Welcome to the Discussions section. Here you can leave me a message or post a question. I'll do my best to respond in person. If you'd like to contact me directly, feel free to email me at the address below.

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Hey john I'm interested in lessons and I'm from Staten Island New York and getting back into playing again heavy.I wanted what I shouldbpractice and what to listen too to get started.Could you kindly shout out a email to me.Thanks and God bless.Steve.
by Steven Barba (Staten Island new york)January 5, 2015 12:30 PM
Hello, Mr.John Riley. I went to your band's performance in Tokyo last month.It was really stunning.Your performance was really good. Please come again. I'll be looking forward to your next performance here.
by Eri Tange (Tokyo Japan)December 14, 2014 10:21 PM
Hi John. I'm studying 3rd year jazz drums at CPIT Jazz School here in Christchurch, New Zealand. I've discovered the joy of listening to Frank Butler's drumming this year and there is a dearth of material about him anywhere (not even a mention in the MD Index!). My tutor has suggested I do a presentation on him including some transcriptions & analysis of his playing. Any suggestions, contacts or leads would be most useful. I did discover a fellow called Cougar Estrada who learnt from him as a youngster and I am waiting to hear back. Regards Andrew Couper
by Andrew Couper (New Zealand)October 21, 2014 5:11 AM
Hi John I saw your YouTube video of your demonstration of Vinnie's triplet lick around the drums from the Chaka Kahn rehearsal video. How did you work it up to the speed you play it at? It sounds great at any speed but really impressive at the speed you demonstrate it at.
by John Zion (USA)October 6, 2014 12:35 PM
Hi John My name is Osami and studied with the late great Alan Dawson circa 1975~78. Since back to Japan, My brother Tony Williams, Harvey Mason, Steve Smith, they did a great master class for my students. I've also published drum book in collaboration with Vinnie Colaiuta. DAWSONISMS: We are based on the group called "Dawsonisms" named by the founder of Modern Drummer Ron Spagnardi, which is the group of drummers who are trying to keep Alan Dawson's great treasure and legacy alive. Alan Dawson: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Alan Dawson (July 14, 1929 February 23, 1996) was a respected jazz drummer and widely influential percussion teacher based in Boston. Dawson is best remembered as an early teacher of Tony Williams, and Other former students include: Terri Lyne Carrington, Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Smith, Kenwood Dennard, many others. He began teaching at Berklee College of Music in 1957. Dawson's teaching methods have been passed on by many of his former students. Books on his approach have been written by John Ramsay and Osami Mizuno, both former students. ---Finally if you have time to spare, i'd love to have your master class here in Tokyo during your next stay. Cheers, Osami
by Osami Mizuno (Tokyo Japan)September 20, 2014 1:45 AM
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