Tag Archives: musician

Inverted Half Time Shuffle Beat

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

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

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