I am going to see Jo?o Bosco perform in London in July. I’m hoping that the brilliant Brazilian Drummer Kiko Freitas will be there making it all groove. Here’s a recent clip from the vicinity of Kiko’s right elbow backing up the aforementioned Mr Bosco. Muito legal!
My colleague Rodrigo the guitar teacher and I will be putting on a band workshop for kids of all ages and abilities during the week starting Monday July 30th. We will be learning a bunch of songs, getting experience playing music with other musicians, working hard and having fun too. The course ends with a performance which will take place on the Friday or possibly on Sunday at the ‘Spoons upstairs. This will be confirmed. Cost is ?100 for three… Read More »Summer 2018 Band Workshop for Kids
I’ll admit I’d never heard of Georges Paczynski before seeing this interview posted in my Facebook feed by the great street drummer, Oded Kafri. Paczynski talks about his love for jazz, for drumming and his philosophical outlook regarding pedagogy, human nature and the art of mastering oneself. The appearance of the interview coincided with a couple of students commenting on the philosophical nature of drum lessons so it seems quite apt to add here. This, I quote from the early… Read More »Interview with Drummer Georges Paczynski
OK, I’ve totally neglected my blog even as I tell others they should be blogging. Here I have an in depth introduction to my mate Bill Sanders’ new practice pad knee mounting system for his 7″ Mini Pads.
Found this on YouTube. Love it. Would you call these “orchestral arrangements”? Not sure if that’s the right name. Brilliant anyway.
I’m working my way through Charles Wilcoxon’s Modern Rudimental Snare Drum Solos. I missed learning this stuff when I was a young drum student and am enjoying the challenge of reading and executing these solos. This piece has highlighted my weak Flam taps. I felt like I could make it feel a bit more groovy than the first two solos. Before you watch my version, here’s a couple of nicely played renditions I found. Gawd, I have some rok to… Read More »Rhythmania Snare Drum Solo From Charles Wilcoxon’s Modern Rudimantal Swing Solos
I have a few slots available for drum tuition in North West London. I’m based in Colindale on the Edgware Road. Contact me if you’re looking for a passionate, dedicated and student-driven drum teacher. I teach students at all ability levels. For beginners, we work on building a solid foundation starting with rock music vocabulary, reading, stick technique, popular styles and grooves. For more advanced students I can help iron out bad habits, evolve general technique, work on timing issues,… Read More »A Few Slots For Drum Tuition In North-West London
I’ve been enjoying getting into Wilcoxon’s Modern Rudimental Swing Solos. This is just the second one, I’ve not learned much stuff like this before. I think my rendition is a bit on the brisk side and I could improve the dynamics especially the last few bars.
This is brilliant. Tony Allen is releasing an album of Jazz Messenger tunes played in his own inimitable style. It’s fantastic. Listen on Spotify – Tony Allen tribute to Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers and watch this live show. Just bought a ticket to see the progenitor of Afrobeat drumming at the Jazz Cafe in September.
I watched this video recently on YouTube by a bloke called Jai Es who talks about a lot of stuff I think is very important for drummers and not discussed as often as it should. It’s a great run down of fundamental drum technique with a great deal of focus on posture, relaxation, attitude and flow. Jai addresses the mental and spiritual aspects of musicianship and drumming in particular as well as discussing the importance of maintaining your health in… Read More »Live, Loud & Drum Healthy Vol. 1