Begin with this: Doc MacNab is not a guy who tries to worm his way into taking a gig away from another drummer. Doc enjoys the rush of new experiences and also likes being invisible--something that comes with the sub gig. But, it bears repeating, Doc's intention is not to ever try to steal someone else's gig. If offered the opportunity to join an act after a sub gig, that can be great. But going into a sub gig, for Doc, his intent is not to slip in and take a gig from someone.

Doc loves to substitute for other drummers. It gives him the opportunity to take a big chance, have an adventure .. and it can be thought of as kinda DANGEROUS too!

How so? Because the music in the set list is sometimes unfamiliar. Doc loves sight-reading and subbing is like that: always something new--the tunes, the players, the audience.... There is something new right around each and every corner, all during the gig. This is true even after a rehearsal or two. It's fun because playing unfamiliar tunes (or even familiar ones with a new band) is emotionally and technically raw, the parts he has to come up with. The parts are often visceral reactions. Now, if Doc is a good enough drummer, that visceral reaction does not mean clunky, clumsy crap. If he's that good, you get a great reaction that is filtered through tens of thousands of hours logged behind the kit playing all sorts of different styles.
 

Being a good sub means flexibility and little ego. That's Doc: flexible enough to stay true to the songwriter's or bandleader's wishes as well as not needing to place his scented ego all over every stage Doc steps on to. Doc's goal, often enough, is to be invisible. If the audience doesn't know he's there as a sub and thinks he's your regular guy (or gal), then he's done his job. No need to introduce him.

Styles that Doc has logged include: Swing (jazz) • 70's, 80s and 90s rock • New Wave • Blues • Progressive Rock • Punk • Post Punk • 80s Metal • Funk • 70's soul • Disco • Modern jazz • Be-Bop jazz • Techno • Drum n Bass • Latin Pop • Industrial • Industrial Metal • Folk • Bluegrass • Country, Alt-Country and Country Crossover • Show Tunes • Classical