I got the email that basically said "why don't you guys give these drum set rhythms a shot", and thought I'm a kit player, so . . . ok. And I started messing around with the Bossa nova.

Unless you count Break on Through by the Doors, the odds of me playing the Bossa nova live hover at about 0%. But, I've been sucked in by the exercise. The reminder to keep control over the kit volume (less ride cymbal, two volumes for the kick drum notes, etc.), plus the the coordination challenges are a good experience. I usually don't read charts, so that's new. The idea of breaking the left hand free so it can comp, while maintaining the rest of the pattern in time is a challenge.

Getting the tech involved, I put it into a drum machine last night and jammed around with it. Tonight I hope to find samples of the original instruments and play with them and a looper.

Moral of the Story - this turned out to be a fun time that I didn't see coming. I'm glad I gave it a shot.