The Monday Morning Paradiddle

Spring is in full swing over here and thanks for checking back (it's actually snowing outside my studio window as I write this!) Anyways, here's a bunch of different things on the go and worth checking out this week:

- An older article but here's Canadian journalist Paul Wells on Montreal-now-New Orleans-based drummer John Fraboni's attempt to invite Elvin Jones over to his house for dinner!

https://medium.com/@InklessPW/elvinquest-the-drummer-who-didnt-come-to-dinner-96f3658169b2#.1mc7sxre4

- Another older but very good piece on Tony Williams from Jazz Profiles:

http://jazzprofiles.blogspot.ca/2011/03/tony-williams-1945-1997-unpredictable.html

- We know Joe Lovano as one of the world's great Jazz saxophonists, but he's also a great drummer too and shows a great reverence for the great drummers. Here is an interview with Lovano from Greenleaf Music:

https://www.greenleafmusic.com/anftd-41-joe-lovano/

- The Drummer Resource Podcast is always a great source for interviews with different drummers, covering a variety of styles. In this episode Nick Ruffini speaks with Berklee professor and Alan Dawson disciple John Ramsay:

http://www.drummersresource.com/john-ramsay-interview/

Billy Drummond is also interviewed at the Drummer's Resource Podcast over here:

http://www.drummersresource.com/billy-drummond-interview/

And thanks to saxophonist Jeff McGregor, Drummond is also interviewed via the ongoing SmallsLIVE Workshop Podcast:

- The Drummer's Journal is a wonderful on-line magazine. I'm always really impressed by not only the content but also the layout and artistic choices that go into the presentation. Check it out here:

http://www.thedrummersjournal.com

Definitely check out recent features with Steve Gadd and Peter Erskine.

- Han Bennink is featured over at NPR Music in a lovely segment entitled "The Jazz Drummer Who Makes Music Out of Everything":


- Jesse Simpson is quickly making a name for himself as a fine cymbal smith. Check out this little feature:

- Quincy Davis offers another "Q-Tip" lesson, offering some suggestions on how to develop your single stroke rolls:



Also, a huge congratulations to Quincy is due as he recently accepted the position as drum professor at the University of North Texas!

- A great lesson with David Garibaldi, breaking down the King Kong Beat:

- A little drum n' bass with Toronto bassist Mike Downes and Larnell Lewis:

- Another segment featuring Antonio Sanchez from the upcoming documentary "The Art of Listening":



- Now here's some fun music....The WDR Big Band featuring two projects with drummer's Al Foster and Billy Hart!






- What am I listening to these days?

Kirk MacDonald & Pat LaBarbera "Silent Voices" - Adam Nussbaum (drums)

Antonio Sanchez "Three by Three" - Antonio Sanchez (drums)

Joe Lovano "Tones, Shapes and Colours" - Mel Lewis (drums)

Gene Krupa & Louie Bellson "The Mighty Two" - Gene Krupa, Louie Bellson (drums)

Hugh Fraser Quintet "Pas de Problems" - Blaine Wikjord (drums)

Hugh Fraser Quinet "Looking Up" - Buff Allen (drums)

Nate Waters Quartet "Contra Contrafact" - Bobby Wiens (drums)


- And today's Final Word goes to the great Jack DeJohnette:

"Listen really well, inspire the other musicians, be a team player, and know when to provide the fire, the intensity and the dynamics to the group. Be prepared to play what you don't know..."

- Jack DeJohnette