Many drummers refer to themselves as a “groove drummer.” That’s fine. However, I recently heard Vinnie Colaiuta reply something along the lines of, “well, I hope so!” We all need to groove. I want to be dancing...
Read moreBe Prepared When Recording Your Band
I offer full band recording here at my studio, and have done this numerous times. I am going to share some thoughts about being prepared. Leave your ego at the door, and be present. Show up knowing the material. Everyone. This is different than...
Read moreYamaha and Product Support
I just bought a used Yamaha Stage Custom Hip kit. (It’s so cool.) The previous owner packed it very well, and it arrived looking brand new. Unfortunately, the hybrid snare/floor tom’s strainer has a bit of a rattle when in the off...
Read moreFrom The Mixer
I was fortunate enough to be interviewed by Chris Senegeto on his podcast “From The Mixer” which posted today, 3/11/22. Chris is doing wonderful things with community, drumming, and just being a great guy!
Read moreKeeping At It
I like to practice—really work on things that are challenging to me still. There’s so much to try to get under my belt, but this helps. I do feel like I’m getting somewhere, sometimes. I’ll keep at it. Hit Drums, and remain...
Read moreMarcus Gilmore
From 1991-2000, I was fortunate to teach part-time at the Juilliard School in NYC with the Music Advancement Program. MAP is dedicated to bringing music to “intermediate and advanced music students from New York City’s five boroughs and the...
Read moreRediscovering
I am in the process of rediscovering what moves me as a musician, and more specifically, as a drummer. Ever since the beginning of this pandemic, I have had time to explore my creativity more and more. I know that I am not alone in this. Although...
Read morePush Yourself on the Drums
At this point in my drumming life, I know what I can do comfortably. I also know what I cannot do. I continue to try to push myself to learn new grooves, new stickings, and generally fresh ways of approaching the instrument. It’s an ongoing...
Read moreHal Blaine
Hal Blaine just passed away at age 90. Look him up if you don’t know his name. Many of you will know the groups and the songs. 15 Classic Songs that Featured Hal Blaine If you haven’t done so already, check out the documentary The Wrecking...
Read moreKeep Practicing
Over the years, it’s been a bit of a mantra of mine to simply keep practicing. As it turns out, sometimes it’s not so simple. I run my own business which is multi-faceted. I love what I do and I am so grateful, and yet it seems that...
Read moreCongratulations to Steve Gadd!
My heartfelt congratulations to Steve Gadd and his band. The Steve Gadd Band just won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for Way Back Home: Live From Rochester, NY. To many of us (me included), Gadd is the ultimate pro — he can...
Read moreHappy 2019
Happy New Year to everyone! 2019 is here! I just received a nice email from a good friend who talked about working on some pretty hard stuff — Joe Morello’s Master Studies and Ted Reed’s Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern...
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