Driver's Seat
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Foundation Studies for Big Band Fills
Before dealing with specifics, it is important to have some general ideas about what a fill should be and what a fill should do. The fill must be in time. It should not rush or drag. The fill should maintain…
Using the Right Size Equipment for the Job
From my many clinics and solo appearances in the U.S. and in other countries, I have had the opportunity to hear literally scores of big-band drummers and observe their equipment. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Driver's Seat - Hints On Playing With Big Bands
by Charlie Persip The important difference between big bands and small bands is in the orchestration/arrangements. A conventional big band has trumpet, trombone, sax and rhythm sections. These sections will, at times, play the same melodic and rhythmic figures collectively…
Driver's Seat - Reading Charts
Over the years, I've seen too many aspiring big band drummers who simply do not take the time needed to fully develop their reading ability. Unfortunately, I've heard many competent young players become very mediocre drummers when presented with a…
Driver's Seat - Energy and the Ensemble
I said in my first article for MD last year that sometimes a well placed rim shot in an arrangement has more impact than ten thousand notes. The prime example is Buddy Rich's two bar silent break in Channel One…
Drivers Seat: More On Phrasing
In my last article, I discussed the various methods used to learn the chart and the importance of phrasing. I'd like to go into phrasing with the band further. Let's check some recorded works of the same charts by different…
Driver's Seat: Being Equipped For Big Band
In this article, I'll touch on equipment, various big-band drummers' set-ups, muffling the set for live and recording situations, and some hints on cymbal technique. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Driver's Seat: Controlling The Band
One of the most important points and most often overlooked elements of good big band drumming technique is how the drummer sets himself up within the band. It is extremely important for the band to be able to hear the…
Driver's Seat - Avoiding Common Pitfalls
CONTROLLING THE BASS DRUM One very common pitfall of many young big band drummers is the manner in which they play their bass drum. Too many novice drummers seem to feel a need to pound the bass drum when this…
Driver's Seat: Listening and Learning
If you're interested in becoming a competent big band drummer, it's very important you do some research. When I say research, I don't mean back ten years or so. You've got to dig back further than that, preferably before the…
