I suspect this one will cause controversy. In fact, it already has.
Any attempt to wade into an area so thoroughly explored by other drummers, let alone try to speak intelligently about somebody who’s inspired so much emotion, is bound to provoke some disagreement. And nobody since maybe Elvin Jones has broken with drum tradition so powerfully as Chris.
So let me be clear - I’m not taking a stand on exactly what Chris plays. In this lesson at least. I’ll leave that to others (one of whom I link to in the lesson). True - in Part 2, which releases this Sunday, I include one exact transcription. In general, though, I’m most concerned with what they practiced to be able to improvise the things they play, and how we can steal the Root and use it to come up with our own licks.
In this lesson, I deal with one facet of Chris’ playing - his feel. In particular, two beats from his now famous drum cover medley.
Anyway, you’re probably here for the transcription.
And for your comments, a less obvious question: if you’re a Chris fan like me, what convention of drumming did Chris give you permission to rethink? Leave a comment below!