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 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 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 moreWorking on Your Internal Clock
Fairly frequently, I am asked how to improve one’s internal clock. Here are some of my thoughts: Developing a strong internal clock is something that I continue to work on every day. I use a metronome/click more often than not. I attempt to...
Read moreAnd Repeat
Just when I think I have some things together on the drum set, something else comes along that trips me up. While this obviously frustrates me, I strive to embrace the process. I find that it helps if I allow myself to feel whatever amount of...
Read moreHappy Holidays and Happy New Year!
I hope that this coming year will bring peace and love to everyone. I’m going to keep doing new things and challenging myself. Here’s a little Christmas Video I made for a cousin of mine who requested a Christmas gift. I hope you...
Read moreRock ‘N’ Roll
In this youtube clip, Steve Jordan talks about the push and pull that creates the feel of rock ’n’ roll. I think this is the best three minutes of info out there! Since there’s a lot of information in this video, here are my notes...
Read moreImportant Traits of a Good Drummer
Many drummers are familiar with Tommy Igoe these days. (If not, please google him.) Tommy’s father was Sonny Igoe — maybe not a household name, but very influential back in the day. Tommy has credited his father’s method of teaching...
Read moreMusic, Drumming and Adjectives
Many adjectives and phrases can used to describe a musician’s and/or band’s performance. Quite a few of these seem to be very popular: they killed it; they were smokin’; or she was on fire! One problem for me is what to do with...
Read moreLive Radio Show
Here’s a quick blurb and a link to a radio show I did with The Anthony Russo Band on Denver’s kgnu radio station recently. Curtis Hawkins is on bass. Anthony and the band start around 2:05:22. Enjoy!
Read moreThrow and Catch While Drumming
I love the concept of throwing and catching a ball when it comes to the drum set. Buster Bailey introduced me to the idea of bouncing a ball many years ago, and it’s something I use all of the time. Please take a look at this short clip of...
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