Weekly Music Recommendations - May 25th

1. Vulgar Display of Power - Pantera - Thrash Metal

Recently remastered, this was one of the very first metal albums I could really appreciate from start to finish that was more than just really hard and really fast. The songs are greatly written and Vinnie Paul is an amazing drummer.

2. Live at the Quick - Bela Fleck and the Flecktones - Fusion Jazz

Can you imagine a banjo virtuoso playing jazz? If not, you probably will want to check out this band. Victor Wooten’s bass lines will make you want to air drum along, and there’s a special surprise from the drummer, Futureman’s instruments.

3. Grebfruit - Benny Greb - Jazz Rock

In the great majority of these songs it’s only Benny Greb singing and drumming. I haven’t heard such a brilliantly groovy album with this much work put into it by a single person. Listen to it everyone!

4. Discipline - King Crimson - Progressive Rock

King Crimson has always been such a profilic Prog Rock band, and this album showcases their brilliant songwriting, complex structures and creative instrument implementation. Tony Levin rocks that Chapman Stick, and Bill Bruford may get overshadowsed at times, but never ignored. That man can groove at any time signature.

5. The Best of - KC and the Sunshine Band - Disco

You might be asking yourself what this is doing here (or not, hopefully), but this band has so much groove! Disco in general is a fun genre to drum to, and this band has great songs. I’d give it a few listens even if you’re not that into the genre.

6. Animals as Leaders - Animals as Leaders - Progressive Metal

This instrumental trio of destruction is incredible. Don’t get me started on the level of virtuoso ability involved here, it’s just off the charts. The music is so complex and simply put amazing. You’ll spend hours figuring out what Navene Koperweis is doing.

Weekly Musical Recommendations - April 27th

When learning new genres, what most people truly have difficulties with is getting a feel for that genre. If anyone is interested in learning Latin music, or Latin Jazz, here are some of my most recommended albums to listen to.

1. Calle 54 - Various Artists - Latin Jazz

This documentary about Latin Jazz, its culture, origins and traditions features musical interludes of some, if not the very best this genre has to offer. Tito Puente and Horacio ‘El Negro’ Hernández might be the most interesting to us drummers, but the music in general is amazing.

2. Mo’Bop III - Kazumi Watanabe - Ethnic Jazz

Featuring Richard Bona in bass (a name that hopefully stands out to you), this album has amazing grooves from more than just latin music.

3. Chamber Music Society - Esperanza Spalding - Jazz

This grammy winning artist truly has a gift for music. Hired as teacher for Berklee College of Music at 20, she’s accomplished so much at her young age and this album displays it all brilliantly.

If you enjoy it, give a listen to another album by her: Esperanza.

4. The Silver Collection - Astrud Gilberto - Bossa Nova/Brazilian Samba

One of the best known Brazilian bossa nova singers, this compilation showcases some of her best singing and bossa nova is slightly slower than other genres of latin music, so it’s a great place to start.

5. Tchokola - Jean-Luc Ponty - Ethnic Jazz

French violin virtuoso decided to experiment outside his common fusion jazz area (which I would highly recommend too) to make this ethnic jazz masterpiece. As soon as you hear it you can feel how so many influences from around the world came into this record.

6. Greatest Hits - Santana - Latin Jazz

Most of the music in the first CD is his newer music, but I’d suggest giving emphasis on the second one, and to his older classics, when he had an even bigger latin influence in his music.

7. Oye Como Va - Tito Puente - Latin Jazz/Salsa

Often called “The King of Timbales” and “King of Latin Music”, what more could I tell you? Leaving him out this list would be a sin.

In general, if this is your first time with Latin Music, try to give it a few listens to digest the rhythms and structure, which can be very different to other styles. Try to give special attention to the bass player and not to get down on yourself while learning this. It can get very complex!

Latin music can be very fun music to play and I’d recommend it to any drummer. Good Luck, and have fun!

Weekly Music Recommendations - April 13th

Exactly a week late, but a nice Easter treat, this is a musical master piece and I mean that so much. Can’t go wrong with this. I’ve grown fond of the ‘73 version, but the original is incredible too. I can’t give this enough praise, I really can’t.

2. S.C.I.E.N.C.E. - Incubus - Funk/Metal

This is album is so creative. This is before Incubus went a little more alternative, when they still have a very raw funk sound.

3. Brass Band - Benny Greb - Jazz

With so many varied musical influences of funk and jazz, this album is a groover’s delight. Benny’s drum sound is so beautiful and his playing is so creative in subtle ways. Truly an amazing musician.

4. Still Life - Opeth - Progressive Death Metal

Simply put, a very powerful album with a wide variety of genres and influences. You should be warned though, there’s a lot of death metal grows.

5. Weather Systems - Anathema - Progressive Rock

Not what your usual progressive rock sounds like, this has a much more alternative rock feel to it with brilliant composition.

6. Take Off Your Pants and Jacket - Blink-182 - Punk Rock

I’d love this album when I was just starting to learn drums, and everytime I listen to it I get great ideas. Travis has always been a beast and this album made me love them growing up.

7. Blood - OSI - Progressive Rock

Gavin Harrison just went over the top in this. He never fails to deliver insanely complex and creative music, without it sounding overdone. Everything about this album blends so well, I’d recommend this to anyone, even if you’re not that into the genre.

Weekly Musical Recommendations - 23rd March

1. Flying Colors - Flying Colors - Progressive Rock

The latest collaboration between Mike Portnoy and Neal Morse, this supergroup also has members from Dixie Dregs and Casey McPherson. This was just phenomenal. It was very original and simply put, a breath of fresh air.

2. The Great Escape - Seventh Wonder - Progressive Metal

I’d heard of this band before, but I really got into them this time and I’ve been missing on a lot. Johnny Sandin is a truly amazing drummer and the music was great. A true metal gem for me.

3. The Floor’s Too Far Away - Ozric Tentacles - Psychedelic Rock

This band was a little different from what I usually listen to, but I truly enjoyed it. Great for fans of ambient music, and in general, a great pick. Hats off to Ollie Seagle for his drumming on this record.

4. Brain Salad Surgery - Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Progressive Rock

A progressive masterpiece, Carl Palmer (who recently turned 62!) turned the drumming world upside down with Emerson, Lake & Palmer and completely reinvented rock drumming. The science fiction theme of their main piece is incredibly written and the jazz section will blow your mind away.

5. The Way Up - Pat Metheny - Jazz

This grammy award winning album is simply majestic. The composition is brilliant, the musical talent involved here is off the charts. Having said that, Antonio Sanchez is at another level when it comes to jazz drumming. Anything by Pat Metheny is brilliant.

6. Church Mouth - Portugal. The Man - Experimental Rock

Amazing album to drum along to for those not into more Progressive music*. Jason Sechrist is a great drummer and I’d recommend anything by Portugal. The Man really. Go give them a listen.

7. Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures - Hard Rock

Dave Grohl and John-Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin are in this. Do I REALLY have to give you more reasons to give this a listen? That’s what I thought. Oh, and they’re working on a second album. Yes, my brain exploded too.

*I’m really into Prog Rock, excuse me.

Weekly Musical Recommendations

Hey guys! It’s Friday, and this is some of what I’ve listened to this week. I don’t quite know what most of the followers of this page listen to, so if anyone has recommendations of their own, feel free to send them! I’ll be publishing them on Fridays.

1. Sola Scriptura - Neal Morse - Progressive Rock

One of my favorite Prog albums, Neal simply makes incredible music. With the great Mike Portnoy on the drums, feauring some of his best work.

2. Fear of a Blank Planet - Porcupine Tree - Progressive Metal

A prog metal masterpiece by Porcupine Tree and the genius of Steven Wilson. Gavin Harrison on drums just giving a clinic on awesomeness.

3. In Rainbows - Radiohead - Alternative Rock (?)

A great album by a great band. Very emotional and with some great tracks to drum to courtesy of Phil Selway.

4. Live at Piedmont Park - Dave Matthews Band - Rock

This is Dave Matthews Band at it’s best. 3CDs, and you’ll get to hear (or see, if you go for the DVD) why that Carter Beauford Giveaway was such a big deal.

5. Ashes of the Wake - Lamb of God - Metal

An extraordinaire metal album. Chris Adler is just amazing in this.

Weekly Music Recommendations - 18th May

1. Enigmatic Ocean - Jean-Luc Ponty - Fusion Jazz

This is by many, the french violin virtuoso’s best album, and I must say it’s one of my favorite. Steve Smith behind the kit displays amazing jazz drumming before joining Journey.

2. Step Foward - New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble - Ska-Jazz

As the band name says so, this isn’t your everyday jazz band. Their rhythms have a lot of swing and ska to it, and even non-ska-fans can enjoy this greatly (as myself, I must confess). The drumming is very fun too, so look out for that!

3. Absolution - Muse - Alternative Rock

Muse has 5 studio albums - all great - but I want to give a spotlight to this specifically, at least for now. It’s one of their heavier records and it’s full great tracks to drum along to.

4. R30 - Rush - Pure Epicness/Hard Prog Rock

Recorded live in Germany for the band’s 30th anniversary, you know they wouldn’t be doing this for such a long time if they were short of amazing. The setlist was amazing too, and the band’s live sound is raw and powerful.

There’s a certain song, Der Trommler (german for ‘The Drummer’) which showcases Neil Peart being amazing. Drummers, hold your panties for that one.

5. System of a Down - System of a Down - Progressive Metal

I really hope you don’t just know System of a Down by songs like ‘Lonely Day’. In their first albums they really were pushing boundaries in the metal genre. They were heavy, but not just 4/4 fast banging. And that makes this and their other records a very interesting listen.

Weekly Music Recommendations - April 20th

This album will forever last in musical history. Or at least should. It’s magical, soothing, incredibly creative and it’s just a musical journey everyone should take once.

2. Aquarium - Haken - Progressive Metal

A masterpiece of a concept album, this band’s debut is one worth paying attention to. It’s beautiful and ranges from the soothing to the very hard and thrashy. Please listen to it. You’ll love it. Do it for me, ok?

3. St. Elsewhere - Gnarls Barkley - Hip Hop/Alternative Rock

Made famous by their single Crazy, but in my opinion it does not do the whole album justice. There’s great tracks and greats beats here, so I’d suggest a listen even if the genre doesn’t appeal to you directly.

4. Sound Awake - Karnivool - Progressive Rock

A much heavier sample of progressive rock, though not quite metal, this album is heavenly for heavy rock fans. And don’t get me started on the drumming. Complex, strong but tasteful. Some very experimental things in here too.

5. The Queen is Dead - The Smiths - Alternative Rock

The Queen is dead boys! One of the classics, if I may say so. I must say, I found out about them just a year or so ago, and they truly are great. They had raw power, and Morrissey was and still is brilliant.

Weekly Musical Recommendations - 30th March

1. The Butcher’s Ballroom - Diablo Swing Orchestra - Progressive Metal

Confusing subgender of metal! This Swedish band demostrates thoughout this album a combination of Jazz, Swing, Flamenco, Jazz, Progressive Metal, Symphonic Metal and Orchestral genders, with male and female voices for a magical opera style! An original sound you can’t miss!

2. Glacial inferno - Vitalij Kuprij - Neo-Classical

Ukrainian pianist and composer, Mr.Kuprij recently joined the Trans-Siberean Orchestra. In this solo album, Mr.Kuprij makes this a masterpiece by the fact that Kurprij lets everyone take their own shots. Highly recommended album by a master of classical music playing metal!

3. EST Plays Monk - Esbjörn Svensson Trio - Jazz

A great Jazz trio from Sweden! Esbjörn Svensson (piano), Dan Berglund (double bass) and Magnus Öström (drums) will take you to a wonderful piece of art, covering the works of the great Thelonious Monk. Much can be said about this trio, but I’ll let music talk by itself!

4. 1st Chapter - Circus Maximus - Progressive Metal

Yes! 1st Chapter is debut album of this Norwegian progressive band! An awesome album from start to end! Highly influenced by the likes of Dream Theater, these musicians have created a masterpiece and show us their powerful skills in compositions! Long songs, great riffs, complex compositions and a powerful, high ranged voice!

5. Weather Systems - Anathema - Progressive Rock

The just released album by Anathema has some brilliant composition for more than just progressive rock fans, and I truly recommend to give this a listen even to those who aren’t as fans of more progressive music. Incredibly well written music all around.

6. Blood Sugar Sex Magik - Red Hot Chili Peppers - Funk Rock

This is funk rock at its finest and probably one of RHCP’s highest points while they had that raw energy they started with. Chad Smith rocketed to high recognition and success for his work on this album. That’s how good this is.

7. Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66 - Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66 - Bossa Nova

This masterpiece from Brazil has been praised timeless times since its release almost 50 years ago. Fans of latin music and bossa nova will enjoy this album endlessly.

A special thanks to my friend Tatiana (whose tumblr I would link if she had one) for helping me out with this week’s recommendations while I had to program like there was no tomorrow.

Weekly Musical Recommendations - 9th March

Again, if any of you have any particual album with drumming you love (or love to play along to), feel free to submit!

1. MUTEMATH - MUTEMATH - Alternative Rock

Just found out about this band this week and I’m completely in love. Darren King is an amazing drummer and just has some great grooves on this.

2. Moving Pictures - Rush - Progressive Rock

If you’ve never heard Neil Peart drum before, you really are in for a treat. From the very beginning with Tom Sawyer, this album has incredible drumming in every single track.

3. A Go Go - John Scofield - Jazz Funk/Post-Bop Jazz

If you’re really into more groove-based drumming, you should really give this album featuring Billy Martin on drums a listen. You’ll love it.

4. V: The New Mythology Suite - Symphony X - Progressive Metal

A true prog metal masterpiece, and arguably this band’s best album, Jason Rullo always finds a way to make a great drum track without drawing too much attention to himself.

5. The Color Spectrum - The Dear Hunter - Progressive Rock(and every other possible genre)

A series of 9 EP’s, each representing the 7 colors of the color spectrum (and black and white) gives this album(or rather, collection) an incredible range of drumming and music styles. Nick Crescenzo, you are amazing.

6. Mongrel - The Number Twelve Looks Like You - Mathcore/Experimental Metal

For the fans of more hardcore music. The vocals might not be for everyone, but the drumming by Jon Karel is nothing short of amazing.

7. Led Zeppelin II - Led Zeppelin - Classic Rock/Hard Rock

I’m sure John Bonham needs no introduction to the vast majority of you, but if for any reason you’re not familiar with this album or don’t start humming The Lemon Song’s bass line or Heartbreaker’s guitar riff, you need to get this and now. The famous Moby Dick recording is only a shadow of what Bonzo did live, but you get the idea.