Two Drum Beats Inspired by Bill Burr - The 80/20 Drummer

Which is more difficult: drums or standup comedy? In comedy, there's nothing to hide behind. And people aren't judging your skill on an instrument - they're judging your personality. Of course, you don't have to learn a whole new language.

Bill Burr makes the comparison easy. He's not just one of the best standups of his time. He also plays the drums. Game, set, match.

"Be that as it may, what does a comedian who knows his way around a set of drums have to do with a drum channel dedicated to deconstructing the best drummers on Earth?"

Good question. Hence the technicality. This isn't a lesson about Bill's drumming per se. I'm sure he's excellent. I've never seen him play. Rather, it's a lesson inspired by Bill, and dedicated to two of his favorite drummers: Phil Rudd and John Bonham. Even so, isn't is a departure from my usual fusion-nerdy repertoire? Yes, but in a way that lets me get Back to Basics and talk about the foundational issues to the channel for a change: playing clean, playing in time, etc. And here's an open secret: making Back in Black feel great isn't easy.

Also, growth hacking. I'm hoping Bill will see this. Hey Bill!

In the next couple of weeks, I think you're going to be very satisfied with the offerings of the channel. Sorry to be cryptic.

For the comments, what non-drum or non-music sources do you draw inspiration from?

See you next week, and get After It!

N

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