In Joe Morello’s book Master Studies, he details different techniques to develop control on the drums. These exercises develop technique, control, and will help you develop different vocabulary from the different sounds we can produce with our hands. This chapter is not only about developing a good drum roll (buzz roll or long roll.) It is about using the sound of buzz strokes within your ideas to create new sounds and vocabulary. Some drummers that make great use of this sound are Roy Haynes, Ian Paice, Billy Higgins, Jimmy Chamberlin, Clyde Stubblefield, Adam Deitch, Bill Stewart, among many others. Joe’s important commentary on developing ideas is particularly appropriate to this section: “These patterns are not necessarily patterns you will use when playing, but you will be able to use the technique that you develop in any way you want. You may be able to hear a million ‘hip’ phrases in […]

June 2024 Issue