Jason Tiemann is a killing New York City based jazz drummer and he's been compiling and sharing these excellent instructional videos on his YouTube page.
These are all very useful concepts and patterns to work through. What I really appreciate is that, in addition to being well explained and articulated, these come straight from the source and they are demonstrated by a great drummer who is the real deal, someone who's done his homework and regulary plays with a great informed sound, feel and a deep sense of swing with many of the world's greatest jazz musicians.
I'm still on cloud 9 these days, following my Max Roach tribute concert a few weekends ago at Congress Coffee. Thanks to everyone who came out.
Studying and researching the music for this epic gig lead me to this incredible Max Roach concert recorded in Norway circa. 1977 featuring Cecil Bridgewater (trpt), Billy Harper (tenor saxophone) and Reggie Workman (bass).
In particular, check out the free-wheeling 20 minute version of "It's Time!":
I would also like to draw your attention to a portion of the interview at the very end of this footage.
Specifically, listen to Roach's very eloquent, articulate and inspiring answer that he gives to the interviewer when asked to describe "the history of Jazz music":
As Sonny Rollins said so profoundly in the recent Max Roach documentary The Drum Also Waltzes, "Max was Heaven" and I think these videos illustrate this perfectly.
Thanks for stopping by today and here's the October 2024 edition of the The Monday Morning Paradiddle, your one-stop on-line jazz drumming variety column.
But first, just a couple of brief advertisements:
I am reluctant to advertise these on Facebook these days due to all the ridiculous fake profile t-shirt scams going around (!) but rest assured that these are indeed legit and I still have a handful of the classic black Four on the Floor black t-shirts left in stock if anyone is interested.
But once they are gone, they are GONE and it will very likely be a very long time before I have any more printed (if at all...) so don't miss out and get yours today!
These shirts are still available in small, medium, large and xxl sizes (sorry folks, all the xl sizes are gone!) and are lightweight premium fitted 100% cotton tees. I am also told that they are very comfortable : )
The shirts are $30 each (+shipping)
If you are interested in purchasing one, please drop me a line at fouronthefloorblog@gmail.com or reach me through social media and I'll set you up asap.
It's Time!
Hey, if you happen to find yourself in Calgary, Alberta this coming week, don't miss my upcoming tribute to Max Roach happening on Saturday, October 12th at Congress Coffee www.congresscoffeeyyc.com
I will be performing a mix of solo drum set repertoire made famous by Max Roach. I'll also be performing several of Max's iconic compositions and music associated with him from over the course of his career with Chris Tauchner on keyboards and the percussive force that is Raul Tabera on percussion.
I'm really looking forward to this one and make sure to reserve your seat in advance as seating is limited.
The Monday Morning Paradiddle - October 2024
1. Fantastic columns and commentary from Vinnie Sperrazza's Substack Chronicles including:
This is a blog about jazz, jazz drumming and all things unrelated. Thanks for stopping by!
A Bit About Me...
Jonathan McCaslin was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan. Jonathan began playing the drums at the age of nine. He progressed through the Regina Lions Junior Band and the music program at his high school, Campbell Collegiate, soon developing a passion for playing the drums and jazz. Ultimately, Jon's interest in music led him to enroll in the Jazz Studies program at McGill University, graduating with distinction in 1999.
While at McGill Jon had the opportunity to study with some of the finest jazz educators in the country including Gordon Foote, Kevin Dean, Jan Jarcyzk, Chris McCann, Andre White, Michel Lambert and Dave Laing. He also attended the prestigious summer jazz workshop presented by the Banff Centre for the Arts in 1997, where he performed with Canadian jazz greats Hugh Fraser, Don Thompson and Kenny Wheeler.
Jon has also been fortunate to have performed with many of Canada's jazz elite including Charlie Biddle, Brian Hurley, Louise Rose, Alaister Kay, Mart Kinny, Gary Guthman, Mike Rud, Hadley Caliman, Greg Clayton, Chase Sanborn, Andre White, Tilden Webb, John LaBelle, Kevin Dean, Dave Turner, Ralph Bowen, Don Thompson, Dionne Taylor, Jim Vivian, Kelly Jefferson, Ian McDougall, Brad Turner, Jim Brenan, The McGill Jazz Orchestra, Jeff Johnston, Lorraine Desmerais, Steve Amirault, Hugh Fraser, Chucho Valdes, Kieran Overs, The Altsys Jazz Orchestra, Pat LaBarbera, The Regina Symphony Orchestra and The Montreal Jazz Big Band.
In the spring of 2002 McCaslin completed his Master's in Jazz Studies at McGill University where he studied jazz drumming, improvisation and composition.
In January 2003 Jon released his debut CD, “McCallum’s Island”. Featuring his quintet, the CD contains an exciting collection of McCaslin’s original compositions, featuring himself and his band. The release of this CD was followed by a twenty-day tour of Western Canada, performing to enthusiastic, capacity audiences. During March of 2003 Jonathan was the recipient of a fellowship from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and attended the “Betty Carter Jazz Ahead” residency in Washington, D.C. Along with twenty other distinguished young jazz artists, McCaslin was featured with such jazz icons as Terence Blanchard, Carmen Lundy, Winard Harper, Curtis Fuller and John Clayton.
McCaslin’s quintet performed at the 2003 edition of the Montreal International Jazz Festival and was nominated for the General Motors Grand Prix du Festival (awarded to the most outstanding Canadian group). From 2004 until 2006, Jon toured North America, Asia and Europe with the high-energy, critically acclaimed music production troupe “Barrage”. Featuring a cast of seven world-class fiddlers and a four-piece band, this dynamic show featured high-energy music and fiddle traditions from around the world set to upbeat choreography and movement.
In 2015, Dr. McCaslin received his Doctorate through the University of Toronto and completed his dissertation on the conceptualization of contemporary melodic jazz drumming. He is currently based in Calgary, Alberta where he maintains a busy performing and teaching schedule across Canada.
