The one thing all those tunes have in common is; complex arrangements, lots of hits and changes. The good news is, they are also great jam tunes. Aside from the usual routine of listening to the tunes and playing along with them over and over, you'll need to make some crib notes for yourself.

Jot down the title and any info that will help to refresh your memory. ie; tempo, type of groove, intro, any changes, fills, outro etc.. If there are parts you have to count out, or hits that you have to make, write a note for yourself. In other words, relax, settle in to practice and just be as prepared as you can be.

Keep it simple/basic for the audition. Establish a good groove and only use fills and such that you are completely familiar and comfortable with. Don't worry about doing a note-for-note performance, keep a good beat and listen well to what is going on. You'll be fine. Stay inside your comfort zone. As long as you don't try any fancy pyrotechnics that you are still learning, you'll be fine. An audition is no place to 'practice.' Stick with what you know.

John

I concur...

I've used a variation of this 'drummer shorthand' for years. Charting the songs this way

allows me to learn a version of multiple songs quickly without trying to memorize them

'to the note'.

http://www.bradfrankdrums.com/2010/05/learn-a-song-on-the-drums-quickly-drumming-shorthand/

Hope this helps.

MW

Download the songs, play them over and over, listen for the changes, breaks and turn-arounds until you're sick of them. Yes, play along with them but don't worry about fill ins, get the groove and work your own feel into them.

Just don't go into a panic, keep it simple and comfortable and above all have fun with it. If you're not enjoying it, you won't make it work.

To hammer home what Mr. Shuffle and the entire lot here has said- when in doubt, UNDERPLAY. Listen to the songs, try that drummer shorthand. Play along with the songs until you're sick of them.

I am auditioning this evening for a blues band. I don't think they want a note-for-note performance, especially since I am auditioning on their Yamaha E-kit!!!

Just keep solid timing, which is what 9 out of 10 people are looking for. And I will say it again: when in doubt, underplay.

Yes,repetition.Make a CD and listen to it over and over.When I learn a new tune for the contempary Christian band(this is not music I regularly listen to)I will write next to the tune on my song list a crib like "Ain't to proud to beg"-the beat of the new song.I have yet to be provided with a drum chart for this music.

Don't get overly bent about this audition,and here is my thought on why.If the fit is good,the musicians will be understanding about your hiatus and compensate by giving you a chance to get back to form.And good luck!

Detroit Rock City has a bit of a shuffle (Peter Criss was a HUGE Krupa fan). Day of the Eagle has some 7/8 parts. Those are the ones I know can trip you up.

Ding! Ding!!!

That is key right there!!!

Great, fun tunes to play. Frankly, I like Dreams by the Allman Bros. better, but that's me.

Listen to the songs in your car, at home, at work (I've done that), where ever, whenever and as much as possible. I do this before I try to play along with them.

A few years ago, I had to learn a whole show (three sets) of country songs, in about a week. Kind of like cramming. Then I'd sit and play along. I know, most country tunes aren't too crazy, but some had some cool changes and fills.

Best advice? Don't freak out. Just do what you can to become familiar with the songs and have fun playing with these guys. You never know. THEY could be horrible, not you (hopefully not).

Have fun.

B