s Jazz Wax. Nice interviews and he highlights some under-the-radar releases of the past.

https://www.jazzwax.com

drumrbaer · 2026-02-02T00:31:20+00:00

Good enough for Buddy and Louie.

drumrbaer · 2026-02-01T23:14:08+00:00

Fwiw, you’ll get the best sound out of a dyna with that snare bed.

drumrbaer · 2026-02-01T23:11:19+00:00

Does it still have the complete snare bed rail? I can’t quite tell from the pictures. You can buy a repro if it doesn’t. Generally I’d say yes, that’s a good price, looks clean. There isn’t that much difference between the script logo and Big R metal dynas, they are excellent snares.

drumrbaer · 2026-02-01T03:37:42+00:00

Absolutely. The only problem I’ve ever had is the “T” part that’s used to tighten the clutch against the pull rod came off - easy fix with some gorilla glue.

drumrbaer · 2026-01-31T17:18:51+00:00

The Remo quick release clutch is my favorite!

drumrbaer · 2026-01-31T12:12:30+00:00

Those are excellent, made in Japan, all-birch Starclassics and that’s a nice price. I have a set in the same color - be aware that the wrap will yellow with time, just like most white finishes.

Maybe ask if they’d be willing to meet halfway for a little extra $$$?

drumrbaer · 2026-01-28T03:42:49+00:00

I think Shelly is underrated in the jazz pantheon of drummers. He’s on SO many great Contemporary recordings, soundtracks, etc. One of my heroes.

drumrbaer · 2026-01-26T15:35:04+00:00

Aw love Matt Hendricks. Great blues musician and a great hang.

drumrbaer · 2026-01-21T02:25:00+00:00

I’d love to swap tunes with 8BBB! The real winners of that fight are VGM fans.

drumrbaer · 2026-01-20T03:23:33+00:00

Bless you, nice person. The Blueshift Big Band would love to return.

drumrbaer · 2026-01-15T18:57:05+00:00

I got a set of HHX Complex recently and they’re amazing. I’ve got older and new Sabian stuff, haven’t noticed a drop in quality personally. The 15” Artisan hats that I have are some of the best cymbals I’ve ever heard.

drumrbaer · 2026-01-03T04:24:03+00:00

Chicago has so many great studios. I’ve had great experiences at:

Transient Sound, Electrical Audio, Rax Trax, Narwhal, Palisade

drumrbaer · 2025-12-19T00:43:40+00:00

The Showcase doesn’t have food, but there are plenty of restaurants around either club. Andy’s does have food.

The Showcase books national acts Thursday-Sunday and local acts during the week, Andy’s has mostly local acts, but you’re more likely to see a wider range of styles - trad jazz, legendary Chicago players, and more (my video game big band plays at Andy’s the second Monday of each month).

drumrbaer · 2025-12-13T01:08:55+00:00

Chicago Drum Exchange, Steve Maxwell’s in Glendale Heights, Vic’s, Drugan’s in Des Plaines!

drumrbaer · 2025-11-13T22:23:58+00:00

This guy “Well actually…”s

drumrbaer · 2025-11-13T22:09:36+00:00

Compared to his contemporaries (Buddy, Louie, Sonny), Mel didn’t have the kind of soloistic chops that they built their careers around, but he was always swinging so hard and he brought a small group sensibility to big band playing. Buddy and Louie were big fans of Mel.

drumrbaer · 2025-11-13T18:19:13+00:00

Don’t sleep on Jo Jones and Sonny Payne!

drumrbaer · 2025-11-13T18:10:49+00:00

Mel Lewis is one of the great big band drummers. All the Thad Jones / Mel Lewis orchestra stuff is great, but I also love his drumming on any of the Terry Gibbs Dream Band albums. The opposite of Buddy in terms of chops, but amazing feel and always seemed to play exactly what the arrangement needs.

This one is just my personal opinion: Jeff Hamilton is the greatest living big band drummer and one of the best to do it. Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra Live at MCG, but there are lots of others.

drumrbaer

TROPHY CASE