I know many people listened in on the Walker’s sold-out performance of World Saxophone Quartet when it was broadcast live on KFAI last Saturday, and for those radio listeners I thought I would illustrate with words what the audience was giggling about during Lee Pearson’s drum solo:
As Lee was just getting warmed up, he quickly peeled off his jacket while still playing and as he flung the sleeves behind him to free his hands, he revealed that he had never let go of his sticks (first round of giggles from the audience). Drumming, of course, never missed a beat.
More drumming, Lee proceeded to play one-handed, balancing a stick on his head (more giggles), dropped the stick behind his back, catching it and continuing to play from behind his back (clapping), then both hands behind his back, still playing (much happy appreciative cheering). Return to forward drumming.
Once he dropped a stick while having too much fun and moaned as he picked it off the floor, all very charming and crowd-pleasing (more giggles). The finale was when Lee played off the drums onto the floor and walking out from behind his kit, all while keeping his groove going. Tons of applause — it was awesome!
I hope I did it justice.