Sometimes I surprise myself and end up playing new stuff without even knowing it. That’s why recording your practice session is so important. I actually had to sit down and transcribe my own playing. Turns out I ended up playing a, what I call, Inverted Half Time Shuffle variation. Here’s the video from my practice…More
Tag Archives: musician
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 what…More
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.…More
Bomba de Corazon
This quarantine has me practicing stuff that’s out of my comfort zone. Good. That’s the only way to grow and get better.More
MI College Of Contemporary Music – Steve Gadd
Rates & 16th Note Variations
As a drum teacher I’ve noticed that one of the most difficult things for beginner drummers is to switch rates, e.g., to go from triplets to 16th notes, and moving between different 16th note variations. This short exercise is designed so you can play along with me (or the click only), get comfortable with counting,…More
Sugar Soul Wednesdays @ Hawaiian Brian’s
In January, The Project (@jaykeyzproject) started to host a weekly Neosoul/Funk/HipHop flavored jam session at Hawaiian Brian’s, in Honolulu. We usually open the night at 10 PM with a short set, and then invite people up to jam and improvise. It’s a great opportunity to hang, vibe, network, and play with some of Hawaii’s top…More
Get a Grip
Other drummers have asked me about my (default) grip. Just flip a stick and catch it. That’s it: The brilliance of simplicity. Note: I use a middle finger fulcrum as my “home position,” the index finger comes in to close the hand, add control and pressure, only when necessary (fast doubles, press rolls, etc.). This allows…More
Jazzy Snare-Tom Combo
Been listening to a lot of Hard Bop lately. Here’s a triplet-based lick that’s fun to play and gets you around the kit. Might have heard it from #BillyHiggins or #MaxRoach, not sure.More
Celebrating the Godfather of Soul
Had a blast playing a James Brown Tribute show at Blue Note Hawaii. Clyde Stubblefield & Jabo Starks have been a major influence in my drumming, from an early age on. #ThankYouFortheGroovesMore