PopularMMOs

Excerpted from Brian Ferguson's extensive drumset lesson series on vicfirth.com, this video covers how time keeping changes as you move into faster tempos.

For more video lessons from Brian, please visit:
http://www.vicfirth.com/education/dru...

About Brian Ferguson:
Currently, Brian performs with Texas based country artist Aaron Watson. He has toured throughout the US and Canada, and has played in Europe several times.

Brian's knowledge and respect for the history of the instrument has given him the ability to authentically blend into a wide variety of styles including jazz, rock, country, soul, blues and gospel. Brian is most at home playing the right part for the song and supporting the musicians around him.

This approach has enabled Brian to perform/record/tour with a wide variety of great artists: Country/Americana artists Eleven Hundred Springs, Soul Singer Curtis Salgado, Blues guitarists Mike Morgan and the Crawl, Jazz organist Red Young, Songwriters such as Hope Cassity and Jon Christopher Davis, and Gospel artist Quinten Hope and Prestonwood Baptist Church to name a few. While with Curtis Salgado, Blues Review Magazine called Brian's playing "...totally on the money rhythmically, while keeping the loose feel that soul music requires."

Brian resides just outside of Dallas, TX where he maintains a busy performance and recording schedule.

Throughout this extensive lesson series, Vic Firth Artist and Educator John X (John Xepoleas) will discus a variety of popular subjects -- from classic grooves to techniques to creative fill ideas. Each lesson will expose you to concepts that will help develop your drumming skills, whether you're a beginner, intermediate or advanced level player.

Purchase a transcription here: http://www.JOHNXDRUMS.com/Pages/Video...

NEW LESSONS INTRODUCED EACH WEEK!

Connect with Vic on FACEBOOK to learn about all the great new video content as soon as it's posted!

https://www.facebook.com/vicfirth.com...

ABOUT JOHN X:
John Xepoleas is one of the most respected drummers and educators on the West Coast. He started performing and teaching in 1970 and has been an active part of the San Francisco Bay Area music scene ever since. In 1978 John received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Performances from Cal State University Hayward. He has performed in a variety of musical situations ranging from jazz, rock and fusion, to classical, big band, R & B and funk.

In 1981 John Published his first book, "Studies for the Contemporary Drummer". His articles and columns have appeared in Modern Drummer magazine on a regular basis and he has contributed numerous articles to both Drums and Drumming and Drum Tracks magazines.

In 1990 John played drums on the debut release for The Gone Jackals entitled, "Out and About". Later that year he contributed to the Camel release "Dust and Dreams". In 1991 he produced and co-authored the first volume of "Drum Lessons with the Greats" (Warner Bros. Publications). The book includes ideas and concepts from Dave Weckl, Steve Smith, Terry Bozzio, Peter Erskine, Kenny Arnoff, and Gregg Bissonette.

In 1993, due to the success of the first book, John Collaborated with some of today's most talented musicians to develop a series of "Lessons with the Greats" books for guitar, bass and saxophone. Mike Stern, Steve Lukather, Alphonso Johnson, Jimmy Haslip, Ernie Watts and Hubert Laws are just a few of the artists included in this series. In the spring of 1995 John was appointed director of percussion studies for the Soundwall Rock 'N' Roll music camp. In the fall of the same year he played on another Camel CD release, this one entitled "Harbour of Tears". In January of 1996 John's "Drum Lessons with the Greats 2" was released. The lineup for this volume includes: Neil Peart, Mike Portnoy, Chris Parker, William Kennedy, Tim Alexander and Jonathan Moffett.

In 2004 John's book, "Studies for the Contemporary Drummer", was re-released under the title, "Style Studies for the Creative Drummer". The newly revised version has numerous new and updated examples. Check it out!

John is currently performing with The Fundamentals as well as managing the group. He also performs with Fundz Jazz and continues to work on select freelance projects, maintains a thriving teaching practice in his home studio and is director of music for the Soundwall Summer Rock Camps.

John plays: Drum Workshop drums and pedals; Zildjian cymbals; Vic Firth sticks; Real Feel practice pads; Aquarian drum heads; the MAY miking system; and Rhythm Tech. percussion.

VISIT JOHN X ONLINE:   http://www.johnxdrums.com/

Performance Spotlight with VF Artist Justin Faulkner filmed at 'Steve Maxwell Vintage & Custom Drums' in New York City!

-------------

STICKS:

#vfSKM - Keith Moon Signature Series
http://vicfirth.com/products/drum-sti...

#vfVKB3 - VicKick Beaters™, Fleece-covered Felt
http://vicfirth.com/products/alternat...

-------------

FOLLOW US!
➤Website: http://www.vicfirth.com
➤YouTube: http://youtube.com/vicfirthdrumsticks
➤YouTube (Marching): http://youtube.com/vicfirthmarching
➤YouTube (Concert): http://youtube.com/vicfirthconcert
➤Twitter: https://twitter.com/vicfirth
➤Instagram: http://instagram.com/vicfirth

Featuring Rusty Burge, Steve Houghton, Steve Allee and Jeremy Allen performing Steve Allee's "What About Me".

If you love this music check out the new release of ALL of the tunes from this series! https://ahatrio.bandcamp.com/album/dr...

----

MALLETS:

#vfM27 - Rusty Burge Signature Vibe Mallets

Designed with both group and solo performance in mind, Rusty’s signature vibraphone mallet offers the ultimate uniformity of sound at all dynamic levels. “A lot of times when you’re playing with a group, you’re not in control of how loud the drummer plays. When you want to produce more sound, you shouldn’tlose the sound you want to get. That was my number one goal for these mallets.”

BRUSHES:

#vfHB - Heritage Brush

A retractable wire brush featuring light gauge wire and a smooth rubber handle. Fast and easy to play.

http://vicfirth.com/products/alternat...

----

This new lesson series will provide a unique, inside look at the workings of a jazz trio and quartet. In each of the project’s 12 episodes, you will be treated to an inspiring performance of an original tune or standard, followed by a discussion from each individual player on what they were thinking and hearing during that tune.

As you listen to each performer’s unique perspective, you’ll learn how they interpret the style and arrangement of the music, interact, build solos & support the other soloists, shape the tune, and contribute to the overall energy level and transparency of the tune. As is often the case, hearing the insights of the other musicians can help shape our approach just as much (or more) than focusing on the view from our ‘chair’ in the ensemble!

Check out vicfirth.com for the latest tunes and insights from this great new feature!
http://vicfirth.com/the-jazz-trio-an-...

Watch the first tune in the series, "Brother to Brother"
https://youtu.be/XxOnyYiZKMM

Vic Firth signature artist Ed Saindon discusses the design of his signature mallet. Ed's mallet is a fantastic choice, not only for vibraphone but also for marimba.

A weighted core and tightly wrapped thin cord create a full sound with exceptional clarity at all dynamic levels.

Featuring the AHA! Trio (Steve Houghton, Steve Allee and Jeremy Allen)

In this video, the AHA! Trio performs Steve Allee's arrangement of Cole Porters "Dream Dancing". Steve's arrangement is a really interesting treatment in 7/8 with a samba feel.

Watch the "Inside" discussion of this tune from the performers:
https://youtu.be/juxVX6NPZNc

If you love the music of the AHA! Trio, check out the new release of ALL of the tunes from this series! https://ahatrio.bandcamp.com/album/dr...

----

STICKS:

#vfSD4 - American Custom® SD4 Combo

Crafted in maple for a light and fast feel. With a small barrel tip for clarity on cymbals and drums.

http://vicfirth.com/products/drum-sti...

----

This new lesson series will provide a unique, inside look at the workings of a jazz trio and quartet. In each of the project’s 12 episodes, you will be treated to an inspiring performance of an original tune or standard, followed by a discussion from each individual player on what they were thinking and hearing during that tune.

As you listen to each performer’s unique perspective, you’ll learn how they interpret the style and arrangement of the music, interact, build solos & support the other soloists, shape the tune, and contribute to the overall energy level and transparency of the tune. As is often the case, hearing the insights of the other musicians can help shape our approach just as much (or more) than focusing on the view from our ‘chair’ in the ensemble!

Check out vicfirth.com for the latest tunes and insights from this great new feature!
http://vicfirth.com/the-jazz-trio-an-...

Watch the first tune in the series, "Brother to Brother"
https://youtu.be/XxOnyYiZKMM

Vic Firth signature artist Rusty Burge performs "All The Things You Are" by Oscar II Hammerstein & Jerome Kern.

------------

MALLETS:

#vMf27 - Rusty Burge Signature Series
http://vicfirth.com/products/keyboard...

------------

Rusty Burge is Professor of Percussion at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He is also a member of Percussion Group Cincinnati with whom he has performed extensively throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

Recent performances include the Japan World Drum Festival, Chinese International Music Festival, Taipei International Percussion Convention, the Ravinia Festival and numerous PASIC Conventions. He was formerly principal percussionist with the West Virginia Symphony and plays extra with the Cincinnati Symphony. He received his undergraduate degree from the Eastman School of Music and a masters degree from CCM.

Professor Burge teaches percussion, jazz vibraphone and directs the CCM Steel band. He is an active jazz vibraphonist who has recorded for Summit, J Curve Records, CBS Masterworks and Telarc. Recent performances with Peter Erskine, Ted Nash, Rich Perry, Dave Liebman, Rufus Reid, Steve Allee, Roland Vazquez and Michael Spiro, His latest recording Transitions with Kim Pensyl on Summit Records received rave reviews from Jazz Times and All About Jazz. Mr. Burge's new book Method for Vibraphone will be released this fall.

------------

FOLLOW US!
➤Website: http://www.vicfirth.com
➤YouTube: http://youtube.com/vicfirthdrumsticks
➤YouTube (Marching): http://youtube.com/vicfirthmarching
➤YouTube (Concert): http://youtube.com/vicfirthconcert
➤Twitter: https://twitter.com/vicfirth
➤Instagram: http://instagram.com/vicfirth

Featuring Steve Houghton, Steve Allee and Jeremy Allen performing Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein's "The Song Is You", arranged by Steve Allee.

If you love this music check out the new release of ALL of the tunes from this series! https://ahatrio.bandcamp.com/album/dr...

----

STICKS:

#vfSD4 - American Custom® SD4 Combo

Crafted in maple for a light and fast feel. With a small barrel tip for clarity on cymbals and drums.

http://vicfirth.com/products/drum-sti...

----

This new lesson series will provide a unique, inside look at the workings of a jazz trio and quartet. In each of the project’s 12 episodes, you will be treated to an inspiring performance of an original tune or standard, followed by a discussion from each individual player on what they were thinking and hearing during that tune.

As you listen to each performer’s unique perspective, you’ll learn how they interpret the style and arrangement of the music, interact, build solos & support the other soloists, shape the tune, and contribute to the overall energy level and transparency of the tune. As is often the case, hearing the insights of the other musicians can help shape our approach just as much (or more) than focusing on the view from our ‘chair’ in the ensemble!

Check out vicfirth.com for the latest tunes and insights from this great new feature!
http://vicfirth.com/the-jazz-trio-an-...

Watch the first tune in the series, "Brother to Brother"
https://youtu.be/XxOnyYiZKMM

Vic Firth Artist Rusty Burge performs "Summer's Shadow" written and performed with pianist Steve Allee!

---

This track is from Rusty and Steve's new album 'Faraway'
It is available for purchase from Rusty's website:
http://www.rustyburge.com/Home.html
OR iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/far...

---

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS:
Rusty Burge is Professor of Percussion at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He is also a member of Percussion Group Cincinnati with whom he has performed extensively throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

Recent performances include the Japan World Drum Festival, Chinese International Music Festival, Taipei International Percussion Convention, the Ravinia Festival and numerous PASIC Conventions. He was formerly principal percussionist with the West Virginia Symphony and plays extra with the Cincinnati Symphony. He received his undergraduate degree from the Eastman School of Music and a masters degree from CCM.

Professor Burge teaches percussion, jazz vibraphone and directs the CCM Steel band. He is an active jazz vibraphonist who has recorded for Summit, J Curve Records, CBS Masterworks and Telarc. Recent performances with Peter Erskine, Ted Nash, Rich Perry, Dave Liebman, Rufus Reid, Steve Allee, Roland Vazquez and Michael Spiro, His latest recording Transitions with Kim Pensyl on Summit Records received rave reviews from Jazz Times and All About Jazz. Mr. Burge's new book Method for Vibraphone will be released this fall.

Steve Allee is a member of the Rufus Reid trio as well as music director of the Bob and Tom show

---

FOLLOW US!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vicfirth.com...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vicfirth
Instagram: http://instagram.com/vicfirth