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October 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 10

One of the basic skills required for playing jazz is the ability to trade fours, or improvise four-bar solos, with other members of a band. In this lesson we’ll look at some possible approaches to trading fours in 4/4 using three-, five-, and seven-beat phrases. The bass drum is omitted in this lesson, so play any kick pattern that you feel is comfortable and appropriate. Three-Beat Groupings Four bars of 4/4 contain sixteen beats in which to solo. Five phrases of a repeated three-beat figure in 4/4 take up fifteen beats, leaving one beat left over at the end of the phrase. Instead of having the one-beat rest at the end of the four-bar phrase, it can be placed between any of the five three-beat figures. An example is notated in Exercise 2, but also try placing the rest between the other three-beat groupings. To make this lesson’s examples musical, […]
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Articles in October 2017

Jazz in the 21st Century

Many scholars argue that jazz, which was first documented on record one hundred years ago by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, is America’s greatest musical gift to the world. I couldn’t agree more. I mean, what other art form encapsulates…

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A New Perspective

Displacing Four-Over-Three Polyrhythms

by Aaron Edgar
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Hybrid Rudimental Ritual

Variations on a Classic Method

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Charlie Hall on the War on Drugs’ A Deeper Understanding

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New gear from Yamaha, SlapKlatz, Vater, British Drum Co., Overtone Labs and Tama!

Yamaha Tour Custom Maple Drumset Suitable for recording and live playing, Tour Custom Maple drumsets are constructed with 6-ply maple shells using the company’s proprietary staggered, diagonal-seam shell construction. Additional features include 2.3mm inverted Dyna Hoops that help focus the…

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Tony Williams’ Concepts

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Tucker Rule

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Fishbone’s Philip “Fish” Fisher

Philip “Fish” Fisher recently returned to legendary ska/funk/punk band Fishbone after a sixteen-year hiatus, during which time the drummer played with Justin Timberlake, House of Pain, Lady Antebellum, and Christina Aguilera. Fish stepped back into the band for a tour…

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Paiste - Masters Thin Series

Broad, rich tones with a sparkling, silvery attack.

by Michael Dawson
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The 2017 Chicago Drum Show

A weekend of rhythmic bliss replete with vintage and modern gear, enlightening workshops, and brilliant performances.

Story and photos by Robert Campbell
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John Blackwell Jr., Kim Plainfield, Sweetwater Gearfest, Vic Firth and more!

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Visualize

Get Set Up for Success Before You Hit the Stage

by Mark Schulman
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