September 2012 Issue – Volume 37 • Number 9

Don’t Disturb the Groove! Part 1: Broken Doubles and Paradiddles

“Don’t disturb the groove.” Whether we’re playing to an audience that’s pumping their fists, moshing, or simply dancing, as drummers we never want to be the one held responsible for clearing the floor. But what happens when someone yells, “Give…

Joel Smith

For readers unfamiliar with gospel music and its rich history, imagine the way you might feel about John Bonham or Tony Williams, Jaco Pastorius or Charles Mingus. That's how much this multitalented musician means to legions of drummers and bass…

Corey Miller

Music and art have been inseparable for the tattoo icon since his earliest experiences as a drummer on the L.A. punk scene. Today his work is seen on TV, in national ad campaigns, on drumsets, on albums—and on the cover…

Inner Drumming — Listening With All Limbs, Part 3

In parts one and two of this series (April and June 2012), we worked with one, two, and three limbs. Before launching into the study of four limbs, I would like to review the process of working with the diagrams.…

Improve Your Bottom Line Part 1: Bass Drum Comping in 4/4

Drummers depend on the bass drum to help drive the band and provide depth to their time feel. Throughout the 1920s and ’30s, the bass drum was the “solid four” timekeeper of the rhythm section. Many modern jazz drummers use…

September 2012 Issue – Volume 37 • Number 9

Ringo Starr: The Perfect Fit

When he joined the Beatles, he was the man, the one with all the playing experience. He fit like a glove, driving the music with a singular feel while meshing perfectly with the other Mop Tops and their wry sense…

J.P. Bouvet

The 2011 Guitar Center Drum-Off champ and Roland U.S. V-Drums Contest winner shares his thoughts on soloing. J.P. Bouvet’s musical roots started growing early. Nurtured by his bass-playing mother, J.P. began playing the drums at age nine and by the…