News
Now available . . . instant downloads!
posted June 28, 2010-
Welcome to the digital age! Thanks to a band director’s recommendation, all six of my percussion solo/ensemble compositions (published by R.G.M.) are now available as instant PDF downloads on my Products page!
Now it’s faster and easier for drummers and teachers to get their hands on copies them. Save time and shipping charges. After the quick PayPal checkout, you’ll immediately be directed to the download links!
Check ‘em out and let me know what you think!
___________________________________________________ Grooves On-the-Go . . . and more!
posted June 22, 2010-
I just posted six new items on my Products page, including my brand spanking new book/CD package, Grooves On-The-Go! It’s created to be portable: load the audio examples into your mp3 player, tuck the 8.5×5.5″ book in your stickbag, and work on drumset grooves everywhere you go!
Read more and get your copy here!
___________________________________________________ Greetings from San Francisco
posted June 14, 2010-
What an amazing weekend here in California! I had the pleasure once again of spending a couple of days with legendary percussionist Walfredo Reyes, Sr., working on his forthcoming book collaboration with the equally legendary Elliot Fine. The visit included a Skype video conference between myself, Walfredo, Elliot and David Stanoch (author of ‘Mastering the Tables of Time’). It is an incredible treat to be involved with such drumming giants.
That was followed up by playing a fantastic show with The Spazmatics in Santa Rosa. We probably spent as much time taking photos with attendees as we did performing!
On top of all that, I’ve had a couple of extra days in town. It’s been great catching up with some old friends from the Midwest and Puerto Rico! And, just for the record, the Haight-Ashbury Streetfair in SF . . . crazy!
Lots of gigs and such coming up- I’ll keep ya posted!
___________________________________________________ Show Mercy – Uganda recording project
posted April 16, 2010-
I am planning a three-week trip this fall to Gganda Village, a town outside of Kampala, Uganda. During my visit, I will be recording an album of music with children and musicians in the region. The audio tracks will be turned into a CD when I return, and sales will directly benefit a fantastic organization called Show Mercy International, based out of Albany, Oregon.
Check out my Show Mercy page for details about the trip and how you can help out!
___________________________________________________ Seattle World Rhythm Festival
posted April 15, 2010-
Can’t wait to return to the World Rhythm Festival in Seattle, and am looking forward to hanging with all of the drummers and friends! This year, I’m teaching three workshops:
* Friday, April 23 (2:00pm) – The Basics of Hand Drumming: 2-Hour Crash Course
* Saturday, April 24 (1:30pm) – Gahu: Ewe Recreational Rhythms of Ghana
* Sunday, April 25 (11:00am) – Five C’s: Clave, Cascara, Clap, Click & Count
Swing by the sessions, say HI and check out SWPS.org for more details about the fest. See you there!
___________________________________________________ Hit the ground running
posted March 29, 2010-
I just got back this morning from a fantastic couple of weeks in Thailand. It was a blast to be there again, but the trip also inspired many great ideas that
I’m excited to get started on! In addition to unveiling some new projects in the near future, there’s a busy month ahead. In the Salem area, I’ll be spending some time with students at McKinley Elementary, Waldo Middle School and South High, working with recording students at Willamette University, holding my annual student recital (April 10th at Weathers Music!) and playing a variety of gigs. Then it’s off to Seattle to teach three workshops at the 2010 World Rhythm Festival. Check my Schedule page for details!
___________________________________________________ Headed east . . . Far East
posted March 2, 2010-
Twelve days until I board a plane bound for Thailand! Among other things, I will be studying once again with Inchai Srisuwan (of the Thai Faith and Music Foundation), making music with my good friend Benjamin Cloyd and touring the Tycoon Percussion factory!
April brings with it a week-long residency at McKinley Elementary School in Salem, Oregon; my student drum recital; and a return to teach at the Seattle World Rhythm Festival!
Also, keep posted here for some new projects and products in the works. Hope to see ya ’round soon!
___________________________________________________ Donny Osborne masterclass- THIS Sunday!!
posted February 16, 2010-
I am super excited to be hosting drummer Donny Osborne at Weathers Music in Salem this weekend, for a drum technique masterclass! It will be a very interactive event, so put it on your calendar, bring your drumsticks and practice pad, and be prepared to improve your chops!
Donny Osborne, Buddy Rich’s protege, began playing drums at the age of four. By age 13, he was Buddy Rich’s protege, began playing drums at the age of four. By age 13, he was performing and touring the US with Buddy and his band. In the early 70’s, Donny joined Mel Torme on the road and continued to play, record and tour with him for more than 25 years. He has backed luminaries like Sarah Vaughan and Peggy Lee, and also performed with famed percussionists Steve Allen and Gene
Krupa.
Donny’s masterclass is THIS Sunday, February 21st, at 2pm
Location: Weathers Music – 2825 Commercial St. SE – Salem, OR
Cost: $8
Call me at 920-410-0465 for tickets and info
It’s not everyday that you get the chance to be schooled by a master.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a legend!
See you there!
___________________________________________________ Ed Thigpen
posted January 14, 2010-
It has just come to my attention that the legendary jazz drummer Ed Thigpen passed away yesterday in Copenhagen, Denmark. I know that countless others would agree that Ed was one of the most sensitive, masterful players to ever hold a pair of wire brushes. His incredible playing with pianist Oscar Peterson was the first to hip me to just how beautiful and cool they can be. And his book, “The Sound of Brushes,” is a must in every serious drummer’s library.
Several years after studying from his book, I finally met Ed when we were both [along with Carmine Appice] clinicians and judges at a drumming expo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The morning of the event, my girlfriend and I had a fantastic breakfast at our hotel with Ed, his brother and jazz historian/liner note author Don Meade. While Carmine long-overslept, the rest of us had an absolute blast, chatting it up about everything from European art museums to tying little kids’ shoes . . . everything but drums and music. What a truly kind, intelligent and distinguished individual he was. That morning definitely ranks as one of my favorite memories of all time!
I also fondly remember the brush masterclass a friend- Peter Buxman- and I took with Ed a couple years later in Madison, Wisconsin. Observing his playing, love and respect for the instrument was an educational, inspirational and spiritual occasion.
Ed, your life and musicality has greatly influenced myself and many, many others. Thank you . . . you will be dearly missed.
___________________________________________________ Twenty-Ten
posted January 5, 2010-
My resolutions are written, and there’s a crazy fun year ahead!
Thanks a million go to Carla Moreno of Music National Service; she recently interviewed me about my world percussion studying/teaching pursuits. Check out the video here.
I’m also extremely honored that the soon-to-be-released Oxford Handbook of Music Education (published by the Oxford University Press) will include a look at the group school programs that I facilitate! A chapter focused on community musicians in school music education environments will feature some of my teaching structure and approaches.
Other upcoming highlights for me are Khong Wong Lek studies in Thailand, debuting a new school program on Cuban/Puerto Rican drumming, and a book project with one of the world’s best percussionists!
Check back and I’ll keep you posted- Happy New Year!
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