Steve Gadd - Aja Drum Fills!

Steve Gadd demonstrated the fills from Aja - excerpted from his Master Series DVD

Jim Richardson

Bandmix works!

Need to find a gig or group to play with? Need to find musicians for your group? If you haven't tried Bandmix.com yet, you may find who your're looking for there. I am not a sponser of Bandmix, however it worked so well and quickly for me that I thought I'd share it with my loyal readers. A word to the wise: Do everyone a favor and be as thorough and "honest" as possible when filling out your profile.
Jim Richardson

Bill Bruford & Simmons SDX!

Bill Bruford, playing with "Yes" sometime in the late 80's on his Simmons SDX. Look at how many pads he has:

I had a Simmons kit for a few months (in the 80's) and was smart enough to sell it while it was still worth something. Fortunately, we've come a long, long way since then. Check out the sound of this Roland kit:

Presently, electronic drums are sounding light years better and costing less comparatively speaking!
Jim Richardson

Young talent!

Dylan Elise is a 16 year old drummer playing at the Tauranga National Jazz Festival in New Zealand.

Remember: Drum solos are one thing.....playing with other musicians is another! I've known drummers who stink at solos (like me) but who are awesome with a group of musicians. The reverse is also true.
Jim Richardson

Hitting the crash!

Here's an alternate technique for cymbal strikes that "works":

Cymbal Care tip: Don't forget the plastic "thingy" between the cymbal and metal mount! It's purpose is to absorb the strike and protect from cracking!
Jim Richardson

Tricks with sticks!

Spinning your drumsticks 'round your fingers displays a theatrical side to your performance. It's actually easier than you think....if you practice the following technique described very briefly and quite well:

Personally, I've never incorporated stick "showmanship" into my performances. Perhaps maybe I'll practice this and give it a shot!

Jim Richardson

To djembe or not to djembe!

A djembe is an extremely versatile little drum which, as you will see in the video below, can produce a wide variety of sounds from just one percussive source. Granted it does take practice to do this effectively, yet a djembe can be a valuable addition to your performing arsenal. You may also choose to only play the a djembe since it is after all, a "take it with you" instrument. One can certainly employ a "one surface learning" approach to learning drumset rudements in leau of using an actual drum set, that is for those that are looking for minimal investment'

A djembe (pronounced /ˈdʒɛmbeɪ/ JEM-bay) also known as djimbe, jenbe, jymbe, jembe, yembe, or jimbay, or sanbanyi in Susu; is a skin covered hand drum, shaped like a large goblet, and meant to be played with bare hands. According to the Bamana people in Mali, the name of the djembe comes directly from the saying "Anke dje, anke be" which literally translates to "everyone gather together", and defines the drum's purpose. "Dje" is the verb for "gather" in Bamanakan, and "be" translates as "everyone" in Bamanakan. It is a member of the membranophone family of musical instruments: a frame or shell (in the djembe's case it is a shell) covered by a membrane or drumhead made of one of many products, usually rawhide. Djembes are commonly about 12" (30 cm) in diameter and 24" (60 cm) in height, varying a few inches. Source for last parapraph: http://www.freebase.com/view/en/djembe

WORLDS FASTEST DRUMMER!

How fast of a drum roll can the human hand and wrist be pushed to perform? 16 year old Tom Grosset executes 1186 single strokes in 1 minute and wins the 2007Summer NAMM world speed drumming finals in Austin, Texas with 1,156 single strokes (that score is currently the highest score that's ever been recorded during a final championship round):

Way to go Tom! Here's an extended solo with his signature "roll" near the end:

Tom clearly demonstrates that the human body can be pushed beyond previously assumed limits.

James Richardson

Keith Moon's reputed last interview!

This was broadcast on Good Morning America in '78.



Keith was the drummer for The Who up until his passing.

Added new Omar Hakim playlist to my Youtube blog!

Let me know what you think!
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=drummingintuition&view=playlists
Jim Richardson

A Van Halen!

The entirety of Alex Van Helen’s drumming career, which began in 1972, has been exclusively with the rock group Van Helen. Interestingly, both Alex and Eddie Van Helen were trained as classical pianists during their childhood in Pasadena, California. This propelled Alex's structured and diverse creativity on the drum set which is evident throughout his musical discography. His drum set arrangement is creatively unique as he incorporates the use of Octobers unlike I've never seen before. Along with his signature bass drum "assemblage", this makes for a visually fascinating kit. He doubles up no less than eight bass drums giving plenty of low frequency torque to drive the Van Helen engine. He also influenced my playing as a young drummer. I’ve attached a little solo of him for your viewing pleasure:

Octoban Heavan!

One must admit that Octobans look pretty cool when tastefully integrated into the drum kit proper. My first exposure to them was brother Stewart Copeland of “The Police” pictured over yonder. You can hear them within the background tune playing as we speak. Octoban drums, also known as tube toms and quarter toms, are tom-toms grouped in melodically-tuned sets of eight, hence the reference to octave, from octo meaning "eight". Octobans have 6 inch diameter drum shells, and range in length from 11 inches to 23-1/2 inches. Their higher pitched yet “throaty” sound will require ample amplification in a live situation and they do not bode well for every musical style. As long as you have really good aim, you should have much success playing these tubular oddities.

Click on the Octobans below if you are interested in purchasing a set:



Additional drummers who use Octobans:
Buddy Rich
Roy Mayorga
The Blue Man Group
Billy Cobham
Tim Alexander
Mike Portnoy
Simon Phillips
Bill Bruford

Muffling your snare drum....

For those drummers who have not yet learned this trick, a simple ring comprised of mylar is the most effiecient way to eliminate those nasty overtones that annoy some drummers (and all sound engineers). This approach does not affect the natural pitch or feel of the head at all, it simply stops the "post strike ringing". You can buy these at any drum shop but it would be a lot cheaper if you cut them out of a thin mylar sheet yourself. Cut tight to the inside of the rim and no more than an 1" thick. This can also be applied to your larger tom toms as well. Happy playing!

Jim Richardson

Gary Husband- A different approach to tom toms.

When I first saw Gary Huband's drumset via performances of his work with level 42, his tom arrangement intriqued me. At that time it was an idea I was also experimenting with but did not have a voluminous supply of toms nor the money to buy them. Practically this arrangment is redundant and unnecessary. Visually however, it's cool! Here is a video of him on Youtube (Turn down the Imeem music player in the sidebar first):

Gary Husband is an English jazz and rock drummer and composer who performs with artists such as Allan Holdsworth, John McLaughlin, Level 42 and Jack Bruce among many others. He initially trained as a classical pianist and is accomplished as a jazz instrumentalist.

James Richardson

Virtual Drumming!

Here is a VERY useful website which uses a computer animated drumset to demonstrate a host of basic drum beats, rudiments & fundamentals. It even features a few drum licks from several veteran drummers. Check it out over at: http://www.virtualdrumming.com/drums

Thanks for visiting!

Jim Richardson

What a Rush!!!

Way back in 1984 I received something totally awesome in the mailbox. It was from my drumming hero (back then).......Neil Peart. Part of what I wrote him will become self evident as you peruse this postcard below. Neil had a tremendous influence on my playing back then. I probably played along with Rush's "Moving Pictures" several hundred times in the basement (bless my Mother's patient heart). Part of my motivation for contacting Neil back then was to try desperately to convince him to do some kind (any) kind of drum clinic at brother Bob Gatzen's music shop near Hartford, Connecticut. I hand wrote and mailed a two pager which apparently Neil enjoyed and in return I very unexpectedly received this:

I'd love to personally thank Neil for all of those fond memories in my basement (bucket list item #2112). Due to his influence, in part, I have achieved a level of percussive proficiency that allows me to play in various venues and assorted opportunities while having a lot of fun. With a life long career in architecture I've never had to play for monetary gain yet I still get to play at least twice a week. I guess I've enjoyed the best of both worlds. Best wishes, Neil!

Jim Richardson

PS: Should anyone wish to contact me regarding this postcard or to correspond with me personally, my email address remains: newnormaljames@gmail.com (No spam or off-topic inquires please)

Less is actually more!

^Less.......or........more>

As far as professional drum kit set-ups go, I believe this is possibly the extreme. Slim Jim Phantom

is a true minimalist while Terry Bozzio expresses diversity and choice. The last time I went to a Bozzio drum clinic I should have asked him how long it takes him to utililize every piece of equipment during the course of any given performance!

For the most part, a drummer's percussive existence revolves around serving snare, bass drum and hi-hat. Adding tom toms and cymbals crashes only serve to further "color" his or her performace. Knowing this should help us maintain focus on what's really important: Keeping time and consistent rhythm. Fills should be placed tastefully and in moderation. This will increase the anticipation of audience members. Neil Peart of Rush orders his fills in precise order and are almost never repeated!

For the non or even semi-professional drummer, I contend that "less" should "trump" more in respect to drumming style in the early stages of ones career. The reason is simple really. For until one masters basic rudements and rock steady rhythm on the drum set, fancy drum fills or soloing will not land the the kind of gigs that will propel your career forward. As in anything in life, prepare the foundation before you start building the walls.

Most importantly have fun, but do endevour to make every beat and stroke find a logical, complimentary place within the musical "fabric". I guarantee you won't regret this and your audience will love it!

Jim Richardson

Bob Gatzen - Snare Drum Tuning

OMG!!! I bought a ton of drums and cymbals from this guy when I lived in Connecticut as a wet behind the ears youngster! Bob is a great guy. This video is EXACTLY what he told me 25 years ago and I've been very successfully using this technique ever since:



You'd probably never remember me Bob, but I love you anyway! Best wishes to you and yours!"

Jim Richardson

All things Wuhan now up and running!

http://allthingswuhan.blogspot.com/

Only a drummer would be excited about this!

Advice for beginning drummers: Timing and promptness!

An old cliche' says that say timing is everything. This is the bedrock on which all music adheres to in order for it to be considered as such. All musicians who take their art seriously choose to submit themselves to the often agonizing structure of beat and tempo. After many hours of practice, practice, practice, then and only then will they be afforded the enjoyment of what musicians call being "in the pocket"! These are moments of bliss from which come all measure of creativity and musical astonishment for the enjoyment of themselves and their audience.

Timing is acheived - no pun intended - over time. Sow these seeds early as well as often and you will reap a bountiful crop of revered musical timing. Drummers are, unfortunately for us, the perveyors of all things percussively rythmic. We are expected to be in the pocket. When the timing of a song doesn't seem right, heads will turn in our direction. Like clockwork, I'm afraid. Now you know and are forwarned. Incorporate a digital metrenome into you practice agenda.....now! Use a practice pad, and often, whilst doing all manners of stick exercises along with your regular drumset practice agenda. A pro Basketball player has a LOT of shooting time under his belt before he gets to the big league. Over and over, boring as can be! But look at him when he's on the court...wow!

Promptness relates to timing but in a different way. A reputation of being on time and prepared will be a valuable asset to anyone from those looking to choose you in the school band to those ready to hire you for that professional gig. You must show up on time, be firmly ensconsed on your "throne", and ready to play. You never know when you'll need those extra few minutes before a gig to resolve those last second equipment failures or misplaced drumsticks.

These two things will dramitically improve your success within the music creation process, however that manifests itself in your life. Remember, you don't have to be a "famous" drummer in order to have a fullfilling life enjoying and expressing your chosen instrument. But you will certainly have more fun if you hold fast to the disipline of timing and practice.

Yours on the skins, Jim Richardson

How cymbals are made!

Zildjian, Paiste and Sabian are all made by this process:

Billy Ashbaugh: Understanding 16th Notes

Drum Fantasy Camp- August 2009

Info. here:

http://www.drumfantasycamp.com/">

Drum set-up time lapse!

This is a time lapse video of Terry Bozzio's drum kit being set up at the One World Theatre in Austin. It's an older video, but it demonstrates the lengths some artists will explore to give their audience something they've not seen before and begs the question- "How much is too much?"....

Advice for beginning drummers!

Do you have a desire to play drums? Do you see other drummers having fun doing it which leaves you consumed with thoughts about starting to play yourself. If this is you, I know exactlyhow you feel, I was in your shoes some 35 years ago. Long time, huh! Would you allow me to give you free advice.....no strings whatsoever? It'll take a few posts, so hang tight!

Whatever you do in life, you should learn from those who are the best at it and then do what they do. I am very, very far from the best, yet I've played with some of the best drummers in the world....in my basement. That's how I got to a playing level that I was comfortable with and one which was also marketable. In future postings I'll explore the importance of lessons early on....and where to get free ones!

Money....how much did it cost? Well, my career in drumming literally got started on a block of wood and a few of Mother's cooking pot lids. They sound great if you've never heard the crash of a Zildjian cymbal. I actually played like this with my friends John, Paul, George and Ringo for several years. Then it was time for my first drum set.

Okay, let me pause here until next time. I will be writing this from my heart based on my years of experience. A few things I'd like to talk about are as follows:

• Timing and promptness.
• Less is actually more.
• The importance of lessons.
• Humility and patience.
• Watching and listening.

That's enough for now. Be back soon!

Jim Richardson

Omar Hakim- Shinjuku strut

Omar Hakim in the later 90's. I especially enjoy his work with Sting.

Dueling Drummers

Vinnie, Steve and Dave perform an interlaced, perfectly timed drum solo together. If you were to learn even 5% of the rudiments which they display here you would be the envy of your piers!