I often get asked about how to learn a groove, or practice this or that style, particularly jazz. Practicing with a metronome is great practice in developing a sense of tempo and pulse, but how far does it go in develop a sense of groove … of pocket? This is where playing along to recordings is invaluable. The best advice I can give you is to simply find some good jazz records and begin playing along to them. (more…)

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Man, I really enjoy studio work. I’ve been in the studio these past couple of weekends doing various tracks for various projects that range from jazzy to hip-hop. It’s completely fun and frustrating at the same time because, well, digital bits don’t lie and they often reveal your weaknesses for all to plainly hear. This past Saturday when I shifted from recording a funk groove on one tune to recording a fusion-esque rock groove on another I had a real revalation - working in the studio is very much like film acting. Yes acting as in “quiet on the set,” “cut,” and “that’s a wrap!” I realized as I changed mental gears that I had to totally wipe my slate clean and dive into a new, unrelated feel and groove, and commit 100% to something entirely different from where I just was playing. Allow me to elaborate … (more…)

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