At first it's quite a daunting task and can feel next to impossible.
But the "3 P's" come into play here.
PRACTICE, PATIENCE, PERSEVERANCE
The "3 P's" are something I am always reminding my students about.
WHAT I'VE BEEN PRACTICING RECENTLY
GROOVE ALCHEMY
by Stanton Moore. This book and the grooves in it are timeless. I'm pretty sure I've put this into a newsletter in the past but it's worth another mention and another mention and another mention. Stanton covers loads of James Brown's drummers different grooves as well as great transcriptions from Zigaboo Modeliste, the drummer with The Meters and one of the great innovators of linear style drumming. Also included are ideas for creating your your own grooves and a whole section on Latin rhythms as well.
WHAT I'VE BEEN READING RECENTLY
A huge labour of love! This book is phenomenal. Written, researched, put together with passion. Phil Seaman, as the cover says, is a "Percussion Genius." By all accounts a larger than life character who lived life to the full on every level.
I recently did a Facebook live interview called "ask the drummer" hosted by Anna Maria Nazario. Anna Maria is from the Philippines and has a large following there. It's just under an hour long. Here's a link if you want to check it out. https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=search&v=780126899770012
WHAT I'VE BEEN LISTENING TO RECENTLY
Check out Phil Seamans magical playing on this superb compilation. Every time I listen to this album Phil's playing blows me away.
It's beyond great.
SOME BASIC JAZZ PATTERNS
Take your time with these ideas and maintain a solid, consistent pattern on the ride cymbal. Practice just the basic pattern first of all, counting triplets out loud, to get the feel right. Use play alongs like "Meet the Bass Player" to accompany your practice. Try three bars of rhythm and one bar of comping. Practice each bar separately until it feels good. When you have done all these on the snare then try them on the bass drum. Practice. Patience. Perserverance.
If you have enjoyed this newsletter then please share it with drummer friends, or friends that may not be drummers even.
If you have any feedback then I'd love to hear it.
Thanks for your time once again.
MAY THE RHYTHM BE WITH YOU.
Chris xxx
