In 1994, The Cure wrote “Burn” for the soundtrack of The Crow. At the time, Robert Smith and drummer Boris Williams were the band’s core, with Simon Gallup on bass and Perry Bamonte on guitar and keyboards. They quickly crafted the song in the studio. The final result was mesmerizing and timeless … More The Cure – Burn (Drum Analysis + Full Transcription)
My book, Neil Peart: 10 Drum Transcriptions, is now available in paperback, hardcover, and eBook formats. The songbook features 10 full drum transcriptions of some of Rush’s most iconic tracks from their early to mid-era (1975–1984), including Fly By Night, 2112, Xanadu, Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres, La Villa Strangiato, … More Neil Peart: 10 Drum Transcriptions – Available Now!
Stone Temple Pilots is my favorite grunge band, although that label only partially reflects their sound. Over the years, they have explored a broad range of alternative and hard rock influences, developing a style that extends well beyond traditional grunge. Here’s another STP drum transcription from their impressive debut album … More Stone Temple Pilots – Plush (Drum Sheet Music)
Nick Mason’s drumming with Pink Floyd is defined by spacious, song-serving playing rather than flashy technique. He emphasizes space and dynamics by dropping notes from simple patterns, leaving rests, and letting the music flow. Mason’s signature fills and approach focus on feel, subtlety, and dramatic contrast. … More Pink Floyd – Nick Mason: 10 Iconic Drum Fills
The live version of “Poinciana” by Ahmad Jamal from At the Pershing: But Not for Me (1958) stands as a masterclass for its elegant arrangement, expressive dynamics, and irresistible groove. More than six decades later, this performance continues to inspire drummers and musicians alike.
This blog post takes a deep dive into … More Ahmad Jamal – Poinciana (Live At The Pershing) – Full Drum Transcription
Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers’ “Are You Real” is a Benny Golson composition from the landmark album Moanin’ (1959), showcasing the drummer’s unmatched energy, precision, and conversational approach to rhythm. Blakey turns the drum kit into a dynamic voice, especially during the trading fours section … More Art Blakey – Are You Real (Trading Fours Drum Transcription)
Few drum parts are as instantly recognizable as “Africa” by Toto, and much of that magic comes from Jeff Porcaro’s unique ability to blend precision, feel, and musical restraint. Released in 1982 as part of the acclaimed album Toto IV, the song features one of the most studied grooves in pop and rock history … More Toto – Africa (Drum Fill Analysis) + Free Full Transcription
Rush’s 1984 album Grace Under Pressure continued the band’s move into a slick, synthesizer-driven progressive rock sound. The album’s production was notably “glossy,” with very prominent keyboards. Its opener track, “Distant Early Warning,” exemplifies this blend: an up-tempo rock anthem driven by swirling synth … More Neil Peart: Rush – Distant Early Warning (Full Drum Transcription)
Toto’s 1988 album The Seventh One was celebrated as the best-received since the acclaimed Toto IV. On this album, “These Chains” stands out as a midtempo pop-rock song, featuring a 4/4 captivating groove and lush guitar layers. This foundation gives the song a classy, smooth rhythm. Building on this, Jeff Porcaro’s drumming is remarkable … More Jeff Porcaro: Toto – These Chains (Full Drum Transcription)
“Jellybelly” by The Smashing Pumpkins is an unpredictable episode of energy and raw intensity from the band’s celebrated double album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995). With its crushing riffs, relentless drumming, and existential lyrics, the song is a powerful example of the band’s ability to blend heaviness with introspection. Jimmy Chamberlin’s drumming … More Jimmy Chamberlin: Smashing Pumpkins – Jellybelly (Drum Analysis + Full Transcription)