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Showing posts from 2024

Homemade cup chimes

Following up on my previous discussion about safely cutting down broken cymbals. This second video shows the results of my efforts with a rack of five cup chimes and a couple of single ones put atop some crashes. https://youtube.com/shorts/emZQa_QNTM8 ~~~     Find our Books:   on Amazon Subscribe:   Brummet Media​ YouTube Channel​  ​ ~~~

Repurpose Broken Cymbals (Part 1)

In this post I demonstrate the method I use to safely cut down broken cymbals into smaller diameters to create little bell chimes about 5 inches in diameter.  I have also made smaller crashes and splashes out of some of the bigger cymbals but found they don’t always sound as desirable as the little ones, which have a cutting, discordant sound that is really quite cool.  Check out the video: https://youtube.com/shorts/-SdnOjqJTtA * Check out drummer Gavin Harrison's videos on Youtube where you can witness his use of cut down cymbals. Also check out my recent post on Gavin's CPU Theory . Part 2 of this discussion can be found on December 15th's post. ~~~     Find our Books:   on Amazon Subscribe:   Brummet Media​ YouTube Channel​  ​ ~~~

Gavin Harrison's CPU Theory

  As I had mentioned in the last post, this time around we are going to get into some deep thinking with the help of Gavin Harrison and his CPU theory . I recently stumbled upon this incredible drummer though Drumeo , an online drum channel that offers lessons and has tons of free resources.  https://youtu.be/woI6t8dCQcQ?si=r5yddF8yXKBudgju Gavin’s thinking in this video puts into words what I had discovered (eventually) over the 40 years of my career in music.  Which is:  If you are playing so intensely that you can’t self analyze (and correct) your own playing, or truly listen and react to the other musicians around you, you need to back off. Once you have this concept in mind and learn to apply it you will be much more in control of everything you do. It is important have time to look around and smile instead of staring at your snare drum like a transfixed cobra. In the video you might have noticed those little chime-like cymbals that Gavin has on his left.  ...

In The Media

  Typically, when it comes to obtaining and managing media appearances the one they deal with is myself (Lillian). However it is always a treat to have Dave - the other half of this business and marriage partnership - invited for interviews.  Today I get to celebrate this fun and interesting discussion about the world of drumming with  Dave Brummet  on the  Small Talk Podcast  with  Nancy Guitar Drop in to find the interview  Here ~~~     Follow us & find our Books:   on Amazon Visit:   Drum It With Brummet Blog Subscribe:   Brummet Media​ YouTube Channel​  ​ ~~~

Music is Connection, Communication

Today's article was submitted to us by James Divine - a retired teacher, who has taken on a half-time teaching job where he embraces the challenges and joys involved in starting a band program from scratch at a charter school. He is host of the Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band podcast. He spends the other half of his time speaking , consulting with schools on their music programs, and creating curriculum like Jazz From The Start .  In this article, James shares the story of meeting and being greatly impressed by music teacher Julie Harrison.   Check out his books on Amazon ! Music is Connection, Communication Music is a language onto its own, but it requires a master translator to bring it to the masses. In my 26 years as a teacher, I have had the opportunity to observe a lot of teachers. Julie Harrison is the absolute best! I had an opportunity to work with her and her students at The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind . I’ve known her and observed...

In The Media

Drop into the link below to find  a fun and wacky interview with Dave on  The Opinionistics Podcast.  This podcast offers creative, engaging, laughable content with the intent of providing entertaining, humorous stories and personalities. Dave Brummet's discussion is on  Season 12, Episode 2 .  https://open.spotify.com/episode/33EcwDXxD4Krb0hmuVO6qf?si=IY34kE-9R5-xC39XXmLsBg&nd=1&dlsi=29c825eb5bc844a7 We began networking with host Peter Clemenson (AKA jÃ¥amiealoönæ) since early 2022 & have had the pleasure of appearing on his podcast twice so far.  Thanks Peter for your support of our work :) ~~~     Follow us & find our Books:   on Amazon Visit:   Drum It With Brummet Blog Subscribe:   Brummet Media​ YouTube Channel​  ​ ~~~

Dave's " Nate Smith Challenge "

 Is less really more when it comes to drum kit size? I often ponder this as I haul, setup and break down my 7 piece drum kit back and forth to gigs. Could I actually be happy with only a couple of toms and just a few cymbals? How about no toms at all and nothing but a set of hi-hats to groove with – I thought; no way how could one possibly… - then I took a good look at a group called the Fearless Flyers with Nate Smith on the drums. Very humbling.  https://youtu.be/LfjEgfEzu-8?si=O5ZDoFEvU-9xzAzp Nate utilizes just a snare, kick and hi-hats, and absolutely blew me away with the grooves he provides for these guys. In the first video I watched he dropped a stick during a solo and continued one-handed and finished it off spectacularly - you could see the bass player, Joe Dart, laugh - in utter amazement - at what he did.  I, too, was stunned and proceeded to watch everything I could on this guy. He does more with that minimal amount of gear than a lot of us can do with our ...

Recommended video

Enjoy legendary percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo and his father Mañengue Hidalgo along with their friends, performing Buena Vista Social Club's "El Carretero" live outside in Puerto Rico in this 7 minute video. Turn it up and feel the love! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRQQz7ZfZ9U Featuring: Christian Nieves: Cuatro  Edgardo “KAKO” Maldonado: Guiro  Giovanni Hidalgo: Conga  Mañengue Hidalgo: Conga  Millo Torres: Acoustic guitar  Modesto Nieves: Acoustic guitar  Raul Maldonado: Bongos ~~~ Find us online via: https://taplink.cc/brummet ~~~

Recommended Video

  Feist, according to Wikipedia,  has released "six studio albums as of 2023, Feist received three Juno awards at the 2012 ceremony: Artist of the Year, Adult Alternative Album of the Year for  Metals , and Music DVD of the Year for her documentary  Look at What the Light Did Now ." This video is something one could really to disappear into. The beautiful mix of instruments fit so smoothly with this Canadian Indie singer.  Check out the wind instruments in this one - well done! And kudo's for the excellent sound quality for this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kTDbdQqS3k ~~   Find us online via :  https://taplink.cc/brummet  ~~

Recommended Video

This instructional video by one of the greatest conga players in the world, Giovanni Hidalgo, is a great watch for anyone studying the congas. His application of drum kit rudiments sets him apart from other traditional congueros. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkROQI3qGLQ&t=3071s ~~   Find us online via :  https://taplink.cc/brummet  ~~

Recommended Video

This 8 minute video showcases Phil Collins' famous drumming style combined nicely with Chester Thompson and joined by Luis Conte on percussion during the Farewell Tour in Paris    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVRHiSIeuAI ~~   Find us online via :  https://taplink.cc/brummet  ~~

Recommended video

 Have you heard of Snarky Puppy?  This award-winning band has a regular rotation of as many as 25 members. The defining aspect of this jazz/jam fusion inspired band, is that they perform together almost intuitively.   This is something you'll definitely want to check out.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO79kJtLIX8 ~~   Find us online via :  https://taplink.cc/brummet  ~~

Recommended Video

  This live concert in Istanbul is such a magical experience to view. Sweetly balanced harmonics and rhythms, the response from those that attended and the sheer joy on the musicians' faces is something you don't want to miss. This 1.5 hour long video features: IIbrahim Maalouf (trumpet) François Delporte (Guitar) Laurent David (Bass) Frank Woeste (Fender Rhodes) Xavier Rogé (Drums) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le-e37ZMck8 ~~   Find us online via :  https://taplink.cc/brummet  ~~

Recommended Video

  Check out this WatchMojo video offering 10 jaw dropping drum solos voted for their excellence and ability to captivate the audience.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAi-W3djU-I   ~~  Find us online via :  https://taplink.cc/brummet  ~~

Recommended Video

Korn , a California metal band known for their in-your-face style, doing a great rendition of Another Brick In the Wall with bagpipes and some tasteful cymbal playing by the drummer.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zPvfVmL0nE ~~   Find us online via :  https://taplink.cc/brummet  ~~

Recommended Video

  Stanton Moore - Musical Mileage (Drumeo Live) This established drummer demonstrates ways of getting the most out of any  rhythm, or pattern. From New Orleans, Stanton has that funky second line groove and makes it look so easy. https://youtu.be/MZdiBFAmI4M ~~   Find us online via :  https://taplink.cc/brummet  ~~

Quote of the day

  Quote of the Day Dave and I enjoy browsing YouTube for concerts, live performances, and other outstanding performances. As such we come across some amazing finds. This world is absolutely brimming with amazing talent.  During one of these evenings we came across one of  Santana's  concerts and during this Carlos broke from the music twice to communicate positive and inspiring messages with the crowd.  I did my best to transcribe one of these min-speeches here below. The impact this had on the live crowd absolutely blue my mind ... I hope you enjoy it too: "We come from only 2 things: Light and Love, Light and love, ...not fear! Light and Love. If you remember one thing tonight let it be this: You are significant! You are meaningful! You matter and you can make a difference in the world! It is not just the Dali Lama or Mother Teressa, no uh-uh This is about you and me: Light and Love. Let us say: 'It is my choice, It is my decision to make every day The best da...

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  A strong performance by this cuban percussion extravaganza, starts out with youth doing stomp-like syncopated body-drumming followed by a latin band, with a conga player that is having a great time. This video shares a whole mix of percussion styles from around the world, mostly South American and African.   A closing with 6 drum-set players and then all the performers from the show sharing the stage for a massive drum conclusion makes for an entertaining 1 hour video. https://www.youtube.com/embed/ChUDZxzE_p8 ~~   Find us online via :  https://taplink.cc/brummet  ~~

Recommended Video

Virgil Donati -  Stockholm 2007  A must see. Virgil is definitely one of the super drummers of our time. The levels that he has taken double bass drumming is absolutely amazing -  check out the double stroke rolls with his feet!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n--nDc_mb1Y ~~   Find us online via :  https://taplink.cc/brummet  ~~

Racks and stands and Clamps – oh my!

Racks and stands and Clamps – oh my! Racks and stands – that vital part of a drum set or percussion rig that keeps it all together and in the right place but often gets neglected when it comes to maintaining and repairing. Threads will get stripped or tight when full of dusty road grime and it is easy to extend their life with simple, regular maintenance. Avoid over tightening of any wingnut or clamp and consider memory locks for the hardware taking considerable stress due to weight or heavy hitting. An future article will discuss memory locks in more detail.  My personal routine includes cleaning and oiling ANY threads with out fail when its time for a cleaning. The regularity will depend on how dirty your instrument gets. Also the roll/split pins that attach cymbal boom arms together will loosen over time and cause a wobble to the arm. Tap them out with a small punch and replace with sufficiently tight roll pins. When it comes to my rack I check and replace any damaged rubber gas...

Recommended video

Tuba Skinny   This Dixi-land New Orleans blues vibe band is so fascinating to watch.  Check out the sousaphone or marching tuba player, who kept the flow even though he was obviously blinded by the stage lights.  The amazing, and entertaining, washboard player with a twist -   a fry pan, coffee can and an old cymbal.  The trumpet player is absolutely fantastic, as is that clarinet player - what a character !  Each playing a talented array of sounds in a a syncopated fashion, yet coming together in this amazing end product.  https://youtu.be/861jOEqVr4Q ~~   Find us online via :  https://taplink.cc/brummet  ~~

Bass Drum Levelling

  Bass Drum Levelling Proper levelling of your drum kit’s bass drum can save your expensive investment from certain damage. When I first starting playing drums I had no idea there was a certain way to set up your bass drum to “level” it properly. I just clamped the kick pedal on and played away not knowing that I was potentially stressing the edge of the hoop and the drum itself by not having properly levelled the bass drum to the floor. When the pedal is clamped onto the back (batter) side of your bass drum it lifts the drum off the floor by around an inch or so. If the same isn’t done to the front of the bass drum it will not be level to the floor and in turn will cause the pedal itself to rise up at the heel end. It will not sit flat until you put weight on it and start playing (careful!) and this is when the dangerous torqueing of the drum and hoop takes place. Something to most definitely avoid. To properly level the bass drum my method is as follows: Once the drum is in place...

Recommended video

Today we will be sharing a great resource for learning to play better drum solos produced by Keith Carlock. This is Dave's favourite video when he is trying to create a solo. Note at 8.33 minutes his ideas of switching from 6/8 to 12/8 to 3/4. Very special indeed.  https://youtu.be/FtWgZaZ8ElA ~~   Find us online via :  https://taplink.cc/brummet  ~~

Studio tips for percussion

  With the home studio being the most likely place where you are going to be recording your own projects and demos, here are some things I have learned to keep in mind when recording percussion. I developed a vital technique from studio work regarding recording shaker and tambourine tracks. Our first instinct is to stand in front of a microphone facing it (like a vocalist) and playing away as normal. Not such a good idea with what I call the swinging instruments like shakers and tambourines. When you face the mic head-on, any back swing of a shaker carries it further away from the microphone making it notably quieter then the forward swings, resulting in an un-natural feel.  Now if you take a step to the side of the mic swinging the instrument “across”  the path of the microphone you get a much more balanced, musical sound. Additionally,  you can visually determine if you are 4 or 12 inches away from the mic and consistently retain that distance. In the case of a tam...

Never Give Up On Your Dreams

 Never Give Up On Your Dreams * Lillian met Rosalind Winton online & invited her to drop in to share some of her experiences in producing her album, Another Direction . She invites you to visit her on Facebook as well ( facebook.com/rosalind.winton ). :) My name is Rosalind Winton and I’m a poet and song lyricist. I’ve been writing all my life.  In November 2023, my dream of writing lyrics for an album came true. It’s called ANOTHER DIRECTION. It took three years to complete and was a colossal task, but finally releasing it was an amazing feeling. I get asked a lot. “ What comes first, the lyric, or the music ?” My very short answer is “ both ”.  For the album, five of the twelve songs were ideas and melodies that my collaborator, A.J. Clarke gave me. I then wrote lyrics appropriate to the titles he gave me and fit them in to his melodies. Another six were lyrics I already had that A.J. put music to. One of them we wrote together at the same time. Some of the music a...