Jazz Drumming Lessons From Ralph Peterson

Ralph Peterson is helping young drummers get to know jazz drumming a little better.

Ralph Peterson is one of those jazz drummers that has established himself as one of the “next generation” players in the jazz community. Even though he’s now in his 50s, he came from a family filled with jazz musicians and was around to learn from some of the best jazz players in the older generation. So he’s studied the drums deeply and has had quite a bit of insight from the older players. Now he’s been able to bridge the next generation gap by playing with and teaching younger players that can now carry on the torch, if you will. The lessons he’s provided are grounded in the jazz music world, but can be applied to any style of music, especially improvisational styles. I hope you dig the words he has to say, and some of the drum chops he’s shared as well.

The first lesson has to do with the paradiddle rudiment, and how it translates to one of the most basic swing ride cymbal patterns in jazz music. Check it out here at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXxBOOr40yM.

Next, I thought it would be cool to share a live performance featuring his group, the Ralph Peterson Fo’tet. The guys in his band are young, so hopefully they can carry on the jazz music torch, if you will. Check the group out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_JPT6pgafo.

Lastly, Ralph has some cool things to say about playing solos on the kit. Enjoy it all now at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyXFE7gO4Vg.

I hope you dug all this great information from Ralph Peterson about playing the drums. There’s more coming your way at Play Drums By Ear, so stay tuned.

Thanks,

Chris