The Book of Intros is coming along nicely, though now it’s in the brutal “not embarrassing myself writing about famous drummer’s playing” phase of construction. I predict it will be ready to purchase by the end of next week. In the meantime, here’s a variety of Afro 9/8 groove which came up in my practicing yesterday. This one is an alteration of what’s called the “long” bell pattern— an African-sounding rhythm, which also happens to be a little more downbeat-oriented than the “short” bell pattern used most of the time in Afro-Cuban music, and American Latin Jazz. Rhythmically challenged-or-stunted players may have an easier time staying with you if you use the long bell pattern.
The 9/8 version of this Afro triplet feel is not specifically called for very often, but an Elvin-style waltz could easily morph into it. As far as I know this is strictly an American adaptation— it’s not an “authentic” thing in African or Cuban music.
Alternatively, you can play the hihat on every beat:
You can also simplify the bass drum pattern:
Or don’t play it on the downbeat of the second measure, for a little extra challenge:
Here’s a fresh link for the left hand moves. Usually we move on every single note with some space around it, or on every double; but there’s no reason you can’t split the doubles, too. Whatever you do, try to make a reasonable-length workout out of it. For reference, playing the page once, two times per exercise, with no left hand moves should take about 2-3 minutes at moderate tempos; so doing eight different left hand moves should take around 16-24 minutes. Don’t feel obligated to cover every single thing— just master whatever you’re able to in a reasonable amount of time.
I am happy to help you with any of the materials on the site, and with anything else drumming related— contact me for private lessons, online world wide, or in person in Portland, Oregon. All levels of players, and all people, are welcome.
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