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Hi John, I've been a fan for many years. I'm currently working with my teacher, on the comping exercises you provide in The Art Of Bop Drumming. I have all of your books and your DVD and plan to work through each one. Of the many drumming weaknesses, I think the most glaring is strength and coordination in my left, particularly when using traditional grip. Can you suggest any books, CD's, DVD's or practice routines to help develop my left hand? Finally, my teacher mentioned that you were coming to the St. Louis area, with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, however, your itinerary does not include St. Louis. Do you have any plans to visit St. Louis anytime soon? Thanks, Bob McCracken
by Robert McCracken (St. Louis, MO)December 28, 2010 4:01 PM
Hello John, I just want to say "Thanks"! You have really helped me out! I've been drumming since my youth, got my degree in music, percussion major, taught band for years in schools, studied under Al Dawson during a summer clinic at Berklee, taught privite drums for years, and played professionally most of my life. If Jim Chapin is book 1, the Art of Bop drumming is book 2. I have all of your books, and I just got your DVD, the Master Drummer with the E-Book. All I can say now is Thanks John, I really needed that! I have students now studying jazz, and it's really great, most students just want rock/ but with your materials my gaols and teaching them is all the more clear. Many Thanks, Art
by Art McKinney (Bowie, MD)December 20, 2010 3:31 AM
Hi John. I was just wondering how you approach tuning your drum set? You have one of the nicest jazz drum sounds I have ever heard. Do you tune to specific pitches or intervals? What is your approach on tuning the snare drum?
by Jon (Pennsylvania)December 18, 2010 12:52 PM
I really enjoyed reading your interview in the latest issue of Drumhead Magazine. I really hope you'll be playing with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra on March 14, 2011. It'll be my very first visit to the Village Vanguard and, while I've heard you performing at a PASIC in the late-90's, I've never had the pleasure of hearing you perform with the VJO in live. Happy Holidays!
by Ira (Honolulu)December 7, 2010 10:04 PM
Could you comment on how you approach tuning? Do you tune to specific pitch and intervals and if so, what range do you find most useful for jazz?
by SteveB (North Jersey)December 2, 2010 2:55 PM
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