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Hi John, I am really enjoying your book "The Art of Bop Drumming". Besides comping, the book address many areas of jazz drumming that other books do not. For example, up-tempo swing drills, soloing, brush playing etc... My question is, do know of a book that drills setting up figures? How to play fills before a figure and the figure itself?
by Vinny (New York)July 1, 2010 7:46 AM
hello john I have a question "Where I can find an instructional video of take five? thank you very much since Guatemala
by osmar melia (Guatemala, Guatemala)June 26, 2010 11:34 PM
Hi john, i'm a big fan of you. i'm from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and i thinking, can you come to visit os? That will be great. lol tks for your tima, and your dvd it's so educational, i love it.
by Bianchi Enzo Leonardo (chivilcoy, Buenos Aires, Argentina)June 11, 2010 11:30 PM
Mr. Riley, I had the opportunity of meeting you this past weekend at the 2010 Cymbal Summit at Memphis Drum Shop in Memphis, TN. I am 29 and have been drumming for about 15 years. I learned technique and reading through band in middle school and high school, but am a self taught set player. I guess you could say I have reached my "mid-life crisis" of drumming, causing me to look back on the past fifteen years of playing and determine what I've accomplished and how I've grown as a drummer. Honestly is looks pretty bleak, but the inspiration I received this past weekend, as anticipated, has sparked a new determination in me to better my playing. A large part of that is due to you. While I only got to see and hear you play a very short set on Friday night, your influence as a drummer and as a person has found a home inside of me. The elegance and technique in your drumming give me much to aspire to but, what truly impacted me was your humble and approachable character. I have met many talented musicians but the true measure of a man is his character and I just wanted to thank you for having such a kind and gentle spirit. Many musicians at your level of playing and career have such a condesending attitude and it was both inspiring and refreshing to speak with you and see how you present yourself. As soon as I replenish some of the funds from my cymbal purchases at the Cymbal Summit I will be purchasing your DVD " The Master Drummer." I can't wait to get it and begin to learn from your wealth of knowledge and skill. Keep up the good work. Jesse
by Jesse Hornbeak (Jackson, TN)May 11, 2010 4:24 PM
Hi John, Thanks for your contributions to the art of drumming and providing a great instructional DVD. I have watched the DVD several times and been practicing all of the things you have said to practice in your DVD. I have been working on the ride technique you use and find it is much easier to play at faster tempos. You are a wonderful player and teacher.
by JonMay 6, 2010 10:26 PM
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