'Nick’s Blog' Tagged Posts

'Nick’s Blog' Tagged Posts

Buddy Rich, Buddy Rich Live at The Montreal Jazz Festival!

Buddy Rich was always described as, “the world’s greatest drummer.” While watching this full concert of him in his later years it’s extremely hard to disagree with that tagline! Behold an amazing powerhouse of technique, strength, focus and depth of Buddy at the Montreal Jazz Festival!

Antonio Sanchez, A Solo With A Purpose!

Antonio Sanchez is best known for the drummer for contemporary jazz guitarist Pat Metheny. He has had 3 albums out as a band leader/drummer of solo work which showcases his amazing blend of Jazz/Latin/Chops/Feel! He is a must listen and watch for any drummer interested in any of those 4  qualities. Here’s a fantastic solo from Antonio during the Modern Drummer Festival in 2003. Here’s another one from his DVD “Master Class!”    

Weather Report’s, “Birdland” As An Uptempo-Boogie!

Weather Report had several famous drummers play for them through out their popularity of the 70’s. Peter Erskine was probably one of the most famous drummers to come out of their line-up. His years with Weather Report were over shadowed by the incredible Jaco Pastorius on bass guitar. If you’ve never read up on Jaco,  his playing and his personality then you are in for an odd account of a genius musician whose mental health was never treated. Here’s a great…

Gene Krupa, Constant Solo, Groove and Smiles!

Gene Krupa was known for his showmanship and drum solos. Here’s the classic Big Band tune of Benny Goodman featuring Gene Krupa, “Sing, Sing, Sing.” Of course you recognize it for his famous drum solo that the melody is wrapped around. A classic!   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW2nkA0vjTU

Virgil Donati, Math Drummer!

Australian drummer Virgil Donati few on my radar in the early 2000’s with a band called, Planet X. Amazing chops with the ability to infuse complex odd-time signatures and odd groupings. As many notes as he plays,  it feels good and amazingly enough done with Traditional Grip!  I had the pleasure of taking a Master Class with Virgil a couple years back. Let’s say those worksheets that he gave me are still in production! Enjoy the clip of Virgil playing…

Frank Zappa Thought Like A Drummer!

In high school I was obsessed with Frank Zappa! The composer/guitarist was always a favorite with drummers/percussionists. He thought and wrote like a drummer. Experimenting with odd-time signatures, odd groupings and zany changes. Here’s a little taste of Frank Zappa with, “Inca Roads.” Notice Chester Thompson on drums, before he joined Genesis! Warning…this is a zany tune!