We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kevin Van den Elzen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kevin, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity fresh by doing a few things. I try to go to one live performance per week. I will also pick one moment per month to listen to a couple records out of my collection to do some deep listening. No phone, no Ipad, just me with the records. I’ll read the liner notes from time to time during my listening session. Lastly, I’ll transcribe my favorite drummers and study their comping and solo’s. This material usually brings me new ideas and I’ll mix ideas from one drummer with another.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I moved to Los Angeles in 2015 to pursue my master studies with Peter Erskine at the Thornton School of Music, University of Southern California. I graduated in 2017 and have since then played with so many amazing musicians such as Bob Mintzer, John Clayton, Dick Oatts, Mary Stalling, Josh Nelson, Bob Sheppard, Dianne Reeves to name a few. I also played with many of the best big bands in Los Angeles such as the Bill Holman big band, Dave Slonaker big band, Danny Jonokuchi big band, Monkestra etc. Especially regarding the large ensembles, I wouldn’t have worked with these groups if I still would live in Europe. The scene in the Netherlands and other European countries is super strong, but different then LA. LA has a long history in jazz and film music which makes it a very special place. Some of the older jazz musicians who were active in the 50’s and 60’s are still around and playing. I’ve learned a lot from their experiences and playing with them.
Getting to know many different people makes it very special to be a musician. It doesn’t matter where you come from or how young or old you are, musicians can speak with one another through music.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
You need to be flexible as a musician. Every musical situation is different. Either a performance, a recording, a wedding etc. It requires you to adept musically and to what is asked for in whatever specific situation. Sometimes you have to set your ego aside what you want to do and do something else that might work better for the band who you are playing with.
Perseverance is also very important. Stick with your guns to what you want to do musically. If you keep believing in your capabilities and what you want to achieve, you can achieve whatever you want.
Lastly, you need to be punctual. You always have to be on time for a gig or rehearsal. You are on time when you are 15 minutes too early.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I have a bunch of people around me who have been very impactful to me. John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton motivated me to move out to Los Angeles. I’ve learned so much from these two masters. Their lessons are always in the back of my mind.
In recent years, I’ve had two people who are friends and musicians who I love playing with. Those people are Josh Nelson and Nick Mancini. Josh is an incredible piano player and composer. His writing is always based on a story and I can always picture a movie in my head when I hear his music. Josh is one of the kindest and most patient I know. He has inspired me so much with those personality traits of his. Just being kind and patient.
Nick Mancini is a vibraphone player, composer and bandleader and very much a person who I see as an older brother. He’s someone who’s always giving his full 110% for every gig he does and always puts his own stamp on a gig. Either through the music or through his wit. He’s a very funny guy, but is super serious when it comes to his music. He’s a person in my life who has supported me to persevere.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kevinvandenelzen.com
- Instagram: @kevinvdedrums
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/KevinvdElz
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/kevinvandenelzen
Image Credits
Portraits by Donnae Menchaca and Robert Verhoeve
