For this faculty blog, Musicians Institute drum instructor writes about the importance of looking back to traditions to further strengthen the music you make today. Here, he makes the case for four of his favorite class jazz drum solos that can provide inspiration to modern musicians.
Studying and breaking down odd meter grooves gives drummers an advanced sense of rhythm and a heightened ability to subdivide. Practically all genres of music use odd meters to varying degrees. Pop music may use odd meter to a small degree whereas Progressive, Fusion and Metal exploit odd meter to the fullest degree. In this blog, we will explore four different tunes based in odd meter! Are there any you want to try?
Vinnie Colaiuta on “Seven Days” by Sting
Sting’s 1993 release Ten Summoner’s Tales is a benchmark for all drummers. But hey, when doesn’t Vinnie Colaiuta set the bar for the apex of drumming? “Seven Days” is a whimsical tune in 5/4 where Vinnie slips his way seamlessly into the different sections of the tune. While it would be quite the task to learn this entire drum performance note for note, when stripped down to brass tacks the bones of this groove make for a great intro to playing in 5/4. Here is the tune in its entirety:
Watch: Sting – Seven Days (Official Music Video)
Check this link for a deeper dive into this groove:
Vinnie Colaiuta on “Keep it Greasy” by Frank Zappa
Where “Seven Days” is fairly easy to understand, “Keep it Greasy” (from the Zappa album Joe’s Garage, 1978) pushes the boundaries of odd meter by showcasing a crazy groove in 19/16! The easiest way for me to wrap my brain around this meter is to think of 5/4 (20/16) with a missing 16th note. This way you are thinking of 4/4 plus 3/16, simple lol. Studying this groove will really advance your 16th note subdivision abilities, trust me. While the whole tune is not in 19/16 (there are 4/4 sections) give it a listen, you’ll know where the odd meter lies.
Watch: Keep It Greasy
Check this link for a deeper dive into this groove:
Jack DeJohnette on “Nine Over Reggae”
The 1990 album Parallel Realities is a must have album for any jazz lovers. This is a super group made up of Jack DeJohnette, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock and Dave Holland. The Metheny/Dejohnette penned “Nine Over Reggae” is a beautiful tune with the main riff in 9/4. Jack compliments this tune with a superb circular groove. This is an example of playing in a highly complex format while maintaining a relaxed and calm approach. Take a listen and see if you can find where beat 1 is:
Watch: Metheny / DeJohnette / Hancock / Holland – 9 over Reggae
For a breakdown of this groove check this link out:
Chris Frazier on “The Attitude” by Steve Vai
The 1984 release by Steve Vai, Flex-Able is a quirky record featuring many great drummers and percussionists such as Chad Wackerman, Billy James, Pete Zeldman and Chris Frazier. “The Attitude” song has exactly that, attitude. While not necessarily in an odd meter this tune superimposes a riff in 7/8 over 4/4. This creates a wide range of possibilities and choices for Chris to choose from. What Frazier chooses to do is to utilize three different approaches to this. First, he simply plays a 4/4 groove against the ⅞ riff. Second, he plays in double time 4/4 but with the bass drum grabbing the ⅞ lick. Finally, he plays a 4/4 8th hi-hat pattern with the ⅞ riff orchestrated between the kick and snare under the hi-hat pattern. Masterful. Check it out and enjoy:
Watch: Steve Vai – The Attitude Song
For more information check out the following lesson:
Of course there are countless avenues to take and endless resources on learning how to tackle playing odd meters. I hope these are a good place to start for you.
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