You have to know the style in which you are playing. This seems obvious, but this detail is not always given the appropriate musical attention. Detailed, precise interpretation allows you to be "true" to the style and intention of the music. As a general starting point stylistic interpretation can be as simple as deciding if the music is Jazz, Rock or Latin. However, in order to achieve an authentic interpretation, the understanding of specific styles within these general categories needs much deeper investigation. There are literally hundreds of possibilities within each. For example JAZZ includes Dixieland, 1940's Swing, Be-Bop, Hard Bop, Fusion etc. ROCK includes 1950's, Rock-n-Roll, Motown, Funk, Hip-Hop, etc. LATIN includes Samba, Bossa Nova, Baiao, Bembe, Rhumba, Mozambique, etc.This list does not approach being complete. Musical styles are constantly being invented and redefined.
The following books are excellent sources for studying prevalent styles of music. Afro-Cuban Rhythms for Drum Set by Frank Malabe and Bob Weiner, The Art of Bop Drumming and Beyond Bop Drumming by John Riley, Advanced Funk Studies by Rick Latham, The New Breed by Gary Chester and Brazilian Rhythms for Drum Set by Duduka Da Fonseca and Bob Weiner.
THE BEST WAY TO LEARN, interpret and understand various styles of music is to LISTEN DAILY as part of your practice regime. Once you can identify and play a certain style (music) or groove (drummer) check out the variations within. For example: play an exercise as Gene Krupa (Swing), then as Philly Joe Jones (Be-Bop) and then as Elvin Jones (Modern Jazz). I also suggest keeping a listening log or journal. This will help you keep track of areas in your listening that may need more attention. It will also generate an extensive "listening list" to share with others.
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.