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 moreInspiration
Inspiration can come from so many different things — beautiful places, sounds, images, feelings, hearing great music. More and more, I am trying to be open to it all. Yes, I still get stoked when I hear a wonderful band or an amazing drummer, but...
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 moreDesert Island Drum Book
Over the years, I have acquired quite a few drum books. The majority of them are very useful, well written, and I refer to them time and again. However, if I had to pick one book for my “Desert Island Drum Book” it would be John...
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 moreMusical Ego and Being Humble
Earlier this week, I was humbled (once again) hearing some musicians at a jam session. Philadelphia is still relatively new to me, so I am still exploring the various places to hear music. I really enjoy hearing great music — regardless of the...
Read moreDifferent Venue | Different Band | Different Day | Different Gig
Different Venue | Different Band | Different Day | Different Gig — something for everyone! I have written before in this space stressing the importance for drummers to play the gig you’re currently on at any given moment. I hope to reach...
Read moreTeaching Drums
I have been teaching drums for quite a while at this point, yet in never ceases to amaze me when a student starts to get it. This may be something as basic as their first drum beat, fill, or even their first snare drum etude. It just always gets...
Read morePlay the Gig (Again)
I have posted before about the notion of playing the gig you’re on — not the one that you may be dreaming of. You can search for that post — it’s only slightly different than this one. The theme is the same, and bears repeating. I...
Read moreComfort Zone
The bass player in one of my jazz workshops was having some problems not too long ago. As I was coaching him on some ideas to help deal with some of these issues, he came up with a brilliant phrase: There is no growth in the comfort zone and no...
Read morePractice At Home
When I’m working on new material on the drums, I want to develop a level of fluency with it before test driving it at a gig. I want it to be fluid and not sounding as if I’m struggling. That being said, I’m not always successful...
Read moreSetting Drumming Goals
It’s a new year — 2018 — a time for new beginnings, taking stock of where I am, where I want to be, and setting drumming goals. I’ve been having so much fun running jazz workshops at my studio that one goal of mine is to learn more...
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