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The Commandments of Early Rhythm and Blues Drumming

by Zoro and Daniel Glass

Ten years since the release of Zoro’s first blockbuster book, “The Commandments of R&B Drumming: A Comprehensive Guide to Soul, Funk and Hip-Hop”, which focused on the 1960’s to 90’s influences of these genre’s. This time around Zoro has teamed up with Daniel Glass, a world class drummer and author in his own right, founding member and touring the globe with ultra swing band, Royal Crown Revue, and also wrote “The Ultimate History of Rock & Roll Drumming:1948 to 2000”.

This time around Zoro and Glass set their sites on the ultra cool swing period of the 1940’s and 50’s. With the utmost respect and passion for the era, Zoro and Glass set out to reveal the history of this time period and to explain how the swing era is the foundation of today’s grooves.

The challenge for both in putting this book together is that some of the figures of that era are no longer living. Daniel Glass, being passionate explorer of this time period, fortunately had conducted many interviews while these figures were still alive. Otherwise many of these stories would have not been told.

As its predecessor, The Commandments of Early Rhythm and Blues Drumming is laid out beautifully and includes clear definitions of terms, the hits of the era, and the figures that made them famous. What I found very interesting was all of the different forms of R&B that grew out of different regions of America, for example, Texas and West Coast shuffles. Whether the style is Bebop or Boogie-Woogie, or Faux Latin Rhythms, common denominators exist for each.

This stories told by legends of the style will entertain you, enrich your understanding as to their respective origins, and let us not forget most importantly, this book will teach you how to SWING. The examples both written and played masterfully on the accompanying CD are clear and comprehensive.

A little advice to all of you aspiring drummers out there… You cannot get to where you want to be, until you’ve learned where you’ve been. Today’s Rock drumming is an extension of the American Swing Era, and swinging means that the notes are played in such a way that folks will want to dance to it. Take the time to learn this, it is necessary and will make you a better drummer. The Commandments of Early Rhythm and Blues Drumming will get you to where you need to go.

Tags: Alfred Publishing, Blues drumming, Daniel Glass, Hip-Hop drumming, Rhythm & Blues, Royal Crown Revue, The Commandments of Early Rhythm & Blues Drumming, Zoro