⚡ Quick Hits
Questlove's tribute to the late James Gadson 🕊️
Questlove took to Instagram to pay tribute to James Gadson, the session drumming giant who passed away on April 2, calling him the defining force behind breakbeat and danceable drumming. The reel rattles off a staggering list of classics Gadson anchored, from "Express Yourself" and "Use Me" to "I Will Survive" and "Love Hangover," making the case that no single drummer shaped the feel of funk more completely. Sixty years of work, and the groove never quit. Practice this classic beat on repeat this week, it will make you a better drummer no matter what style you play.
Calvin Rodgers "Goose as a Loose"
Calvin Rodgers tears through "Goose as a Loose" in under a minute, and the clip earns every second of your attention. His pocket is locked tight while his cymbal work stays loose and musical, a combination that makes the groove feel effortless rather than mechanical. If you need a quick reminder of what confident, unhurried playing sounds like, this one delivers. Check out the full version here.
🌊 Deep Dives
Vulfpeck Full Live Album at Red Rocks (2025)
Vulfpeck's full Red Rocks set from 2025 runs nearly 100 minutes across 21 songs, opening with "Dean Town" and closing with "Dancing in the Moonlight". It's a master class in pocket drumming at altitude with a crowd that clearly knows every groove. Watch for how the rhythm section holds the low end through the longer jams like "Disco Ulysses" and "Wait For The Moment," where the dynamics do the heavy lifting. A must listen for anyone serious about learning from top funk drumming!
Anika Nilles demos the S.L.P. Mod Bubinga
Anika Nilles puts the TAMA S.L.P. Mod Bubinga snare through its paces in this four-minute demo, using original compositions to show how the 12x7" shell responds across a range of dynamics and textures. What makes it worth a full watch is Nilles herself: her phrasing and touch reveal as much about the drum's character as any spec sheet could. If you're snare shopping or just want to hear a world-class player in a focused setting, this one delivers.
🎓 Practice & Skills
This changed my foot control 🥁 Simple move. Big difference.
Kai Huser shares quick and focused reel on improving foot control, centered on a single technique adjustment he credits with making a noticeable difference in his bass drum playing. The clip is worth a watch through to the end, where the core move is demonstrated. It will make you want to try the technique out yourself.
SNARE - James Gadson at Studio 606 🎙️
James Gadson, the session legend behind "I Will Survive," "Lean on Me," and Beck's "Paper Tiger," walks through the specific snare tunings he relied on across five decades of recording. Filmed at Studio 606 and recorded straight to tape with no EQ or compression, the episode lets you hear exactly how a Ludwig Acrolite, a Supraphonic, and a Pearl Jupiter each produce that ring, pop, or punch on actual classic tracks. If you want to understand how tuning shapes feel before a single effect is applied, this is the lesson.
🛒 Gear Picks
Shure Drum Microphone Kit for Performing and Recording Drummers (Amazon)
The Shure DMK57-52 bundles three SM57s and a Beta 52A into a single carry case, covering snare, toms, and kick drum with microphones that have been studio and stage staples for decades. The SM57's contoured frequency response cuts through a dense mix, while the Beta 52A's supercardioid pattern and pneumatic shock mount deliver the low-end punch kick drums demand. Three A56D universal mounts round out the kit, clamping to rims, stands, or cymbal arms so setup stays fast wherever you're playing. Grab these while they're on sale!
All Hail the Bead King | Throw-Off Adapter
Vintage snare shells often sound incredible but create a frustrating compatibility problem: your preferred throw-off simply won't mount to a beaded shell. Sonique Drums addresses this with the Bead King, an adapter designed specifically to bridge that gap and unlock your choice of throw-off and wire combination. Sounds Like A Drum host Ben O'Brien Smith walks through installation and shares his preferred setup, making a strong case that one small piece of hardware can transform a shelf queen into a working snare.
🌎 From The Community
The Chicken - Bernard Purdie (Live at the 100 Club, London)
Keeping the funk thread alive, here is DRUM.DOG performing "The Chicken" live at London's legendary 100 Club in October 2024. The Pee Wee Ellis composition became a Jaco Pastorius staple, and its irresistible groove has made it a benchmark for feel and pocket ever since. Watch this one for a reminder of why Bernard Purdie's influence still runs through every bar of a well-played funk tune.
Mark Guiliana “Peace Please” Interaction + Performance
At the UK Drum Show 2025, Mark Guiliana turned the Main Stage into a collective listening experiment, distributing percussion to the audience and conducting them as a living soundscape before settling behind his Gretsch USA Custom kit. A droning atmosphere gave way to a piano interlude, then a fully improvised drum performance that built to a visceral close. If you've ever wondered what it looks like when a world-class drummer treats a crowd not as spectators but as collaborators, this nine-minute set is worth your time.
That's it for today! Thank you for carving out time to read! This community means a lot to me, and I'm grateful you're here. 🙏
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Happy drumming,
Matteo