Ask a drummer

[Lost Drummer]

That's cool!

Bernard Purdie makes my list with Steve Ferrone and Billy Cobham.

Next question,

How would you recommend that I get started drumming? I have the kit, getting cymbals this weekend.

I know there are lots of ways to start, what would you suggest?

Any DVDs or books you can recommend?

I'm in it for the long haul and I know what that means.

I've played piano for over 30 years, so I'm serious about learning to play drums.

The only three DVDs you will ever need are as follows.

#1 big time with billy ward (who should have been in my top three on second thought) This DVD will teach you everything you need to know about grooving and time keeping you could possibly want.

#2 secret weapons for the modern drummer with Jojo Mayer. This is quite literally the best guide to hand technique ever assembled.

#3 unburying the beater with matt ritter. this is the best system for drumming foot technique I have ever run across. It's not as all encompassing as secret weapons but then again foot techinque is still being experimented with (the drum set is only 80 something years old) but it's a great start.

all can be found on amazon.com

 

[Lost Drummer]

Have you heard Jo Jo Mayer on the Screaming Headless Torsos' debut album?
If so...care to take a stab on what's happening rhythmically on the 2nd tune, "Free Man"?


...and thanks for your answer to my question a couple pages ago (or so).

I'm afraid I haven't heard that tune or any of the screaming headless torso stuff.

Jojo is a phenomenal drummer and dissecting something he does may be above my level. (my music theory has always been very weak.)

but if it sounds like there is a second drummer... that's just him. He excels at all sorts of advanced technique that Allows him to play what you think would be impossible.

 

[Supertanker]

#1 big time with billy ward (who should have been in my top three on second thought)

I'll let you fix your top three.

Billy Ward is probably in a category by himself. That dude is SICK!

I ordered the DVD and downloaded a 60mb video and some other stuff.

One song he's playing the drums with his hands, no sticks. Another he's playing with an empty tin can.

Yeah...

Good looking out...

 

[Lost Drummer]

yeah he's like the Rembrandt of drummers. anything for the right sonic color.

 

[Lost Drummer]

I should also note that drum set technique and the history of the U.S beat with Steve smith, While not required makes a great supplemental. his hi-hat technique is awesome.

 

[Supertanker]

Whatever it is he's got, I want.

I don't think I've ever seen anybody drum so musically...

 

[Lost Drummer]

he explains what he's got in great detail on the DVD. he also does a commentary with some great insights. that and like forty five minuets of him jamming with Andy Hess of gov't mule.

and he's got another dvd about playing jazz called "voices in my head" coming out soon.

www.billyward.com

 

[Supertanker]

And we live in the same town?

I'm sure he's living in NY or LA.

At least he's from here...

 

[Lost Drummer]

His studio is in long island city. he mentions it in the dvd

 

[Lost Drummer]

more cow-bell!!!! i mean questions.