If I could be like any drummer in the world I think Kiko Freitas is the one I would want to emulate. I’ve been working on the first pages of his recent book – The Brazilian Groove Book. It outlines Kiko’s unique approach to playing Brazilian rhythms on the drumset and provides an in depth study guide to modern Brazilian drumset playing. I saw Kiko playing a couple of years ago at the Union Chapel with Joao Bosco. It was one of those heartstopping performances that resonates long after you leave the venue. I remember mostly watching Kiko playing effortlessly complex grooves.
So you can tell I’m a bit of a fan.
This chat with Brazilian master drummer and drum teacher, Edu Ribeiro, is a fantastic insight into Kiko’s playing and approach to technique with particular focus on his use of the Moeller approach as passed to him by Dave Weckl. And there’s a lovely rapport between these great musicians.
Check it out, it’s wonderful.