A Lesson with Elvin Part One

A long time ago I posted some lessons on my blog that dealt with some ideas and patterns that I heard Elvin Jones demonstrate at a drum clinic in Montreal, Quebec in 1999. I got a lot of positive feedback from drummers all over the world with regards to these posts. I've since revisited these lessons and they will be published in the upcoming issues of Canadian Musician magazine www.canadianmusician.com in my very own column.

Here's a crude scan of my article (!) but the full, hi-res version can be viewed at:

http://issuu.com/cmonline/docs/sp_cm_janfeb14_2_

Max Roach's Papers

It was recently announced that the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. has recently acquired the papers and personal affects belonging to the late Max Roach.

Here's a couple of articles from the New York Times and Washington Post to that effect:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/25/arts/music/library-of-congress-acquires-max-roachs-papers.html?_r=0

http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/museums/library-of-congress-gets-papers-of-max-roach-influential-jazz-drummer/2014/01/27/c5336ade-87a6-11e3-a5bd-844629433ba3_story.html?algtrack=mixedrec-1&tid=btm_rex_1

Being an eternal fan of Max Roach myself, I'm excited that this incredible collection of manuscripts, correspondences and what not will now be made available to the public and for research purposes.

Speaking out loud here (and if I may be so bold!) I'd like to suggest that we just skip building a statue in Roach's honour and get started on a full-fledged museum!

Bird & Duke

I've got a couple of really exciting gigs coming up this weekend and accordingly, some music to share today.

On Friday night I'll be performing with Canadian Jazz icon and alto saxophonist PJ Perry in Edmonton at Festival Place. The concert is billed as a tribute to the music of Charlie Parker and I expect that PJ will be in his element and firing on all cylinders as per usual.

Here's a rare clip of Bird that I found featuring him on the bebop standard Donna Lee, trading with a tap dancer:



After my hit in Edmonton I'll be heading to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to perform with the Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra under the direction of trumpeter Professor Dean McNeill. We'll be presenting a lot of music spanning Duke Ellington's career but most notably his epic work "Such Sweet Thunder".

The concert also features Toronto pianist Jeff McLeod and we'll be playing a few of Duke's rare piano trio numbers, including this one:




Now THAT is some seriously groovy music...

The Monday Morning Paradiddle

Welcome back and here's our first Monday Morning Paradiddle of 2014. Thank you all for your continued support and everyone here in the office is working hard to continue bringing you more useful tidbits of Jazz drumming information on a regular basis.


- You've probably noticed the new Four on the Floor logo (see above!) I'd like to extend a HUGE special thank you to my friend Chad Anderson who came up with this one for us. Yes, t-shirts will be coming soon!


- Many great Jazz drummers were born in the month of January (Max Roach, Jimmy Cobb, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Jon McCaslin....haha) and Kenny Clarke is no exception. Klook would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year! Here is a nice piece from NPR's A Blog Supreme about Clarke's important contributions:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2014/01/08/260769892/the-drummer-who-invented-jazzs-basic-beat


- The kind people over at Crescent Cymbals were nice enough to put together some great and informative videos featuring some of their endorsers.

Here's Todd Strait with some tips on playing fast tempos:



And here's the great New Orleans master drummer Johnny Vidacovich sharing some secrets about New Orleans drumming:



I love the part where he says: "What it means to be a New Orleans drummer is that you have a lot of responsibility because in New Orleans drums is like a sacred instrument...it's an honour, it's a privilege, it's part of an elite group and you've got to keep it all together."

That's deep.


- Looks like Gregory Hutchinson is now endorsing Vic Firth drum sticks these days. Here he is in action with Joshua Redman's trio from a recent hit at the Berklee College of Music:




- I've really been Ralph Peterson Jr.'s drumming lately and learned a lot from that footage of his clinic at PASIC a few months ago. Here's another inspiring one of him doing his thing:




- Christian McBride has been taking up residency at the Village Vanguard for the past few weeks (with his fine trio and big band). Here's another one of McBride's bands, "Inside Straight", featuring Carl Allen on drums:




- Irish bassist, rhythm master and really nice guy Ronan Guilfoyle posted this interview a while back with European drummer Eric Ineke:

http://ronanguil.blogspot.ie/2013/11/interview-eric-ineke-big-beat.html

I wasn't familiar with Ineke at all prior to reading this but now I am and going to make a point of checking him out!


- The great Sam Ulano passed away recently. The man was legendary, to say the least. Here he is (in his later years) demonstrating the art of playing a press roll:




- Another great interview with Elvin Jones here to check out:

http://joebrazilproject.blogspot.ca/2012/04/interview-with-elvin-jones.html


- Here's a thought provoking article about one of the most powerful rhythms known to mankind: The Clave!

http://www.ethanhein.com/wp/2013/why-is-son-clave-so-awesome/


- What am I listening to these days?

Duke Ellington "Such Sweet Thunder" - Sam Woodyard (drums)

Gerry Shatford "When I Sat Down to Play the Piano " - Terry Clarke (drums)

Harold Mabern "Live at Small's" - Joe Farnsworth (drums)

Lee Morgan "Live at the Lighthouse" - Mickey Roker (drums)

Max Roach "Deeds, Not Words" - Max Roach (drums)

George Colligan "Endless Mystery" - Jack DeJohnette (drums)

Dafnis Prieto Sextet "Taking the Soul for a Walk" - Dafnis Prieto (drums)

Quincy Davis "Songs in the Key of Q" - Quincy Davis (drums), Warren Wolf (vibraphone)


- Thanks to Chad Anderson for sharing this wonderful piece on drummer/percussionist Warren Smith:




There's lots more to come in 2014 but in the meantime I'd like to conclude this post with some words from the great Harvey Pekar, one of Jazz music's greatest friends:

Ernesto Cervini

Today's blog post features the very talented and busy Canadian  drummer/composer/bandleader Ernesto Cervini from Toronto. Ernesto was kind enough to take some time out of his busy schedule to tell us about his career and recent projects. You can find out more about Ernesto and his music at www.ernestocervini.com

1) What can you tell us about your musical background? How did you learn to play Jazz drums?

I started my musical studies on piano when I was 5.  I began drums at the age of 10, and started the clarinet shortly thereafter.  Both of my sisters are musicians, and I remember hearing them practice when I was young.  That was the first influence that made me want to learn music.

I did study classical piano and clarinet extensively, and I achieved my ARCT (performance degree) on both from the Royal Conservatory of Music at the age of 16.

In terms of jazz drums, my sister was a jazz saxophonist (before she became a jazz vocalist) and that piqued my interest in jazz.  Beyond that, my first opportunity to play drums in an ensemble was in the Toronto All-Star Big Band.  I was in that band for a number of years, and I knew from an early age (around 13 or 14) that I wanted to be a jazz drummer!

2) Who are your musical influences and why? Who are your favorite drummers?

My musical influences are wide ranging.  My first jazz influences were Miles Davis, Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson.  I remember listening to a lot of those three when I was a teenager.  I was intrigued by their complete control of their respective instruments, and as well by how hard they swung.  At the same time, I've always listened to a lot of different music, and I believe that it all influences me in some way. I'm a big fan of classic rock, and also 90's rap and pop.

Nowadays, I'm still influenced by musicians that are composing and performing in the scene.  Some of my favourite current jazz musicians are Maria Schneider, Dave Douglas, Avishai Cohen (both the bass player and the trumpet player), and Kurt Rosenwinkel.  I'm a fan of all these musicians for their playing, but also their composing, and their ability to continually evolve, and come out with new, different, interesting projects.

In terms of drummers, there's a pretty solid list!  My favourite current drummers include Matt Wilson, Eric Harland, Ari Hoenig, Clarence Penn, Jim Black, Peter Erskine, Bill Stewart and Brian Blade. 

3) Name your top 10 favorite albums and how they have influenced you.

Top 10 Fav Jazz Albums (in no particular order):

Frank Sinatra - Live at the Sands - Fantastic swingin' big band playing by the Count Basie Orchestra

The Bad Plus - These Are The Vistas - Really opened up my mind to the possibilities of a piano trio

Avishai Cohen Trio - Gently Disturbed - Another mind bending piano trio album.  Rhythmically incredible.

Oscar Peterson Trio - West Side Story - A lesson in swingin'

Bill Evans - Everybody Digs Bill Evans - Another lesson in swingin' and a good book on playing standards

Charlie Haden - Not In Our Name - A fantastic modern big band album.  Fantastic writing, and Matt 
Wilson sounds great on the drums.

Dave Douglas - The Infinite - Awesome quintet album.  Clarence Penn sounds great on the drums, and He is both a fantastic musician, and incredible composer/arranger

James Farm - James Farm - A fantastic collective.  Eric Harland sounds amazing on this, and he gets great sounds from the drums.  The whole band is killing.

Kurt Rosenwinkel - The Next Step - This album is a work of art.  A really well put together album, programming wise and playing. 

Wayne Shorter - Footprints Live! - Our first introduction to Wayne's new (at the time) band, and a great example of successful collective improv.  Brian Blade. 

Honorable Mentions
Kurt Elling - Live in Chicago
Maria Schneider - Allegresse
Matt Wilson Arts and Crafts - The Scenic Route
Terence Blanchard - Bounce

Non-Jazz Favs
Jack Johnson - In Between Dreams
Radiohead - OK Computer and In Rainbows
Dave Matthews Band - Crash
Barenaked Ladies - Gordon
Djavan - Alumbramento
Bjork - Vespertine
The Fugees - The Score


4) What sort of things are you practicing on the drums and developing as a composer/arranger these days?

On the drums, I've been working on exercises from The Drummer's Complete Vocabulary (as taught by Alan Dawson) by John Ramsay.  It's a great book, which outlines legendary drummer and drum instructor Alan Dawson's method.  I continue to work on playing the ride cymbal, and further developing my independence.

I just finished a large composing/arranging project as I just toured and recorded with a new band called Turboprop.  The band is a sextet featuring Tara Davidson on Alto/Soprano Saxes, Joel Frahm on Tenor Sax, William Carn on Trombone, Adrean Farrugia on Piano, Dan Loomis on Bass and myself on Drums.  I composed a bunch of the music, and I arranged all except a couple of the tunes.  We will be releasing our debut album on ANZIC Records in the fall of 2014.  This was a fun project to work on, as I had to really develop my writing for 3 horns.

5) What interesting projects do you have on the go at the moment? (gigs, recordings, etc.)

Turboprop is probably the project I'm most focused on at the moment, as I'm listening to the recorded tracks, and getting prepared for editing and mixing. 

I've been very active with Myriad3 (piano trio with Chris Donnelly and Dan Fortin) over the past year, and we are very excited about the coming year.  We will be recording our second album for Alma Records, and will be doing 3 tours across Canada, including (grant pending) a tour of the Canadian Jazz Festivals.

Also, a piano trio that I play with based out of NYC will be releasing our second album some time in 2014.  The album was actually recorded a couple of years ago, but our bassist (and editing/mixing/mastering engineer) has 2 young children with a third on the way, and the editing/mixing/mastering has taken a little longer than expected!  The band is called MEM3 and it features Michael Cabe (from Seattle) on piano and Mark Lau (from Sydney, Australia) on bass.

The other really fun project I'm involved with is a Radiohead tribute band called Idioteque.  The band performs around Ontario, and we play tunes from all of Radiohead's studio albums true to the recordings!  The band started out as a discussion by some TO jazz musicians of our mutual love of Radiohead at a party.  This led to a session, which led to "why don't we play a gig?" which has led to a fully functioning tribute band!  www.idioteque.ca

6) How has your experience as a composer/arranger influenced your drumming? How has your drumming influenced your writing?

I think as a drummer, you can always be thinking as a composer/arranger behind the kit.  We play such a dynamic instrument, and I find that the drums can really help to dictate the shape, and contours of a song, whether you're in the head or the solos.  I try to think compositionally and dynamically whenever I'm drumming. 

In terms of composing, being a drummer means I have a pretty solid grasp on meters and rhythms.  I tend to write rhythmically complex tunes, but I also strive to write really playable tunes with an emphasis on interesting and compelling rhythms.


7) Years ago you had the opportunity to spend some time in New York City studying at the Manhattan School of Music. What did you learn from this experience?

My four years in New York City were perhaps the most formative years of my life in terms of growing as a musician.  While I was there, I was able to turn all my focus to music, and I spent every day practising, performing and composing, etc.  It was an incredible period of growth, both personally and musically and I feel that those four years have greatly shaped me into the drummer/musician I am today.  

My approach behind the drums is definitely influenced by my time in NYC.  Also, I was very lucky to be able to study at the Manhattan School of Music.  I studied with some fantastic teachers, and I met some amazing people and musicians.  Some of my closest personal and musical relationships came from my time in NYC, and I continue to play with many of those musicians today!

8) What musical and career advice would you give to a young person who is considering a career as a Jazz drummer in this day and age?

In terms of musical advice, I'd say listen as much as you can, go see live music as often as you can, and play with people as much as you can.  Also, constantly remind yourself that as a drummer you are an accompanist first and foremost.  Drums can be a very exciting soloistic instrument, but generally our favorite drummers (and other musicians favorite drummers) are fantastic accompanists first, and wonderful soloists second.

In terms of career, listen as much as you can, go see live music as often as you can, and play with people as much as you can!   Be a supportive and active human being in the music community, and work as hard as you can.  Practice every day, and work to develop good relationships with other musicians in your scene.  Find people who are interested in the same things you are, and play with them as much as you can.  Lastly, I would make sure playing music (and specifically jazz drums) is something you are very passionate about.  It's not an easy career, but it can be extremely emotionally and spiritually rewarding (although not always monetarily!)


9) Your most recent trio recording project with the Myriad3 “Tell" brings together some different sounds and influences. Please tell us all about this exciting project, the music and your compositions.

Myriad3 is a special band.  All three of us are very passionate musicians, with very different backgrounds and approaches to the music.  Chris is a classically trained pianist who is still active in that scene as well as being a ridiculous jazz piano player.  He's technically one of the most gifted piano players I've ever played with.  Dan Fortin is a wonderful jazz bass player, and he's also very active in the indie rock scene.  I studied classical music extensively, and also had my development rooted in the big band scene. 

The band came together by accident.  The first time we ever played together, it was because another bass player injured his back and Dan subbed in.  The second time we played together it was because a piano player had to sub out last minute, and Chris subbed in.  After that gig, we realized that it was a good combination, and we started playing together a lot more!  

The band is a true collective, as we all contribute tunes and we all contribute to the arranging of all the tunes.  We also share all the other responsibilities of a band leader (ie. booking gigs/tours, applying for grants, etc.)  The band rehearses weekly (whenever we are all in town) and we are constantly working on developing new repertoire.  In the short time we have been together (about 2 years) we have already toured across Canada a number of times, and in Europe. 

I've contributed a number of tunes to this band, and the tunes run the gamut from rhythmically complex to really rhythmically and harmonically simple.  I'm not sure I can describe it any better than that....best to check it out and judge for yourself!

Max Roach Masterclass

It's the great Max Roach's birthday today! He was born in 1924 and would have been 90 years old. Amazingly, Kenny Clarke's birthday was yesterday and I think that Jimmy Cobb and Tain also are also Capricorns...

Anyways, here's some rare footage of Max giving a masterclass:



Incidentally, I've really been digging this box set lately of Max's "Plus Four" bands from the late 50's:

Kenny Washington strongly recommended that I check out this music to study Max's approach to comping. The absence of a piano on much of this music really opens things up and gives Max some space to work with and, in general, get more involved with his snare and bass drum while comping. Oh yeah, Booker Little and George Coleman are also killing it on this music!

"Walk the Dog" - A Lesson with Gregory Hutchinson

And.....we're back.

Happy New Year everybody! Welcome back and I hope you all had a safe and pleasant Christmas and New Year's wherever you are.

Thanks to our European correspondent David Grebil, here's a good one to get the year started off over here at Four on the Floor.

This is an excerpt from a drum clinic with Greg Hutchinson in which he demonstrates his approach to ride cymbal phrasing and the important, central role of feathering the bass drum:



He uses an interesting analogy in that the bass drum represents the "centre" of the drum set so it should represent the centre of beat.

So, the next time you play your ride cymbal remember to "Walk the Dog"!

Year End...

This is the last post of 2013. I'm on vacation! Thank you for your support and see you in 2014.

In the meantime, check out Charles Mingus' very own recipe for Egg Nog and spread some xmas cheer:

"Charles Mingus Secret Egg Nog Recipe"

- Separate one egg for one person. Each person gets an egg. 

- Two sugars for each egg, each person.

- One shot of rum, one shot of brandy per person.

- Put all the yolks into one big pan, with some milk.

- That's where the 151 proof rum goes. Put it in gradually or it'll burn the eggs,

- OK. The whites are separate and the cream is separate.

- In another pot- depending on how many people- put in one shot of each, rum and brandy. (This is after you whip your whites and your cream.)

- Pour it over the top of the milk and yolks.

- One teaspoon of sugar. Brandy and rum.

- Actually you mix it all together.

- Yes, a lot of nutmeg. Fresh nutmeg. And stir it up.

- You don't need ice cream unless you've got people coming and you need to keep it cold. Vanilla ice cream. You can use eggnog. I use vanilla ice cream.

- Right, taste for flavor. Bourbon? I use Jamaica Rum in there. Jamaican Rums. Or I'll put rye in it. Scotch. It depends.

- See, it depends on how drunk I get while I'm tasting it.

Charles Mingus

Earl MacDonald "Mirror of the Mind"

Pianist and composer Earl MacDonald recently released a very special album of original music entitled "Mirror of the Mind". I've been taking on-line composition lessons with Earl lately and his insight into music and the compositional/improvisational process is pretty deep. MacDonald is a professor at University of Connecticut and at one time served as musical director with Maynard Ferguson's Big Bop Nouveau. He's also a Canadian (originally from Winnipeg) and is a graduate of McGill University (as am I) so I feel somewhat of a kinship with him even though we are relatively separated by space and time!

You can find out more about Earl's music at his website www.earlmacdonald.com and through his great blog www.everupandonward.blogspot.ca

Here's a great sample of Earl's unique music:




Earl was kind enough to take some time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions about his career and music:


1) What can you tell us about your musical background? 

As a kid, my parents enrolled me in group organ lessons, through the local Yamaha Electone dealership.  They eventually discovered that I wasn’t reading the music, but was playing by ear.  Maybe that was a sign of things to come.  I played organ all the way through to high school when I landed my dream job (at the time) of playing for the Winnipeg Jets hockey games.  In high school, in addition to starting classical piano and music theory lessons, I joined my school’s jazz band, playing the Fender Rhodes electric piano. “The jazz bug” bit me hard and didn’t let go. I went on to study jazz at McGill University in Montreal and later earned a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies at Rutgers in New Jersey.

How did you learn to play jazz piano?

I was never afraid to improvise, like I see in some kids.  I’m not sure why. In high school I found some books by Dan Haerle and Frank Mantooth, and worked through them on my own.  Before recording a university audition tape, I had one lesson with Winnipeg pianist, Ron Paley, where he wrote out some chord voicings and discussed scale options for improvisation.  He wouldn’t allow me to pay him.  At McGill I quickly learned I was at the bottom of the heap compared to the other jazz piano students. So, I “rolled up my sleeves” and got to work.  I took lessons with Fred Henke, Luc Beaugrand and André White.  It was Luc who taught me how to practice in a disciplined manner.  He set me on the path of transcribing and practicing for up to eight hours a day, which I did for many years.

2) Who are your musical influences and why? Who are your favorite pianists?

My influences and listening preferences change regularly.  If I was asked this question twenty years ago, I would have listed all the bop and hard bop pianists --- Bud Powell, Barry Harris, Sonny Clark, Wynton Kelly, Cedar Walton, Tommy Flanagan, etc. That was my world.  Today I rarely listen to those albums.  I almost avoid them.

I can’t imagine ever growing tired of Fred Hersch and Herbie Hancock.  If pressed, I’d say they are my two favorites.  I admire Geoff Keezer’s depth and facility.  Luis Perdomo and Frank Kimbrough impress me.

These days, I am listening to contemporary classical composers for wind ensemble and orchestra.  Joseph Schwantner and Michael Torke have captured my interest.  I like their musical ideas and how their pieces unfold.

I still have some holes in my knowledge of 20th century classical music.  I frequent UCONN’s music library and often leave with stacks of CDs. Alex Ross’ book, “The Rest Is Noise” has been helpful in identifying important contemporary classical pieces to hear.

3) Name your top 10 favorite albums and how they have influenced you:

1. Fred Hersch – Leaves of Grass.

This is probably my favorite of Fred’s records, but I could have listed any of them.  There is no finer pianist.  This album is the perfect cross between classical chamber music and jazz. I love the idea of adding a musical dimension to Walt Whitman’s poetry.  The instrumentation is imaginative and the music touches me at my core. 

2. Vince Mendoza & the London Symphony Orchestra – Epiphany.

Orchestral jazz doesn’t get any better than this. I aspire to write music on this level.

3. Michael Cain/Ralph Alessi/Peter Epstein – Circa.  

This album demonstrates Michael Cain’s pure genius.  Unfortunately his other albums haven’t impressed me on the same level.

4. Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass – Two Originals.

This CD is actually 2 albums released together: Brass My Soul & Tribute. Playing this disc takes me to my happy place; refraining from dancing or snapping my fingers becomes impossible. I can’t think of an arrangement that swings harder than “Blue Daniel”.  Pure joy --- and from that grumpy old bastard.  I love the trombone solis on this track, and then finally going to a waltz at the end is so incredibly effective.  I have such great memories of my times with Rob and wish he were still around.

5. The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra – Up From the Skies, the music of Jim McNeely.

Despite having an intellectual appeal, the music swings and feels great. When I hear the soloists in this band, it’s like visiting with old friends.  Played by this roster, Jim’s stellar arrangements are like a piece of heaven to me. Music with personality.

6. Jim McNeely/Swiss Jazz Orchestra – Paul Klee.

This is Jim’s writing at its best.  What an imagination and command of orchestration! Again, I am drawn to projects that effectively fuse seemingly disparate artistic mediums.

7. Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra – Evanescence.

When I heard this band at Visiones (jazz club) in the 1990s, it changed my life. At that time I equated big band with Sammy Nestico, and had lost all interest in the idiom.  I couldn’t believe the sounds I heard and the emotional depth expressed! All of her music is great, but this will always be a special album for me.

8. Mel Lewis and the Jazz Orchestra – Bob Brookmeyer Composer and Arranger.

In many ways, I see Brookmeyer as responsible for the current direction of modern big band writing. “Make Me Smile and Other New Works by Bob Brookmeyer” is the other essential, seminal album that got the ball rolling for compositional experimentation.

9. Jerry Bergonzi – Standard Gonz

When I hear Jerry Bergonzi, I always feel inspired to practice the piano.  For years it was a dream of mine to play with him, and I am glad this has happened numerous times.  This album opened my imagination to the world of reharmonization.  Also, Adam Nussbaum has such a great time feel, which reminds me of Elvin Jones.

10. Miles Davis – The Complete Concert 1964.  My Funny Valentine and Four & More.

This band and this music are pure magic.  Miles, Herbie, Tony, Ron and George. What else can I say?  

4) What sort of things are you practicing on the piano and developing as a composer/arranger these days?

I wear a lot of hats, which requires considerable juggling.  I have accepted that I can’t do it all at the same time.  This summer I practiced the piano A LOT.  I learned and reviewed tunes, did technical exercises and practiced Charlie Banacos’ Super Bop concept from the correspondence lessons I took with him prior to his passing.

This fall and winter I am writing music, which means I’m not practicing the piano.  When an important gig comes up, I’ll do some technique for a few days prior, to dust off the cobwebs, but that’s all until my season of writing has passed.

I currently have three big band pieces on the go, in various stages of completion.  In each I am trying to challenge myself to try new things and not to write in a tried-and-true formulaic manner.  Lately I start with a question ---- How could I construct a free/avant-garde piece with 17 players and not have it sound like a middle school band room? How can I stretch the salsa idiom? Can I base an extended piece solely on the development of one simple motif?  What would happen if…  etc.  I brainstorm on paper and usually have a general idea of the territory I will explore, how the piece might develop, or at least a sequential approach, before writing down actual pitches.

Occasionally I sit down with my journal while listening to music, and take notes of things that interest me.  I’m trying to make this a more regular occurrence. Sometimes I’ll even transcribe and analyze an idea.  Out of their original context, these little nuggets often spark future pieces.

Playing drum set is my hobby, when time permits. When I get burned out with composing or bored with the piano, practicing the drums for a couple of weeks usually recharges my batteries and gets me thinking about music in different ways.

5) What interesting projects do you have on the go at the moment? (gigs, recordings, etc.)

I head into New York City on most Tuesdays, to participate in the BMI Jazz Composers’ Workshop.  I like being able to discuss the week’s compositional problems and musical dilemmas with likeminded people.  It has been fun to intentionally explore some new musical territory and stretch myself. Hearing my drafts read by a professional band every second month is another perk.  This deadline keeps me focused and on task. 

In January, my 10tet charts will be played at the Jazz Educators Network conference in Dallas, Texas by an all-star group of jazz professors from across North America (some of the best in the business!).

I’m scheduled to play with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra in March.  The concert is billed as 3 generations of jazz piano, and will also feature my first jazz teacher, Ron Paley and my former student, Will Bonness.

I have agreed to write about 40 minutes of music for the University of Connecticut’s Symphony Orchestra.  The concert is in May and the music is due in March. Wish me luck.

I try to blog occasionally about my compositional explorations, among other things at http://everupandonward.blogspot.com .  Sometimes it helps to put my thoughts in writing; other times it has proven to be counter-productive, so I’m not currently forcing myself to blog with consistency.

6) In addition to being a great pianist, you are also a world-class jazz composer.  How has your experience as a composer/arranger influenced your piano playing? How has your piano playing influenced your writing?

For a while, there was a huge disconnect between my playing and writing.  I was a bebop pianist who was comfortable playing bop tunes and standards.  At the same time I was delving into slash-chords and other contemporary harmonic devices in my tune writing.  As I prepared to record my first CD, “Schroeder’s Tantrum” (1996), I really had to wrestle with how to solo on tunes like “Fading Flowers” and “Wanton Spirit”.  (It helped that Kenny Barron had already recorded the latter, and I even transcribed his solo.)  So, my composing forced me to address my playing and bring it into the present, as opposed to merely mimicking jazz in the 1950s.

A few years ago Jim McNeely was commissioned to write a piano concerto for me to play.  It utilized augmented scale harmony, which was a first for me.  After spending considerable time practicing this concept, composing my own piece with this material seemed like a logical next step. “Measuring Up” resulted.  I suppose this is an example of how my piano playing experiences have shaped my composing.

Sometimes I will write a tune to force myself to deal with a personal musical inadequacy.  I’ve written tunes in 5/4 and 7/4 so that I’ll have to practice them, both at home and on gigs.

7) Years ago you had the opportunity to tour with the Maynard Ferguson band. What did you learn from this experience?

I learned the importance of showmanship and pacing. Sets were carefully planned, always beginning with three exciting “attention grabbers” before getting introspective.  There was minimal wasted time between tunes.  

I also learned about creating drama within an arrangement.  Maynard pulled me aside after hearing my first attempts at writing for the band, and told me my writing lacked “Maynard moments”.  They didn’t naturally build to a place where he could easily soar above the band, thereby making the crowd go wild.  It’s important to remember for whom you are writing, and also to tell a story that unfolds properly, and climaxes at just the right spot.  

8) What musical and career advice would you give to a young person who is considering a career as a Jazz artist in this day and age?

I hate to be a pessimist, but I think a life entirely devoted to jazz is no longer realistic.  The type and number of gigs I did twenty years ago don’t exist now.  I no longer see jazz as a viable career path, unless you are one of the exceptional few. There is a glut of talented young players, and the opportunities are minimal.  

Film scoring and writing music for television, digital media and video games have potential to be lucrative.  If I were starting now, I might pursue this path.

Don’t get me wrong.  I see art music and self-expression as being vitally important, but one needs to be strategic these days, to survive and support a family.  In saying this, perhaps I have officially become an old man.  When I was younger, I refused to have a contingency plan and it worked out for me, more or less.  In some ways I now think Charles Ives had the right idea; have a non-musical career so that your music won’t be compromised.

9) Your most recent recording project "Mirror of the Mind" brings together some different influences and sounds in a very unique instrumental combination. Please tell us all about this exciting project, the music and your compositions.

The band I assembled consists of cello, saxophone, piano and percussion.  I named the group “COW”, which is an acronym for the Creative Opportunity Workshop.  The music draws upon elements from a wide variety of influences, including classical, pop, jazz and various ethnic styles.  At first, this band was nothing more than a vehicle for (crazy) musical experiments and games. But eventually, as my love for the expressive qualities of the cello grew, and I found the right combination of players, I wrote more accessible pieces, so as not to marginalize our listening audiences.  I’m really happy with the outcome.  

The album includes two cover songs, the Beatles’ “Blackbird” and Henry Mancini’s “I Never Told You”.  The other 10 tracks are my compositions, which are all highly contrasting --- ranging from emotionally charged ballads to epic, through-composed pieces infused with funky rhythms.  I shared insights into each piece on my web site, www.earlmacdonald.com , so I’ll avoid being redundant here by going into great detail.

Experimenting, in an attempt to advance my art form, has become increasingly important for me.  I don’t think the world needs another hard bop jazz album with a trumpet and tenor sax frontline.  That music is great, but it is dated and reflects a different era and culture than my own.  I want my music to be an honest reflection of my current musical and non-musical interests and worldview. Despite my artistic goals, I’m pleased this recording doesn’t sound like music with an agenda --- but maybe that’s for others to judge.


You can purchase a copy of Earl MacDonald's "Mirror of the Mind" at: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/earlmacdonald3

McSwing

I've really been enjoying bassist Christian McBride's recent trio project with Christian Sands on piano and Ulysses Owen's Jr. on drums on their latest recording "Out Here". Here's a little taste of this outfit:

The Monday Morning Paradiddle

Hello everyone! Well, this will be the last "Monday Morning Paradiddle" of 2013. And what a year its been...Thank you all for your continued support. It's really humbling to read all the positive feedback I get from drummers all over the world. So as long as people keep reading this stuff, I'll keep writing it!

The Four on the Floor office is currently in full-on festive mode complete with mistletoe, garlands, secret santa games and spiked egg nog but our correspondents have still found time to compile a wealth of interesting things to check out on the wide world web. The inter web is full of Jazz drumming resources for us to learn from these days.

- It's xmas time and what better to do than enjoy some Jazzy xmas music courtesy of Matt Wilson and his Christmas Tree-O project:

http://www.npr.org/2011/01/04/132118091/matt-wilsons-christmas-tree-o-tiny-desk-concert



- Let's take a moment to thank NPR for all their great Jazz programming!

Brian Blade's Fellowship recently made an appearance at the Village Vanguard and has been streamed for us to enjoy:

http://www.npr.org/event/music/248674115/brian-blade-fellowship-live-at-the-village-vanguard

And NPR's A Blog Supreme also did a nice feature on Brian and his drumming brother Brady (also a fine drummer in his own right...):

http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2013/12/10/249825711/o-brothers-drummers-brian-and-brady-blade

- A great article on Paul Motian over at allaboutjazz.com:

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=45919&pg=1#.UpTDiqVdSTY

- Nasheet Waits shares some thoughts on the great Billy Higgins:

http://jazztimes.com/articles/28160-artist-s-choice-nasheet-waits-on-billy-higgins

- Thanks to Jason Marsalis via the Facebook who shared this article on the ride cymbal with Peter Erskine & Jimmy Cobb:

http://jazztimes.com/articles/110903-jimmy-cobb-peter-erskine-on-ride-cymbals#.UqYPJBpcbFw.twitter

- Jason also hipped me to this series of radio interviews with Dr. John & Herlin Riley in which they discuss the influence of the late Bob French, an important fixture in New Orleans drumming:

http://www.wwoz.org/programs/wwoz-interviews/230786

- Are you in Vancouver? Make sure to check out my friend Jesse Cahill. You can even take lessons with him at the VSO School of Music's new Jazz program (highly recommended).

Here he is demonstrating some nice new Canopus drums:



- Here's a couple short ones of Billy Drummond to check out:





Dig those TW yellow Gretsch drums!

- This one is very brief but I've watched it probably about 1000 times already....Clyde Stubblefield with James Brown:



- Lewis Nash with Benny Green and Christian McBride? Man...



I heard these guys with the Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour all-stars a year ago and this was probably ranked as one of the best shows I heard in 2014. Let's hear a trio album from this rhythm section!

- What am I listening to these days?

George Colligan "The Endless Mysteries" - Jack DeJohnette (drums)

Willie Jones III "Plays the Max Roach Songbook " - Willie Jones III (drums)

Ted Nash "Chakra" - Ulysses Owens Jr. (drums)

Alan Jones & Francois Theberge "Another View" - Alan Jones (drums)

Charles Mingus "Mingus Ah Um" - Dannie Richmond (drums)

Billy Drummond "Dubai" - Billy Drummond (drums)

Barry Harris "At the Jazz Workshop " - Louis Hayes (drums)

Mike Rud "Notes on Montreal" - Dave Laing (drums)

Earl MacDonald "Mirror of the Mind" - Rogerio Boccato (percussion)


- And for our last post of today's column, here's an interview with Art Blakey:



It's really too bad that Buhaina is no longer with us. Judging from his fondness for wearing cowboy & western wear I would have loved to showed him around the Calgary Stampede. He would have fit right in! (Elvin Jones circa. "Zachariah" would also be a good fit...)

All right, that's all we've got for you today but lite posting will continue until the end of the year. Drive safe and see you all in 2014!

Mike Rud "Notes on Montreal"

I first met guitarist Mike Rud around the mid 1990s during my time at McGill University. Mike had already studied at McGill, spent some time in New York and had returned to Montreal to complete his Master's degree. His impact and presence in the Jazz area at the school was significant and his influence as a musician and as a person has long been a huge influence on me. I have always found a great deal of inspiration from his high level of musicianship and deep sense of swing. A memorable highlight for me was playing a steady, five night a week trio gig for several months with Mike and bassist Carlo Petrovitch at the Hotel Saskatchewan during the summer of 1997. I really learned a lot that summer (including how to really play the brushes!)

Mike recently released an album of original music inspired by classic Canadian literature that reflects the city of Montreal. Mike's admiration for the city of Montreal is profound and it's very impressive how he's been able to translate that love affair into lyrics and song. I was very excited to see this project come to life and it's been on steady rotation in my house since it arrived in my mailbox.

Mike was kind enough to take some time to answer some of my questions and share some very thoughtful answers about his own journey and his latest release.


1) What can you tell us about your musical background? How did you learn to play Jazz guitar?

I did a lot of school. Grant MacEwan (no University but back then Community College) gave me an exacting, demanding curriculum for guitar and musicianship (late 80s).  Then McGill University was a great way to focus on jazz and also the classical roots of harmony and structure.  I studied privately as well at Banff in 94 with Jim Hall, and took more lessons with him in NewYork as well as with Jack Wilkins.  Back to McGill for a Masters after that.  But most of all I learned from hearing performances and recordings. And of course from friends.

2) Who are your musical influences and why? Who are your favorite guitarists?

As a jazz guitar player I'm influenced by George Benson, Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, Charlie Christian, Jim Hall, and a small army of others.  With Benson, Wes and Grant, it's because of something gritty and bluesy in their sound.  Earthy but still sophisticated.  I love Eric Gale for that reason too.  It's gutsy but not anti-intellectual.  

On a pianoless trio gig, I feel especially inspired by Ed Bickert and Jim Hall. With Jim Hall and EdBickert (and they are quite different fro m one-another), it's something about how they bring the arranging concerns of a piano onto the guitar without invoking straigh-up piano envy.  They work with what really IS there in the guitar and preserve it, while introducing an intimate, economical miniature of what pianists typically articulate more grandly.   

As a songwriter, I idolize the storytelling guys who invoke characters and situations, like Randy Newman, Jim Croce, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello...but one common thread with this and the jazz side of things is that there's still a strong emphasis on tonal harmony, close to how it appears in the Tin Pan Alley music.  I was born in the late 60s and spent my first few years playing only Beatles tunes, so a pop and 70's television-theme sensibility informs what I do as a writer, but it's definitely not rock and roll writing.  

3) Name your top 10 favorite albums and how they have influenced you.

In no order, here are ten that come immediately to mind.  Mixed bag...

1)  Charlie Christian.  It's almost only one record.  Seriously there are like, 7 lps of him in existence.  Maybe the most burning thing is "Swing To Bop" from the Minton's sessions.  The version of (I think) "Breakfast Feud" from the Goodman sides is an absolute MARVEL of time, feel, ideas and my God, SOUND.  Silky yet authoritative.  Died at around 23?  What a loss.  Might be the best guitar player ever.

While I continue writing I'm just going to put it on my headset here. 

Ahhhh.  That's better.  

2)  Willie Nelson: Stardust.  All understated, harmonically very simple versions of standards.  Not being done overly cleverly or hiply.  Great respect for the music.  Great place to learn the lyrics too. 

3)  Chet Baker Sings It Could Happen to You.  Similar resource for learning tunes.  Memorable.  Sweet.

4)  Queen:  A Night at the Opera.  Can you imagine creating something like that?  Unbelievably musical.  Staggering.

5)  George Benson "It's Uptown" and "The George Benson Cookbook".  For sheer burn.  I lifted a lot from these 25 years ago.  They form an archetype of bebop (more really bluesy-post-bop) guitar playing.

6)  Jim Hall "Live" ...particularly the new stuff released from the same nights.  This has Don Thompson and Terry Clarke.  There is too much to say about this record.  It has an emotional resonance and an artistic resourcefulness and uniqueness that put it for me on a par with just about any other piece of art. I could have named a few other recordings of his that do this to me.  But this one everyone does agree unequivocally.  All the extra takes recently made available are every bit as inspired and meaningful as the tracks that were on the original LP.  The magic in his tone.  The interplay.  The rhythmic presence and depth from his left hand legato.  It touches me to my core.   

7)  The best of Jim Croce. Such economic and powerful interplay between musical devices, characterization and delivery.  I don't think songwriters come a lot more solid

8)  Randy Newman Creates Something New Under The Sun.  The arranging, the lyrics, the originality.

9)  Milestones.  

10)  Anything by the Beatles.  Seriously.  Imagine creating "Help"  Imagine recording that live off the floor.  I certainly can't.

4) What sort of things are you practicing on the guitar and developing as a composer these days?

Now that you mention it, I realize I've been practising a lot lately.  Trying to play in seven without getting lost or tight-feeling.  Mostly Cherokee and Moment's Notice.  Slow.  Looking a lot at restructuring the whole approach to improv, to make groove, ease, and swing the first priority.  This leads me to looking at the left hand.  A lot seems to come from there, and from body position.  These seem to have counterintuitively high impacts downstream on time-feel and idea flow.  Jim H and Wes M are really interesting contrasting examples to me.  They hold the instruments totally differently, execute very differently, and the whole fabric of their sound, texture and feeling is very different.  Yet they both get where they want to, in ways that present compelling, transfixing, music.

But also I'm working on a brand new solo guitar and voice act, which means overhauling my playing to some extent.  Since this means a LOT of practicing, I recently acquired a Telecaster with low action so I can play way more every day.  I won't say too much about the new music, other than that I want it to be VERY rehearsed and quite entertaining.  Tired of jazz being thought of as an arrogant musical taste, only for initiates and elites.  I'm also tired of populism meaning brainlessness.  So I'm working on the singing, the writing, and some kind of original take on solo guitar.  It's not Charlie Hunter, Joe Pass, or Tuck Andress, dearly though I might love to be able to play that way.  I'll be rolling this out over the next couple of years as an economical and creative counterweight to this large ensemble work, Notes on Montreal, that's taken the last several years. 

5) In addition to being a great guitarist, you are also very well read and have a curious mind that extends to various subjects. How has this influenced your guitar playing? How have these influences inspired your compositions?

Thank you Jon!  It's hard to pin down the relationship between these things. They're all things that bring me joy.  Jazz music brought me into observing my mental processes while improvising, and that got me curious about mind/brain.  So I spent 3 years trying to become a cognitive scientist.  And many years before that reading a lot of philosophy, looking for ways to think about these topics. 

 How do we think of melodies and rhythms? What's the best way to manage your mental and emotional resources while you improvise?  I'm aware of course, that many jazz musicians are drawn to the grand Eastern contemplative traditions of mindfulness to come up with practical solutions to these problems.  But I can't help but be drawn to the scientific question of how three pounds of meat in your skull is capable of this astonishing feat.  It's really almost more that improvising jazz was the front door to these questions;  jazz influenced me to get into science and philosophy more than the other way around, I would say.

But yes, studying the biological bases of music has lead me to approach practicing and playing and teaching differently.  Overall it's made me more sensitive to the fact that music is a part of our genetic heritage as humans, and is a kind of birthright, possibly a precondition for mental health.  The writer and player in me can be quite doctrinaire and moralistic about what is good and bad in music.  But the default perspective of neuroscience is not that way.  It's descriptive, not prescriptive --that is, there can be no wrong music.  So it's made me more tolerant, I think, of variability in how students come to the music.  If someone picks completely differently from me, but they can get the music out, and it's not hurting them, I'm less likely to try changing them.

6) Years ago you had the opportunity to spend some concentrated time in New York City, studying with Jim Hall. What did you learn from this whole experience?

Two things loom large: one is to communicate a melody simply and directly.  This is not easy.  It might be the hardest thing.  The next was the impression of genuine respect he has for individual students.  He is willing to work with what is there; not make you into a clone of him.  

Musically I can think of a few really big things.  One is that his over all dynamic level is qieter than most--closer to a conversation level.  This has a few important effects.  One is that it makes a wider variety of sound colours come out of his and others' instruments.  Another is that when he goes up to a F or FF, it suddenly feels like more of an event.  

Another thing I can think of is that, where many musicians seem to make the up-tempo tune the highlight of the set, he seems to use it to set up the ballad.  And lookout for that ballad!  I think of him as a ballad player who is up there with any ballad player on any instrument in the history of that music, that I've heard.  Like a Coleman Hawkins or something.  So distinctive, so much substance.

I will always feel very grateful for those lessons.

7) What musical and career advice would you give to a young person who is considering a career as a Jazz artist in this day and age?

New York isn't everything.  You live in a local scene.  It has real value.

8) Your most recent recording project "Notes on Montreal" brings together some different influences and sounds.
Please tell us all about this exciting project, the music and your compositions.

Notes is 13 tunes with lyrics that I wrote to be sung by the Toronto vocalist Sienna Dahlen, and an 8-piece Montreal ensemble, which includes a string quartet.  The drummer is the great Montreal drummer Dave Laing (AKA 'Scooter').  

It took me years to create, and occurred in phases.  In 2009 I started reading a lot of literature set in Montreal (Richler, Cohen, Roy, Trembay and quite a few others).  Towards the end of a year looking at that literature, and specifically how it paints out the city, I started writing what I wanted to be a series of sturdy, singer-songwriter style tunes, focused on different aspects of the city and the books.  This next phase took place roughly across 2010-11.  Then roughly in 2012 I wrote the string arrangements and mounted an indiegogo campaign to fund it.

We recorded and produced it in 2013.  I've never been this happy with any work.  Sienna Dahlen sings like an absolute angel all over this thing.  The sense of groove and space from the rhythm section has a delightful quality of breath in it.  The way everyone played is filled with light and life, cradling and presenting the tunes; getting out of the songs' way, and then giving a lift, a kick, at just the right times.  The strings provide exactly the stamp that I hoped they would.  These aspects also have much to do with Paul Johnston, who produced and engineered the whole shebang.  That fellow is an inspiration.

People can watch videos the CBC made of three of the songs here in their Montreal studio:

http://music.cbc.ca/#/blogs/2013/3/Mike-Ruds-Montreal-jazz-videos-inspired-by-Mordecai-Richler-Gabrielle-Roy-more

Aand they can check out a very full version of the story at the website! 

http://notesonmontreal.com/

(cover photo by Mark Lang)

Evelyn Glennie: "How to Truly Listen"

More inspiring words of wisdom on the art of Listening, this time brought to us by the talented and creative mind of Evelyn Glennie:

Jazz Drummer's Resource

You've probably noticed a new banner/link on my blog that will send you to a very fine website entitled "Jazz Drummer's Resource" http://lessons.justinvarnes.com. Maintained by Justin Varnes, this website contains a wealth of online video lessons that deal with a variety of subjects related to the art of Jazz drumming. I was first introduced to Justin's teachings via his weekly youtube lessons "52 Licks" in which he introduces and dissects a drum pattern from a different drummer each week (ambitious!) His explanations are very concise, clear and I've learned a lot from watching these.







In addition to Justin's weekly lessons he also maintains a website which contains a wealth of practical information and knowledge that can be immediately applied to your own drumming. After perusing his site I've quickly discovered that I'm going to require quite some time to check out all the great information he has amassed.

Justin was kind enough to take some time from his busy schedule to answer some questions and tell us all about his unique Jazz drumming educational website:


1) Tell us all about the Jazz Drummer's Resource. What is it all about?

Jazz Drummer's Resource is a website I put together designed to help jazz drummers who are at a point where they don't have a private teacher, but still want to be getting better. I post video lessons weekly on everything from jazz-specific techniques, to soloing ideas and phrases, to professional advice such as getting better at reading charts, and how to do a quick warmup before a gig when there isn't much time. I'm working on some beginner-level stuff as well, but currently the site is set up more for someone who may feel "stuck" without access to intermediate and advanced jazz concepts on a regular basis. It's like a jazz drummer's workout series! 

2) Why did you decide to pursue this project? 

Between my own touring schedule and trying to to teach students that don't live close to me, I started shooting video lessons for private students. I got so much positive feedback from it, that a few of them who had moved away or had gone off to college in a different city asked me to keep doing them and one suggested there are probably more people who might benefit from putting up these lessons online. They're fun to make and I got into the idea of someone desperately wanting to learn more about jazz, but not having the benefit of a jazz teacher or even a jazz scene in their area, and me being able to help them.

3) What were the logistics involved in putting together such a project?

It started with one camera, a few mics, and my office at Georgia State University. Then I had to learn how to host a website! That's been the biggest logistics issue. I've been studying jazz for years...not studying web design! ugh. Lots of research on how to host videos, lots of re-shoots after realizing I talk too fast, or I babble on and on...well, that part hasn't gotten much better!

3) What can you tell us about your background as a musician, Jazz drummer and educator?

I grew up in a house where jazz was played all the time. I however, listened to bad 80's music and played in a progressive rock band! But jazz music never left my ears and I eventually became entranced by it. I studied at the University of North Florida, then moved to NYC where I studied at the New School. I had a chance to study with some of my heroes: Jojo Mayer, Greg Hutchinson, Vernel Fournier...I even took lessons from legendary bassist Reggie Workman. I've played with lots of random artists of all genres, haha.  Mose Allison, David Sanchez, Wycliffe Gordon, Sachal Vasandani, Marcus Printup, even some pop artists like Five for Fighting and Gavin Degraw.  Educator-wise I hold down the drum chair at Georgia State University in Atlanta. 

4) How did your musical background and experience shape and inform your ideas about developing The Jazz Drummer's Resource?

The biggest factor was my access to great teachers and great players. I obsess about this music and the drums. I ask questions and want to take lessons from everyone. I ask bass players on gigs what they prefer behind their solos. I ask vocalists how they like to be accompanied on ballads. I'm in love with the idea of jazz drumming, and the minute I learn something, or discover something on the bandstand, the "teacher" in me wants to pass that info along. I'm the drumming equivalent of the guy who flashes his lights to tell you a cop's up ahead. "Hey guys! Bass players like it when you stay on the ride for their solos instead of the hi hat!"

5) What have been some of the highlights and challenges while working on this project?

The biggest highlight has definitely been all the positive feedback. It's fulfilling to hear that it's actually helping people. The biggest challenge is how time consuming it is. Between being a father, a full time musician, a private teacher, and a college music professor, it's been challenging to do the site and the "52 Licks" series on YouTube.  But I'm getting faster at it, and the more the site grows, the less private teaching I'll do so that I can devote more time to the site. 

6) What does the future have in store for your website?

Lots!  I'm doing a "Personal Trainer" series starting in 2014, where we work out our hands, work on playing faster tempos, and work through some famous jazz drum exercises such as the "Rudimental Ritual."  Also, I'll be bringing on some special guests to lend their expertise to things like Brazilian drumming, and Afro-Cuban drumming. In addition to those things, I'm going to be producing a "Rhythm Section" series where we bring in a pianist and bassist and work through some common rhythm section issues.