Well, I’m a little late on this one — April is National Jazz Appreciation Month (a/k/a “JAM”). Please search out jazz in your area, and support live music. I was “late” to jazz — I didn’t hear it growing up, and found John Coltrane and Miles...
Read moreDrumming Influences and More
I have had many drummers whom have influenced me over the years. One, in particular, is Tony Williams. I’ve talked about Tony before, however, today I want to specifically talk about his recording entitled, “Believe It,” and the guitarist on that...
Read moreKeep Playing
I just listened to a radio interview in which Branford Marsalis was telling a story where Buddy Tate heard Branford play a jazz ballad, and then asked him who he was listening to. Branford responded that he was listening to Ben Webster, but that...
Read moreThe Jazz Ride Cymbal Pattern
I don’t seem to tire of working on my jazz ride cymbal pattern. One really fun thing about it — there are so many phrasing variations. E.g., Tony Williams’ ride cymbal sounds so unique, and very different than so many other great players, such as...
Read moreDrum Stick Selection
Over the years, I have used many different makes and models of drum sticks. It’s been a fun process, and I now enjoy looking back at this. At one point, I used round tipped sticks with nylon tips for heavier rock gigs that I was doing. Then, I...
Read moreStay Humble
I saw Antonio Sanchez & Migration last weekend at Dazzle in Denver. Dazzle is a nice place and it was a fantastic setting in which to see this band. Daniel Feinberg of kuvo posted this on his Facebook page: Unforgettable, Mind-Expanding...
Read moreGetting Lost in the Music
Getting lost in the music has at least two connotations. The first one is pretty great and the second one is not as nice. There have been times when I have been so into the music, that I transcend that moment in time. It can seem as if the drums...
Read moreBeing Versatile
I enjoy listening and playing lots of different kinds of music. I grew up mainly around pop and rock, but gravitated toward the fusion music of the ’70’s. That music was my gateway into jazz. I was completely blown away by Billy Cobham with...
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 me at...
Read moreMaster Drummer
I recently watched Master Series — Antonio Sanchez. This is a great DVD from Hudson Music. One important concept Antonio talks about is learning the “language” of any musical genre. He said that he had worked on and had developed pretty good...
Read moreDrum Technique
Previously I have posted some thoughts on drum technique. To summarize, I believe that every drummer can benefit from good technique. Have command over your instrument instead of the other way around. I’m from the school of thought that a solid...
Read moreLocking In With the Bass Player
It has been my experience when playing in any musical situation that if the bass player and I can lock in and play well together, then the rest of the group will feel our groove. I’m always listening to the other players, but I’m also aware that...
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