Learning how to play with a bass player is one of the most important lessons for any drummer interested in playing in a band. The drummer/bass player relationship has to be locked down tight to build anything close to a successful groove for a song. I recently came across a video that inspired this post […]…
I thought it would be fun to go international in this next blog post. And not only am I going international, I’m moving about as far away as I can be from the “money beat.” Akira Jimbo has gained worldwide recognition for his insane drumming skills so I want to feature him at Play Drums […]…
Max Weinberg has made quite a name for himself as the drummer for Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band as well as leader of Conan O’Brien’s Late Night show band, the Max Weinberg 7. Max also has a pretty impressive wrap sheet drumming for many other famous musicians as well. As far as style […]…
One of the coolest and hippest drum beats is the intro to Paul Simon’s famous song, “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover.” Steve Gadd struck gold with this beat, since even though it isn’t a straight “money beat” people can still groove along to it and it fits well with the song. I thought it […]…
Mickey Hart, known mostly as one of the two drummers of the Grateful Dead, has studied vigorously the relationship between drumming and neuroscience. I came across an article by Karen Dalton of the Huffington Post that features an interview with Mickey Hart about this specific relationship and all he is doing to help further the […]…
People love the drums. So much in fact that there are thousands upon thousands of stellar drummers in the music industry so as you can imagine, it’s difficult to stand out. There are a series of drummers that have made names for themselves behind the kit and many of them have taken the time to […]…
The band, Dream Theater, had big shoes to fill when original drummer Mike Portnoy decided it was time to leave the group. After much debate and auditions with several of the top drummers in the music industry, the band settled on their new permanent drummer. I won’t let the cat out of the bag too […]…
Steve Smith, known mostly for his work with the band Journey, is a very talented drummer that has become well versed in many different styles of drumming. One of the things that strikes me most about Steve is his emphasis on drum rudiments in his playing; the man has incredible chops and applies many of […]…
QuestLove and the Roots are on the top of their game, having been nominated for a Grammy and secured the position of house band for Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. QuestLove, or Ahmir Khalib Thompson, has been drumming since he was kid on tour with his parents. Needless to say, music runs through his veins […]…
Jack Dejohnette has been a part of countless jazz records in the last few decades, playing with some of the heaviest jazz cats in the industry, and still continues to play, perform and produce new concepts of jazz today. Recently, Dejohnette has joined bassist Stanley Clarke and pianist Chick Corea for a special tour. I […]…