It’s refreshing to hear a master drummer suggesting a concept that breaks us away from playing the “right part” or something precise and expected … we need more of this. When we break down what’s expected and predictable, we can go to new places musically and personally/spiritually.
I was fascinated with what Zach was doing over the last years. First contact with his playing was the bedrock thing. After this explanation a lot made sense to me! Thanks very much!
Thanks Elwood. If you enjoy this clip make sure to go to ArtOfDrumming.com ! We filmed several courses with Zach which you can access for free after registration
I’ve been doing my own version of this lately, trying to figure out how to label it and “anchor point” defines it perfectly! I had to sort it our into quintuplets, septuplets and the like for my brain, but the erratic ness of it is very individual and unique. Upper level thinking and masterful execution, Zach! Lastly, “NO”! This is not at all advisable on the gig. However, like Elvin of old and some of the current ‘cats’, it’s a very musically proprietary tool. Thanks and always good to hear you!
Please check out Bob Moses' book 'Drum Wisdom' from mid 80's. He speaks about the same exact thing. I don't think the book is in print but you can find PDF's online. I actually had a few lessons with Bob back in the early 90's and he was speaking about 'organic drumming' which is the same thing Zach is talking about. Great stuff anyway!
I recommend using the bass drum and snare on the regular downbeats at first, and introducing non-grid fuckery on the hi-hats. Chris Daddy Dave is still the reference to me, as well as d'Angelo's Voodo album, and J-Dillas tracks in general. Another thing I noticed is to choose a ternary anchor point while playing a 4/4 beat is very interesting to still be tight and precise while giving this kind of effect. For example, the middle note of a triplet as an anchor point for your snare while your hi-hat play quarters gives you a classic "sliding" push-pull Dilla effect.
Makes sense, but I don’t want to “think” about it because it’s all about the feel; however, I do understand the point of the “anchor” point. Thanks and Blessings!
Hello Billy, there’s definitely tons of musical situations where you can use this. But it’s mainly in jazz/fusion/avant-garde music. So I don’t think that this will particular help you as a non drummer to write drum parts but it will give you a suggestion for your own drummer how to play with time.
Here’s one musical application: this can give you ideas for going ‘off grid’ to some wild places, instead of creating drum parts or programs that do the ‘correct’ ‘appropriate’ “part” for a particular song or composition. Maybe …
It’s refreshing to hear a master drummer suggesting a concept that breaks us away from playing the “right part” or something precise and expected … we need more of this. When we break down what’s expected and predictable, we can go to new places musically and personally/spiritually.
I was fascinated with what Zach was doing over the last years. First contact with his playing was the bedrock thing. After this explanation a lot made sense to me! Thanks very much!
Much Respect been feeling zack and the total new artistry he’s bringing to the table for a while now good video
Thanks Elwood. If you enjoy this clip make sure to go to ArtOfDrumming.com ! We filmed several courses with Zach which you can access for free after registration
So happy to see him on here!!!! More please!
This guy is nuts... in a creative and beautiful way!
I’ve been doing my own version of this lately, trying to figure out how to label it and “anchor point” defines it perfectly! I had to sort it our into quintuplets, septuplets and the like for my brain, but the erratic ness of it is very individual and unique. Upper level thinking and masterful execution, Zach! Lastly, “NO”! This is not at all advisable on the gig. However, like Elvin of old and some of the current ‘cats’, it’s a very musically proprietary tool. Thanks and always good to hear you!
Wow this is brilliant and brilliantly explained - thanks for the insight !!!
I can see myself doing a grid system exs with this idea. Thx!
Zach is a badass! Looking up to him for years. Such a nice guy to (at least to me)
Thank you for putting that action into words.... And then to video.
Thanks that's what I live for!!!!!
like that concept, thanks!
Please check out Bob Moses' book 'Drum Wisdom' from mid 80's. He speaks about the same exact thing. I don't think the book is in print but you can find PDF's online. I actually had a few lessons with Bob back in the early 90's and he was speaking about 'organic drumming' which is the same thing Zach is talking about. Great stuff anyway!
Cool.
amazing.
Thanks!
Inside out 🥁😆👌🏼
Anyone know what program he used to program the click with the hit? Or just how to do it in general? Thanks!
I recommend using the bass drum and snare on the regular downbeats at first, and introducing non-grid fuckery on the hi-hats. Chris Daddy Dave is still the reference to me, as well as d'Angelo's Voodo album, and J-Dillas tracks in general. Another thing I noticed is to choose a ternary anchor point while playing a 4/4 beat is very interesting to still be tight and precise while giving this kind of effect. For example, the middle note of a triplet as an anchor point for your snare while your hi-hat play quarters gives you a classic "sliding" push-pull Dilla effect.
Yeah man. 😎🤪 I would definitely want a top 40 band playing that kind of groove. Haha
Makes sense, but I don’t want to “think” about it because it’s all about the feel; however, I do understand the point of the “anchor” point. Thanks and Blessings!
Groove on! 🤘🥁🤘
MY MANS IS ON THE MANDELBROT INFINITY GROOVE JUICE
As a non drummer trying to write drum parts for his own music, is this just an exercise or is there a musical application for this?
Hello Billy, there’s definitely tons of musical situations where you can use this. But it’s mainly in jazz/fusion/avant-garde music. So I don’t think that this will particular help you as a non drummer to write drum parts but it will give you a suggestion for your own drummer how to play with time.
Here’s one musical application: this can give you ideas for going ‘off grid’ to some wild places, instead of creating drum parts or programs that do the ‘correct’ ‘appropriate’ “part” for a particular song or composition. Maybe …
Yes!
Check out his band Mister Barrington if you haven't. Absolutely incredible.
Totally agree with that!
What a fucking beast...
This is also Similar to a Bob Moses idea, release points...
Boomish man epic
this is kind of what he did with a snare on Small's by Boomish i think
How about without using a click and trying to listen that hit into different rhythm , like every beat 4 or every n of 4
Or last hit of 3/4
Nice :)
Is that an S ride? Great player, BTW.
It's actually a prototype, to be precise it's a brilliant kerope
slightly different than Phil Rudd.....😆
Much harder than it looks
Not for Zach … or any drummer playing for a very long time.
Warning. I tried dancing to that and dislocated my hip. If you must dance, proceed with caution.