How to Hack Gospel...Drums

So I met Nick smith this January. I'm glad I made the drive to see my friend Chris, even after traffic, exhaustion, and (yes) getting lost in Compton.

Anyway, Nick smith wants you to know a few things. First, that "gospel [drums]" are a myth.

Hang on...isn't this lesson called How to Hack Gospel [Stuff]? Yes, it is. Very observant. Well, if Nick doesn't believe gospel [things] exist, I'm not in a position to argue. But let's just say, like you guys, I want to learn to play what Nick plays, regardless of what we call it. Also, I shot this lesson before meeting Nick.

Anyway, not to worry. I'll learn you. At gospel [licks?], or whatever else you want to call it;)

How to Play Jazz Drums with a Bassist

This week I'm excited to bring you another long-requested lesson. Actually, it fulfills two frequent requests: first, people asking for a lesson on how to play with a jazz bassist. Second, people asking for any footage at all of me playing with real musicians.

Who better to oblige me than one of my musical heroes? Remember that Tigran album Chris Paprota and I talked about last month? yea. Sammy played on that. Know who subs for Kaveh Rastegar in Kneebody? (Besides Nate Wood when Mark Guiliana plays drums.) Sammy.

Sammy's also one of the most down-to-earth people I've ever met, and I'm proud to call him a homie. I'm definitely getting the better part of that deal.

Anyway, Sammy was nice enough to swing by the Studio and record some takes with me. We approached it like a mini-group-clinic. We talked through some concepts, then turned on the cameras. What follows is How to Play with a Jazz Bassist.

For the comments, what questions does this lesson answer, and what other questions does it raise? We obviously took a 10,000-foot view.

N

What I Stole from Richard Spaven

So I'm pretty fired up this week. I get to bring you Richard Spaven, and I ought to be thanking You Guys for bringing him to my attention. Richard's my kind of drummer - somebody who demonstrates what musicality, playing clean, killer time, and upload speed are, all without resorting to "chop outs" except occasionally.

But that's not why I'm fired up. I'm fired up because I just off the phone with my bank. I had the conversation we've all had.

"I can't get this to work."

"Yes, I did go to the website and enter things properly."

"No, my mother does Not have another maiden name."

"Yes. I'll hold."

I'll save you the suspense. The actual problem had nothing to do with my Mom. Luckily it only took me 44 minutes to get to the bottom of it.

Sort of like Richard Spaven gets to the bottom of a groove. Told you I'd bring this home...

Anyway, here's the transcription:

For the comments, tell me what other Richard stuff I should check out! I've barely scratched the surface. Thanks for bring You, killaz.

N

How To Play Like Forrest Rice

Guitar center does something both asinine and hilarious at its yearly competition, the Drum Off: it asks the participants who their influences are. When this week's guest stepped up to the kit, the announcer read his influences: "Admiral Akbar, Obi Wan, and the Dark Side.”

I knew I had to get this guy on my channel.

"This guy" is Forrest Rice, and it didn't hurt that he proceeded to melt face with his drum solo, and win the regional round of the competish.

Continuing my attempts to feature next-level drummers you'll hear about soon if you haven't already after Chris Paprota (another guitar center regional winner), Forrest is barely 20 years old, and plays with a fury that belies his thoroughly laid back "west coast...ness".

In this lesson I'll show you how to play Forrest's guitar center solo, then let Forrest show you a variation on his Own lick.

And for the comments this week, does anyone have any drum-related New Year's resolutions? Finally get through the Rudimental Ritual, or buy that 26” kick? Talk about it!

See you soon killaz,

N