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
“Grapevine Fires” is a song from Death Cab for Cutie’s album Narrow Stairs (2008). The track is a remarkable example of the band’s signature blend of introspective lyrics and expressive melodies. Its rich, evocative sound is anchored by the refined drumming of Jason McGerr, whose lightly syncopated patterns and subtle touches … More Jason McGerr: Death Cab for Cutie – Grapevine Fires (Full Drum Transcription)
In this new episode of Drum Shorts, we delve into the legend of the Amen break, a six-second drum moment that turned an obscure 1969 B-side into a cornerstone of modern music. Originating from the Winstons’ song “Amen, Brother,” the Amen break is now credited as the most sampled drum part in history. It appears in over 2,000 recordings … More The Winstons – Amen, Brother (Drum Break Analysis)
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)