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Neil Peart, often hailed as one of the greatest drummers in rock music, was born on September 12, 1952, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He rose to prominence as the drummer and primary lyricist for the legendary rock band Rush. Peart's influence on drumming and songwriting is widely recognized and admired by musicians and fans around the world.

Peart joined Rush in 1974, replacing the band's original drummer, John Rutsey. His technical precision, complex drumming patterns, and innovative use of percussion made him a standout musician in the rock genre. Peart's drumming style blended elements of rock, jazz, and progressive music, creating a unique sound that became synonymous with Rush's music. He was known for his intricate drum solos, which showcased his technical prowess and creative flair.

In addition to his drumming skills, Peart also made a significant impact as a lyricist. He wrote thought-provoking and poetic lyrics that explored a wide range of themes, including philosophy, science fiction, personal introspection, and societal issues. Peart's lyrics often showcased his intellectual depth and his ability to weave complex narratives into songs.

Peart's contributions to Rush's extensive discography are numerous, with standout albums including "2112," "Moving Pictures," "Permanent Waves," and "Clockwork Angels." His drumming and songwriting helped define Rush's progressive rock sound and cemented their status as one of the most influential bands of all time.

Offstage, Peart was known for his dedication to his craft and his relentless pursuit of perfection. He constantly sought to improve his skills as a musician, often taking on new challenges and incorporating different drumming techniques into his performances. His dedication to his craft earned him the respect and admiration of fellow musicians and fans alike.

Tragically, Neil Peart passed away on January 7, 2020, after a private battle with brain cancer. His loss was deeply felt by the music community, and his legacy as a visionary drummer and talented lyricist continues to inspire aspiring musicians and fans worldwide. Neil Peart's contributions to music, both as a drummer and a songwriter, will forever be remembered and celebrated as a testament to his incredible talent and artistic vision. His technical proficiency, creative drumming patterns, and meticulous attention to detail have left an indelible mark on the drumming community.

 

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So you have your brand new iPad which comes with GarageBand for free! However, the functionality of GarageBand on the iPad is a bit different than the version that comes on your computer. So, if you are confused, no biggie because I have the steps below for you to follow!

Recording in GarageBand for iPad is a straightforward process that allows you to capture your musical ideas and create professional-sounding tracks. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Launch GarageBand
Open the GarageBand app on your iPad. If you don't have it installed, you can download it from the App Store.

Step 2: Create a New Project
Tap on the "+" icon to create a new project. Choose the option that suits your needs, such as "Keyboard Collection" or "Guitar Amp."

Step 3: Choose the Instrument and Track Type
Select the instrument or track type you want to record. GarageBand offers a variety of options, including virtual instruments, audio recordings, and loops.

Step 4: Set Up Your Input Device
If you're using an external microphone or audio interface to record, connect it to your iPad using the appropriate adapter. GarageBand supports various external devices, including USB and Lightning-compatible interfaces.

Step 5: Enable Monitoring
To hear the audio input while recording, make sure the monitoring option is enabled. Tap the headphone icon in the control bar at the top of the screen to turn monitoring on or off.

Step 6: Adjust Input Settings
Tap the settings icon (gear icon) in the control bar to access the input settings. Here, you can adjust input levels, enable effects, and set the input source. Make sure your input levels are set appropriately to avoid clipping or distortion.

Step 7: Start Recording
Tap the red record button in the control bar to start recording. Play your instrument or sing into the microphone to capture your performance. You can record multiple takes, and GarageBand will automatically create regions for each take.

Step 8: Edit and Enhance Your Recording
After recording, you can edit your performance by tapping the "Edit" button. GarageBand provides various editing tools, including trimming, splitting, and adjusting volume levels. You can also apply effects, such as reverb or EQ, to enhance your recording.

Step 9: Add Additional Tracks
To create a multi-track recording, tap the "+" icon in the Tracks View and choose the instrument or track type you want to add. Repeat the recording process for each track and adjust their settings as needed.

Step 10: Mix and Export
Once you've finished recording and editing your tracks, you can mix them to achieve the desired balance and add effects to individual tracks or the overall mix. When you're satisfied with the final mix, you can export your project as an audio file or share it directly to various platforms, such as SoundCloud or iCloud.

GarageBand for iPad offers a range of features and capabilities beyond basic recording, such as virtual instruments, drum patterns, and MIDI support. Exploring these additional features can help you create more complex and polished recordings.

Remember to experiment and have fun while recording in GarageBand. With practice and creativity, you can produce high-quality music right from your iPad.

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John Bonham's Timeless Influence on Drumming: Celebrating a Legend

When it comes to legendary drummers who have left an indelible mark on the music world, few names hold as much reverence as John Bonham. As the rhythmic powerhouse behind Led Zeppelin, Bonham's innovative and explosive drumming style revolutionized the way drums were played and forever influenced generations of musicians. Let's pay tribute to the iconic drummer and explore the lasting impact of his unmatched talent.

The Birth of a Legend:
Born on May 31, 1948, in Redditch, England, Bonham started playing drums at an early age, honing his craft in various local bands before landing the gig that would define his career. His raw energy, impeccable timing, and thunderous beats quickly set him apart from his contemporaries and caught the attention of Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones, leading to the formation of Led Zeppelin in 1968.

The Bonham Sound:
Bonham's drumming style was characterized by his powerful, heavy-handed approach, often referred to as "Bonham's thunder." His ability to create thunderous grooves with a deep pocket, combined with his dynamic use of dynamics and impeccable timing, made him a force to be reckoned with. Bonham's drumming was not just about rhythm; it was a sonic assault that elevated Led Zeppelin's music to new heights. Are you familiar with "Bonham Triplets"?

Influencing Generations:
Bonham's impact on drumming cannot be overstated. His groundbreaking techniques, such as his use of triplets, intricate bass drum patterns, and his ability to seamlessly blend rock, blues, and funk, have influenced countless drummers across various genres. His creation of iconic drum parts, like the unforgettable intro to "When the Levee Breaks," showcased his innovative approach and cemented his status as a true drumming pioneer. This drum beat in particular has been sampled by many hip-hop artists including the Beastie Boys in their song Rhymin' and Stealin'.

Legacy and Continued Inspiration:
Although Bonham's life was tragically cut short in 1980, his influence continues to resonate with drummers worldwide. His legacy lives on through the countless musicians who have been inspired by his style and seek to emulate his thunderous sound. From rock to metal, blues to funk, Bonham's impact remains unmatched, and his drumming continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

Celebrating Bonham's Legacy: To fully appreciate the brilliance of John Bonham's drumming, here are some YouTube links to some of his most iconic performances:

- "Moby Dick" (Live at Royal Albert Hall, 1970) 
- "Kashmir" (Live at Knebworth 1979Live at Knebworth 1979Live Live at Knebworth 1979at Knebworth 1979)Live at Knebworth 1979
- "Rock and Roll" (Live at Madison Square Garden, 1973)
- "Good Times Bad Times" (Live in Copenhagen, 1979)

John Bonham's influence on drumming cannot be overstated. His raw power, innovative techniques, and unwavering groove continue to inspire and captivate drummers across the globe. As we celebrate his legacy, let us remember John Bonham as a true icon and an unparalleled force in the world of drumming.

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Billy Cobham is a Panamanian-American jazz drummer, percussionist, bandleader, and composer. He is considered one of the most influential drummers of all time, and his playing helped to define the sound of jazz fusion in the 1970s.

Check out this solo in which he uses his famous yellow kit with a double bass drum 🤘😎🤘.

Cobham was born in Panama City, Panama, in 1944. He began playing drums at a young age, and by the time he was in his teens, he was playing professionally in Panamanian dance bands. In 1964, he moved to the United States to study music at the Manhattan School of Music.

After graduating from the Manhattan School of Music, Cobham began playing in New York City jazz clubs. He soon became one of the most in-demand drummers in the city, and he played with a variety of jazz musicians, including Horace Silver, Freddie Hubbard, and Stanley Turrentine.

In 1971, Cobham joined the Mahavishnu Orchestra, a groundbreaking jazz fusion band led by guitarist John McLaughlin. With the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Cobham helped to develop a new style of drumming that combined elements of jazz, rock, and funk. His playing on albums such as The Inner Mounting Flame and Birds of Fire is considered to be some of the most innovative and influential drumming of all time.

I suggest following the Mahavishnu Orchestra on Spotify.

After leaving the Mahavishnu Orchestra in 1973, Cobham pursued a solo career. He released a number of albums as a bandleader, including Spectrum, Crosswinds, and Stratus. He also continued to work as a session musician, and he appeared on albums by a variety of artists, including George Benson, Miles Davis, and Jeff Beck.

Cobham has continued to be active as a musician and educator. He has released several more albums as a bandleader, and he has toured extensively around the world. He is also a professor at the Berklee College of Music.

And of course, he is on Spotify as well! 

Billy Cobham is a true legend of jazz drumming. His playing has influenced countless drummers, and his music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

Here are some of the other things that Billy Cobham is known for:

• He was a pioneer of the double bass drum setup, which is now standard for many drummers.
• He was one of the first drummers to use electronic drums in a jazz context.
• He was a master of polyrhythms and complex time signatures.
• He was a highly expressive and melodic drummer.
• He was a highly influential teacher and mentor to many younger drummers.

Billy Cobham is a true icon of jazz drumming. His playing has had a profound impact on the music world, and he continues to be an inspiration to drummers of all ages.

Below is a list of books that every drummer should own. These are standard in the industry and you should be able to talk about each of these fluently as well as knowing the strengths and shortcomings of each. You gain this ability by having worked through them and having applied them to your own playing. You don’t need to buy these all at once and the order I have listed below is my suggested order of purchase and focus. You don't need to complete each book before buying the next, but you shouldn't rush the process. If you pair the books with related YouTube content you will be making very good use of your time. With enough creativity, these books will last you a lifetime. Don't rush the process. Enjoy each book for the value they bring. 

1. Progressive Steps To Syncopation For the Modern Drummer by Ted Reed: This is one of the most versatile and practical works ever written for drums. Created exclusively to address syncopation, it has earned its place as a standard tool for teaching beginning drummers syncopation and strengthening reading skills. This book includes many accented eighths, dotted eighths and sixteenths, eighth-note triplets, and sixteenth notes for extended solos. In addition, teachers can develop many of their own examples from it.
2. Stick Control: For The Snare Drummer by George Lawrence Stone: This is the original classic, often called the bible of drumming. This is the ideal book for improving control, speed, flexibility, touch, rhythm, lightness, delicacy, power, endurance, preciseness of execution, and muscular coordination," with extra attention given to the development of the weak hand. This indispensable book for drummers of all types includes hundreds of basic to advanced rhythms and moves through categories of single-beat combinations, triplets, short roll combinations, flam beats, flam triplets and dotted notes, and short roll progressions.
3. Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer by Jim Chapin: Jim Chapin, known as the Father of Jazz Independence," has written one of the most popular drumset books of all time. This classic work should be in every drummer's library as there is always something new to learn and develop from this masterful book. Whether for a beginner or an accomplished drummer, this system will greatly improve independence and coordination, sticking, power, speed, and endurance on the drumset. Dedicated to Sanford Moeller, this book proves Jim's teaching techniques like no other."
4. Advanced Funk Studies: Creative Patterns for the Advanced Drummer by Rick Latham: This book will help take your groove to the next level. With author and renowned drummer Rick Latham as your guide, you'll learn hi-hat, funk, and fill patterns. Many of the ideas in this book are derived from some of the most famous and proficient funk drummers. The accompanying audio CDs provide examples of the exercises.
5. The Sound of Brushes by Ed Thigpen: A step-by-step guide that develops total mastery of the art of brush playing. This new edition is updated and revised with a section on rock applications plus additional brush-stroke techniques. Ed Thigpen's thorough approach includes all patterns shown with full-size diagrams and accompanying CDs containing every beat, pattern, and play-along track.
6. Afro-Cuban Rhythms for Drumset by Fran Malabe: This book is invaluable to anyone interested in adapting these rhythms to the drum set. An introduction to Afro-Cuban rhythms by Frank Malabe and Bob Weiner, including the history, traditional instruments, and basic styles of Afro-Cuban music. The book explores the complexities of these various styles in a simple, understandable way.
7. The New Breed: Systems for the Development of Your Own Creativity by Gary Chester: Gary Chester was one of the busiest studio drummers of the '60s and '70s and played on hundreds of hit records. His systems have been used and endorsed by drummers such as Kenny Aronoff, Danny Gottlieb, and Dave Weckl. This is not just another drum book, but rather a system that will help you develop the skills needed to master today's studio requirements. These systems are not designed to be played strictly as exercises but used as tools to develop new musical ideas that can be applied to any and all musical styles. By working with this book, you'll improve your reading, concentration, coordination, right and left-hand lead, and awareness of the click.
8. Drum Wisdom by Bob Moses: This book presents unique and refreshing concepts about such topics as thinking musically, internal hearing, playing off of melodies and vamps, and much more.
9. Future Sounds: A Book of Contemporary Drumset Concepts by David Garibaldi: At long last, the secrets of David Garibaldi's groundbreaking funk/jazz fusion drumming techniques are presented in this innovative book and recording. Whether you play rock, heavy metal, jazz, or funk, you'll learn to incorporate Garibaldi's contemporary linear styles and musical concepts into your playing and develop your own unique drumset vocabulary.
10. Polyrhythms: The Musician’s Guide by Peter Magadini: Peter Magadini's Polyrhythms is acclaimed the world over and has been hailed by Modern Drummer magazine as "by far the best book on the subject." Written for instrumentalists and vocalists alike, this book with online audio contains excellent solos and exercises that feature polyrhythmic concepts. Topics covered include: 6 over 4, 5 over 4, 7 over 4, 3 over 4, 11 over 4, and other rhythmic ratios; combining various polyrhythms; polyrhythmic time signatures; and much more. The audio includes demos of the exercises and is accessed online using the unique code in each book. To see Peter in action demonstrating various polyrhythms, click here. 

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So for the past couple of years I have been teaching an online music history course that I designed for The College of Southern Idaho and I am excited to share that I am now in the middle of designing an online percussion course and it has been an absolute blast:). 

Wanna hear all about it?

In this 15 week course, students will learn their major scales on a mallet instrument, take a deep dive into the 26 standard drum rudiments, learn practice techniques, and explore individual interests. This is a perfect course for anybody who is planning on pursuing percussion at the university level, and wants to start accumulating college credit in preparation. It is also a great option if you are a music teacher and need some continuing education hours along with an opportunity to strengthen your percussion knowledge base. Or maybe you know somebody who is working on audition material and needs some coaching? …send 'em my way! 

Yes, you now have two options to earn college credit with me while studying music. My ‘Survey of Jazz and Popular Music’ course has been up and running for a while now, and now my percussion course is another great option to knock out some college credit while hanging out and learning with me! Yay!

I thought I would share a quick excerpt from the course! In this sampling we are talking about employing the ‘open to close’ technique into your practice routine. 

"Open to close" is a practice method for playing drum rudiments that involves starting slowly and gradually increasing the speed until you reach your maximum speed, then slowing back down to the starting speed. This method is often used to help drummers develop their speed and control.

To play a rudiment "open to close," start by playing the rudiment slowly and deliberately. As you get more comfortable with the rudiment, you can start to increase the speed gradually. Once you reach your maximum speed, hold it for a few beats before slowing back down to the starting speed.

Here are some of the benefits of practicing rudiments "open to close":

• It can help you develop your speed and control.
• It can help you build up stamina.
• It can help you improve your accuracy.
• It can help you develop a consistent sound.
• It can help you learn new rudiments more quickly.

If you are a drummer who wants to improve your speed, control, and accuracy, I highly recommend practicing rudiments "open to close." It is a simple and effective method that can help you take your drumming to the next level.

Here are some additional tips for practicing rudiments "open to close":

• Record yourself playing the rudiment and listen back to it to identify any areas that need improvement.
• Be patient and persistent. It takes time and practice to master this method.

With regular practice, you will eventually be able to play rudiments at a fast and consistent tempo. This will be a valuable skill that will help you improve your drumming in many ways.

My collaboration with FANG is live! FANG is a menswear brand (NYC) that observes and celebrates the contemporary male experience through their modern clothing line and I am honored that they choose 4 of my songs to represent their fall release. I am proud to be a part of their fall campaign and their sophisticated take on this world that we share. Check it out...!

Born in New York City and inherently cultured,  FANG is a menswear brand that observes and celebrates the contemporary male experience — the feeling of being masculine, feminine, and everything in between. Conventional men's clothing suggests either confinement or unshapeliness, almost something to hide; the FANG collections challenge this status quo by bringing forward fashion designs that are aesthetically-inclined and forward-thinking while simultaneously offering comfort and support for every body.

I have discovered Dolby Atmos and am hooked! Spatial audio has long been a dream and tv’s and consumer level speakers are starting to be Atmos compatible. Logic Pro 10.7 allows you to mix for Atmos and there are even rumors that VSX (a genius product by the team at Steven Slate) will be coming out with a Dolby Atmos mixing room. Oh, I so hope that this is true! 

Atoms = 9.1 surround sound. The 9 speakers are placed in specific locations surrounding the listener on each side as well as above and below which essentially drowns the listener in frequencies designed just by people like me! 

I mean it is Dolby and Apple! That alone is access to a vibrant enough community but when you start adding services like YouTube premium and Tidal into the mix, it is hard not to jump on board. Youtube alone is enough to convince me. 

To help ease my workflow, and learn from the masters, I often times hire a mixing and a mastering engineer. I have been super happy with the formula I have developed however I just sent my first mix off to Audio Animals to try out their Atmos mixing and mastering service. There are a few other rumors about an Atmos premastering service, however Audio Animals is the first team I have encountered with clear, concise, and affordable pricing options. Digging through their website I really enjoyed the a la’ carte approach for the various add ons. I however, went for the full mother load while screaming to an empty room..."give me all the add ons!" I look forward to receiving a full Atmos mix and master, a regular .wav stereo mix and master, mp3, and stems. Rather than a variety of stem configurations, I decided to get all the individual processed tracks, which is a killer option. That will give me the ability to create any stem configuration that I may need  down the road and is going to greatly enhance what I do! .

I am really looking forward to having some fun with Audio Animals. It sounds like they are open to creativity and creativity is what it is all about!

...stay tuned

:)

The pandemic has brought a couple of exciting projects into my life that I am grateful for. One of them being a collaboration with the Boise State Jazz Orchestra. Derek Ganong, their fearless leader, dreamed up a collaboration with the BSU jazz musicians and independent composers to create a unique collaboration involving mixed media. The idea was to approach big band music through the eyes of EDM. The challenge was that the piece, employing EDM techniques, needed to be able to be performed live. With social distancing protocols, this became difficult. The live performance had to be bagged and the focus shifted to recording a cd of the music to stream for the Gene Harris Jazz Festival.

However, with social distancing, even recording a cd with a jazz orchestra was a bit of a struggle. Players ended up recording their individual parts on their own and then submitting them for a final mix. Can you imagine adjusting intonation and tuning without having a full ensemble as a reference point? How about even working on groove? We see videos done this way all the time on YouTube and it takes actually going through the process to understand the hurdles one has to jump through to pull this off. I am glad I had Derek to work through this process with and am excited about the final outcome. 

I started the project wanting to re-envision one of my older pieces. The original version of Big Perm was always a tongue-in-cheek protocol in my eyes; a "finished sketch" of sorts. I thought this would be a great opportunity to see what new life I could squeeze out of an old project. I was surprised to see that, under the influence of this project, Big Perm became a whole new piece. Cry Baby is Big Perm re-envisioned. Cry Baby is the sibling to Big Perm with the same DNA seen through a blending of different perspectives. This is the power of collaboration that I love so much. Collaboration opens your eyes to new ideas and forces new experiences. For me, collaboration is the right hand to creativity.

So with that in mind, I am proud to share the Boise State Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Derek Ganong, debuting Cry Baby as part of the Gene Harris Jazz Festival!

*click here for the SoundCloud Link*