Drummer's Weekly Groovecast

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Episode 91 - May You Live In Odd Times featuring Ryan Brown Of The Dweezil Zappa Band Apr 09, 2018

Show notes

"May you live in interesting times." - purported Chinese curse Ryan Brown, drummer for Dweezil Zappa, found himself in Atlanta recently. And with a healthy dose of deja vu we found ourselves cordoned away in the tiny office of the local theatre where we first met about a year and half ago. Long time listeners will recall his interview (episodes 18 & 19) and subsequent mentions on other episodes. Plus, he's a member of the much vaunted 'advisory board' of this very show. Needless to say he and I have become pretty good friends and when the opportunity presented itself to do a topic based show we jumped on it. When musicians talk about bands that commonly write and perform in odd times a litany of jazz, fusion, and progressive rock bands come to the forefront. But for my money the Zappa family holds the patent on odd times. So, who better to discuss the topic than a guy who has had to play the Zappa catalog 339 times? But before we get to the nuts and bolts of drum geekdom there was plenty to catch up on. These nuggets of brilliance include: BBQ (KC vs. Texas vs. Memphis vs. NC), the ghosts of theatres past, Los Angeles, custom snare drums (built by first time drum makers), dogs and drums named Harvey, road life (replete with 4am tacos), the median height of the Dweezil Zappa Band, Vinnie Colaiuta 'phobia', a Bobby Rock sighting, setting up Bozzio's drums, and a chance encounter at Joe Rogan's podcast location. Of course we talk learning, counting, memorizing and practicing odd time signatures. We even discuss our favorite bands that specialize in this genre. Plus for you folks that want get the skinny on how to play/count/learn "Keep It Greasy" you'd better listen closely because Brown is telling you how it's done right here. Then like Paulie on Goodfellas he's turning his back on you. From now on when someone asks him how to play "Keep It Greasy" he's simply says, "91". You can follow Ryan at his webisite: https://ryanbrowndrums.wordpress.com/ The Drummer's Weekly Groovecast publishes feature episodes every Monday with "Accountability Thursday" mini-episodes every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. We can be found on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Plus, visit our web site at www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com There you can access every episode, view our videos, interact with our social media, and stay in touch with us via our contact form. Subscribe today!

Mini - Episode 7 - The Nutmeg Two-Four Apr 05, 2018

Show notes

For this episode of Accountability Thursday we are back in the NARD solos book. This time we're working on "The Nutmeg Two-Four". This solo is mostly straight forward however I've chosen it for one particular reason. The first thing to be aware of is that there is a performance note included at the bottom of the sheet music. The author is very specific to let us know that regardless of omitted stickings we are to play this solo with alternating stickings (hand to hand). With this in mind we need to concentrate on alternating the strokes even in places where we'd normally play paradiddles such as the second line, third measure. Also take note of the dotted quarter rolls at the beginning of the second half of the solo. We'll interpret these as alternating 13 stroke rolls - not the 15 strokes as in previous solos. Thus we'll be able to alternate those rolls as well. To finish up, as with our other solos in this series we'll interpret all the 8th note rolls as ternary seven stroke rolls. Always interpret rudimental 8th note rolls as ternary sevens unless the stickings are notated otherwise or the tempo is prohibitive. Make sure to practice and post your videos of this solo on our social media. When you do that make sure you tag the show in your description. To view the sheet music of "The Nutmeg Two-Four" and see a performance of the solo click here to be taken to our YouTube video. https://youtu.be/cT9LC03AfAI Finally go by our web site at: www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com There you can listen to all of our episodes, view our videos, manage your subscription, connect via social media, and view our contact information. New feature shows are published every Monday along with mini-episode "Accountability Thursdays" on the first and third Thursday of each month. Subscribe today!

Episode 90 - Interview - Chris Fryar Of The Zac Brown Band Apr 02, 2018

Show notes

Chris Fryar is a member of one of the most popular music groups in the world, the Zac Brown Band. We were fortunate to have him join us for an exclusive interview from his Birmingham area home. In this episode Chris tells us about his start in drumming and how it lead to him attending the University of North Texas. After a quick tenure there he found himself at the Mississippi University for Women where he basically created his own course path in the music department. After a successful time at MUW Chris was 'fired' from school by one of his professors who urged him to move forward with his professional career. At that time Chris relocated to Birmingham and we go over his thought process for why that plan worked for him. We then discuss how he established himself as one of the area's busiest drummers and how it lead to his role with Oteil Burbridge and the Peacemakers. Through the grapevine of working musicians he was recommended to Zac Brown when the band needed a new drummer. From there we discuss life on the road and do a full run down of his gear. We finish off the show with the requisite DWG Rorschach Test. Follow Chris at his personal web site as well the Zac Brown Band web site at the following links: http://www.chrisfryar.com/ http://www.zacbrownband.com If you are in the Atlanta area on April 9th please come by the Vista Room to hear Chris perform along with a host of Atlanta's finest musicians for a special tribute to Steve Gadd. New feature shows are available every Monday along with "Accountability Thursday" mini-episodes the first and third Thursdays of each month. We can be found on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean and everywhere you listen to your favorite music or podcasts. Subscribe today. Make sure you visit our web site at: www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com There you can access all of our episodes, videos, social media, and contact information.

Episode 89 - In The Orchestra Pit Featuring John Lawless Mar 26, 2018

Show notes

The world of orchestra pit performance can take on a host of different identities. You can find yourself below the stage during Broadway theatre performances, awards shows, and a variety of different musical settings. This week we welcome a veteran of 'pit performance' (and a great guy in general), John Lawless. John and myself have been on 'team percussion' (percussionist and drummer respectively) in various settings. In this show we discuss what it takes to be a great percussion team and how we manage the demands of every show or session that we've been a part of. The first part of the show is dedicated to the art of preparation. We discuss the crucial nature of communicating what instruments will be needed, who will play what (if not already dictated) and the preliminary set-up configurations. We also talk about the essential aspect of ergonomics and logistics. Rehearsals are an absolutely vital time for percussionists. We talk about the relatively short amount of time allotted and how communication and cooperation during this time is paramount. The discussion of conductor tendencies and extra performance notes and annotations can help with difficult instrument and musical transitions. We close out the show discussing mental preparation and (respectful, quiet) warming up before performances. The topic of avoiding self-inflicted trouble (irresponsibility) is also covered. We finish out by talking about the importance of being flexible with unexpected logistic and performance issues. Join us every Monday for brand new feature episodes and every first and third Thursday for our 'practice along' mini-episodes. We're available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and everywhere you access your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today! Also, make sure you visit our web site. We can be found at: www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com At our site you can listen to all of our shows, interact with social media, view our videos, and manage your subscription. Subscribe to us today. Lastly, if you listen to the show on Itunes, or even if you just have an Itunes account, please a take a moment and leave us a short, written review. It really helps the show grow and allows other people looking for podcasts of our genre to find us.

Episode 88 - Artist Feature - Steve Jordan Mar 19, 2018

Show notes

This week we present our latest artist feature highlighting the career of Steve Jordan. Steve got his major studio break due to a massive snow storm that paralyzed New York City in 1977. Most of the first call drummers lived outside of Manhattan and when travel became impossible Steve was able to make several sessions over a week long period. That act of nature and the ability to take advantage of his opportunities allowed Steve to cement his status as an A-list session musician. Aside from his prodigious studio resume Steve also has a tremendous live playing career. He was the first drummer for Saturday Night Live. His relationship with Paul Shaffer continued past Saturday night's and ultimately landed him a five year stint as the house drummer for Late Night with David Letterman. Since that time he's toured with likes of: Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, David Sanborn, John Mayer, and his own band, The Verbs. In this show we highlight our favorite Steve Jordan tracks and dissect what makes them great. With Steve's diverse career we'll be listening to numerous songs that span such varied genres as: disco, fusion, and Americana rock and roll. Phil's picks are: 1. 'Who's Who' from the John Scofield album, Who's Who 2. 'Squish' from the Brecker Brothers album, Detente 3. 'No Particular Place to Go" from the movie soundtrack, Hail, Hail Rock and Roll 4. 'Waiting on the World to Change' from the John Mayer album, Continuum Jon's picks are: 1. 'Snakes' from the David Sanborn album, Upfront 2. 'Messin with the Kid' from the Blues Brothers album, Briefcase Full of Blues 3. 'Steve McQueen' from the Sheryl Crow album, C'mon, C'mon 4. 'Vultures' from the John Mayer album, Continuum Honorable Mentions: 1. With Sound Reason, album by Sonny Fortune 2. Electric Outlet, album by John Scofield (used as this show's outro music) 3. 'Don't Get Me Wrong' song by The Pretenders 4. 'Possible Straight' song by Lyle Mays from the album, Street Dreams Join us every Monday for brand new feature episodes and every first and third Thursday for our 'practice along' mini-episodes. We're available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and everywhere you access your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today! Also, make sure you visit our web site. We can be found at: www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com At our site you can listen to all of our shows, interact with social media, view our videos, and manage your subscription. Subscribe to us today. Lastly, if you listen to the show on Itunes, or even if you just have an Itunes account, please a take a moment and leave us a short, written review. It really helps the show grow and allows other people looking for podcasts of our genre to find us.

Mini-Episode 6 - Wilcoxon Solo #9 Mar 15, 2018

Show notes

Once again we are back with "Accountability Thursday". This is our first episode using the Wilcoxon "All American Drummer 150 Rudimental Solos". We've worked from the Swing Solos book previously but this is our first time working in the 150. I chose solo #9 because it uses several proprietary Wilcoxon notations that are not commonly found in other rudimental methods. One thing that helps with his interpretation is that Wilcoxon specifies the required stickings on every single note of the solo. This allows him to highlight specific rudiments that he wants to use in each solo. The first thing to notice is the different notations for the seven stroke roll. The introductory roll-off is a seven stroke ternary roll. That style of seven is the preferred and most common way to interpret 8th note rolls in most rudimental literature. We've seen it numerous times in previous NARD solos and you'll use this particular roll three times in the first line alone. The ternary seven stroke is used a total of five times throughout the entire piece. Wilcoxon also uses a binary seven stroke roll. It appears first in the third line, last measure. You'll notice that he notates that roll with two grace notes prior to the 8th note on the '& of 2'. You'll start that roll on the 'e of 2' and roll 32nd notes ending on count one of the following measure. You'll see this same grace note style notation on the 15 stroke roll in the third line, third measure. Again, start that roll on the 'e of 1' and roll 32nd notes over to count one of the next measure. Another tricky place that may need some clarification is the third line, second measure. Pay attention to the stickings because the drags do not start on the expected hands! The measure begins with a single stroke, accented R, immediately afterward the notated left handed drag forces you to play grace notes on the right when you might expect a L. Also notice the fourth line, first measure. Wilcoxon notates the 8th note rolls as five stroke rolls (not seven stroke rolls). However with the two alternating accents that follow the doubles they actually become six stroke rolls. For further clarification visit the Youtube video to view the sheet music and see a performance of Wilcoxon Solo #9. https://youtu.be/nqX1NamJiJ4 We want you to practice this solo and post your videos on our social media. Make sure you tag the show in your description. Also head over to our web site at: www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com You can subscribe to the show, listen to all our episodes, see our performance videos, interact with our social media, and get in touch with us there as well. We'll see you in a couple of weeks with our next mini-episode and every Monday with our full length feature shows.

Episode 87 - Studio Clean Featuring Scott Meeder Mar 11, 2018

Show notes

In this episode we once again welcome the wonderful, Scott Meeder, to Groovecast studios. Phil and Jon talk with one of their favorite musicians about the intangibles that make a great studio drummer a rare commodity. We forgo traditional studio questions (gear, tuning, etc.) in lieu of discussion regarding the subtleties and intuitive aspects that all great studio musicians possess. The groundwork for the conversation begins with studio generalities. With the advance of technology there are innumerable ways to record. We talk about recording with a rhythm section, laying individual tracks, looping, and editing. Scott then talks about his preferences and how it allows him to use his studio wisdom to create and record great parts. We then discuss what occurs during the first playback of a take. Does a great studio player already know what it's going to sound like? Or is the first take experimentation? Do you use tried and true methods or do you take some liberties hoping to catch magic? The topic of ending phrases with common drum fills is then addressed. We then talk about building songs progressively without relying on the same phrases and fills. The concept of personal tendencies when recording is then addressed. If you already know that you have issues with a certain style or feel do you automatically compensate (without overcompensating)? How do you do that and still stay present and true to yourself? The topic of recording with click tracks and sequences is then addressed. We discuss preferred tones, subdivisions, and headphone mixes. Finally we go through general studio preferences and performance practices such as: consistency of tones, articulations of fills, rimshots on backbeats, and preferences of sound characteristics of rooms. If you haven't heard our interview with Scott (from back in the Fall of 2016) you can check it out here: https://soundcloud.com/phil-smith-592966725/episode-15-interview-scott-meeder Join us every Monday for brand new episodes. We're available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and everywhere you access your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today! Also, make sure you visit our web site. We can be found at www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com At our site you can listen to all of our shows, interact with social media, view our videos, and manage your subscription.

Episode 86 - The Pedal Show Mar 05, 2018

Show notes

Aside from bringing you the best in topical musical discussion and interviews we also like to give you our ideas on our favorite gear. Once again we work our way around the kit and land on another piece of very personal equipment - the bass drum pedal. In this episode Phil and Jon talk about their personal favorites, their shortcomings, preferred beaters, and pedal setup. Before we do that though we cover the night that was the Jeff Porcaro Tribute at the Vista Room in Atlanta, GA. The Drummer's Weekly Groovecast was fortunate to help sponsor the inaugural tribute along with the help of our friends at Regal Tip sticks and brushes. Phil and Jon discuss the incredible attendance especially considering it was a Monday night. We also talked about the electricity of the event and its overwhelming feel of brotherhood. Scroll to the bottom of the show notes for video links to check out parts of the show. The topic of the day is our favorite kick pedals. Phil and Jon give their thoughts on what makes a pedal their choice along with the pedal's different adjustments and attachments. As with everything there are naturally a few drawbacks to each pedal and the guys talk about those as well. We discuss our favorite accessory bass drum beaters as well. We go over wood, wool, plastic, and dual beater heads. We finish up our discussion with setting up pedals for feel and ergonomic stability. Finally we finish up with a gear recommendation segment. In this episode Phil recommends a recording plug-in and Jon a drummer's swiss army knife. Phils gear recommendation: https://www.waves.com/plugins/jjp-drums Jon's gear recommednation: http://www.tama.com/eu/products/accessories/TMT9.html Links to view the Porcaro tribute: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVHjl5WgPaM&feature=youtu.be https://youtu.be/ylTVv3R0AnI https://youtu.be/xnvuVfY4GhE Go by our web site at: www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com There you can listen to all of our episodes, view our videos, manage your subscription, and view our contact information. New feature shows are published every Monday along with mini-episode "Accountability Thursdays" on the first and third Thursday of each month. Subscribe today!

Mini-Episode 5 - Two Four Hooker Mar 01, 2018

Show notes

Ok, you're two months in with "Accountability Thursday". Your hands should be fully awake by now, right? In the past four mini-episodes we've mixed things up a good bit with short solos, long solos and memorized solos. This time we're going back into the NARD book once again for something with a different feel and twist. We'll work on the Fred Miller solo, "Two Four Hooker". It's a short, catchy solo but has a few elements that we've not encountered before. We'll work toward a very deliberate, medium 'strut' tempo where we'll accentuate the difference between the dotted eighth, sixteenth rhythms and the eighth note triplets written next to them. Take special care not to round out the dotted eighth, sixteenths! We want a duple, strict interpretation of that rhythm so that it has a nice contrast against the rolling, rounded out triplets. Don't be afraid to splay out the triplets and let them roll off your sticks. Another thing that will make a nice differentiation is interpreting all the eighth note rolls as seven stroke ternary rolls. You'll notice that every time they are played they lead into a duple rhythm which makes for nice contrast. Also, the medium tempo allows for an articulate, open sound even for the quick ternary seven stroke motion. Finally since there are no dynamic markings interpret the entire solo at the forte level. Written accents will be played at the double forte level. Don't forget to check out the sheet music and performance of "Two Four Hooker". Click on this link to view. Our web site can be found at www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com. There you'll find all of our episodes, videos, social media, contact information and more. You can also find subscription buttons for Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, and Soundcloud. We publish new feature episodes every Monday and Accountability Thursday mini episodes on the first and third Thursdays of every month. Subscribe today!

Episode 85 - Interview - Dave Johnstone Feb 26, 2018

Show notes

Occasionally we get lucky. The lords of travel reveal themselves favorable and a guest we've been wanting to speak with drops into our lap. This week we welcome long time listener, friend of the show, and incredibly talented drummer, Dave Johnstone. Dave was recently in town during a string of dates with Post Modern Jukebox sensation, Aubrey Logan. We were able to sit down with him at his hotel for a discussion about everything music. After Dave and Jon reminisce about their time in St. Louis we find out about his formative years and studies with Midwest teaching legend, Kevin Gianino. He talks about the defining moment of his lessons along with the different methods and concepts that Gianino used. We then move into his time in Boston at the Berklee College of Music. After talking about the enrollment process, audition recordings, and scholarships he received Dave discusses his private studies with Kenwood Dennard and Jon Hazilla. Dave also talks about the value of his music academic classes and performing in the many different ensembles in Berklee's catalog. During his time at Berklee Dave had the chance to attend the International Association of jazz Educators conference (now JEN) in Southern California which ultimately led him to relocating to where he now lives. Johnstone has firmly established himself as one of the first call players in the competitive LA scene. Aside from maintaining his regular gigs Dave also keeps a vibrant teaching schedule. We finish up by talking about his touring schedule with Aubrey Logan. We go through a typical day on the road and what his plans for the future entail. Then, quite expectedly, Dave runs through the gauntlet with the DWG Rorschach Test! Make sure you visit Dave at his website: www. davejohnstone.com Also follow him on the road with Aubrey Logan: https://www.aubreylogan.com/ Also, keep up with all the doings of DWG at our web site. Here you can find all of our shows, videos, subscription options, and contact information. Point your browser to: www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com to check it out!

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