Although a band's drummer may be good and all the other band's musicians great, you'll have only a 'good' band. Then again, if a band's drummer is mediocre and the other players are great, the band will be 'mediocre'.
Revolving Doors' drummer, Don Gates, makes a big difference. He has experience playing many genres, from jazz and blues to swing and latin, country and reggae to classic rock and hard rock. In addition, he has a degree in music and applies that knowledge to every song he plays. Because of this, Don is desired by many groups in the greater Sacramento area and does from time to time perform with some of them, getting booked far in advance. Yes, he's got the chops and it shows. Consequently, the Revolving Doors have a fill-in drummer from time to time, some of them being really 'good' drummers, but they're not Don Gates.
Don is a great drummer, adding his musical talents and knowledge whenever he performs, especially with the Revolving Doors, who play various musical genres, including their original flavor of rock. The band's other two members, Greg King and Joe Pallatin, do indeed appreciate and are grateful for what Don brings to the musical table, including his commitment to the band's success.
So, as the story goes, if a band has a great drummer and good musicians, then most likely the band will in turn be great. The Revolving Doors is no exception. It is true - As a drummer goes, so goes the band!
