A few days
ago I was watching some of the video I shot during my recent trip
to Uruguay.
The drumming on the video, plus what I've been listening to, inspired
this exercise. It requires a very intense level of coordination
and simultaneously works on the "accent" stroke or "up
and down motion" that many drummers work on.
The pattern
played with the Left Hand is inspired directly from the
drum called the "Chico". The Right Hand pattern
is directly inspired from the rhythm called "Madera".
(This rhythm is played on the side of one of the three drums used
in Candombe.)
The exercise
is to play both these patterns together, paying close attention
to the accents. My recommendation is to tap quarter notes with
both feet. (Another level of coordination.)
Hear are the
two patterns. Begin by playing each separately. When joining them
together, take care that the accents are still there! (As soon
as I post this, I'm going to go in my studio and start practicing
this!!)
And please
don't forget, these patterns can inspire you to create other grooves.
Work on them in that manner as well, letting the rhythms create
ideas in your mind and body.
Many of you
(me included) will benefit from just concentrating on one hand
alone. Perhaps stay there for a while, both feet with metronome,
only the left or right hand playing.
Enjoy and
hear from you soon!!
