3 comments about 66 Drum Solos for the Modern Drummer: Rock * Funk * Blues * Fusion * Jazz.

1. It's my first review on a book and I decided to post it as an obligation to the writer, for the excellent work he has done.
   (I play drums for about 8 months with previous long experience on keyboard (self taught) so I write the review from this point of view).

   Each one of the 66 solos in this book is 12 bars long, for a duration of about 30 seconds, 1 solo per page. The solos begin from solo 1 very easy, but soon they become of medium difficulty and some are of high difficulty, especially if played at the same speed as on the included cd.

   The solos are just awesome, even the simple ones. The score on each page is in a very readable form, even from 3 feet away (I have placed it just in front of the drums in a music stand and I read it while I practice).

   The included cd demonstrates each solo in a very clear awesome sound. I use the cd to choose my next favorite solo to practice and then I use the score on the book to learn the solo.

   It's true, the solos are "excellent exercises" for technique, independence and for improvement of your improvisational skills. Also, every new solo I learn from the score It improves my reading ability and after the 4th or 5th solo, reading the next one becomes piece of cake!

   It includes: 8 Pop Rock solos, 6 warm-up solos, 6 Funk Rock (16nth note based), 6 Funk Rock (8th note based), 2 6/8 solos, 2 7/8 solos, 6 Rock Fusion, 4 Rock Fusion (accented upbeats), 2 Rock Fusion (quarter note based), 4 Hard Rock, 5 Jazz, 3 Shuffle and 12 Jazz fusion.

   In short, this is the book that will make you a better drummer FAST, and you can also use it when you want to practice without getting bored!




2. I love this book! It is great for practicing any thing you want in easy to read format. The solos are also fun to play and change every page.



3. I have been drumming for a few years now and consider myself a desent drummer. My major problem was that I had no discipline, I would play just improvised and not really keep count of measures or anything. I would play and whenever I felt I would throw in a drum fill. Some drum fills would go a little over. With this book It made me really sit down and play with structure. The concept of the book is simple,but it is NOT drum solos. Drum solos is like most believe is just showing off speed and technique. While this book is just measures of drum beats followed by drum fills. It is more or less like for songs. It would have an intro then the beat then the fill then beat and so on. What I really love about the book is that it gradually gets harder. So you just start with one and work your way up to 66. Trust me you cant go wrong with this book.

5 comments about John Bonham: A Thunder of Drums.

1. This book is very good. Eventhough it doesnt talk about all the members in led zeppelin it tells about the life of the great john bonham. I started to play drums because of him. The first time i heard kashmir and when the levee breaks i fell in love with the drums riffs. if you get this book you are getting your money worths



2. It's always interesting to find out what makes other drummers tick. This book offers plenty of insight into the legendary Zeppelin drummer, John Bonham; kit configurations, heads, tuning, etc., but not a great deal more than what you could generally surmise if you're a drummer who was influenced early on by Bonham's playing.
   He used the Buddy Rich, Big Beat era kit and tuning, with coated Emperor heads, with the reso side tuned a third higher, so when the batter side is struck, the drum produces a nice, fat, resonant big bottom sound. Bonham was one of the first recognizable rock drummers to utilize a smaller kit comprised of very large diameter shells; 14" tom tom, 16" & 18" floors toms, and the trademark oversized 26" bass drum. Later, the "ching ring" on the hats would also become a Bonham signature.
   
   As a youngster, I got my first kit in the early 80s, an orange sparkle Ludwig trap kit, and immediately set about mimicking the sound and feel of drummers who were in late 60s, early 70s bands: Ginger Baker, of Cream, Carmine Appice, of Vanilla Fudge, Paul Whaley, of the notorious LSD-guzzling Blue Cheer, and of course, Bill Ward, of Black Sabbath.
   But if you're inspired by those sounds, what drummer wouldn't be influenced by Bonham's "Dazed & Confused" fills, or the bass-heavy stomp of "When The Levee Breaks," or the double and triplet bass notes in "Good Times Bad Times?"
   Maybe he wasn't the most versatile drummer(like many good rock drummers, he was self taught), but his style, the sheer heaviness of the wallop he brought to heavy metal, and particularly to his "Moby Dick" solo's, more than made up for it. He's influenced more garage band bashers than anyone could count. His playing reflected a spirituality, and one which he took seriously, comparing misusing and neglecting drums to being just one step below child abuse.
   
   I still play now more than ever, and have a couple of Bonham-sized Ludwig kits, one of which is done in green sparkle, as something of an homage to Bonham, who used that particular kit to record most of the Zeppelin records. "A Thunder of Drums" is a good book for fans or drummers in general. Let the free form flow...



3. Anyone who is into John Bonham ( and what drummer isn't)should have a copy. Well written account of the man.



4. I've bought this book along with the "John Bonham" book by Mick Bonham (See my review there as well).
   
   I mainly bought these books because i was always impressed by John's inovating and unorthodox style. And i was strongly reminded after hearing the CD "How the West was Won" and seeing the double-DVD simply called "Led Zeppelin", what a great drummer he's been.
   
   This is the story of the Powerhouse behind Zep, The Ludwig endorser, The hammer on the Nail, The Man and the Machine. Here it is everything you always wanted to know about his idea's, his examples (if any), his technique, his drumkits from the green sparkle to the stainles steel and of course the Amber Vistalite, All the albums reviewed by proffesionals from '69 to '79. Descriptions of all his famous tracks or should i say tricks with sticks, his triplets, paradiddles etc. But also a story of how this magical quartet got together and how they made history. Robert Plant's quote says it all:
   "Bonzo was the main part of the band. He was the man whatever Page and I wrote basically work, by what he held back, by what he didn't do to tempos. I don't think there's anyone in the world who could replace him".
   A Must for Rock (drummer) fans



5. My 16 year old son is a drummer and this is his favorite book.

5 comments about Drum Circle Spirit: Facilitating Human Potential through Rhythm (Performance in World Music Series).

1. This book and CD set has wonderful examples of drum circle games and exercises. He and his facilitators also share their drum stories and let us know how fun it can be to be an "Arthurian" facilitator! Get a bunch of friends together and PRACTICE these games!(It REALLY comes to life after attending one of Arthur's facilitator playshops!!!)



2. This guy is a modern Trickster! At first you wonder, is this guy a joke? Then as you read more, you realize, yes he is, thank god! But be aware; this is a book about building community; if you want a book about drumming, look to Mickey Hart.



3. As a Christian wanting to start a church-oriented drum-circle, I was somewhat concerned that this book would be full of propaganda that would run counter to my Christian values. (Making it annoying to read at the least, and at worst, difficult to convince other Christians in my church of its value.) While some of the author's values come through (especially with references to "tithing to Rhythm Church" and the like) there's nothing in here to really offend any particular religious belief. There's no "we can heal the world with drums, just think good thoughts and good things will happen to you" message here. It's practical advice on how to bring out the best in a group of drummers.

   Arthur's numerous anecdotes are entertaining and informative. They really conveyed the spirit of what Arthur does with his drum-circles.

   I'm very anxious to get started applying what I've learned (and will continue to learn) from this book, and it has convinced me to attend one of Arthur Hull's Facilitator Playshops. Arthur's teaching in the book is very clear, presented in small, easily-digested steps, and most of all, very encouraging. The whole book shouts, "You can do this, it isn't that hard!"

   I've very pleased that Arthur has taken the time to share his hard-earned wisdom with the rest of us. If you're wanting to start a drum-circle, work with kids through rhythm, or any such activity, you can't afford not to own this book.




4. Arthur Hull hits the nail on the head with his book, Drum Circle Spirit. Without this book to use as a guide, I would feel lost!... I call it simply "REQUIRED READING" for those who care about their community and friends who wish to drum in a group setting. It empowers most anyone to begin and conduct their own drum circle. THANK YOU ARTHUR!



5. This book is the bottom line, the base of the pyramid. All others I have read-and I have very many-rest on it. It explains the why, the where and the how of different types of drum circles and how, when one is called upon to do so, to facilitate them so that they live and create music on their own. While there are many facilitator "tricks" and techniques, the message is always that the circle is not to serve as a platform for a facilitator performance, but that the facilitator's job is only to get the music the circle is making past places where it starts to self destruct and back into solid playing. There is a great deal of anecdotal information about how specific difficult situations were handled as well as examples of wonderful, joyful exhuberance. If you are new to drum circles, and especially if you need or want to facilitate them, this is the FIRST book you buy.

1 comments about West African Drum & Dance (A Yankadi-Macrou Celebration) Book & CD, DVD.

1. There are quite a few books out there offering "West African Rhythms." Some are better than others, but in terms of cultural relevance, most if not all of these books seem to be missing something. They tend to be big on the "rhythms," and not so big on much else. More time may be spent on echaufements and solo lines than the songs, other instruments, and most importantly, the meaning of that particular music.
   
   At almost 170 pages discussing only two "West African Rhythms," this book offers a true glimpse of the Susu culture; through teaching their history, their instruments, dancing, drumming, singing, and more. History and culture are offered in a straight-forward, digestible fashion... and when I say digestible, I'm also referring to actual Susu recipes.
   
   West African Drum & Dance, a Yankadi-Macru Celebration is set up as a curriculum; one that could be used for an older elementary school class as easily as it could be used at the college level. Musical items are broken down and offered in a progressive fashion so that a teacher can customize the speed at which the material is presented. The DVD helps out a lot here as well, and when they show performances, it's from the actual village!
   
   I've played Yankadi/Macru in various settings with people of various levels, including acclaimed Susu djembefola. Looking through this book, I have an entirely new perspective about what it is....it's not a rhythm, it's an involved, beautiful celebration.
   
   Highly recommended to anyone interested in djembe/dunun, and/or in cultural music curriculums.

5 comments about Have Fun Playing Hand Drums: A Book and Cd for Playing the Djembe, Conga, and Bongo Drums.

1. As a teacher of hand drumming to kids, I found this book to be a wonderful guide/reference for breaking down playing and rhythm concepts for kids. You could teach the book as-is sequentially as a course, or pull from different parts as you choose.



2. The book is well illustrated and the accompanying CD is excellent for learning and playing along with - the exercises are played several times so you can get the feel of the sound and practice with the CD. The exercises and patterns are carefully graduated. There are also a number of play-along tracks to get more experience. I would also recommend this book for players of other instruments to get a good grounding in rhythm sense. This book followed by Richie Gajate-Garcia's "Play Bongos & Hand Percussion Now" is the best course for learning bongos I know of. Gajate-Garcia's book will take you to more complex rhythms and patterns useful for nearly every setting.



3. This book begins with a quick historical overview of each type of drum and describes the characteristics of the djembe, conga and bongo drums. It explains where the common hand drum tone zones are on the drum head. It then goes on to counting a simple 4-beat rhythm and distinguishes between downbeats and upbeats. In a non-traditional music notation system of boxes with one of several symbols in it representing the distinct tones the drums can make, it introduces the idea of the rest where the symbol is missing in one of a pattern of boxes - every 4th box, every 3rd and 4th box, every 2nd box. Then there is practice combining the various tones the drums can make and rests, accenting either the downbeat or the upbeat, and so on. Fun for kids are the games, such as "Follow the Leader" and "Talking Drum," and imitating the sound of a train in "The Drum Train." Also of interest are the group drumming rhythms in two and three parts, still maintaining the 4-beat count, and traditional rhythms common to each type of drum. Experimenting with sounds and creating your own rhythms is encouraged. This is an easy book with a gentle learning curve. The CD is a nice accompaniment to the book's exercises and provides practice for playing along with a group. Recommended for beginners.



4. The book teaches easy, traditional rhythms for conga, bongos, and djembe. There were no Middle Eastern beats.
   
   The format is easy to follow, and they use a method of notation (with shapes) that breaks it down well enough for a kiddo to interpret. By kiddo I mean interested, 7yrs & up but any kid with musical experience would find it very easy. In fact they picture lots of kids drumming in the book. Keeping this notation in mind, the book does not prepare the reader for interpreting standard percussion notation... which may or may not be important to you.
   
   If you are already proficient with any of these drums and are looking for some new beats, I wouldn't reccomend this book. They only show a few core beats (3 in fact- one for each drum,) as the breadth of the material seems to focus on providing multiple percussion parts and activities for a beginning drum circle. The "finale" piece is simply a combination of the 3 major drum beats and their accompanying percussion parts (shakers etc.)
   
   The three beats are given in their core form, and then are gradually embellished. As far as I know, this is just about how everybody learns a new beat: starting with the core and building on it.
   
   They provided some exercise routines for skill building and hand coordination as well as counting beats and rests.
   
   The illustrations were very useful, and the instructions for finding tones were quite explicit, even going so far as to explain alternate ways of making a specific sound. This could be wonderful for somebody frustrated with not finding their tones.
   
   It does have instructions that illustrate tuning, how to find and execute slap & bass etc, as well as guidelines and blank notation space for you to write your own beats. I enjoyed the background information they gave about the drums- cultural and geographic origins, construction, how to find a drum with good sound, etc. The information they chose to share would be beneficial for any drummer, but may be redundant for most.
   
   I really didn't get anything out of this book as an intermediate player. I was hoping to pick up a few more beats for my African and Middle Eastern drums and learn some technique with the bongos. Instead I think it would have been wiser to just buy a bongo book or get some cheap lessons from a university student.
   
   This book would be excellent for kids OR adults with zero musical experience wanting to get their hand-drumming feet wet. I couldn't reccomend it more for that purpose.



5. This is a fantastic book to use to teach children as well as adults to play any type of drum. The book comes with a cd which helps you hear how the note should sound. I am teaching my son who is autistic and the steps are very simple although I do have to break them further to accomodate his learning style. I recommend it highly. Have fun playing!!

2 comments about 200 Drum Machine Patterns.

1. Book is very basic and simple. Easily applicable to any drum machine. Most rhythms in this book are very basic and thus highly recommended for those just getting into drum programming. Anyone wishing for more intracate drum patterns this is not the book for that. These patterns are cool enough to get you going. Alot of cool basic rhythms presented in this book. Simple and concise.



2. I don't feel that the patterns in this book are very useful
   outside of the most basic types of music. The patterns are
   organized in a visual format allowing for easy programming
   into grid type sequencers which is a plus for those who cannot
   read standard music notation. However these patterns simply
   do not cut it except perhaps for those seeking an introduction
   to beginning MIDI drum programming. Anyone expecting interesting
   patterns should look elsewhere.

3 comments about Elementary Drum Method.

1. I teach percussion privately, and I require all my beginning students to buy a copy of this book. It introduces the new percussionists to time signatures, rudiments, sticking methods, and playing auxiliary percussion instruments. It is a simple yet effective way to get started in percussion, and is a lot more interesting to play than _Stick Control_!



2. I've taught percussion now for about 15 years, and this book teaches all the important rhythmic concepts within about 11 pages. It will definitely give a beginning student a sense of accomplishment, and will keep them interested, which is the most important thing! It also has a list of all 26 major rudiments and has plenty of useful exercises.



3. Even though the graphics in the beginning leave something to be desired and could easily be updated, this is my favorite beginning drum book. For one thing, it contains the 'rudiments,' which I find an important part of the learning process. The rhythmic concepts and technical aspects (flams, drags, etc) are introduced in a logical order that the student can easily grasp.

5 comments about Funkifying the Clave: Afro-Cuban Grooves for Bass and Drums (with CD) (Manhattan Music Publications).

1. This book is a goldmine of information and ideas pertaining to the addition of the salsa feel in your playing. The authors lay out, in both English and Spanish, the different latin styles and feels clearly, and the included cd's make learning the material that much easier. The different patterns discussed include the clave, tumbao, songo, guaguanco, cha-cha, mozambique, and afro-cuban styles. Also included are 6 songs (complete with charts) for the student to play with (recorded with and without drum/bass tracks). This book is a must have for a player of any level. It was recommended to me by a bass player friend of mine who plays in a touring group specializing in latin/flaminco music. It has made a huge difference in my playing, and I've been drumming for 23 years. Get this book and enjoy the new world of ideas and possibilities!



2. Combining traditional Latin claves with a funk backbeat. I bought this book / cd combo to improve my bass playing and drumming. (Yep! I play both.) I enjoy Latin / rock type music and wanted to become more familiar with the various styles and rhythms of this music. This book is awesome! It is also not fot the beginner or the timid unless you are dead serious about your playing. This will not only improve your playing, but your reading as well. The CD's start with a group of songs performed by the band. Then they break into LOTS of examples of ALL different styles of Latin music. Once you think you have it all mastered, the songs you heard at the beginning of the cd are there without drums / bass depending on which cd you want to play along with. Yes there are 2 cd's. One for drums, one for bass. By the way, all the songs on the cd have studio grade charts in the back of the book for you to follow. If this book doesn't keep you busy for a long time, you must already be a seasoned studio professional. Even if you are, there's probably something in here for you. ENJOY!



3. This book is essential if your a non-latin drummer trying to understand this percussive language. Clear, concise, this book will occupy you for months, even years.



4. An essential book for any drummer serious about understanding and playing Afro-Cuban grooves on the drum set.



5. Ok I will spend hours with this, lots here to learn, I understand you might be able to find the old VHS of this as well. Lots of fun end enjoyment for a bass player....

1 comments about Music of a Distant Drum: Classical Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Hebrew Poems..

1. Bernard Lewis is probably the West's foremost scholar on Islam and the Middle East; I have enjoyed several of his books on these topics. Even so, I was surprised to find a volume of poetry, translated by Lewis, at my bookstore, and I bought it immediately, reasoning that if it remotely approached his other works, it would be well worth the money. I was not disappointed. With little or no knowledge of Near Eastern poetry to my credit, Music of a Distant Drum won me over. I read the entire volume of poems, about 130, in the first evening.

   Music of a Distant Drum is divided into four sections of approximately equal lengths, each providing poems, translated by Lewis, from four distinct (although sometimes contemporaneous) cultures: Arabic, Persian, Turkish and Hebrew. While I?m qualified to critique neither the poetry nor its translation, I can say that I found them all beautiful. Not knowing what to expect, I was surprised by the brevity of many of the works. The Persians and Arabs in particular seem to be fond of short works in tight stanzas. Too, I found the worldliness and circumspection of the Persians unexpected, even though they, among all four cultures, seemed most fond of metaphor.

   If you are a student of the East, I think you might be interested in, and surprised by, the topics these poems: war, love, aging, politics, drinking (!). Some scholars note that drinking (or drunkenness), as a topic in this poetry, is a metaphor for an all-encompassing love of God. Lewis seems to suggest that the drinking references may not be as metaphorical as others maintain it is. Either way, the poetry is agile and moving, and I enjoyed it very much. Poetry lovers may appreciate that some of these works have probably never appeared in print in the West, and I was impressed by the very number of poets represented: there are an astonishing 54 mini-biographies (about a paragraph, each) in the back of the book.

   Buy this book and read it. I believe you will find it as powerful and enjoyable as I did.

5 comments about Traps - The Drum Wonder: The Life of Buddy Rich.

1. This book is outstanding! Anyone who really likes the drums or drummers (mainly Buddy Rich), definitly has to read this book. It is a very detailed but a very easy reading book. It not only covers his life, it also has a section called "Sidebars", and gives more detail (exe: Buddy's Passions, Buddy's Beliefs, Buddy On Film, etc.) I think it should win an award!



2. The Buddy Rich story had to be told, and on the whole Tormé does it with honesty and humour. His writing, however, suffers from a number of bad mixed metaphors, and there is a dreadful editing mistake when the lead in quote to one of the final chapters is dated as being at Rich's birthday party in 1988. He died in 1987. These qualms aside, the book is easy reading, with many funny anecdotes. The view of the jazz scene is predictably white and cronyish, but the main interest is Rich's extraordinary life and talent.



3. A great story, but.... The Buddy Rich story had to be told, and on the whole Tormé does it with honesty and humour. His writing, however, suffers from a number of bad mixed metaphors, and there is a dreadful editing mistake when the lead in quote to one of the final chapters is dated as being at Rich's birthday party in 1988. He died in 1987. These qualms aside, the book is easy reading, with many funny anecdotes. The view of the jazz scene is predictably white and cronyish, but the main interest is Rich's extraordinary life and talent.



4. Mel Torme is not a genius of prose or of the biography genre, but he isn't unreadable either, and literary standards these days are low anyway. Besides, Mel Torme KNEW Rich for much of Rich's life. Buddy Rich asked Torme to write a fair biography, and that is what Torme has done. If you want to learn about the life of the greatest technical drum soloist of all time, this is the book to buy. I like the pictures, too. (How's that for genius in prose?)



5. I have been in awe of Buddy Rich's musicianship since hearing him live at "Lennie's on the Turnpike" in MA back in the sixties. He could 'suggest' a melody during his solo's better than any drummer I've ever heard (in 62 years). Mel Torme's biography is just fine at portraying Buddy Rich.
   Read it and judge for yourselves!