Drumset Concepts - Volume I: Jazz Comping
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$25.00
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Paperback Version - Includes fundamental techniques on the primary instruments of the drum set - Snare drum, Bass Drum, Hi Hat and Ride Cymbal. Beginning to Intermediate-level, all in the jazz/swing style. 110 pages. Click page buttons below to preview pages with audio.
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Price includes taxes - shipping and handling added at checkout.
Volume 1 | Addendum
Click on the buttons below to hear audio associated with that page in the book and access additional information about the recordings.
Addendum Notes:
These drum tracks were recorded while playing along with specific jazz recordings. The recordings chosen feature relatively straightforward comping patterns from the rhythm sections to coincide with beginning to intermediate patterns for study from Volume 1. For legal reasons, I am not able to include the original recordings, so these audio files are drums only. (For access to original recordings, see info and link to Spotify Playlist below).
Each track is listed with the following criteria:
Why use original jazz recordings for playalongs?
The advantages of using recordings of original tracks as playalong material are numerous:
Disclaimer
Obviously, playing pre-determined comping patterns from the book over existing tracks is a bit like putting a square peg in a round hole. The drummers on the recordings will be playing what is appropriate for the moment, and any constructed pattern over top of that could sound pre-conceived. However, the process of hearing these written comping patterns in real time with real musicians is important to developing control of the drumset both technically and conceptually. And as a developmental exercise, this added control will enhance one's fluency in any live musical situation.
The Swing Playlist (Spotify)
I have been collecting titles of tunes on Spotify that I have found useful for beginners and intermediate players who are just getting familiar with the swing style to play along with. Some are represented in the recorded audio files referenced above. This list will be added to as I discover more tracks.
To access this playlist, go to the Spotify app and simply type in my Spotify account name: Rich MacDonald, or click the button below:
These drum tracks were recorded while playing along with specific jazz recordings. The recordings chosen feature relatively straightforward comping patterns from the rhythm sections to coincide with beginning to intermediate patterns for study from Volume 1. For legal reasons, I am not able to include the original recordings, so these audio files are drums only. (For access to original recordings, see info and link to Spotify Playlist below).
Each track is listed with the following criteria:
- page number/group or measures
- track used as playalong/title/artist/album/date
- track info/time location
- personnel
- tempo
- notes on book use
- references to the pages performed, and suggested use of the patterns
- notes on performance
- references to the original recordings including identification of form, timings of soloists, and notable comping ideas from the drummers
Why use original jazz recordings for playalongs?
The advantages of using recordings of original tracks as playalong material are numerous:
- It allows the drummer to have the experience of hearing and interacting with the source literature - familiarizing oneself with the important players and groups in the genre, and their sounds.
- It invites the drummer to spend time listening to the input of the original drummer on the track. Often, I will stop playing and listen to the group - and note the type of comping going on in the rhythm section...how is the drummer interacting with the rhythm section? with the soloist? I might play a chorus or two, listen to a chorus, then play another chorus or two trying to emulate the drummer on the recording.
- It helps to define the "spacing" in the swing context - the placement of the notes that occur on the 'ands' of the patterns and phrases. Are these loose or tight relative to the downbeats? How does tempo determine these placements? How do drummers approach this? and how do the soloists they are playing with treat this spacing?
- It reinforces the way in which drummers play the form of the tune. Often there is more activity from the drummer at phrase points. Also, beginnings and endings of the form, or changes in soloists, often elicit more activity.
- It demonstrates what good time should feel like.
- It helps define the overall kit balance for the style.
Disclaimer
Obviously, playing pre-determined comping patterns from the book over existing tracks is a bit like putting a square peg in a round hole. The drummers on the recordings will be playing what is appropriate for the moment, and any constructed pattern over top of that could sound pre-conceived. However, the process of hearing these written comping patterns in real time with real musicians is important to developing control of the drumset both technically and conceptually. And as a developmental exercise, this added control will enhance one's fluency in any live musical situation.
The Swing Playlist (Spotify)
I have been collecting titles of tunes on Spotify that I have found useful for beginners and intermediate players who are just getting familiar with the swing style to play along with. Some are represented in the recorded audio files referenced above. This list will be added to as I discover more tracks.
To access this playlist, go to the Spotify app and simply type in my Spotify account name: Rich MacDonald, or click the button below: