Editor’s Note: It’s no secret that Charlie Watts loved jazz, so if you want to put a dollop of “Charlie Vibe” into your playing, consider jumping into some jazz exercises. This book excerpt by Modern Drummer founder Ron Spagnardi is a fine place to start such explorations. In jazz drumming, “coordinated independence” refers to the ability to execute separate rhythms in each hand and foot in a coordinated manner, yet totally independent of one another. More specifically, it refers to the ability to execute various rhythmic figures on the snare and bass drum against an uninterrupted “time pattern” on the ride cymbal and hi-hat. This ability is an essential part of jazz drumming. The greater your understanding and ability to develop this aspect of your playing, the more you’ll be able to support and respond to what the players around you are doing in a musical and effective manner. Let’s […]

October 2021 Issue