Things you studied but never thought you'd use.

[Matus]

I just finished recording a couple tracks for Jeff Scott Soto's next album and he actually encouraged me to go beyond the typical hard rock drumming in some parts. On one intro we came up with a tom melody and to spice it up we tried several things. One of them was alternating singles between RH and LF on an x hat andthe regular hat pedal. 180 bpm 16th notes, more or less. He was like "yeah, man, that's great, go for it!". And I had to confess it's one of those things I never thought I'd put to use beyond soloing or my own projects.
Anyone else had a similar experience in "real life" situations?

[Odd-Arne Oseberg]

Not for myself since I'm snot as far along on the drums yet. However, every time I watch Vincent with Sting I'm surprised at how much fun he's able to throw into things.

[Gaddabout]

I'm more often surprised by things I can do in the moment that I never studied. I'm a much better player when I get out of my own way. Usually requires a nice musical moment for it to happen. When the music stops, I crawl back inside my head and freeze up.

[Riddim]

Yes, generally in proggier situations.

[Matus]

Sure, for the proggier stuff you can get away with pretty much everything you bring to the table. I just never thought I'd actually get paid for doing that kinda thing!