by Matt Starr This month we’re going to look at a unique beat performed by Mr. Big drummer Pat Torpey for the song “Take Cover,” which appears on the band’s 1996 studio album, Hey Man.When I first heard this groove, it sounded like a series of 16th notes played on the toms with the snare on beats 2 and 4. But being that I was familiar with Torpey’s unique playing style, I knew there was little chance that it would be that easy. According to Pat, the groove was actually created by guitarist Paul Gilbert. If it takes a while for you to master this beat, don’t feel bad. Pat says he spent “a few hours a day for about a week” to get it studio ready. Torpey’s introduction to the linear-type drumming heard in “Take Cover” was via David Garibaldi with Tower of Power, on tracks like “Soul Vaccination,” […]