late breaking news - I just heard that Dom Famularo passed away on 9/27/23. He was my good friend, and a good friend to drummers around the world. Read about Dom’s vast achievements on Wikipedia . I will write an article about Dom in the next issue.
Read moreLiving Music: A Film About Ra Kalam Bob Moses; Indie GoGo Fund Raiser
(Editor’s note: My friend, Nashville drummer Clifford Koufman, is currently making this film and is raising funds via Indie GoGo. In 1976 Bob Moses was the drummer on Pat Metheny’s first album, ‘Bright Size Life ’, which also featured Jaco Pastorius on bass. All drummers need to hear this recording of one of the greatest drummers in the world. Bob influenced my playing so much. I listen to this album every week. -George Lawrence)
Read moreRepeat After Me - Part Two
The following etude represents the second part--the rhythmic makeup now consists mostly of eighth triplets between the bass and snare. You have to concentrate —it’s easy to make mistakes
Read moreRare 4 x 14 Slingerland *Tone Flange* Artist Models
I haven’t been able to find any new/old snares lately so here’s some cool and rare 4 x 14 Slingerland *Tone Flange* Artist Models from my collection. In my 28 years of collecting I have only seen three of these 4 x 14 Artist Tone Flange models. Common logic has to be that there are more of these out there so feel free to send me photos/stories of your 4 x 14 TFs.
Read moreHow to Learn a Song in 10 Ounces of Caffeine or Less
Recognition vs. Recall
The goal is not to memorize the entire tune and arrangement. We just need to be able to identify and recognize the various sections as they come along. As long as we can follow the tune, the rest is just a case of getting organized. I like to develop a good understanding of the 'landscape' and leave the details until later. If I were to focus on the drum breaks, for example, I’d miss a lot of important information.
Slingerland Radio King kit in Yellow Marble Lacquer
The kit is in marble lacquer which is a hand painted finish resulting in no two drums ever looking exactly alike. The front bass drum head is beautifully hand painted and features actual sequins appliquéd on the female dancer’s dress.
Read moreMy Uncle Jimmy and his Gracy Drum Set
Back in the 60’s, my grandparents would invite our entire family to their cottage in Northern Ontario. At one family event, a close friend of ours introduced us to her new boyfriend Jimmy Hayes. Jimmy was a one man party. He would sing, dance, tell jokes and kept everyone entertained and in stitches. To me though, he was extra special as he also played drums.
Read moreSticking Theory - The Case of the Missing Rolls
I’m publishing some of the rough drafts of pages from my forthcoming book, “Life’s Little Drumming Lessons”, Chapter: Sticking Theory and the Prime Rudiments.
Read more