What feels do i need to know?

[JazzAt52ndStreet]

I am a drummer, I was wondering if you guys could help me come up with a check list of feels I need to know for my upcomming auditions. I just want to make sure I cover all the bases.

Swing
4- feel
2- feel
3/4
6/8
Afro Cuban 6/8
Cascara And Clave 2-3 and 3-2
Bossa Nova
Samba
Funk/Rock
Shuffle

Anything else I should know?

-52nd

[graypencil]

how's your reading?

and overall time feel when playing with other players? rushing? dragging? speeding up on fills ?

when you say "swing", how many different feels can you play within that designation? can you "play on top" without rushing ..or "lay back in the pocket" without dragging?

just a couple things to think about ..

[JazzAt52ndStreet]

My reading is horrific...I'm working on that. It's hard for me to read drum charts 'cause I don't know if I'm playing it wrong. When I play a horn chart you know it when you mess up.

I can play ontop of the beat pretty good with out rushing, when attempting to lay back i tend to drag though, so thats eomthing to work on.

Thanks for the suggestions-
52nd

[petros]

The "broken swing" feel that the Bill Evans trio was famous for and so much of modern jazz uses.

This style never realy goes into a walking feel but breaks the time up, allowing for some interesting interplay. It's good to become familiar with this imaginative type of playing rather than being locked into a rigidly-defined rhytmic role, because it stimulates creativity.

This style is difficult to explain as it has a swing feel without the usual ride cymbal and walking bass rhythm. There is interplay between the players with everyone listening to and taking ideas from one another.

It's important that one be constantly aware of the layout of the melody as well as the entire tune's form as the entire rhythm section incorporates these elements into its playing.

The drum comping is often closely keyed to what the piano player is doing. The best drummers are always sensitive to what the pianist is playing, and often respond rhythmically to their comping.

"Broken swing" feel often never goes to a typical walking four-beat although it can do so.

[petros]

You left off an important jazz drumming style:
Jazz BALLAD with brushes

And how about:
Raggae
Cha Cha
Mambo
Songo

[graypencil]

add to the previous excellent suggestion:


playing VERY FAST bebop time with brushes! ...

[JazzAt52ndStreet]

Thanks for the advice. I'm really lacking in ballads, especially when I have to play ballad time by myself in an audition...theres alooooot of space..scary

Can you suggest a record witht he 'broken swing' feel? From what you're saying im thinking Miles Smiles or Mode for Joe...is that what you mean?? I play like that alot naturally, Tony is one of my biggest influences.

Thanks

[chuckyd4]

I can't speak for Petros, but based on his reference to the Bill Evans Trio, and his description, I'd say start with the Bill Evans classic Sunday at the Village Vanguard - especially the track "Gloria's Steps"... that sounds to me like exactly what Petros is describing.

Like on this record, I'd suggest listening to Paul Motian, a master of understatement and interactive drumming - without playing any of the traditional "feels" he's always in charge of the momentum and that's a great thing to aspire to. Hope that helps, and good luck!!!