In this article, I showcase 5 of my favorite drum grooves. This is my tribute to the drummers who made these grooves legendary, from the classic Rosanna half-time shuffle to the infectious Bill Withers’ Use Me drum beat. Funky, soul, and half-time shuffle; these are drum beats I never get tired of playing during every … More My Top 5 Drum Grooves + Notation
Cheryl Lynn’s “Got To Be Real” is a timeless disco anthem that has captivated audiences since its release in 1978. It was co-written with David Paich of Toto and David Foster. The song earned a Grammy nomination in 1979, and in 2005 it was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame. The powerful vocals, … More James Gadson: Cheryl Lynn – Got To Be Real (Full Drum Transcription)
In my latest article, I discussed Bernard Purdie’s drumming on “Babylon Sisters” by Steely Dan, analyzing his playing and presenting the complete drum transcription. Today I want to share a collection of 10 legendary Bernard Purdie grooves, performed and recorded between 1967 and 1995, with artists such as Steely Dan, Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, Joe … More Bernard Purdie Grooves Collection
With a career spanning over six decades, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie is widely renowned as the most recorded drummer of all time and the creator of the half-time shuffle groove. He has played on countless hit records (totaling over 5,000 records) of some of the biggest names in music, including Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, Ray Charles, … More Bernard Purdie: Steely Dan – Babylon Sisters (Full Drum Transcription)
In this fourth episode, I introduce a new drum fill I developed. The drum fill is based on sextuplets, starting with two notes on the bass drum and moving with an alternate sticking between the floor tom and rack tom. We start off playing the drum fill slowly to memorize the orchestration. Once comfortable, we … More A Fill for Every Season #4
As a drummer and music enthusiast, I always search for resources to help you improve your drumming. Recently I was contacted by Kevin Mendes, the owner of simpledrummer.com, an interactive membership-based website that offers online lesson content geared towards beginner/intermediate drummers. Let me introduce this complete resource. Simpledrummer is an online platform that offers interactive … More Simpledrummer – Review
Stewart Copeland’s drumming style is known for its technical proficiency, dynamic range, and versatility. Copeland’s background in jazz, reggae, world music, and punk rock influenced his drumming, resulting in a unique and eclectic style that is hard to categorize. He often incorporates complex rhythms and syncopated patterns with different textures and sounds. “Every Little Thing … More Stewart Copeland: The Police – Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic (Full Drum Transcription)
Drumming is an art form that requires dedication, skill, and passion. For professional drummers, the path to excellence is a never-ending journey that involves constant learning and refinement. In this collection of 12 short drum transcriptions, I present a selection of timeless drum breaks, fills, solos, and grooves. From jazz to fusion to rock and … More In the Pocket: 12 Short Transcriptions from Legendary Drummers
In this third episode I’ll share two drum fills I developed myself, which you can apply in various styles. The drum fills are primarily based on 16th and 32nd notes, starting from the second beat and ending with an accent on the snare at the end of the fourth beat. I arranged the drum patterns … More A Fill for Every Season #3
“Africa” is one of Toto’s most recognizable songs, a timeless classic. Originally released on their 1982 album Toto IV, the drum performance on this track is a perfect example of Jeff Porcaro’s signature sound, showcasing his versatility and musicality as a drummer.In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this iconic drum part and … More Jeff Porcaro: Toto – Africa (Full Drum Transcription)
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