I’m working on editing a new interview for the podcast that will be out soon. In the meantime, here are a few things from the last couple of weeks.
Feathering and Comping at Up Tempos
I’ve been working hard on feathering at up tempos the last couple of months, specifically going back and forth between feathering and comping. I can’t remember exactly how, but I discovered a weakness in both when dropping the ride cymbal out. My balance and coordination started getting dicey without the ride to hold it together.
To work on that, I’ve been using page 27 of John Riley’s The Art of Bop Drumming in a new way, at about 250 bpm for now, sometimes with a click and sometimes with records. I loop one of John’s comping patterns for a bit (with the ride cymbal) and then drop out the ride for 4-8 bars (still playing the comping pattern), then bring the ride back in. The hi-hat plays the whole time.
I’m also working on feathering for 4-8 bars and then playing each comping exercise for 4-8 bars. Back and forth, while also playing around with bringing the ride in and out. Challenging, especially with a goal of staying relaxed the whole time.
Drum Stories: Cyrille, Hart, Stewart, and Waits
Analog Tone Factory has a new record due out December 4 called Drum Stories, featuring Andrew Cyrille, Billy Hart, Bill Stewart, and Nasheet Waits. The first single, “Freedom Waltz,” is a drum duet between Hart and Cyrille. Pre-orders start in October. Very excited about this.
Eric McPherson with Lucian Ban & Elevation
Pianist Lucian Ban’s Elevation ensemble just released Rush on Sunnyside, with Eric McPherson on drums, Abraham Burton on tenor, and John Hébert on bass. A beautiful record. It’s on Bandcamp.
New Albums: Live at Close Up
Close Up, the club in New York, has started releasing live albums and they sound great. I haven’t checked them all out yet, but I’m particularly digging Kayvon Gordon’s Blood Memory and Carmen Quill’s record featuring Billy Hart.
More here: Close Up on Bandcamp
Jeremy Dutton at Cycle Studios
Former podcast guest Jeremy Dutton recently dropped this video where he performs at Cycle Studios in New York and talks about community, legacy, and the importance of participation.
Have a great weekend.