Author Archives: beckbeat

Executive Order- All Bleed Red (Single)

Last September I recorded drums for the band Executive Order at Honolulu’s Blue Planet Sound recording studio. The first single “All Bleed Red” was released today on all digital platforms. I had a blast getting into character and playing some Rock again… back to my roots! If you like some good rocking tunes, big guitars,Continue reading “Executive Order- All Bleed Red (Single)”

Online Drum Lessons

USPS is experiencing some delays, so I’m still waiting for my iPad adapter to provide a better Zoom experience, but I should be good to go next week.  My old MacBook is huffing and puffing, trying to run #Zoom and #AddictiveDrums2 simultaneously.  ••• Used the downtime to shoot a short promo video.  Quite the challengeContinue reading “Online Drum Lessons”

Zoom Drum Lessons

This Covid thing isn’t going away, so like everyone else, I have to make adjustments.  I’m still waiting on some audio gear, but hope to offer online Zoom drum lessons soon.  ••• From hand technique, rudiments and chops, to timing and groove concepts, reading, or just how to get started… I’m happy to share whatContinue reading “Zoom Drum Lessons”

Jay Keyz Project @ Theatrix Hawaii

Thanks to everyone who tuned in and watched our set at Theatrix Hawaii. To be honest, it was weird to play for cameras and not a live audience, but we all had a blast and enjoyed playing music together — the first time in over 3 months! If you missed it, you can rewatch itContinue reading “Jay Keyz Project @ Theatrix Hawaii”

Timing & Coordination Groove Exercise

Aloha drummers! Here’s a Timing/Coordination Groove Exercise I like to do.  The bass drum plays a “Bo Diddley pattern.” The left hand plays the 2 + 4 backbeat.  The right hand moves through all the 16th note variations of a 4 note grouping on the Hi-Hat,  e.g.: X… = Quarter Note (ONE e and a)Continue reading “Timing & Coordination Groove Exercise”

Theatrix Hawaii – The Virtual Venue

Hi everyone, I’m excited to play my first show in three months with the JayKeyzProject at Theatrix Hawaii, on Wednesday, July 1st! The concert is virtual and will be streamed live on Theatrix Hawaii’s Facebook page. Jason Laeha‘s set is from 7:00-7:45 pm HST, and we go on after, from 8 to 9 pm, HST.Continue reading “Theatrix Hawaii – The Virtual Venue”

Half Time Shuffle Variations

I’ve always loved the half-time shuffle feel, a la Bernard Purdie. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with different Hi-Hat variations while keeping the rest locked in. Needs work, but there’s for some interesting vibes … Here are three variations:

Star Trek: Enterprise – Theme Song Transcription

One of my younger drum students loves Hard Rock, classic Heavy Metal, … and Star Trek. His favorite series is Star Trek: Enterprise, which features a version of Faith of the Heart (aka Where My Heart Will Take Me) as sung by Russell Watson. I made a quick transcription of the 1:18 min piece. It’sContinue reading “Star Trek: Enterprise – Theme Song Transcription”

Leaving Space Grooves

In the age of flashy YouTube and Instagram drumming stars it’s easy to forget that it’s surprisingly hard to play slow beats with lots of space between the notes. It makes sense to me: The more notes you pack into a beat, the easier it is to get away with sloppy placement or bad timing.Continue reading “Leaving Space Grooves”