Using Rudiments in a Jazz Drum Solo, Featuring Steve Pruitt

Let’s talk about the 500-pound gorilla. I missed a week. I’m sorry. But I’m back, with a great one.

Why am I so confident calling my own lesson “great”? Because it’s not entirely my own. My friend Steve Pruitt joins me for this one, and drops enough value bombs for 3 lessons.

Steve Pruitt is a Drum Expat. A North Texas grad, and former Snarky Puppy regular, Steve moved to Korea a few years ago, and never looked back. If you’re wondering why, just check out his instagram feed. (Food, family, teaching gigs, performing gigs...and did I mention Food?)

I’ve been excited to collaborate with Steve ever since I started following his social media videos.

Steve’s posted his various solos over Youngjoo Song’s tune Yellowbrick Road on his Instagram, and they’re modern-jazz-porn at its best. One particular solo stood out for its cleanness. “It’s like he practiced it in advance.” But of course he didn’t. It’s the solo I hope I’d play in a similar situation. So I learned it.

Anyway, here's the transcription:

As you might have noticed, I’m taking a little break from doing videos of every drummer my audience requests, so I can focus on doing videos with drummers I’m a fan of, who I’m lucky enough to be acquainted with. I promise you this: I’ve got some great ones coming up.

For the comments, who wants to shed? I’ve got a new practice spot where I can 2-drum it. Only requisite? I expect to be shown no mercy;)

N

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