Phil and Jon are back in a newly revamped studio B with a topic suggested by a member of our listening audience. This week we discuss the pros and cons of playing with recordings versus playing with live musicians. The request was sent to us in regard to the tribute band show that we did several weeks ago. Our listener, Tony, recently became involved with a Steely Dan tribute act. He’s spent copious amounts of time working with the original recordings however he’s discovering that he has to make numerous adjustments when playing the exact same songs with live musicians.We discuss Tony’s situation and then debate some of the positives and negatives of playing with recordings. Some of the benefits we outline are:  ear training, learning typical song forms, learning grooves, ‘playing’ with the professionals, de facto transcription, learning good time/feel, and the pleasure of playing with good music. We then discuss possible detriments such as:  being led thus not stating assertive time, possibly learning bad feel/tempos, not listening to yourself, setting up your band mates to fail, and trying to measure up to studio fidelity perfection. We also give some tips to combat these issues along with some ideas for practicing with drummer-less tracks.We finish out the show with a brand-new segment of the DWG Garage. Jon has not one, but two, great tips for dealing with problematic, vintage Ludwig drums. Join us each week for brand new shows. We can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and anywhere you access your favorite music and shows. If you are an Apple subscriber, the next time you are in iTunes please take a moment to leave us a 5-star review. We’d greatly appreciate it. Lastly, go by our website at www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com There you can listen to all of our shows, visit our social media, and contact us via email.

Phil and Jon are back in a newly revamped studio B with a topic suggested by a member of our listening audience. This week we discuss the pros and cons of playing with recordings versus playing with live musicians. The request was sent to us in regard to the tribute band show that we did several weeks ago. Our listener, Tony, recently became involved with a Steely Dan tribute act. He’s spent copious amounts of time working with the original recordings however he’s discovering that he has to make numerous adjustments when playing the exact same songs with live musicians. We discuss Tony’s situation and then debate some of the positives and negatives of playing with recordings. Some of the benefits we outline are: ear training, learning typical song forms, learning grooves, ‘playing’ with the professionals, de facto transcription, learning good time/feel, and the pleasure of playing with good music. We then discuss possible detriments such as: being led thus not stating assertive time, possibly learning bad feel/tempos, not listening to yourself, setting up your band mates to fail, and trying to measure up to studio fidelity perfection. We also give some tips to combat these issues along with some ideas for practicing with drummer-less tracks. We finish out the show with a brand-new segment of the DWG Garage. Jon has not one, but two, great tips for dealing with problematic, vintage Ludwig drums. Join us each week for brand new shows. We can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and anywhere you access your favorite music and shows. If you are an Apple subscriber, the next time you are in iTunes please take a moment to leave us a 5-star review. We’d greatly appreciate it. Lastly, go by our website at <a href="http://www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com</a> There you can listen to all of our shows, visit our social media, and contact us via email.

Episode 136 - Playing With Recordings Vs. Playing With People

Michael Udow

In the field of drumming we all have heroes. Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, John Bonham, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd and the list goes on and on. However, we often overlook the unsung heroes of drumming, the teachers. In the past few years, I’ve realized just how important and influential great teachers can be. The ability to clearly and concisely articulate ideas, techniques, and concepts is not an easy task. When you factor in that this must be done in a classroom setting as well as in private lessons, where teaching styles must be customized from student to student, then you understand that great teachers should hold a high position on our hero list.This week we welcome one of the great teachers in our discipline’s history, Dr. Michael Udow. Mike was head of percussion at the University of Michigan for thirty years as well as a respected clinician and author of the new book, Percussion Pedagogy (Oxford University Press). He was gracious enough to join us from his home in Colorado for a candid interview about his career, the art of education, and a description of, Percussion Pedagogy. We discuss his early interest in music, his personal path in higher education (culminating in the first DMA in percussion at the University of Illinois), his literature preferences, teaching techniques, state of the university, and much more. There’s something here for every teacher, student, and performer. You can visit Michael at his website:  www.michaeludow.comYou can explore Michael’s new book, Percussion Pedagogy, by clicking this link:  https://global.oup.com/academic/product/percussion-pedagogy-9780190902940?lang=en&amp;cc=usJoin us each week for brand new shows. We can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and anywhere you access your favorite music and shows. If you are an Apple subscriber, the next time you are in iTunes please take a moment to leave us a 5-star review. We’d greatly appreciate it. Lastly, go by our website at www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com There you can listen to all of our shows, visit our social media, and contact us via email.

In the field of drumming we all have heroes. Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, John Bonham, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd and the list goes on and on. However, we often overlook the unsung heroes of drumming, the teachers. In the past few years, I’ve realized just how important and influential great teachers can be. The ability to clearly and concisely articulate ideas, techniques, and concepts is not an easy task. When you factor in that this must be done in a classroom setting as well as in private lessons, where teaching styles must be customized from student to student, then you understand that great teachers should hold a high position on our hero list. This week we welcome one of the great teachers in our discipline’s history, Dr. Michael Udow. Mike was head of percussion at the University of Michigan for thirty years as well as a respected clinician and author of the new book, Percussion Pedagogy (Oxford University Press). He was gracious enough to join us from his home in Colorado for a candid interview about his career, the art of education, and a description of, Percussion Pedagogy. We discuss his early interest in music, his personal path in higher education (culminating in the first DMA in percussion at the University of Illinois), his literature preferences, teaching techniques, state of the university, and much more. There’s something here for every teacher, student, and performer. You can visit Michael at his website: <a href="http://www.michaeludow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.michaeludow.com</a> You can explore Michael’s new book, Percussion Pedagogy, by clicking this link: <a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/percussion-pedagogy-9780190902940?lang=en&amp;cc=us" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://global.oup.com/academic/product/percussion-pedagogy-9780190902940?lang=en&amp;cc=us</a> Join us each week for brand new shows. We can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and anywhere you access your favorite music and shows. If you are an Apple subscriber, the next time you are in iTunes please take a moment to leave us a 5-star review. We’d greatly appreciate it. Lastly, go by our website at <a href="http://www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com</a> There you can listen to all of our shows, visit our social media, and contact us via email.

Episode 135 - Interview - Michael Udow

After a rather lengthy absence, we present to you the reemergence of the Drummer’s Weekly Groovecast Advisory Board. The board is back after skipping season three and we’re welcoming several new members to this season’s show. Our in-studio co-host is Justin Chesarek. Justin is an Atlanta based performer and educator who holds positions at three major metro Atlanta colleges:  Emory University, Kennesaw State University, and Morehouse College. For the remote participants we welcome back long-time board members Joel Rosenblatt and Rod Morgenstein. New for season four we have added esteemed drummer/educators, Carter McLean, George Marsh, and Steve Smith. The question that we will address is: “What mistake (or questionable choice) do you most commonly see and hear your students or other drummers commit?” We listen and comment on the various answers given by our board members.When listening to the answers it’s worth noting that almost everything mentioned relates to basic techniques and thoughtful musicianship. In the current and popular social media world of practicing ear candy and chops it’s completely refreshing to hear some of the world’s best drummers teaching the basics of our craft. We discuss listening, dynamics, musical choices, phrasing, basic drumming technique, listening to recordings, and getting stuck in the routine of the ‘medium phenomenon’. Tune in for a great discussion!Join us each week for brand new shows. We can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and anywhere you access your favorite music and shows. If you are an Apple subscriber, the next time you are in iTunes please take a moment to leave us a 5-star review. We’d greatly appreciate it. Lastly, go by our website at www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com There you can listen to all of our shows, visit our social media, and contact us via email.

After a rather lengthy absence, we present to you the reemergence of the Drummer’s Weekly Groovecast Advisory Board. The board is back after skipping season three and we’re welcoming several new members to this season’s show. Our in-studio co-host is Justin Chesarek. Justin is an Atlanta based performer and educator who holds positions at three major metro Atlanta colleges: Emory University, Kennesaw State University, and Morehouse College. For the remote participants we welcome back long-time board members Joel Rosenblatt and Rod Morgenstein. New for season four we have added esteemed drummer/educators, Carter McLean, George Marsh, and Steve Smith. The question that we will address is: “What mistake (or questionable choice) do you most commonly see and hear your students or other drummers commit?” We listen and comment on the various answers given by our board members. When listening to the answers it’s worth noting that almost everything mentioned relates to basic techniques and thoughtful musicianship. In the current and popular social media world of practicing ear candy and chops it’s completely refreshing to hear some of the world’s best drummers teaching the basics of our craft. We discuss listening, dynamics, musical choices, phrasing, basic drumming technique, listening to recordings, and getting stuck in the routine of the ‘medium phenomenon’. Tune in for a great discussion! Join us each week for brand new shows. We can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and anywhere you access your favorite music and shows. If you are an Apple subscriber, the next time you are in iTunes please take a moment to leave us a 5-star review. We’d greatly appreciate it. Lastly, go by our website at <a href="http://www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com</a> There you can listen to all of our shows, visit our social media, and contact us via email.

Episode 134 - Season Four DWG Advisory Board

Wayne Viar

Tribute bands have been around for quite a long time. However, over the last several years they’ve become significantly more prevalent and a viable alternative to the original artist. In fact, some will even say that many tribute acts perform the music even better than the original artist. When you also consider that many classic bands are charging several hundred dollars per ticket while their corresponding tribute band may charge less than a typical parking fee, the choice becomes even clearer.This week welcome to the show Wayne Viar. Wayne has been a friend of the podcast since its inception and has known the hosts for 20 years. In recent years Wayne has become the tribute band drummer of choice for several high-profile acts. Wayne regularly performs with Abba Mania, A1A (Jimmy Buffet tribute), Almost Elton John, and Piano Men (Billy Joel tribute). In this show we discuss how he became involved with tribute acts and how that led him to work with others. Wayne tells us about preparing for the shows, the venues, travel, and the backline provided for each gig. He goes over the perks of the job as well as the challenges. Finally, Wayne talks about a typical day on the Abba Mania tour.On our way out of the show please check out Wayne’s playing on the track:  Hard EightJoin us each week for brand new shows. We can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and anywhere you access your favorite music and shows. If you are an Apple subscriber, the next time you are in iTunes please take a moment to leave us a 5-star review. We’d greatly appreciate it. Lastly, go by our website at www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com There you can listen to all of our shows, visit our social media, and contact us via email.

Tribute bands have been around for quite a long time. However, over the last several years they’ve become significantly more prevalent and a viable alternative to the original artist. In fact, some will even say that many tribute acts perform the music even better than the original artist. When you also consider that many classic bands are charging several hundred dollars per ticket while their corresponding tribute band may charge less than a typical parking fee, the choice becomes even clearer. This week welcome to the show Wayne Viar. Wayne has been a friend of the podcast since its inception and has known the hosts for 20 years. In recent years Wayne has become the tribute band drummer of choice for several high-profile acts. Wayne regularly performs with Abba Mania, A1A (Jimmy Buffet tribute), Almost Elton John, and Piano Men (Billy Joel tribute). In this show we discuss how he became involved with tribute acts and how that led him to work with others. Wayne tells us about preparing for the shows, the venues, travel, and the backline provided for each gig. He goes over the perks of the job as well as the challenges. Finally, Wayne talks about a typical day on the Abba Mania tour. On our way out of the show please check out Wayne’s playing on the track: Hard Eight Join us each week for brand new shows. We can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and anywhere you access your favorite music and shows. If you are an Apple subscriber, the next time you are in iTunes please take a moment to leave us a 5-star review. We’d greatly appreciate it. Lastly, go by our website at <a href="http://www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com</a> There you can listen to all of our shows, visit our social media, and contact us via email.

Episode 133 - Tribute Drumming Featuring Wayne Viar

Just like that, we are halfway through the fourth season of the Drummer’s Weekly Groovecast. The midway point means it is due time for another edition of listener mail. Phil and Jon begin the show discussing the audience response to the new episodes. We also get caught up on the news of the early fall season and discuss how the gigging and teaching jobs are going.This season’s mail bag was overflowing with a variety of questions, comments, and suggestions. We address a host of comments that relate all the way back to the Jim Gordon artist feature and as recent as the re-post from the Crash and Ride podcast featuring Phil.  We then answer questions regarding snare drum repair, teaching, and Mel Lewis. We then discuss threads found on drumming forums that reference past shows and answer questions found there. We finish out this season’s mail with the feel-good email of the year! Join us each week for brand new shows. We can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and anywhere you access your favorite music and shows. If you are an Apple subscriber, the next time you are in iTunes please take a moment to leave us a 5-star review. We’d greatly appreciate it. Lastly, go by our website at www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com There you can listen to all of our shows, visit our social media, and contact us via email.

Just like that, we are halfway through the fourth season of the Drummer’s Weekly Groovecast. The midway point means it is due time for another edition of listener mail. Phil and Jon begin the show discussing the audience response to the new episodes. We also get caught up on the news of the early fall season and discuss how the gigging and teaching jobs are going. This season’s mail bag was overflowing with a variety of questions, comments, and suggestions. We address a host of comments that relate all the way back to the Jim Gordon artist feature and as recent as the re-post from the Crash and Ride podcast featuring Phil. We then answer questions regarding snare drum repair, teaching, and Mel Lewis. We then discuss threads found on drumming forums that reference past shows and answer questions found there. We finish out this season’s mail with the feel-good email of the year! Join us each week for brand new shows. We can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and anywhere you access your favorite music and shows. If you are an Apple subscriber, the next time you are in iTunes please take a moment to leave us a 5-star review. We’d greatly appreciate it. Lastly, go by our website at <a href="http://www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com</a> There you can listen to all of our shows, visit our social media, and contact us via email.

Episode 132 - Season Four Listener Mail

Josh Freese

Since we started doing the artist feature segment approximately two years ago it has become one of the most popular formats for this podcast. Ultimately it has provided some of the best listener feedback. Last season we featured the great Sonny Payne and the response was tremendous. We discuss the reaction from the listeners and then talk about our Jim Gordon feature from two years ago. Back when we posted the show on YouTube the Gordon episode received a tremendous amount of attention (and continues to do so presently). Since then we’ve decided to pick players that are either under the radar or tracks that are not obvious representations of the featured player. For this season we decided to feature southern California studio and live ace, Josh Freese. Since his initial gig at Disneyland Josh has performed with acts as diverse as:  Devo, A Perfect Circle, The Vandals, Kelly Clarkson, Weezer, Nine Inch Nails, Evanescence, the Offspring, Guns and Roses, the Replacements, and his current gig with, Sting. We discuss his background and then listen to several of our favorite tracks.Phil’s picks:1.	Down – Live performance with 3112.	Paranoid Android – In-studio performance with Weezer covering Radiohead3.	Pretty Young Soldier – Sting4.	It’s F*’ed Up – from Freese’s solo CD, “Since 1972”Jon’s picks:1.	Judith – A Perfect Circle2.	Haven’t Met You Yet – Michael Buble3.	Can’t Change Me – Chris Cornell4.	You Get What You Give – Brand New ImmortalsJoin us each week for brand new shows. We can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and anywhere you access your favorite music and shows. If you are an Apple subscriber, the next time you are in iTunes please take a moment to leave us a 5-star review. We’d greatly appreciate it. Lastly, go by our website at www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com There you can listen to all of our shows, visit our social media, and contact us via email.

Since we started doing the artist feature segment approximately two years ago it has become one of the most popular formats for this podcast. Ultimately it has provided some of the best listener feedback. Last season we featured the great Sonny Payne and the response was tremendous. We discuss the reaction from the listeners and then talk about our Jim Gordon feature from two years ago. Back when we posted the show on YouTube the Gordon episode received a tremendous amount of attention (and continues to do so presently). Since then we’ve decided to pick players that are either under the radar or tracks that are not obvious representations of the featured player. For this season we decided to feature southern California studio and live ace, Josh Freese. Since his initial gig at Disneyland Josh has performed with acts as diverse as: Devo, A Perfect Circle, The Vandals, Kelly Clarkson, Weezer, Nine Inch Nails, Evanescence, the Offspring, Guns and Roses, the Replacements, and his current gig with, Sting. We discuss his background and then listen to several of our favorite tracks. Phil’s picks: 1.	Down – Live performance with 311 2.	Paranoid Android – In-studio performance with Weezer covering Radiohead 3.	Pretty Young Soldier – Sting 4.	It’s F*’ed Up – from Freese’s solo CD, “Since 1972” Jon’s picks: 1.	Judith – A Perfect Circle 2.	Haven’t Met You Yet – Michael Buble 3.	Can’t Change Me – Chris Cornell 4.	You Get What You Give – Brand New Immortals Join us each week for brand new shows. We can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and anywhere you access your favorite music and shows. If you are an Apple subscriber, the next time you are in iTunes please take a moment to leave us a 5-star review. We’d greatly appreciate it. Lastly, go by our website at <a href="http://www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com</a> There you can listen to all of our shows, visit our social media, and contact us via email.

Episode 131 - Artist Feature - Josh Freese

We begin the show with a quick callback to our season four premiere and then talk about social media issues. Ultimately there has been a bit of confusion regarding listeners following the wrong account on Instagram. Phil and the podcast only have one Instagram account. You can follow the show by using the Instagram account name, Drummers Weekly Groovecast.Dealing with money responsibly is difficult for many people but it seems endemic for the creatives found in the music business. It’s a story that’s been told over and over again. It’s either the tale of the starving artist or the musician that’s done well only to lose it all through bad decisions.  In this episode we talk about being smart with your money. We cover topics such as:  student loans, filing income taxes, learning deductions, keeping records, investing, planning for retirement, frivolous spending, and substance abuse.We finish up the show with a segment on must-have gear. Jon starts by recommending the Tama version of lug locks called, Tama Tension Locks. This product completely eliminates issues with varying distances between different brands’ tension rod holes and the hoop itself. Phil’s pick is the DrumNBass Hoop Protect 180. This product protects the top and bottom sides of your bass drum hoop while allowing your pedal to comfortably grip the drum and eliminate slide.Join us each week for brand new shows. We can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and anywhere you access your favorite music and shows. If you are an Apple subscriber, the next time you are in iTunes please take a moment to leave us a 5-star review. We’d greatly appreciate it. Lastly, go by our website at www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com There you can listen to all of our shows, visit our social media, and contact us via email.

We begin the show with a quick callback to our season four premiere and then talk about social media issues. Ultimately there has been a bit of confusion regarding listeners following the wrong account on Instagram. Phil and the podcast only have one Instagram account. You can follow the show by using the Instagram account name, Drummers Weekly Groovecast. Dealing with money responsibly is difficult for many people but it seems endemic for the creatives found in the music business. It’s a story that’s been told over and over again. It’s either the tale of the starving artist or the musician that’s done well only to lose it all through bad decisions. In this episode we talk about being smart with your money. We cover topics such as: student loans, filing income taxes, learning deductions, keeping records, investing, planning for retirement, frivolous spending, and substance abuse. We finish up the show with a segment on must-have gear. Jon starts by recommending the Tama version of lug locks called, Tama Tension Locks. This product completely eliminates issues with varying distances between different brands’ tension rod holes and the hoop itself. Phil’s pick is the DrumNBass Hoop Protect 180. This product protects the top and bottom sides of your bass drum hoop while allowing your pedal to comfortably grip the drum and eliminate slide. Join us each week for brand new shows. We can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and anywhere you access your favorite music and shows. If you are an Apple subscriber, the next time you are in iTunes please take a moment to leave us a 5-star review. We’d greatly appreciate it. Lastly, go by our website at <a href="http://www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com</a> There you can listen to all of our shows, visit our social media, and contact us via email.

Episode 130 - Musician Finances, Taxes, and Money

Steve Smith

This week we welcome legendary drummer, Steve Smith, to the Groovecast for the first interview of the fourth season. Steve was gracious enough to speak with us just before a series of dates with Journey that culminates in a three-week residency at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. Steve will also be showing his artwork (at Carnavale Gallery at Caesar’s Palace) during this residency. If you are in Las Vegas and would like to see Steve’s art work and meet him in person please RSVP using the form found on Steve’s web site (link below).During this show we discuss many things including:  the differences between playing with Journey today vs. 40 years ago, the difference in touring with Journey vs. Vital Information, his legendary practice routine, his orthopedic hand issues leading to his development of matched grip and the creation of ‘Pathways of Motion’, his yoga practice and how it helps with touring and performing, his Berklee experience with Gary Chaffee and Alan Dawson, meeting Vinnie Colaiuta at Berklee and their long relationship, the abundance of talent at Berklee and enjoying the classroom experience, and finally the requisite sashay through the maze that is the Drummer’s Weekly Groovecast, Rorschach Test! As mentioned during the show if you’d like to visit Steve online his personal website is:  http://www.vitalinformation.com/You can also visit Journey’s web site and view their tour itinerary to see Steve when he’s in your town:  http://www.journeymusic.com/Lastly, in the spirit of transparency, I would like to mention that this episode was fraught with technical audio issues. I discuss, in detail, what happened the day of the interview but if you’re reading this prior to listening, do yourself a favor and use headphones for this show. We pride ourselves on great audio quality but due to circumstances beyond our control our normal standards of fidelity are not up to par on this episode. That being said, I believe you’ll find the quality of the content to be very good. Join us each week for brand new shows. We can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and anywhere you access your favorite music and shows. If you are an Apple subscriber, the next time you are in iTunes please take a moment to leave us a 5-star review. We’d greatly appreciate it. Lastly, go by our website at www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com There you can listen to all of our shows, visit our social media, and contact us via email.

This week we welcome legendary drummer, Steve Smith, to the Groovecast for the first interview of the fourth season. Steve was gracious enough to speak with us just before a series of dates with Journey that culminates in a three-week residency at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. Steve will also be showing his artwork (at Carnavale Gallery at Caesar’s Palace) during this residency. If you are in Las Vegas and would like to see Steve’s art work and meet him in person please RSVP using the form found on Steve’s web site (link below). During this show we discuss many things including: the differences between playing with Journey today vs. 40 years ago, the difference in touring with Journey vs. Vital Information, his legendary practice routine, his orthopedic hand issues leading to his development of matched grip and the creation of ‘Pathways of Motion’, his yoga practice and how it helps with touring and performing, his Berklee experience with Gary Chaffee and Alan Dawson, meeting Vinnie Colaiuta at Berklee and their long relationship, the abundance of talent at Berklee and enjoying the classroom experience, and finally the requisite sashay through the maze that is the Drummer’s Weekly Groovecast, Rorschach Test! As mentioned during the show if you’d like to visit Steve online his personal website is: <a href="http://www.vitalinformation.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.vitalinformation.com/</a> You can also visit Journey’s web site and view their tour itinerary to see Steve when he’s in your town: <a href="http://www.journeymusic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.journeymusic.com/</a> Lastly, in the spirit of transparency, I would like to mention that this episode was fraught with technical audio issues. I discuss, in detail, what happened the day of the interview but if you’re reading this prior to listening, do yourself a favor and use headphones for this show. We pride ourselves on great audio quality but due to circumstances beyond our control our normal standards of fidelity are not up to par on this episode. That being said, I believe you’ll find the quality of the content to be very good. Join us each week for brand new shows. We can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and anywhere you access your favorite music and shows. If you are an Apple subscriber, the next time you are in iTunes please take a moment to leave us a 5-star review. We’d greatly appreciate it. Lastly, go by our website at <a href="http://www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com</a> There you can listen to all of our shows, visit our social media, and contact us via email.

Episode 129 - Interview - Steve Smith

The boys are back from the summer hiatus with a new season of shows. We start this premiere episode by discussing summer gigs, travel, teaching, and vacations. We then break open the mail bag and address our correspondence with new and longtime listeners. We also discuss two new companies started by drummers who listen to our show. Please check out Ryan’s new product for wrist support and compression, Wrist Grips:  https://wristgrips.myshopify.com/  There is also a drum-less play-along app created by Damani (from the Drum Coaches) entitled, Drum Trax. This free app is available on Android and Apple platforms so visit the online store of your choice to download it.The main topic of discussion for this show is the growing amount of envy, anger, and depression we see emanating from direct comparison to others on social media. We talk about what happens when we see someone who posts about an abundance of gigs, gets a new piece of gear, or flaunts their new car or home. We then offer our own suggestions about how you get past this issue and subsequently avoid it in the future.We finish up by revisiting our segment on great, underrated drummers. This time around Phil picks English session drummer, Henry Spinetti. Henry can be found on a host of major releases but is most known for his work with Eric Clapton and Gerry Rafferty. Jon picks New York session great, Alan Schwartzberg. During the 70s and 80s Alan was as busy as anyone on the scene including dates with:  Kiss, Donna Summer, Tony Orlando and Dawn as well as hundreds of commercials and jingles.Join us each week for brand new shows. We can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and anywhere you access your favorite music and shows. If you are an Apple subscriber, the next time you are in iTunes please take a moment to leave us a 5-star review. We’d greatly appreciate it. Lastly, go by our website at www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com There you can listen to all of our shows, visit our social media, and contact us via email.

The boys are back from the summer hiatus with a new season of shows. We start this premiere episode by discussing summer gigs, travel, teaching, and vacations. We then break open the mail bag and address our correspondence with new and longtime listeners. We also discuss two new companies started by drummers who listen to our show. Please check out Ryan’s new product for wrist support and compression, Wrist Grips: <a href="https://wristgrips.myshopify.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://wristgrips.myshopify.com/</a> There is also a drum-less play-along app created by Damani (from the Drum Coaches) entitled, Drum Trax. This free app is available on Android and Apple platforms so visit the online store of your choice to download it. The main topic of discussion for this show is the growing amount of envy, anger, and depression we see emanating from direct comparison to others on social media. We talk about what happens when we see someone who posts about an abundance of gigs, gets a new piece of gear, or flaunts their new car or home. We then offer our own suggestions about how you get past this issue and subsequently avoid it in the future. We finish up by revisiting our segment on great, underrated drummers. This time around Phil picks English session drummer, Henry Spinetti. Henry can be found on a host of major releases but is most known for his work with Eric Clapton and Gerry Rafferty. Jon picks New York session great, Alan Schwartzberg. During the 70s and 80s Alan was as busy as anyone on the scene including dates with: Kiss, Donna Summer, Tony Orlando and Dawn as well as hundreds of commercials and jingles. Join us each week for brand new shows. We can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and anywhere you access your favorite music and shows. If you are an Apple subscriber, the next time you are in iTunes please take a moment to leave us a 5-star review. We’d greatly appreciate it. Lastly, go by our website at <a href="http://www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com</a> There you can listen to all of our shows, visit our social media, and contact us via email.

Episode 128 - Season Four Premiere - Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy

As we languish through the summer we temporarily break our hiatus by posting a pop show. Late last winter I appeared on a new podcast that deals with musicians who suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD and other psychological issues, the Crash and Ride Podcast. The host and Groovecast power listener, Patrick Ferguson, has done a tremendous job highlighting an incredibly underrepresented topic that affects quite a large number of musicians. In this episode he and I discuss the different aspects of chronic, long-term anxiety and how it touches every part of your life. As musicians we elaborate on how anxiety can sometimes drive us toward music as well as how the disorder affects the music perform. We each talk about our personal battles and give ideas for real, lasting solutions to help mitigate the suffering. Please visit Patrick and the Crash and Ride Podcast by visiting his site:  http://crashandride.libsyn.com/Patrick was recently awarded a $5,000 grant for his great work creating this show. Please support him!The Drummer’s Weekly Groovecast is still in hibernation but we are presently working on new shows for the upcoming season. Please stay subscribed and keep and eye on our social media. We’ll slowly start powering up over the next few weeks with a formal announcement of season four’s start date. In the meantime…Please visit our website at:  www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com There you can listen to our shows, interact with social media, email us, view our videos and more. If you are an Apple platform user please take a moment to review us the next time you are in iTunes. A 5-star rating would be greatly appreciated. During our publishing season new shows are posted every Monday and can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today!

As we languish through the summer we temporarily break our hiatus by posting a pop show. Late last winter I appeared on a new podcast that deals with musicians who suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD and other psychological issues, the Crash and Ride Podcast. The host and Groovecast power listener, Patrick Ferguson, has done a tremendous job highlighting an incredibly underrepresented topic that affects quite a large number of musicians. In this episode he and I discuss the different aspects of chronic, long-term anxiety and how it touches every part of your life. As musicians we elaborate on how anxiety can sometimes drive us toward music as well as how the disorder affects the music perform. We each talk about our personal battles and give ideas for real, lasting solutions to help mitigate the suffering. Please visit Patrick and the Crash and Ride Podcast by visiting his site: <a href="http://crashandride.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://crashandride.libsyn.com/</a> Patrick was recently awarded a $5,000 grant for his great work creating this show. Please support him! The Drummer’s Weekly Groovecast is still in hibernation but we are presently working on new shows for the upcoming season. Please stay subscribed and keep and eye on our social media. We’ll slowly start powering up over the next few weeks with a formal announcement of season four’s start date. In the meantime… Please visit our website at: <a href="http://www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com</a> There you can listen to our shows, interact with social media, email us, view our videos and more. If you are an Apple platform user please take a moment to review us the next time you are in iTunes. A 5-star rating would be greatly appreciated. During our publishing season new shows are posted every Monday and can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today!

Episode 127 - Hiatus Breaker Featuring The Crash And Ride Podcast

A podcast from two professional drummers talking drums, music, musicians, and the entertainment industry. We resource topics that are important to all musicians along with interviews from drummers and industry professionals.  Each show includes special segments on gear, underrated drummers, and great drum tracks. We're here to inspire, illuminate, and motivate...we like to have a lot of fun too.

Excellent critiques by you guys on Sonny’s drumming. Great show!

Sonny Payne episode

I&#39;m only a few episodes deep but I already really like what these guys offer. Very informal and candid; like a breakfast hang at 3am after a late gig. Interviews are insightful and the questions are very thoughtful. Thanks guys! Looking forward to checking out the rest of the back catalog of episodes.

One of the better drumming related podcasts out there

Drummer's Weekly Groovecast

Carter McLean

I always enjoy the interviews we do at Drummer’s Weekly Groovecast. Part of the reason is that I only ask guests that I have a genuine interest in. It certainly doesn’t hurt if they have something to say. If they have a good time saying it, it’s just a bonus.  This week I dumbed into a grand slam. I know, I know. You’re saying to yourself that you’ve heard this guy on other podcasts and social media. Not like this you haven’t. If you’re in the drumming business and unaware of Carter McLean, get out from under your rock and listen up. If you removed his current, long-term gigs (Broadway’s ‘The Lion King’ and Charlie Hunter) and his resume was reduced to his social media and educational posts, that’d be enough. If that doesn’t convince you, what if I told you that Vinnie Colaiuta was a fan? Well, he is.In this episode we cover some areas of Carter’s playing and teaching that have not been touched on. We discuss, in minutia, what it’s like getting into the Broadway orchestra pits. We talk about everything pertinent to drummers:  following various conductors, subbing out shows, learning the book, covering mistakes, taking direction, monitoring, drum cages, and much more. Carter then gives us his daily routine from his commute into the city until he walks out of the theatre.We also spent a good amount of time discussing his teaching practice, his web site, and the upcoming release of his new method book, “Concepts and Creativity”. Carter discusses his educational background and how his experiences led him to create his own methods. He has documented many of his main ideas on his web site:  www.fourhandsdrumming.com There you can discover his thoughts on topics such as:  groove, feel, time, tuning, soloing, and more. Carter then gives us a preview of his upcoming book and walks us through a few of the concepts and exercises found within.We finish up by discussing his current, personal practice routine and then, of course, a comfortable jog through the Drummer’s Weekly Groovecast Rorschach Test!  You can find out more about Carter by visiting his educational site:  https://fourhandsdrumming.comI encourage you to also check out his Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/cartermacPlease visit our website at:  www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com There you can listen to our shows, interact with social media, email us, view our videos and more. If you are an Apple platform user please take a moment to review us the next time you are in iTunes. A 5-star rating would be greatly appreciated. New shows are published every Monday and can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today!

I always enjoy the interviews we do at Drummer’s Weekly Groovecast. Part of the reason is that I only ask guests that I have a genuine interest in. It certainly doesn’t hurt if they have something to say. If they have a good time saying it, it’s just a bonus. This week I dumbed into a grand slam. I know, I know. You’re saying to yourself that you’ve heard this guy on other podcasts and social media. Not like this you haven’t. If you’re in the drumming business and unaware of Carter McLean, get out from under your rock and listen up. If you removed his current, long-term gigs (Broadway’s ‘The Lion King’ and Charlie Hunter) and his resume was reduced to his social media and educational posts, that’d be enough. If that doesn’t convince you, what if I told you that Vinnie Colaiuta was a fan? Well, he is. In this episode we cover some areas of Carter’s playing and teaching that have not been touched on. We discuss, in minutia, what it’s like getting into the Broadway orchestra pits. We talk about everything pertinent to drummers: following various conductors, subbing out shows, learning the book, covering mistakes, taking direction, monitoring, drum cages, and much more. Carter then gives us his daily routine from his commute into the city until he walks out of the theatre. We also spent a good amount of time discussing his teaching practice, his web site, and the upcoming release of his new method book, “Concepts and Creativity”. Carter discusses his educational background and how his experiences led him to create his own methods. He has documented many of his main ideas on his web site: <a href="http://www.fourhandsdrumming.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.fourhandsdrumming.com</a> There you can discover his thoughts on topics such as: groove, feel, time, tuning, soloing, and more. Carter then gives us a preview of his upcoming book and walks us through a few of the concepts and exercises found within. We finish up by discussing his current, personal practice routine and then, of course, a comfortable jog through the Drummer’s Weekly Groovecast Rorschach Test! You can find out more about Carter by visiting his educational site: <a href="https://fourhandsdrumming.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://fourhandsdrumming.com</a> I encourage you to also check out his Instagram page: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cartermac" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/cartermac</a> Please visit our website at: <a href="http://www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com</a> There you can listen to our shows, interact with social media, email us, view our videos and more. If you are an Apple platform user please take a moment to review us the next time you are in iTunes. A 5-star rating would be greatly appreciated. New shows are published every Monday and can be found on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today!

Episode 120 - Interview - Carter McLean

Ahhhh...that click is so comforting...until it's gone! I'd bet some of you thought those words would never be uttered. But they are! Once thought to be a nemesis, the click track is now often a crutch. In this episode the guys discuss how the click track has become a safety blanket to the point of being a detriment. They also talk about how mental games regarding tempo and feel can be a major problem once the metronome is taken away. Numerous solutions are discussed such as:  playing exercises with and without the metronome, body motion and mindful awareness, click manipulation, songs that should always be played without a click, and more. The guys then talk about the importance and proliferation of in ear monitors and how they can be a double edged sword. On one hand they can contribute to click track dependency. On the other they are wonderful at combating ear fatigue/hearing loss and monitoring definition. They end the show with a segment on great underrated drummers. Subscribe today and hear a brand new episode every Monday! We're available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, and all your favorite podcast apps!

Episode 17 Click Track Reliance And In Ear Monitor Usage

Drum sticks, brushes, multi-rods, mallets, and other strikers are the tools of the trade. They're the cheapest things we use but arguably the most important! No matter what gig you're on or whose drums you play you always carry your stick bag with you. In this show we discuss what we use, why we use them, and the importance of experimenting with multiple sticks and brushes. Sit back and settle in for another great show about gear! We finish off with our segment on great, underrated drum tracks. New shows are available every Monday. We can be found on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, and all your favorite podcast apps. Subscribe today!

Episode 54 - The Stick Show (aka What's In Your Bag, Man)

Adam Deitch

Adam Deitch has played with The Average White Band, Meshell Ndegeocello, John Scofield, Pretty Lights and currently leads the duo Break Science and funk jam icons, Lettuce. During Lettuce's current tour we were fortunate enough to meet up with Adam for a few hours before show time and talk about life, music, and drums. Knowing that Adam has done several other podcasts along with a host of print interviews we decided to take a slightly different direction. We delve into topics such as: drumming with parents who are drummers and the pressure associated with that, growing up with and managing ADD and how it shaped his drumming, early teachers and what he learned, getting into Berklee, the classwork, the ensembles, and the early origin of Lettuce, first big gigs, handling adversity on the gigs, his teaching and giving back to other musicians. Join us every Monday for a brand new episode. Subscribe today on your favorite podcast app, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, or Itunes. And while you're in Itunes if you would please leave us a brief review we'd greatly appreciate it!

Episode 27 - Interview - Adam Deitch

Jack Bell

Today we welcome master percussionist Jack Bell to the Drummer's Weekly Groovecast. For those of you unfamiliar with Jack he was the principal percussionist (for over thirty years) with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as well as the creator/coordinator of the percussion department at Georgia State University. In this episode Jack discusses his early interest in drums and his studies with legendary teacher, Harold Firestone. He details the methods he worked with, the teaching style of Firestone, and auditioning for the legendary Charles Wilcoxin. Jack then discusses studying with Cloyd Duff at Oberlin College and the opportunities that were afforded to him during his tenure there. Jack then talks about his 'audition' with Robert Shaw which initiated his eventual move and long time job as principal percussionist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. We round out the show with numerous stories about wonderful experiences along with mortifying moments that come with orchestra life.Make sure you visit Jack Bell's personal web site:  www.melodiousmerchant.comAt this site Jack has compiled and incredible amount of invaluable information for all percussionists including detailed biographical, educational, and performance material. Jack also has a series of videos available that highlight his instructional methods as well as his performance. Please check out his rudimental video demonstration:Rudiment video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj4XnbPcoQYSubscribe to the Drummer's Weekly Groovecast! We're available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean and everywhere you get your favorite podcasts.

Today we welcome master percussionist Jack Bell to the Drummer's Weekly Groovecast. For those of you unfamiliar with Jack he was the principal percussionist (for over thirty years) with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as well as the creator/coordinator of the percussion department at Georgia State University. In this episode Jack discusses his early interest in drums and his studies with legendary teacher, Harold Firestone. He details the methods he worked with, the teaching style of Firestone, and auditioning for the legendary Charles Wilcoxin. Jack then discusses studying with Cloyd Duff at Oberlin College and the opportunities that were afforded to him during his tenure there. Jack then talks about his 'audition' with Robert Shaw which initiated his eventual move and long time job as principal percussionist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. We round out the show with numerous stories about wonderful experiences along with mortifying moments that come with orchestra life. Make sure you visit Jack Bell's personal web site: <a href="http://www.melodiousmerchant.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.melodiousmerchant.com</a> At this site Jack has compiled and incredible amount of invaluable information for all percussionists including detailed biographical, educational, and performance material. Jack also has a series of videos available that highlight his instructional methods as well as his performance. Please check out his rudimental video demonstration: Rudiment video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj4XnbPcoQY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj4XnbPcoQY</a> Subscribe to the Drummer's Weekly Groovecast! We're available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean and everywhere you get your favorite podcasts.

Episode 59 - Interview - Jack Bell Part 1

This week we scratch the itch of all you gear heads! We've had listeners contact us about tuning so we decided to compile all the ideas and questions we've received into a show. We discuss tuning from the ground up: starting with the tools needed all the way through fine tuning in the studio or on the stage. We cover every drum on the set, different head combinations, hoop types, tuning for different musical styles, muffling, the many factors of snare tuning and much more.  We also answer listener questions! Phil and Jon once again put on their white lab coats, grab a clipboard, a monocle and play shade tree psychiatrist. Finally, both guys each choose and discuss another great underrated drummer.  Please subscribe, share and join us every Monday for a brand new show.

Episode 9 Tuning

Scott Meeder

In this episode we once again welcome the wonderful, Scott Meeder, to Groovecast studios. Phil and Jon talk with one of their favorite musicians about the intangibles that make a great studio drummer a rare commodity. We forgo traditional studio questions (gear, tuning, etc.) in lieu of discussion regarding the subtleties and intuitive aspects that all great studio musicians possess. The groundwork for the conversation begins with studio generalities. With the advance of technology there are innumerable ways to record. We talk about recording with a rhythm section, laying individual tracks, looping, and editing.  Scott then talks about his preferences and how it allows him to use his studio wisdom to create and record great parts. We then discuss what occurs during the first playback of a take. Does a great studio player already know what it's going to sound like? Or is the first take experimentation? Do you use tried and true methods or do you take some liberties hoping to catch magic? The topic of ending phrases with common drum fills is then addressed. We then talk about building songs progressively without relying on the same phrases and fills.The concept of personal tendencies when recording is then addressed. If you already know that you have issues with a certain style or feel do you automatically compensate (without overcompensating)? How do you do that and still stay present and true to yourself?The topic of recording with click tracks and sequences is then addressed. We discuss preferred tones, subdivisions, and headphone mixes. Finally we go through general studio preferences and performance practices such as:  consistency of tones, articulations of fills, rimshots on backbeats, and preferences of sound characteristics of rooms.If you haven't heard our interview with Scott (from back in the Fall of 2016) you can check it out here:  https://soundcloud.com/phil-smith-592966725/episode-15-interview-scott-meederJoin us every Monday for brand new episodes. We're available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and everywhere you access your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today! Also, make sure you visit our web site. We can be found at www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com At our site you can listen to all of our shows, interact with social media, view our videos, and manage your subscription.

In this episode we once again welcome the wonderful, Scott Meeder, to Groovecast studios. Phil and Jon talk with one of their favorite musicians about the intangibles that make a great studio drummer a rare commodity. We forgo traditional studio questions (gear, tuning, etc.) in lieu of discussion regarding the subtleties and intuitive aspects that all great studio musicians possess. The groundwork for the conversation begins with studio generalities. With the advance of technology there are innumerable ways to record. We talk about recording with a rhythm section, laying individual tracks, looping, and editing. Scott then talks about his preferences and how it allows him to use his studio wisdom to create and record great parts. We then discuss what occurs during the first playback of a take. Does a great studio player already know what it's going to sound like? Or is the first take experimentation? Do you use tried and true methods or do you take some liberties hoping to catch magic? The topic of ending phrases with common drum fills is then addressed. We then talk about building songs progressively without relying on the same phrases and fills. The concept of personal tendencies when recording is then addressed. If you already know that you have issues with a certain style or feel do you automatically compensate (without overcompensating)? How do you do that and still stay present and true to yourself? The topic of recording with click tracks and sequences is then addressed. We discuss preferred tones, subdivisions, and headphone mixes. Finally we go through general studio preferences and performance practices such as: consistency of tones, articulations of fills, rimshots on backbeats, and preferences of sound characteristics of rooms. If you haven't heard our interview with Scott (from back in the Fall of 2016) you can check it out here: <a href="https://soundcloud.com/phil-smith-592966725/episode-15-interview-scott-meeder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/phil-smith-592966725/episode-15-interview-scott-meeder</a> Join us every Monday for brand new episodes. We're available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and everywhere you access your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today! Also, make sure you visit our web site. We can be found at <a href="http://www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com</a> At our site you can listen to all of our shows, interact with social media, view our videos, and manage your subscription.

Episode 87 - Studio Clean Featuring Scott Meeder

We know you like drum talk. The emails and forums tell no lies. So, here's one for the gear heads! In today's episode we dedicate the entire show to snare drums.  For most drummers the snare represents many different things. Not only is it our most played drum but it is many times a reflection of our personality.  We discuss our favorite snare drums according to style (rock, jazz, etc) as well as specific sound applications.  The discussion also covers topics such as:  drum heads, snare wires, die cast vs. spun hoops, strainers, tuning tips, shell composition, and more.  Then keeping with the 'gear theme' Phil and Jon both pick a piece of must have equipment. Join us every Monday for a brand new show. We're available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean and all of your favorite podcast apps. Subscribe today!

Episode 31 - The Snare Drum Show

The shuffle is one of the most elusive grooves for any musician to master. It certainly complicates matters when there are numerous regional and genre interpretations to consider. In this show Phil and Jon spend some time discussing their experiences and listening to some of their favorite recorded shuffles. But first we take a moment to discuss the lean winter months and answer listener questions. We tackle an inquiry regarding the perceived importance and differentiation between the various types of wood used to construct drum shells. If all other tuning and equipment variables are equal are different woods discernable to our audience? What about fellow musicians? We then discuss the recent deaths of drumming greats, Leon Ndugu Chancler and Pat Torpey. We talk about their drumming careers, great recordings they appear on, and Ndugu's educational legacy. Finally the main topic of the day is addressed with each host mentioning how they first learned to play various shuffles. We also remember which shuffle songs made the biggest initial impression on us. We then go through the many different genres and eras of music that popularized the various shuffles that all drummers must be familiar with. Great drummers such as: Art Blakey, Mel Lewis, Steve Gadd, Bernard Purdie, Jeff Porcaro, Jabo Starks, Chris Layton, Billy Cobham, and more are discussed. Furthermore we listen to some of our favorite recorded shuffles and talk through what makes them great.If you haven't taken the time visit our new web site now is the time to do so! Navigate over to www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com and check it out! There you can find every episode of our show along with videos, social media, contact information and more. We are available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today! New shows are published every Monday. Also practice along with us on our "accountability Thursday" mini-episodes (videos available) every first and third Thursday!

The shuffle is one of the most elusive grooves for any musician to master. It certainly complicates matters when there are numerous regional and genre interpretations to consider. In this show Phil and Jon spend some time discussing their experiences and listening to some of their favorite recorded shuffles. But first we take a moment to discuss the lean winter months and answer listener questions. We tackle an inquiry regarding the perceived importance and differentiation between the various types of wood used to construct drum shells. If all other tuning and equipment variables are equal are different woods discernable to our audience? What about fellow musicians? We then discuss the recent deaths of drumming greats, Leon Ndugu Chancler and Pat Torpey. We talk about their drumming careers, great recordings they appear on, and Ndugu's educational legacy. Finally the main topic of the day is addressed with each host mentioning how they first learned to play various shuffles. We also remember which shuffle songs made the biggest initial impression on us. We then go through the many different genres and eras of music that popularized the various shuffles that all drummers must be familiar with. Great drummers such as: Art Blakey, Mel Lewis, Steve Gadd, Bernard Purdie, Jeff Porcaro, Jabo Starks, Chris Layton, Billy Cobham, and more are discussed. Furthermore we listen to some of our favorite recorded shuffles and talk through what makes them great. If you haven't taken the time visit our new web site now is the time to do so! Navigate over to <a href="http://www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com</a> and check it out! There you can find every episode of our show along with videos, social media, contact information and more. We are available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today! New shows are published every Monday. Also practice along with us on our "accountability Thursday" mini-episodes (videos available) every first and third Thursday!

Episode 83 - The Shuffle Show

Once again we are back with "Accountability Thursday". This is our first episode using the Wilcoxon "All American Drummer 150 Rudimental Solos". We've worked from the Swing Solos book previously but this is our first time working in the 150. I chose solo #9 because it uses several proprietary Wilcoxon notations that are not commonly found in other rudimental methods. One thing that helps with his interpretation is that Wilcoxon specifies the required stickings on every single note of the solo. This allows him to highlight specific rudiments that he wants to use in each solo.The first thing to notice is the different notations for the seven stroke roll. The introductory roll-off is a seven stroke ternary roll. That style of seven is the preferred and most common way to interpret 8th note rolls in most rudimental literature.  We've seen it numerous times in previous NARD solos and you'll use this particular roll three times in the first line alone.  The ternary seven stroke is used a total of five times throughout the entire piece.Wilcoxon also uses a binary seven stroke roll. It appears first in the third line, last measure. You'll notice that he notates that roll with two grace notes prior to the 8th note on the '&amp; of 2'. You'll start that roll on the 'e of 2' and roll 32nd notes ending on count one of the following measure. You'll see this same grace note style notation on the 15 stroke roll in the third line, third measure. Again, start that roll on the 'e of 1' and roll 32nd notes over to count one of the next measure.Another tricky place that may need some clarification is the third line, second measure. Pay attention to the stickings because the drags do not start on the expected hands! The measure begins with a single stroke, accented R, immediately afterward the  notated left handed drag forces you to play grace notes on the right when you might expect a L. Also notice the fourth line, first measure. Wilcoxon notates the 8th note rolls as five stroke rolls (not seven stroke rolls). However with the two alternating accents that follow the doubles they actually become six stroke rolls. For further clarification visit the Youtube video to view the sheet music and see a performance of Wilcoxon Solo #9.   https://youtu.be/nqX1NamJiJ4We want you to practice this solo and post your videos on our social media. Make sure you tag the show in your description. Also head over to our web site at:  www.drummersweeklygroovecast.comYou can subscribe to the show, listen to all our episodes, see our performance videos, interact with our social media, and get in touch with us there as well. We'll see you in a couple of weeks with our next mini-episode and every Monday with our full length feature shows.

Once again we are back with "Accountability Thursday". This is our first episode using the Wilcoxon "All American Drummer 150 Rudimental Solos". We've worked from the Swing Solos book previously but this is our first time working in the 150. I chose solo #9 because it uses several proprietary Wilcoxon notations that are not commonly found in other rudimental methods. One thing that helps with his interpretation is that Wilcoxon specifies the required stickings on every single note of the solo. This allows him to highlight specific rudiments that he wants to use in each solo. The first thing to notice is the different notations for the seven stroke roll. The introductory roll-off is a seven stroke ternary roll. That style of seven is the preferred and most common way to interpret 8th note rolls in most rudimental literature. We've seen it numerous times in previous NARD solos and you'll use this particular roll three times in the first line alone. The ternary seven stroke is used a total of five times throughout the entire piece. Wilcoxon also uses a binary seven stroke roll. It appears first in the third line, last measure. You'll notice that he notates that roll with two grace notes prior to the 8th note on the '&amp; of 2'. You'll start that roll on the 'e of 2' and roll 32nd notes ending on count one of the following measure. You'll see this same grace note style notation on the 15 stroke roll in the third line, third measure. Again, start that roll on the 'e of 1' and roll 32nd notes over to count one of the next measure. Another tricky place that may need some clarification is the third line, second measure. Pay attention to the stickings because the drags do not start on the expected hands! The measure begins with a single stroke, accented R, immediately afterward the notated left handed drag forces you to play grace notes on the right when you might expect a L. Also notice the fourth line, first measure. Wilcoxon notates the 8th note rolls as five stroke rolls (not seven stroke rolls). However with the two alternating accents that follow the doubles they actually become six stroke rolls. For further clarification visit the Youtube video to view the sheet music and see a performance of Wilcoxon Solo #9. <a href="https://youtu.be/nqX1NamJiJ4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/nqX1NamJiJ4</a> We want you to practice this solo and post your videos on our social media. Make sure you tag the show in your description. Also head over to our web site at: <a href="http://www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com</a> You can subscribe to the show, listen to all our episodes, see our performance videos, interact with our social media, and get in touch with us there as well. We'll see you in a couple of weeks with our next mini-episode and every Monday with our full length feature shows.

Mini-Episode 6 - Wilcoxon Solo #9

Paul Cooper

We were fortunate to receive an invitation to tour the Gretsch Drum factory in Ridgeland, SC. Who are we to decline? After a lengthy tour of the step by step process of drum making we set up shop in operation manager, Paul Cooper's office, and asked him everything we always wanted to know about Gretsch drums. Rumors are debunked! Make sure you go by our Facebook page to get a look at the pictures that were taken during the tour. Also don't forget to enter the first ever Drummer's Weekly Groovecast contest! Simply go by the show's page inside of Itunes and leave us a short, written review. That's it! You'll automatically be entered to win. Prizes and details are outlined in the show. Join us every Monday for a brand new show. We're available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, and all your favorite podcast apps. Subscribe today!

Episode 36 - Inside Gretsch:  The Factory Tour With Paul Cooper

Dweezil Zappa

Ryan Brown

"May you live in interesting times." - purported Chinese curseRyan Brown, drummer for Dweezil Zappa, found himself in Atlanta recently. And with a healthy dose of deja vu we found ourselves cordoned away in the tiny office of the local theatre where we first met about a year and half ago. Long time listeners will recall his interview (episodes 18 &amp; 19) and subsequent mentions on other episodes. Plus, he's a member of the much vaunted 'advisory board' of this very show. Needless to say he and I have become pretty good friends and when the opportunity presented itself to do a topic based show we jumped on it. When musicians talk about bands that commonly write and perform in odd times a litany of jazz, fusion, and progressive rock bands come to the forefront. But for my money the Zappa family holds the patent on odd times. So, who better to discuss the topic than a guy who has had to play the Zappa catalog 339 times?But before we get to the nuts and bolts of drum geekdom there was plenty to catch up on.  These nuggets of brilliance include:  BBQ (KC vs. Texas vs. Memphis vs. NC), the ghosts of theatres past, Los Angeles, custom snare drums (built by first time drum makers), dogs and drums named Harvey, road life (replete with 4am tacos), the median height of the Dweezil Zappa Band, Vinnie Colaiuta 'phobia', a Bobby Rock sighting, setting up Bozzio's drums, and a chance encounter at Joe Rogan's podcast location. Of course we talk learning, counting, memorizing and practicing odd time signatures. We even discuss our favorite bands that specialize in this genre. Plus for you folks that want get the skinny on how to play/count/learn "Keep It Greasy" you'd better listen closely because Brown is telling you how it's done right here. Then like Paulie on Goodfellas he's turning his back on you. From now on when someone asks him how to play "Keep It Greasy" he's simply says, "91".You can follow Ryan at his webisite:  https://ryanbrowndrums.wordpress.com/The Drummer's Weekly Groovecast publishes feature episodes every Monday with "Accountability Thursday" mini-episodes every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. We can be found on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Plus, visit our web site at www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com There you can access every episode, view our videos, interact with our social media, and stay in touch with us via our contact form. Subscribe today!

"May you live in interesting times." - purported Chinese curse Ryan Brown, drummer for Dweezil Zappa, found himself in Atlanta recently. And with a healthy dose of deja vu we found ourselves cordoned away in the tiny office of the local theatre where we first met about a year and half ago. Long time listeners will recall his interview (episodes 18 &amp; 19) and subsequent mentions on other episodes. Plus, he's a member of the much vaunted 'advisory board' of this very show. Needless to say he and I have become pretty good friends and when the opportunity presented itself to do a topic based show we jumped on it. When musicians talk about bands that commonly write and perform in odd times a litany of jazz, fusion, and progressive rock bands come to the forefront. But for my money the Zappa family holds the patent on odd times. So, who better to discuss the topic than a guy who has had to play the Zappa catalog 339 times? But before we get to the nuts and bolts of drum geekdom there was plenty to catch up on. These nuggets of brilliance include: BBQ (KC vs. Texas vs. Memphis vs. NC), the ghosts of theatres past, Los Angeles, custom snare drums (built by first time drum makers), dogs and drums named Harvey, road life (replete with 4am tacos), the median height of the Dweezil Zappa Band, Vinnie Colaiuta 'phobia', a Bobby Rock sighting, setting up Bozzio's drums, and a chance encounter at Joe Rogan's podcast location. Of course we talk learning, counting, memorizing and practicing odd time signatures. We even discuss our favorite bands that specialize in this genre. Plus for you folks that want get the skinny on how to play/count/learn "Keep It Greasy" you'd better listen closely because Brown is telling you how it's done right here. Then like Paulie on Goodfellas he's turning his back on you. From now on when someone asks him how to play "Keep It Greasy" he's simply says, "91". You can follow Ryan at his webisite: <a href="https://ryanbrowndrums.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ryanbrowndrums.wordpress.com/</a> The Drummer's Weekly Groovecast publishes feature episodes every Monday with "Accountability Thursday" mini-episodes every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. We can be found on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Plus, visit our web site at <a href="http://www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com</a> There you can access every episode, view our videos, interact with our social media, and stay in touch with us via our contact form. Subscribe today!

Episode 91 - May You Live In Odd Times featuring Ryan Brown Of The Dweezil Zappa Band

Chris Brady

This week we have the privilege of speaking with industry great, Chris Brady of Aquarian Drum Heads. We get to hear about his drumming career and how it led to his interest in the business side of the industry. He then discusses his initial contact with Aquarian and how he got the job. We then talk about their various product offerings, how they are researched and how they are manufactured. Then we spend some time discussing the business side of the industry. Chris covers:  getting endorsements, personal relationships, technology, clinics, education, and more. Per usual we finish the show by donning the lab coats and administering the DWG Rorschach test. Join us every Monday for a brand new show! We're available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today!

Episode 63 - Interview - Chris Brady (Aquarian Drum Heads Artist Relations & Marketing)

Joel Rosenblatt

This week the Groovecast is delighted to publish an exclusive interview with Joel Rosenblatt. Most of you know Joel from his work with Michel Camilo and later with Spyro Gyra. In this episode we discuss his early flirtations with trumpet and a chance encounter with drums. From there we get to his college studies with Ed Soph and Randy Jones which helped prepare him for his first major gigs. We then cover the gigs with: Matt Murphy, Pure Prairie League, Michel Camilo, and Spyro Gyra. We spend a good amount of time talking about Joel's early adoption of the home studio. We also discuss Joel's grip/technique change and his personal teaching practice including his own set of play along tracks. Finally he falls victim to the DWG personality test...We'd also like to send our condolences to the Allman Brothers family on the sudden loss of founding member, Butch Trucks. In the outro (under a bed of the ABB's "Hotlanta") we discuss Butch's influence and importance. Join us every Monday for a brand new podcast. We're available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher and all of your favorite podcast apps. Subscribe today!

Episode 29 - Interview - Joel Rosenblatt

Lee Falco

This week we welcome one of our favorite guests, Lee Falco, back to the show as third mic. Lee was in Atlanta for a performance with guitarist, Doyle Bramhall II and was gracious enough to sit down with us before he hit the road. Make sure you say hello to Lee if you see him at a show in your city.  To learn more about Lee and see where he'll be appearing please visit his web site:  https://leefalco.com/In this episode we take on the ultra subjective topic of feel. What does it mean to you? What do you listen for to determine what feels right? We start the show discussing what makes our favorite drummers playing feel so good. We also discuss that sometimes drummers that play on top of the beat to create energy and recklessness create a certain type of vibe that just as cool as their laid back counterparts.When discussing feel the subject of playing behind, center, or ahead of the beat is good place to start. The relationship of the snare to the bass drum is crucial as well as the response of the other musicians that you're playing with. The topic of ghost notes comes up and how they affect feel as a timing and dynamic device. We then talk about how you can practice manipulating the beat by recording yourself and viewing the transients on your digital audio workstation.Tuning can also affect feel. We talk about how the sound and response from loosely tuned, highly muffled drums have a tendency to feel more laid back than a snare or bass drum with a sharp, highly pitched crack. Touch is also debated. We talk about how great feel is present in all types of drummers. Heavy hitters like John Bonham and Stewart Copeland are contrasted with lighter players such as James Gadson and Bernard Purdie. Finally we finish up with practice tips and recommendations for listening and study. Join us every Monday for a brand new episode. We're available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, and everywhere you access your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today! Also, go by our web site www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com. There you'll find all our episodes, videos, social media, and contact information.

This week we welcome one of our favorite guests, Lee Falco, back to the show as third mic. Lee was in Atlanta for a performance with guitarist, Doyle Bramhall II and was gracious enough to sit down with us before he hit the road. Make sure you say hello to Lee if you see him at a show in your city. To learn more about Lee and see where he'll be appearing please visit his web site: <a href="https://leefalco.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://leefalco.com/</a> In this episode we take on the ultra subjective topic of feel. What does it mean to you? What do you listen for to determine what feels right? We start the show discussing what makes our favorite drummers playing feel so good. We also discuss that sometimes drummers that play on top of the beat to create energy and recklessness create a certain type of vibe that just as cool as their laid back counterparts. When discussing feel the subject of playing behind, center, or ahead of the beat is good place to start. The relationship of the snare to the bass drum is crucial as well as the response of the other musicians that you're playing with. The topic of ghost notes comes up and how they affect feel as a timing and dynamic device. We then talk about how you can practice manipulating the beat by recording yourself and viewing the transients on your digital audio workstation. Tuning can also affect feel. We talk about how the sound and response from loosely tuned, highly muffled drums have a tendency to feel more laid back than a snare or bass drum with a sharp, highly pitched crack. Touch is also debated. We talk about how great feel is present in all types of drummers. Heavy hitters like John Bonham and Stewart Copeland are contrasted with lighter players such as James Gadson and Bernard Purdie. Finally we finish up with practice tips and recommendations for listening and study. Join us every Monday for a brand new episode. We're available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, and everywhere you access your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today! Also, go by our web site <a href="http://www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com</a>. There you'll find all our episodes, videos, social media, and contact information.

Episode 84 - The Mystique Of Feel Featuring Lee Falco

Marlon Patton

“Yeah he’s a great drummer, but he’s a jazz player.” I’d be willing to bet that sometime during a conversation you’ve heard a similar comment. What does that even mean? And more importantly what’s the rationale for saying that? It’s obviously a reference to the musical approach of the jazz player and how he’d be inappropriate for a particular job. It’s certainly no secret that many musicians devote the majority of their time to one particular musical style. That devotion however can lead to neglect and the superimposition of the preferred style while playing another genre. That’s not good. However, instead of a sweeping generalization what particular aspects of his approach make him suitable for jazz but not for rock?In this episode we welcome Marlon Patton to the show as we dissect and examine the differences between the jazz and rock mindset. What makes up the mentality of a great jazz or rock musician? We take the topics of touch, gear, independence, feel, groove construction, song structure, and gig preparation to dig deep into what makes the approach different between the two styles.We also spend a few minutes talking about the start of the new season while reviewing a few listener emails. If you haven’t been to our website recently please go to www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com and see what new content we have to offer. Aside from our episodes we’ve posted ‘Host Spotlight 3” on our video page. Feel free to send us a message through our email form or manage your social media accounts from our site. New shows are available every Monday. You can subscribe through Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. If you are an Apple Itunes user please click 5 stars and leave us a short review. We greatly appreciate your support!

“Yeah he’s a great drummer, but he’s a jazz player.” I’d be willing to bet that sometime during a conversation you’ve heard a similar comment. What does that even mean? And more importantly what’s the rationale for saying that? It’s obviously a reference to the musical approach of the jazz player and how he’d be inappropriate for a particular job. It’s certainly no secret that many musicians devote the majority of their time to one particular musical style. That devotion however can lead to neglect and the superimposition of the preferred style while playing another genre. That’s not good. However, instead of a sweeping generalization what particular aspects of his approach make him suitable for jazz but not for rock? In this episode we welcome Marlon Patton to the show as we dissect and examine the differences between the jazz and rock mindset. What makes up the mentality of a great jazz or rock musician? We take the topics of touch, gear, independence, feel, groove construction, song structure, and gig preparation to dig deep into what makes the approach different between the two styles. We also spend a few minutes talking about the start of the new season while reviewing a few listener emails. If you haven’t been to our website recently please go to <a href="http://www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com</a> and see what new content we have to offer. Aside from our episodes we’ve posted ‘Host Spotlight 3” on our video page. Feel free to send us a message through our email form or manage your social media accounts from our site. New shows are available every Monday. You can subscribe through Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. If you are an Apple Itunes user please click 5 stars and leave us a short review. We greatly appreciate your support!

Episode 109 - Jazz Vs Rock Mindset featuring Marlon Patton

This week Phil and Jon discuss the many different ways we can learn to embrace others' strengths and weaknesses.  The guys talk about differences between groove players vs. technical players, jazzers vs. rockers, younger players vs. older players, original/artsy gigs vs. corporate gigs, and pressures of the drumming community and how it can breed jealousy and envy. At the end of the show the guys each pick another underrated, great drum track. Please subscribe and join us every Monday for a brand new edition of the Drummer's Weekly Groovecast.

Episode 10 Embracing Strengths And Weaknesses

In this week's show we start with the Gretsch factory tour postmortem before answering listener questions. We also pay tribute to Chuck Berry and Sib Hashian due to their recent passing. Then we tackle the topic of the week, 'Time' and the perception that all musicians have of it. We discuss dealing with instrumentalists and vocalists who depend on drummers to correct their tempo mistakes while disregarding their own time feel. Other topics include:  subbing with other bands and learning their time tendencies on the fly, helping rhythm section cohesiveness with click track and sequence coaching, perfecting count-ins, dealing with out of time scratch tracks during recording sessions, and solo musicians' tendency to play songs significantly faster than original recordings. During the final segment we each pick and underrated drummer. Don't forget to enter our first contest giveaway. Simply go the show's page in Itunes and leave us a short, written review to enter. Join us every Monday for a brand new show. We're available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, and all of your favorite podcast apps. Subscribe today!

Episode 37 - The Essence Of Time

John Ramsay

The Berklee College of Music is ubiquitous with musicians worldwide. When we think of the great institutions of education along with the world’s greatest musicians Berklee is routinely mentioned in both instances. However, with any topic of conversation that conjures legendary tales there are as many negative connotations as positive. In this episode we cover everything you’d want to know about the school from a gentleman who has been a part of the faculty for 36 years, John Ramsay. Ramsay, a Massachusetts native, was a self-taught drummer who soon realized that if he was going to make a living as a musician he’d have to seriously learn his craft. Through meeting Max Roach at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst he was ultimately steered toward private lessons with master drummer/instructor, Alan Dawson. With Dawson he learned the legendary methods associated with Ted Reed’s ‘Syncopation’, soloing with Stone’s ‘Stick Control’, and Alan’s creation of the ‘Rudimental Ritual’. After several years Ramsay became the second drummer and tour manager in Art Blakey’s big band. Between this experience along with side-man duties with many other legendary jazz artists Ramsay bolstered his resume leading to his hiring at the Berklee College of Music in 1982.John’s list of Berklee credentials includes copious classroom and applied teaching along with an administrative stint as chair of the percussion department. In our chat he describes exactly what the aspiring student should prepare themselves with including knowing the 26 American rudiments, chart reading, styles, and more. He then details what the audition process is like. We also spend a good amount of time discussing the acceptance process and the different types of scholarships and financial aid that is available. We then talk about the many different degree paths that are available including the new graduate programs. Applied lessons, the celebrity teachers, and how students can request them are then covered. John then talks about the required classes, labs, etc. Then we finish with a discussion about the state-of-the-art facilities (recording studios, practice rooms, performance venues, media center, and more). After the Berklee talk has concluded we conclude the show by running John through the maze that is the DWG Rorschach Test.As mentioned during the show you can keep up with John and Henrique de Almeida are doing by visiting the web site:  www.thedrumsetcoach.comYou can buy John’s books by visiting Amazon:Art Blakey’s Jazz Messages:  https://www.amazon.com/Art-Blakeys-Jazz-Messages-Publications/dp/0760400091/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1543503787&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=john+ramsayThe Drummer’s Complete Vocabulary as taught by Alan Dawson:  https://www.amazon.com/Drummers-Complete-Vocabulary-Taught-Dawson/dp/0769265243/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1543503787&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=john+ramsayIf you haven’t been to our website recently please go to www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com and see what new content we have to offer. Aside from access to all of our episodes we’ve posted ‘Host Spotlight 3” on our video page. Feel free to send us a message through our email form or manage your social media accounts from our site.  We try to personally answer all emails and questions.New shows are available every Monday. You can subscribe through Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. If you are an Apple Itunes user please click 5 stars and leave us a short review. We greatly appreciate your support!

The Berklee College of Music is ubiquitous with musicians worldwide. When we think of the great institutions of education along with the world’s greatest musicians Berklee is routinely mentioned in both instances. However, with any topic of conversation that conjures legendary tales there are as many negative connotations as positive. In this episode we cover everything you’d want to know about the school from a gentleman who has been a part of the faculty for 36 years, John Ramsay. Ramsay, a Massachusetts native, was a self-taught drummer who soon realized that if he was going to make a living as a musician he’d have to seriously learn his craft. Through meeting Max Roach at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst he was ultimately steered toward private lessons with master drummer/instructor, Alan Dawson. With Dawson he learned the legendary methods associated with Ted Reed’s ‘Syncopation’, soloing with Stone’s ‘Stick Control’, and Alan’s creation of the ‘Rudimental Ritual’. After several years Ramsay became the second drummer and tour manager in Art Blakey’s big band. Between this experience along with side-man duties with many other legendary jazz artists Ramsay bolstered his resume leading to his hiring at the Berklee College of Music in 1982. John’s list of Berklee credentials includes copious classroom and applied teaching along with an administrative stint as chair of the percussion department. In our chat he describes exactly what the aspiring student should prepare themselves with including knowing the 26 American rudiments, chart reading, styles, and more. He then details what the audition process is like. We also spend a good amount of time discussing the acceptance process and the different types of scholarships and financial aid that is available. We then talk about the many different degree paths that are available including the new graduate programs. Applied lessons, the celebrity teachers, and how students can request them are then covered. John then talks about the required classes, labs, etc. Then we finish with a discussion about the state-of-the-art facilities (recording studios, practice rooms, performance venues, media center, and more). After the Berklee talk has concluded we conclude the show by running John through the maze that is the DWG Rorschach Test. As mentioned during the show you can keep up with John and Henrique de Almeida are doing by visiting the web site: <a href="http://www.thedrumsetcoach.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.thedrumsetcoach.com</a> You can buy John’s books by visiting Amazon: Art Blakey’s Jazz Messages: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Art-Blakeys-Jazz-Messages-Publications/dp/0760400091/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1543503787&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=john+ramsay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Art-Blakeys-Jazz-Messages-Publications/dp/0760400091/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1543503787&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=john+ramsay</a> The Drummer’s Complete Vocabulary as taught by Alan Dawson: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Drummers-Complete-Vocabulary-Taught-Dawson/dp/0769265243/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1543503787&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=john+ramsay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Drummers-Complete-Vocabulary-Taught-Dawson/dp/0769265243/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1543503787&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=john+ramsay</a> If you haven’t been to our website recently please go to <a href="http://www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com</a> and see what new content we have to offer. Aside from access to all of our episodes we’ve posted ‘Host Spotlight 3” on our video page. Feel free to send us a message through our email form or manage your social media accounts from our site. We try to personally answer all emails and questions. New shows are available every Monday. You can subscribe through Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. If you are an Apple Itunes user please click 5 stars and leave us a short review. We greatly appreciate your support!

Episode 115 - Interview - John Ramsay, Berklee College Of Music

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