Exercise #8: Up-tempo Time Playing with the Melody as Short-Long between L.H. and R.F.
Fast Swing
Melody
6
! "
!# A% % % % % % % # $ % $ % % $ % % % % % % % % % % # $ % # $ % "# % & & & & &
1.
Anthropology
Charlie Parker
! % %%%%$ % %%%%%%%% % $ %$ %$ % %%%%%%$ % & & & & & ! % % % % % % % % % " ! % % % % %# % % % % % # &
12
## $ % % % % $ % % % % % % % # $ % % & &
2.
$ % % % % % % % % % # &
$ % $ % $ % & & & $ % & $ % &
16
$ % % % % % % % % % % % # & $ % % % % % % % % % % # &
20
! % % % % % % % % #
$ % $ % % & &
24
! % % % % % $ % % % % % % % % % % % % % $ % % % % % % % " & &
Max Roach was known for his ability to play absolutely blistering tempos with artistry and grace. In this exercise, you will begin to work on playing uptempo time while comping. This exercise uses the comping technique from Philly Joe #7, but adjusts it for much faster tempos. In other words, play the ride cymbal beat and the melody as short-long between your L.H. and R.F. As noted in the Philly Joe exercise, playing groups of three or more eighth notes in a row with the L.H. at a medium tempo is cumbersome and doesnt
usually fit the music well. As a result, drummers only rarely play groups of three eighth notes. In an up-tempo setting, playing more than three eighth notes in a row with the L.H. is beyond cumbersome; it is an almost guaranteed way to break up the groove. So in this exercise when you have groups of three eighth notes or more in the melody, you will split the eighth notes up just like you did in Philly Joe #7, only now you will have to play everything with a straight eighth note feeling.
Guide R.H.= Spang-a-lang L.H.= Short notes R.F.= Long notes L.F.= Jazz foot If there is a group of three or more eighth notes R.H.= Spang-a-lang L.H.= Notes on the beat R.F.= Notes off the beat L.F.= Jazz foot
Example #1
Drum set
" " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " & " " " " " " " " % & & & & & & & ! # " $ % & & & & & & & & & $ % & % ' & ' " ' " " " " " ' "
Playing Tips Playing the up-tempo ride cymbal beat is one of the most physically and musical challenging parts of playing jazz. Spend some time working on just playing time with the song Dr. Jeckyll, the suggested up-tempo recording in the
Ride Cymbal section. Notice how the ride cymbal beat flattens out at these tempos, meaning that instead of a rounded triplet swing, the ride cymbal beat is closer to straight eighth notes. Dont try to over-articulate each note, instead, using some of the Moeller technique that you have been developing in the Caravan Warmup, throw your stick down on beats two and four and let the stick bounce the eighth notes. Also, spend time listening to and trying to emulate masters like Max Roach playing these tempos. Once you feel that you have some control over your ride cymbal beat, try incorporating the comping rhythms of the melody. Dont start by trying to just play through the whole thing as fast as you can, this wont be productive. Instead go measure by measure and practice each rhythm as its own exercise. Practice each measure by going through it at a series of tempos; first slow, then medium, then fast. I would recommend keeping the metronome setting constant and doubling the tempo without breaking up your groove.
Example #2
Drum set
3
!# " ! "# # !# " ! "# #
160 BPM
!# " ! "# # # #
80 BPM
# " # " " # "
" # " " # " #
" # " # " #
" # # #
# " # " " # "
" # " " # " #
" # " $ " $
" $ " " " "
" " " "
" " % " %
" %
" & " " & " " & "
320 BPM
" # ' " # '
" # '
## $ % ## $ % ## $ %
Since the ride cymbal beat will straighten out at the fast tempo, practice these rhythms with a straight eighth note feel throughout. Even though this will
feel almost like playing a samba at a slower tempo, practicing slowly in this fashion will translate much better into fast playing. Also, if you are struggling with a particular rhythm, try playing the ride cymbal beat and singing it instead of playing it. Very often playing problems are really hearing problems, so if you can fix how you are hearing the rhythm, you will then be able to play it correctly. Once you are able to get through individual measures in this fashion try practicing two and then four measure phrases. Take these phrases through the same process of tempo doubling until you can transition between the measures fluidly. Going through the entire song this way will give you some really excellent uptempo comping vocabulary to work with.
Suggested Recording Art Pepper, Art Pepper +11 (Mel Lewis on drums)
