Drummer's Weekly Groovecast

This week we welcome one of our favorite guests, Lee Falco, back to the show as third mic. Lee was in Atlanta for a performance with guitarist, Doyle Bramhall II and was gracious enough to sit down with us before he hit the road. Make sure you say hello to Lee if you see him at a show in your city. To learn more about Lee and see where he'll be appearing please visit his web site: https://leefalco.com/ In this episode we take on the ultra subjective topic of feel. What does it mean to you? What do you listen for to determine what feels right? We start the show discussing what makes our favorite drummers playing feel so good. We also discuss that sometimes drummers that play on top of the beat to create energy and recklessness create a certain type of vibe that just as cool as their laid back counterparts. When discussing feel the subject of playing behind, center, or ahead of the beat is good place to start. The relationship of the snare to the bass drum is crucial as well as the response of the other mus

Happy Thursday to all! This time around we are working on a great rudimental solo by the legendary author, George Lawrence Stone. The solo we'll be practicing is once again found in the NARD book and is titled, "Old Tin Can". This is another short, catchy, traditional solo. However there are a few twists and turns in this compact little ditty that will keep your concentration on point! As with many rudimental solos the introductory roll off should be interpreted as a seven stroke ternary roll. However at faster tempos it may make more sense to play it as a five stroke roll. Moving forward there are numerous times where alternating 8th notes flams are switched to flam taps. Likewise he tricks us by writing flamacues subsequently leaving off the flams (while retaining the accent structure) the next time around. Also be aware of dynamic changes and accents throughout the solo. They are paramount to achieving a great feeling, funky solo. After you get this solo under your hands don't forget to post your own vide

The shuffle is one of the most elusive grooves for any musician to master. It certainly complicates matters when there are numerous regional and genre interpretations to consider. In this show Phil and Jon spend some time discussing their experiences and listening to some of their favorite recorded shuffles. But first we take a moment to discuss the lean winter months and answer listener questions. We tackle an inquiry regarding the perceived importance and differentiation between the various types of wood used to construct drum shells. If all other tuning and equipment variables are equal are different woods discernable to our audience? What about fellow musicians? We then discuss the recent deaths of drumming greats, Leon Ndugu Chancler and Pat Torpey. We talk about their drumming careers, great recordings they appear on, and Ndugu's educational legacy. Finally the main topic of the day is addressed with each host mentioning how they first learned to play various shuffles. We also remember which shuffle son

The phone rings. Someone is asking you about booking your band. Do you gracefully pass that task to someone else or start conducting business? In this episode we encourage you to put on your business suit and go to work. Unless you have an exclusive booking agent contracting work is something we should all be comfortable with. However, if you've never done it before the contracts, riders, communication, timeliness, and incredible amounts of detail are daunting! In this show we discuss what we've learned over the years of doing good and bad gigs. There are many positive things to booking your own band. Working with your friends, getting the treatment you like, and simply making a bit of extra money are just a few of the benefits. In addition we talk about what to include in your contract, money negotiations, overtime, deposits, balances, insurance, and much more. Then we discuss the ever important rider. If you don't ask. You won't receive! Make sure your rider is detailed so that it can be properly ful

We're back with a new edition of "Accountability Thursday". This time around we'll be doing something a tad different. We're going to balance this week's exercise by giving you something easy and fun to play but we want you to memorize it! It may sound difficult but it's really a peach to play. We'll tackle the super traditional solo, "Three Camps" and break it down into bite sized chunks. Threes are wild this week so inside of this solo we're only using three primary rudiments: five stroke roll, ten stroke roll, and eleven stroke roll. On top of that there are only three main phrases that make up the entire solo! So let's get busy by brushing up on your rolls and putting that steel trap memory to work. Aside from the audio description of what we're doing there's a corresponding video where you can see and hear the solo at performance tempo. Here's the YouTube link to see "Three Camps" sheet music and performance video: https://youtu.be/qf-gy3kLZGo Don't forget to swing by our web site www.drummersweekly

As drummers we've grown accustomed to taking our share of the blame for everything from count-in's to endings. In this show Phil and Jon talk about their experiences in the hot seat and discuss diplomatic ways to address and get past the 'Punching Bag Syndrome". Don't be the scapegoat if you're not guilty! It's time to realize that everyone in the band is responsible for their own tempo, feel, volume, phrasing, and song form. We finish the show by each host picking a great drum track. Also new for 2018 is the unveiling of our web site! Navigate over to www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com to check it out! There you can find every episode of our show along with videos, social media, contact information and more. We are available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today! New shows are published every Monday. Also practice along with us on our "Accountability Thursday" mini-episodes every first and third Thursday!

This week we conduct our first ever show with the Drummer's Weekly Groovecast Advisory Board. Joining us in studio is prior guest and legendary performer/educator, Jack Bell. Joining us remotely are past guests: Joel Rosenblatt, Tom Brechtlein, and Ryan Brown. The topic we tackle this episode is the teacher's inclination on whether you prefer a student with lots of natural talent (and below average work ethic) versus a student with below average talent and a high work ethic. We also give our self evaluations of how we perceived ourselves as students. If you haven't heard the past episodes that feature Tom, Joel, Ryan and Jack please go back and give them a listen. You can also visit their respective web sites. Jack Bell: www.melodiousmerchant.com Joel Rosenblatt: www.joelrosenblatt.com Tom Brechtlein: www.tombrechtlein.com Ryan Brown: https://ryanbrowndrums.wordpress.com Also new for 2018 is the unveiling of our web site! Navigate over to www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com to check it out! There you can f

For episode 2 of "Accountability Thursday" we doff our cap to Austin resident Tom Brechtlein and work on the NARD solo, "The Texan". Tom recently relocated to Austin and has worked out of the NARD book (he talked about it during our chat from episode 65) so we thought it was only logical to make this solo a part of our new show! This solo is a bit longer and has a few more twists and turns than our last solo. The highlights feature eighth note, ternary style, seven stroke rolls along with dotted quarter note fifteen stroke rolls. You can put a little 'breath' in each of these rolls to make them full and funky. By laying those two rolls on the back side of the beat it makes this solo feel great and stay true to the proper interpretation. Here's the YouTube link to see "The Texan" sheet music and performance video: https://youtu.be/HGv-lOXAn4A Don't forget to swing by our web site www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com You can find all our episodes, videos, social media and contact information in one convenient p

This week we conduct our first interview of 2018. We welcome artist relations manager of Regal Tip, CW Dunbar. In this episode we cover the history of Regal Tip and discuss the company's upcoming 60th anniversary. After that we go through the product catalog and discuss the manufacturing process of your favorite Regal Tip instruments. He also talks about the daily operations at the company and what it's like to work in the factory. We finish up with education, clinics, endorsement and artist talk. CW encourages customer feedback so feel free to reach out to him at his email address: charles@directmusicsupply.com Also go by the company's web site and check out their latest offerings: www.regaltip.com Also new for 2018 is the unveiling of our web site! Navigate over to www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com to check it out! We are available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today! New shows are published every Monday. Also practice a

We are back with fresh, new episodes for 2018! We start off the new year with an artist feature with one of our favorite musicians, Lewis Nash. Originally from Phoenix, Nash relocated to New York City over 30 years ago. He skyrocketed to the top of the jazz world and became first call for luminaries such as: Tommy Flanagan, Ron Carter, Kenny Barron, Mulgrew Miller, Joe Lovano, Branford Marsalis, and many more. Recently he moved back to Phoenix where he established "The Nash", a non-profit performance and education venue. He is also a recent faculty addition at Arizona State University where he teaches applied lessons, small group classes, and jazz repertoire. For the rest of the show we pick our favorite tracks that feature Lewis and then listen to short clips of each. Also new for 2018 is the unveiling of our web site! Navigate over to www.drummersweeklygroovecast.com to check it out! We are available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. S

Welcome to "Accountability Thursday" Mini-Episode 1! On the first and third Thursday's of every month we'll practice together using a classic rudimental solo. We're going to ease into the new year with something short and sweet. For our inaugural edition we'll work on "Smitty's Delight" from the NARD drum solo book. There's nothing terribly difficult or unique about this solo however be careful with the 15 stroke rolls at the start of the second half of the solo! Make sure you practice playing this 15 stroke roll correctly by subdividing it over the dotted quarter note (resist the temptation to play a 13)! Remember to play cleanly and observe dynamics. For traditional, rudimental solos the default dynamic level is forte with accents played double forte if no dynamic markings are given (which is the case with this solo). Past that this solo is very traditional and feels great to play! Have fun and swing by YouTube to see me play this solo. YouTube link: https://youtu.be/XawBjXYR3vg Lastly, we're working on

We finish out 2017 (and wipe the slate clean for 2018) with a final nod toward our favorite segments of the year. Tune in to hear Phil and Jon's favorite gear recommendations, great drum track picks, favorite underrated drummers, helpful repair tips from the Drummer's Weekly Groovecast Garage and much more. Join us for one last hurrah before next week's first, new show of 2018. Subscribe today! We're available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts!

Join us this week as we take a look back at highlights from our favorite interviews of 2017! We were fortunate all year long to have been given time with some of Groovecast Nation's favorite drummers, educators, musicians, and industry insiders. In this show we highlight the best of the best along with every single "DWG Rorschach Test"! New shows are available every Monday and can be found in Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today!

This week we announce that new for 2018 we'll be bringing you even more exclusive content and interactive participation! Starting on January 4th (and continuing on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month) we're introducing a new educational campaign entitled, "Accountability Thursday". We'll ring in the new year with a resolution to practice and we'll do it together as one big listening family! Listen to this mini-episode/official announcement for details!

Many musicians suffer from some type of chronic pain. Unfortunately this pain normally threatens the comfort (if not the viability) of your performance. And we haven't even begun to include your basic quality of life! If you or someone you know is affected by chronic pain then this episode is an absolute must-listen. Dr. Howard Schubiner is one of the foremost authorities on chronic pain and his techniques are not only groundbreaking but also drug free. In this special episode he spoke to us from his home to outline how he diagnoses and treats chronic pain and how musicians make up a large part of his client base. I sincerely hope that everyone finds value in the episode. If you are currently dealing with pain I implore you to listen and do your research into Dr. Schubiner's techniques. His treatment plans and success rates are turning heads throughout the world of medicine. I used to suffer from chronic neck, shoulder, and arm pain. Dr. Schubiner was instrumental in educating me and ultimately freeing me fr

Alternative sounds, contraptions, traps, accoutrement! They're all the rage and have been for a very long time. However the current preference of alternative sounds on the drum set span the realm of new, acoustic inventions as well as electronic pads and controllers. In this episode we give you some historical context for the implementation of alternative sounds and then run down the list of our favorite, current acoustic and electronic alternative sounds. We finish off the show with our picks for two of our favorite, underrated drummers. Join us every Monday for a brand new show. We're available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today! It's giveaway time once again! Our friend, Chris Brady, at Aquarian Drumheads in conjunction with Drummer's Weekly Groovecast is giving away two great prizes! Register today to win a complete set of your choice of Aquarian batter heads! Second prize will be a entire set of Aquarian Drum Kit Tools. Visit

"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." - Plato Politics can be a messy subject. However in this episode we want to view that subject in a different light. No matter what profession you choose somewhere down the line you'll have to engage in some sort of political negotiation. We share our stories and then help with the topics of: networking, backbiting, negativity, who you know vs. what you know, rumors, and much more. But before we do that we discuss winding down another calendar year and Jon's strange gig. We finish the show with out second installment of Drummer's Weekly Groovecast Garage. Join us every Monday for a brand new show. We're available on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Subscribe today! It's giveaway time once again! Our friend, Chris Brady, at Aquarian Drumheads in conjunction with Drummer's Weekly Groovecast is giving away two great prizes! Regis

This week we start a new show format! Periodically we'll be highlighting one drummer's career and discography and for this inaugural edition we're featuring drumming legend, Jim Gordon. Jim's career is truly a Hollywood film noir. Aside from playing on some of music's greatest hits Jim also played live with some of rock and rolls greatest artists such as: Joe Cocker, Eric Clapton, Dave Mason, George Harrison, Steely Dan, and Frank Zappa. However alcohol and drug abuse took its toll on his career and health. Gordon also suffered from debilitating mental issues which were finally diagnosed as depression and paranoid schizophrenia. Since 1984 Gordon has been incarcerated in California after being convicted of killing his mother in her Southern California home. During his time in prison he has performed occasionally with other prisoners. Details of these performances have been published by his band mates and are available through the link below. Gordon is eligible for parole in 2018. Join us every Monday fo

Happy Thanksgiving from Phil and Jon! This week we thank you, the listeners, for your continued support and for the success of this show. We take some time for good natured ribbing of our drumming brethren by discussing all the things that we do better (and sometimes worse) than anyone else in the music community. Practice shortcuts, speed for speed's sake, gear trends, and drum hangs are the punching bags for the week. We also give our picks for a great underrated drum track. Lastly, we have birthed our first podcast baby! We welcome to the show Dan Radin host of The Drum Showroom podcast. He took inspiration from our show and created his very own, unique podcast. We introduce him to Groovecast nation and he tells us about his personal journey to being a full time drummer and how his new podcast is a part of the process. You can find The Drum Showroom on Soundcloud and everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. You can listen to the Drummer's Weekly Groovecast on Itunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher,

Mike Johnston (of mikeslessons.com) is a person of many talents. He's a tremendous communicator, a great player, a wonderful businessman, a superb teacher, and a heck of a nice guy. When you put all that together you have one of the most successful and busy music entrepreneurs of our time. He was kind enough to sit down with us for a chat about his web site, his teaching, and his business methods. We get deep into education with discussions about philosophies and techniques as well as concepts. We also talk about his new performance outlet entitled, "Man on the Moon". As usual, before we finish we run Mike through the gauntlet that is the Drummer's Weekly Groovecast Rorschach test! Finally, our good friend Chris Brady at Aquarian drum heads has provided a host of prizes for our latest contest! Go into Itunes today and leave a short written review on the DWG home page to be registered! Prizes include a set of drum heads of your choice and complete set of Drumkit Tools. Listen to the show for details. New epis