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June 2014 Issue – Volume 39 • Number 6

Welcome to the first of three articles based on my new book, Groove Freedom. I wrote the book for my own practice after realizing how limited I was in certain grooves—in other words, how little “freedom” I had. Playing a groove is one thing, but having absolute freedom inside that groove… well, that’s a different thing altogether, and it’s something that I want for myself and for all of you. Here’s an example of how I found this deficiency in my playing. A music director wanted me to play Clyde Stubblefield’s famous groove from James Brown’s “Funky Drummer.” No problem. I’ve worked it out, I’ve practiced it for hours, and I can play it like a loop. Now, when the director wanted me to change the kick pattern a bit to give it more space and less low end…problem! I didn’t have freedom in this groove. I knew it only […]
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Articles in June 2014

Jameo Brown

  To those who feel that the future of jazz is linked to its ability to absorb other styles, this drummer, who has worked extensively with leaders such as Bobby Hutcherson and Geri Allen, is beating a path full of…

By Robin Tolleson | Photos by Rebecca Meek
Feb 14, 2018

Dubstep Drumming Part 2: Essential Tracks

In the last article we examined the various components used in dubstep, including the 2-step groove, the wobble bass, and the rewind. Now let’s take a look at some influential and real-world dubstep patterns and tunes. The following transcriptions are…

by Donny Gruendler
Feb 14, 2018

ZZ Top Tres Hombres

A heinous decision in the ’80s to remix ZZ Top’s classic early tracks didn’t totally diminish Frank Beard’s funky grooves, but it sure was a buzzkill. Fortunately, that call was reversible, and Beard’s beauteous beats were presented in all their…

by Patrick Berkery
Feb 14, 2018

Syncopation Revisited Part 1: Basic Applications

This month’s Jazz Drummer’s Workshop features some of my favorite applications of the classic Ted Reed book Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer. Syncopation has been a staple since it was first published in 1958 and is regarded…

by Steve Fidyk
Feb 14, 2018

Steve Goulding

London’s historic ’70s pub-rock scene was the starting point. Today, forty years into his career, the drummer has left his mark on dozens of albums, tours with numerous hit groups—and now a popular Hollywood movie.   London’s pub-rock movement of…

By Patrick Berkery |Photo by Suzanne Hanover
Feb 14, 2018
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Rhythm And Timing Part 4: 8th-Note Triplets

This month we’re going to make the switch to 8th-notetriplet rhythms. Within the sets of three notes, we’re first going to get into the three available two-note groupings. I’ve found that the best way to count triplets is “one-trip-let, two-trip-let,…

by Bill Bachman
Feb 14, 2018

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