Three weeks ago, before my Asia trip began, I put out the call on Instagram: what should I make my next jazz lesson about. Responses ran the gamut, from comping at fast tempos to...coordination. And I’m sorry to say this lesson is about none of those.
But I believe it will satisfy you, because it answers the spirit of many of the questions I get about jazz drumming: “if I’ve never played legit jazz drums before, where do I begin? And what’s authentic?”
Well, it doesn’t get much more authentic than Mr. Roach. Anyway, the lick I cover in this lesson was inspired by Max, but I’ve heard Philly Joe and Jimmy Cobb play it as well. As well they should: it’s just a combination of two extremely simple rudiments. Which is sort of my point: jazz isn’t necessarily a whole different vocabulary. It’s familiar things, just in a slightly different context.
In this lesson, I expand on the ways Max used this lick, then I show you how I would use it in “modern” playing. (Though I’m sure there are those who will say “Max was modern!” and in one very important sense they’re right.)
Anyway, you’re probably here for the transcription.
And for the comment thread this week, another “selfish” one - what’s your favorite thing to do on a long flight, and what do you most look forward to when visiting New York? (I’m going to need both in two short days;) (You can also comment about drums or the lesson;)