Ti Roro

I was recently listening to the latest album from the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra featuring the exceptional drumming of Obed Calvaire and, in particular, his composition Between Max and Ti-Roro caught my attention.

Apparently the Haitian drummer known as Ti Roro (or Tiroro) was a formative influence on the drumming of Max Roach, when Roach first heard him around 1939.

Here's a couple of interesting pieces to check out to that effect:

https://farsidemusic.wordpress.com/2015/03/03/tiroro-best-of-tiroro-the-greatest-drummer-in-haiti/

https://donpaul1.bandcamp.com/track/david-on-haitis-musical-influence-across-the-americas-and-on-max-roach-meeting-his-musical-peer-ti-roro

From Wikipedia:

"Baillargau Raymond, known as Ti Roro, was a Haitian drummer known for bringing the artistry of Haitian Vodou ritual drumming and other traditional Afro-Haitian drumming styles to the stage and to recording studios. He was an international performer who influenced jazz musicians, in particular, Max Roach. His year of birth is estimated to be 1915. It is widely believed that he died in 1980, probably in Port-au-Prince. Ti Roro's performances and collaborations can be found on solo recordings and in work for such artists as orchestra leader Issa El Saieh, singer Guy Durosier, and dancer Jean-Léon Destiné."

Come Study with me at the Mount Royal Conservatory!

Hey! I am now officially part of the percussion faculty at the Mount Royal University Conservatory in Calgary, Alberta and currently accepting drum set students of all ages and levels of experience. 

Contact the Conservatory or myself directly and let's get to work!

https://www.mtroyal.ca/ProgramsCourses/FacultiesSchoolsCentres/TheConservatory/

Jason Tiemann on Drums

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.

Check these out.

Max Roach Norway 1977

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.

Jazz Drumming Workshop + Trio Performance

Jazz Drumming Workshop and Performance

Saturday, November 2nd

Cornerstone Music Cafe
14919 Deer Ridge Drive SE

Jazz Drumming Workshop   3pm   $25

Trio Performance   6pm   $30

featuring:

Jon McCaslin - Drums
Aaron Shorr - Guitar
Jeff Gammon - Bass

*Attend both events for $45*

www.cornerstonemusic.ca