BOOK REVIEW FOR: WHAM, BAM, FLAM by JOEL ROTHMAN
This is the latest, and newest(2022) book from the creative percussion mind of
Joel Rothman. I feel this book ranks right up with the Stone Stick Control and
Steve Gadd’s book.
As quoted by Rothman: “WHAM, BAM, FLAM! Is an in-depth presentation of
embellishments. There are three basic embellishments in drumming: flams,
drags, and the four stroke ruff(known officially as the Single Stroke Four).”
JR presents all of the aforementioned patterns in many developmental ways to
aid the percussionist in these necessary rudiments. I really like the section on
flams. This is the one rudiment that is “underdeveloped” for many of the
students that I encounter at contests.
As with all of Rothman’s publications, go to: www.joelrothman.com to view his
books and order them.
Free downloadable music for solos & ensembles
Brad Shores Music
Kurtis Koch Book Reviews
Book Review-Gaddiments by Steve Gadd
There is a plethora of snare drum books available for percussionists to develop their playing skills. The first two that comes to mind are Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone and Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer by Ted Reed. Both of these books are essential in developing good snare drum technique. Now, enter Gaddiments by Steve Gadd, published by Hudson Music.
Steve Gadd is well known for his drum set playing skills through many artists. Just google drummerworld.com and you can view just some of his many videos.
Here are the editor’s introduction quotes from the book:
“Hudson Music is proud to present Steve Gadd’s Gaddiments. This project, a set of related exercises based on the rudiments, can be practiced by drummers in all fields (drum set, drum corps, classical). It was conceived by Steve while quarantined at home during the pandemic. Trying to keep his hands in shape, he began practicing and eventually inventing new patterns. As these patterns evolved, he was excited to share them and began writing them down.”
There is a matching video online for each page of the book with Steve Gadd demonstrating the examples. Talk about a “ sound reinforcement!”
The videos are really helpful and fun to watch.
I highly recommend this book for every drummer’s library
Drum Sessions Book One by Peter O’Gorman KJOS Pub. Co.
Just like there are many available beginning band methods, so are there many beginning drum set books. I’ve been using this book since it first came out in 1989 and it guides the beginning drum set player, and their band director, into the necessary skills for drum set basics, fills, and chart reading. The older books have a CD, but the newer ones have the digital downloads that are available from KJOS.
The book starts out with a diagram of the parts of the drum set, snare drum, and how drums produce sound. Remember any of this from percussion methods class? Next is how to set-up the drums and adjustments. Grip is discussed and pictures are included. The one comment I will make about the section on traditional grip is the picture of the left hand. I play traditional and this picture needs some adjustment.
Pages 6-10 work on stroke, playing time, music reading, drum set notation, and playing rhythms on just the snare drum. Good snare drum technique helps in developing drum set skills, just like buzzing on a brass mouthpiece is for embouchure strength. Snare drum grip is the embouchure for drummers.
Page 12 demonstrates (with pictures) the cymbal, how to place a stick on the cymbal, and hi-hat performance. Page 13 has exercises using the cymbal skills and an actual play-along exercise with a band. The tunes that are used are played twice. The first time is with drums, the second time without the drummer.
I always encouraged a student to “air drum” with the band the first time.
All of the tunes in the book are fun and motivating.
Page 20 discusses the use of tom toms. There is notation for sets with three toms and for sets that use only two toms. This page gives clear ideas for how to perform fills. Page 21 has a play-along tune that uses some of the tom fills on page 20.
Page 24 introduces, with a picture, the crash cymbal. Mr. O’Gorman describes how to strike the crash cymbal.
Page 26 introduces the bass drum foot pedal. There are two pictures that show the heel down technique and heel up technique. I would suggest that a beginner learn the heel down technique first because it’s easier for a beginner to control.
As the book progresses, the tunes get busier, so make sure the student works slowly and practices the exercises until they feel comfortable. Steady time playing is more important now than speed.
Page 37 demonstrates the correct way to perform a cross stick. I first learned this technique from the great jazz trumpet player, Clark Terry. A well-placed cross stick can sometimes anchor the time keeping.
Page 44 introduces the hi-hat. The rocking technique or heel toe style and ball of foot technique are shown. It’s a matter of personal preference.
Lastly, on the back cover, drum set tuning is described. Yes, it’s important to tune drums, AND change drumheads. It’s like changing reeds: things wear out.