Good Book for Big Band Drumming.

[Lance69]

I am in the highschool jazz band and I am having trouble supporting the band, and the biggest problem that I'm facing is that I can't read the charts that well.

Are there any good books that are for big band drumming? Do they include play-alongs? Does it help you learn how to sightread off of a chart too?


Thanks, Lance.

[wy yung]

I've never worked specifically from a big band book as such, so cannot really give you exactly what you want. But you can start over at Vic Firth where there is an introduction page.

http://www.vicfirth.com/education/articles/Maricle.html

I've worked from the standard syncopation books only. Anyway I hope this is of some use to you. Plus it bumps your thread. ;-)

[jamndrummer]

I am in the highschool jazz band and I am having trouble supporting the band, and the biggest problem that I'm facing is that I can't read the charts that well.

Are there any good books that are for big band drumming? Do they include play-alongs? Does it help you learn how to sightread off of a chart too?


Thanks, Lance.


http://www.houghtonmusic.com
Lance go to this link above, its for Steve Houghton who also serves on Drummerworld. He is excellent at teaching Big Band and is a great Big Band player. His books come with CD play alongs and they are recorded to take the drummer out so you can play with the band. His studio big band book would be great for you to have also because he explains big band charts on how to interpret and read them.



Good luck and keep sheddin the wood!

I recommend these two books for you. see pics

[jeffwj]

Here are some suggestions from a recent post. I also recommend both of Houghton's books.
http://drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23222

Jeff

[jazzgregg]

Houghton's 'Studio and Big Band Drumming' while hilariously dated, is the main text for Berklee's chart reading lab (taught by John Ramsay).

Also check out Irv Cottler's 'Ive Got You Under my Skins', lots of good stuff in there.

G

[Michael G]

Ed Shaughnessy and Clem DeRosa Big Band Drumming is a good DVD to big band drumming.

[Lance69]

Thanks guys!!

I'm gonna get this book. It looks really goood. :)

Would it be a good idea to get the video as well?
http://www.houghtonmusic.com/books/guide.html

Thanks!

[jeffwj]

Thanks guys!!

I'm gonna get this book. It looks really goood. :)

Would it be a good idea to get the video as well?
http://www.houghtonmusic.com/books/guide.html

Thanks!

Yes. I have the video and have used it myself and with my students. I think it would be very helpful for you. He plays some big band style charts, but with a small group. You have to picture the charts in the context of an actual big band.

Also, here is a great video (almost an hour) of my teacher, Steve Fidyk, performing a tribute to Ellington. It would be very helpful for you to check out. There's also a tribute to Joe Morello and Buddy Rich.
http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/artist_detail.cfm?artist_id=STEVEFIDYK

Jeff

[KCDrummer]

Make sure you supplement all these books with a good dose of LISTENING!!! Actually hearing what the books are trying to notate and explain is extremely helpful. Basie, Ellington, Buddy, Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, whatever you can get your hands on. LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN!!!

[TheSteve]

Make sure you supplement all these books with a good dose of LISTENING!!! Actually hearing what the books are trying to notate and explain is extremely helpful. Basie, Ellington, Buddy, Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, whatever you can get your hands on. LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN!!!


That's most important, you will never have good feel or understanding of big band fills and solos and just style for that matter if you don't listen. Listen a lot and listen closely and carefully to all the great drummers.

[jeffwj]

I am in the highschool jazz band and I am having trouble supporting the band, and the biggest problem that I'm facing is that I can't read the charts that well.

Are there any good books that are for big band drumming? Do they include play-alongs? Does it help you learn how to sightread off of a chart too?


Thanks, Lance.

This will be a great book - due out in Feb. 08

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34612

Jeff