All drummers know that their primary function is to keep good time. You may have all the technique (chops) in the world, but if you can't lay down a solid groove that feels good, you have very little hope for employment. As Baby Dodds said "you must play for the benefit of the band". Time keeping is a skill that should develop into an intuitive (natural) ability. Good time creates a stability of feel and flow that should be established on the downbeat and stop on the cutoff. It is not only an essential element of the basic beat in ensemble and solo sections, but also necessary for fills, kicks, catching figures and drum solos. The TIME should never stop, no matter what musical event is taking place.
Practice "basic" time in a variety of styles at various tempos. It is very important to practice your "TIME" for several minutes... not measures! How many songs do you know have a duration of 8-16 measures? Suggestions for practicing time:
Make sure all components of your time flow together in a smooth and connected manner. The beats (notes and rests) should always be legato!
Print Sherrie's Tips for Jazz Drumming
To book Dr. Maricle as a guest soloist, clinician, in-school residencies, for collegiate/high school jazz festival adjudication, or to commission an original composition or arrangement for jazz ensemble, percussion ensemble, concert band, wind ensemble or orchestra please contact Jami Dauber.