From dhoelscher@tds.net Sat Jun 22 19:55:14 2002
Subject:Re: OT: Tony Monaco Trio at Twin Cities Jazz Fest

>
>Well, I've always played pedals with a flatsoled or very low heeled
>lightweight shoe. And lightweight was always key.
>
>Don't you find the weight a problem?
>
>Geez, maybe it's time to dig the old Beatle boots out of storage?
>

The weight is not a problem. The advantage in speed is tremendous!
Consider the heel to toe motion of playing a single note.
You just rock the foot, and the heel being higher hits quicker. Then,
for example, a walking bass line, you rotate the toes up (at the ankle),
which forces the heel down and strikes a "glancing" blow on the pedal
while rotating the ankle and knee to position the next toe strike. This
reduces the lift of the foot, keeping closer to the pedals, therefore,
more speed.
(This is really hard to explain - the mechanics of the foot!)
But yes, you should try it!

- Drew