The Dave Brubeck Quartet – Blue Rondo à la Turk (Head Drum Transcription)

“Blue Rondo à la Turk” is a famous jazz composition by Dave Brubeck, included on the album Time Out (1959). It was originally recorded by the Dave Brubeck Quartet with Dave Brubeck on piano, Paul Desmond on alto saxophone, Eugene Wright on bass, and Joe Morello on drums. The title is a reference to the … More The Dave Brubeck Quartet – Blue Rondo à la Turk (Head Drum Transcription)

New Book – Neil Peart: An Introduction to His Drumming Style (Preview)

I’m glad to introduce my new book, a journey through the life, music, and drumming style of the legendary Neil Peart.The conception of Neil Peart: An Introduction to His Drumming Style comes from the transcription and study of one of his most remarkable works: “Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres,” which is the first track on … More New Book – Neil Peart: An Introduction to His Drumming Style (Preview)

Jeff Porcaro Grooves: 8 Drum Transcriptions – New Edition

My book “Jeff Porcaro Grooves: 8 Drum Transcriptions” is now available for purchase on Amazon in a new paperback edition and in Kindle format. The book includes 8 full drum transcriptions of some of Jeff Porcaro’s most remarkable recordings and performances, from the ’70s to the early ’90s. In the next few days, I’ll introduce … More Jeff Porcaro Grooves: 8 Drum Transcriptions – New Edition

Afro-Cuban 6/8 Funk Application: Accent Displacement

The applications of the Afro-Cuban 6/8 feel are endless, inspiring you to play new grooves. Today I’ll talk about applying this rhythm in a funk/fusion style: adding the snare drum backbeat, ghost notes, and the dotted 8th-note bass drum pattern. The 6/8 cowbell rhythm will be played on the hi-hat, as shown in the figure … More Afro-Cuban 6/8 Funk Application: Accent Displacement

Jimmy Chamberlin’s Top 5 Drum Tracks for The Smashing Pumpkins

Jimmy Chamberlin is one of the most influential drummers of the ’90s, best known for his activity with the rock band The Smashing Pumpkins. Some of the drum parts he played with the band of Billy Corgan are remarkable, showing his great knowledge of a great variety of music genres: from jazz to latin and … More Jimmy Chamberlin’s Top 5 Drum Tracks for The Smashing Pumpkins

Paradiddle Grooves – Stick Control Application Part 2

Last month I talked about paradiddle application using the book “Stick Control”, in particular the exercises 5 to 8 of page 5. Here’s a summary of all the things discussed in the previous article. The grooves are played with the hi-hat on the downbeat. Here below the variation of the first groove (exercise 5) playing … More Paradiddle Grooves – Stick Control Application Part Two

More Paradiddle Grooves – Stick Control Application Part 2