| | The Worshipping Drummer-Jimmy John Morris
Session 7
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After learning Basic Rock & Ballad (intimacy) playing, Playing within a 6/8 time signature, Sixteenth notes, then moving from the hi-hat to the ride cymbal, floor tom, & crash cymbal, we now enter the word of the triplet so we can swing!!!
In Session 7 we will be opening up the concept of playing with a swing feel.
This is a tough transition for many musicians who don't have a background of playing Blues or Jazz music.
Here are some easy steps:
1)Don't underestimate the power of listening to music. One of my old music instructors believed that listening was 75% of learning music. Listening is a powerful tool - don't underestimate listening. John Wimber was quoted saying that, "for musicians there's no such thing as background music." We should always be listening.
2)Start small. My suggestion for playing Jazz music is to start by playing quarter notes on the ride cymbal. Just play time and listen to the "feel" of the music. Remember the importance of timing!!! Then play triplets, the 'Jazz ride pattern,' and then the shuffle pattern.
3)Learn Jazz/Blues Exercises. It's like going to the gym and working on a new muscle group. With a slow blues or slow jazz tune play triplets (a quarter note divided into three even beats). I.e. play quarter notes on the ride cymbal while playing triplets on the snare, or try to play triplets with both hands. This is a great exercise that will build you the grid that you'll be playing in.
4)Keep it simple. A little bit goes a long way and the difference between a Jazz/shuffle/swing feel and playing in a big band is closer than you think. Simply put - play what is right for the song.
There are some great educational books out that have a ton of jazz/swing studies available. One of my favorite is Advanced techniques for the modern drummer by Jim Chapin. Some instructional books have CD's or Cassettes to listen to the lessons, a few favorites are: Studio & Big band drumming by Steve Houghton and DCI's Brazilian Rhythms for Drum set to get you past the normal 2 & 4 of pop music. There are also books available with instrumental CD's to play along with that have recordings of Jazz, Brazilian, & Rock music. One of my personal favorites is Essential Styles Volume 1.
That's it for now. Good luck with your new exercises!
Thanks again for all the responses & suggestions!!! Feel free to E-mail with any questions or suggestions.
Jimmy John Morris
Feel free to contact me @ jj@jimmyjohnonline.com for any questions/suggestions.
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