Pete Cater's guide to Big Band Drumming. Part 1: Sound
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- Опубліковано 27 чер 2024
- In a new series for Rhythm Magazine, UK Big Band drummer Pete Cater presents everything you need to know to become an authentic Big Band drummer.
Pete covers everything from the history of the genre and key players like Buddy Rich, 'Papa' Jo Jones and Gene Krupa, to the quintessential Big Band drum sound and key techniques every drummer should know.
In part 1, Pete talks through his drum set-up, explaining the detailed nuances of the Big Band drum sound and what you'll need to get your drum sound in full swing.
For the full feature you can pick up the new issue from bit.ly/rhythmaprilissue or take advantage of our print, digital and print/digital bundle subscription offers at bit.ly/rhythmsubscription
Videos shot at Bell Studios: www.bellstudios.co.uk/
That snare sounds killer.
+jeremyw5 It's a Remo Renaissance head. I normally use Ambassadors but found this at home and thought I'd give it a try. Glad you like it.
I love this guy's snare drum solo style. That's that old school stuff.
Thanks Jeff. I appreciate that. It's what happens when you started playing 50 years ago! ;)
Ive been playing for 15 years, teaching for 6 but stopped "practicing" 10 years ago. Mainly just played rock,pop,funk and a bit of jazz now and then.
YEP you got me i watched Whiplash and it inspired me all over again got the rudiment book out and getting on it big time.
I only started playing about 4 years ago but even then, Big Band quickly became my home. I would play and listen to Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa's playing for hours upon hours and I quickly gained a foundation as a big band drummer. I'll tell anybody, that jazz is fun to play, rock music is a great time, but the best thrill a drummer can have is driving a big band. Specifically for me, when I give those huge set-ups on the snare drum for a band figure. I really enjoyed this video and I hadn't really realized until now that thanks to the way I started playing, I've always tuned my drums to a big band style no matter what genre I play, albeit my bass drum is a bit lower and heavier sounding. Anyway, you've got some phenomenal skills man and I haven't seen anyone play the high hats and the snare drum like you besides actual old timers from the 30s.
Axel Trainwagon Thanks for your comments Axel. What I'm trying to do is to keep big band drumming out there and I like to take very traditional ideas and concepts and mix them up with more contemporary stuff. Glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Pete great sound as usual I studied with you when I was at Drumtech,now I'm able to apply everything you taught me now playing in Big Bands in Glasgow,and in jazz band with Boscos pal paulo quadros.Hope your well Ian Saunders
+Ian Saunders Hi Ian, great to hear from you. I'm all good and I hope you are too.
Your playing is so effortless, Peter. No histrionics... just the goods.
I wish I were so smooth on the snare. (And if it weren't ten o'clock at night, I'd probably run downstairs and start playing.)
Thanks for that. Over many years I've evolved a system of technique that enables me to get the optimal results from minimal effort. Totally relaxed, no tension.
Pete Cater Not to be pushy or anything, but how about a video on your technique? See what happens? You put out a few good videos, and the drum addicts demand more!
I'd love to do a video on technique. Primarily because over the years I have evolved a personal system which is a) very simple b) logical and c) flies in the face of a lot of the conventional wisdom of what constitutes good drum technique.
That snare is amazing !!
+Stephans channel (TMNT4689) It is isn't it? I tend to favour metal shells but the day I got that I just took it straight out of the box and it blew me away.
Excellent playing...the Premier's sound great!
Thanks Frank.
Great video, lovely sounds! Big Band is something I've never tried, can't wait for the next vid.
Give it a try Ati. There are plenty of good play alongs available. Try a book called 'Sitting in with the Big Band Volume 2". i use it with students all the time. It's simple enough for a first attempt, but challenging enough to take you further.
Pete Cater
Thanks for the advice and your helpful attitude Pete!
Pete Cater just bought it off ebay. "Big band" its why i started 15 years ago .... i just forgot.
***** Great stuff Mark. It's always good to remember what inspired you to pick up the sticks in the first place.
Sounds great my man!
Cody Walker Jr. Thank you man!
Good video, really good drumming and instruction
Thank you.
Nice video! Thanks for sharing!
Jeffrey Middelveld thank you.
Love this, the sound the playing etc. What crash cymbals are you using Pete, they sound great. Look forward to more of this.
Hi Paul. The crashes are A Zildjian Armand series. Both 18", one thin and one medium thin.
Pete Cater Thanks Pete
great sounding BB kit.
Thank you!
My two hour DVD is now available covering technique, rhythm section duties, brushes, big band playing and improvisation. Details here.... petecater.org/store/
Nice snare sound :o
good job detailed video
drummerboy6358 Thank you.
amazing player
Thanks very much!
Twice monthly tutorials now available on my Pateron page. Other stuff as well www.patreon.com/petecaterdrums?fan_landing=true
Great video! I noticed the fiberskyns on your bass drum. Have you ever used them on your toms or snare? I'm trying to make my drums sound like the big band drummers from the 30s and 40s and wondered if you had any experience with drum heads that claim to simulate calf skin. The renaissance on your snare sounds great. Thanks for your time!
+Clevelanddrummer1 Hi. I used Fiberskyns on snare and toms a few years ago on another set of drums. They are great for getting the most authentic 'period' sound without the hassle of calf heads. The only reason I stopped using them was the practical reality of day to day playing where coated Ambassadors are just unmatched when it comes to versatility.
OOOOOooo that perfect ride cymbal
Yep. The ride cymbal I had heard in my mind my entire life and then one day in 2011 it turned up.
fantastic lesson! i am pro drummer& percussionist from croatia.....in our country there are NO informations of how to play big band.....our drummers play rock style in big bands...THANKS!
This is great! This really helps me get a better understanding of big band drumming. What ride cymbal and crashes are you using? I want to buy new cymbals so knowing the exact model would be great. :)
Frankie Paredes ride is a K Constantinople 20 inch medium crashes are 18 A Zildjian thin and medium thin
My new book, Stickings, Dexterity and Orchestration is exclusively available from www.petecater.org/store
Hi Peter. Great instructive 4 part series. Can you advise on counting bars whilst (maybe) playing a solo, or when the chart is permitting ad-lib drumming, and when other instruments are fronting. For example, the Sammy Nestico chart of Magic Flea has 64 bars of "sax jazz" in the middle section and then on to ensemble for maybe another 32 followed by drum solo, a lot of fills on to lead out. Have to confess to losing place at times.
Good question which has lots of answers., In the case of a chart like Magic Flea where the tempo is up you need only count bars, and do so in groups of 8 (i.e. count thus, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 , 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8, 3 2 3 4 5 6 7 8, 4 2 3 4 5 6 7 8) That gets you to 32, then repeat the process. The other important element is to get familiar with the chord changes. As I recall Magic Flea is ABAB form (though I could be wrong). You can use the piano and bass (as well as the rest of the band) to help you stay in place. Often I like to use lead sheets with the chords on them. This helps me decide what and how to play, especially where original compositions are concerned. When I am soloing I always like to have a musical reference to work off, like referencing rhythms of melodies, but not the tune the band is playing. This helps my solos to have a strong musical context, which I believe helps connects with the audience.
Pete Cater I am very grateful to you for the detailed reply, and for taking the time and trouble in putting it together, and for sharing your knowledge and experience. Best wishes and thanks again.
The best guide to Big Band drumming I have seen from this master Big Band drummer. I love your style and feel and great drum sound you get from your set Pete. I have seen some clips of your Big Band and you make the music come alive at a high level because of your drumming. Your feel for the music is what I love Pete. I have my own Ken Loomer Big Band in Tampa ,Florida USA and of course have posted 100`s of my concerts on UA-cam. I know all the hard work you have done to have a world class Big Band in England,and I hope one day to come see you perform live. Big Bands are rare these days,and of course the art of knowing how to play with a Big Band is so well done in your 4 part series. I`m telling all of my students to watch your guide to Big Band Drumming. I would love to talk to you on a few things Pete. Visit my website and e-mail me back if you have some time. Thanks so much for keeping Big Band drumming alive today.
KenLoomer Hi Ken. Thanks for your comments. I am familiar with your work and have seen many of your videos, including one of your late 70s WMP Ludwig set of which I am deeply envious. Always happy to talk big band drums, music etc. I will be in touch. Best wishes, Pete
Thanks Pete for you reply back to me.I collect vinage drums and I love the rare Ludwig BR kit that I have.I play the Slingerlands a lot,but once in a while I will take out the BR Ludwig kit and use it with my Big Band. I have seen you play a Slingerland drum set that sounds just great. I love the way you tune up your drums.Keep on swinging Pete!
KenLoomer Hi Ken. I lost your email man! Can you re-send? Thanks.
PETE I JUST CAME HERE LOOKING FOR INSTRUCTION ON BIG BAND DRUMMING STYLES AFTER LISTENING TO A BILLY COBBHAM TUNE CALLED RED BARON WITH A BIG BAND FEEL ( THE TUNE IS UP HERE ON YOU TUBE UNDER ''RED BARON - BILLY COBHAM DRUM COVER ANDEDRUMS'' ) IT IS ORIGINALLY A FUNK TUNE FROM HIS EARLY ALBUM SPECTRUM BUT OVER THE YEARS IT HAS EVOLVED
+PELHAM ONE TWO THREE 1 2 3 (MR. DRUMS HIMSELF) Yes, I know the version you are referring to.
Great videos!! You play the hi hat heel down (rockin motion)? At fastest tempo you switch to heel up? Thank you!
Heel down with some rocking motion at all tempos. I find it better for consistency of tone quality and dynamics.
@@PeteCaterdrums thanks
I want that adorabe bell/splash thingy! And i NEED that amazing tasty snare too. Know what, just sent me the whole kit...
Hey, Pete! I know you went a little into your snare drum tuning, but what is the fundamental pitch of the snare drum that you tune it to? Cheers!
I don't think of a specific pitch as such, just kind of medium/high and probably a lot less tight than you might imagine.
Pete, do you happen to know the weight of your lovely Constantinople 20" ride? Many thanks in advance
I think it's about 2100g
Can you please recommend me a book from where i can learn styles, how to read notations and how to play in general in a big band drum?I wana be able to play on a cruise ship.
Gamer Sparta Check out Sitting In With The Big Band volume 1 & 2 published by Alfred/Belwin. As far as having the all round general skills to be a cruise ship drummer I recommend Survival Guide For The Modern Drummer by Jim Riley.
Gamer Spar
Good evening,
Does anyone know how to get that snare sound?
Yes, I do. It's a Remo Renaissance batter head over an Ambassador snare. It was tuned medium on both sides, important not to over tighten. I have a pretty decent technique as well which is in large part geared towards generating a good sound. Also bear in mind the acoustic was very lively in the room we shot this in.
@@PeteCaterdrums Thank you so much first off. A few qwik questions if you can🙏Can a middle of the road say $300 maple snare give a similar sound or tone or do I need my D. Chambers snare and have open room&wood floors? Also, how tight on the snares(wish was a way to guage that besides loose med&tight)😉🤔? Is a larger depth snare drum reccomended over a less deep and/or smaller diameter drum and how much does the type of shell matter if using good technique? Oh and for bd I have a 20×17" and wish I had a 20 or 22×14 too often but does it matter for jazz other than no dampening and coated head?I Thanks so much! -Brandon
I think any decent quality snare drum with good heads on can be made to sound this way, although the bright acoustics of the room this was filmed in were a contributory factor. I make sure not to over tighten the heads or the snare wire and a shallower drum is always better for stick response. In spite of the fact that I'm using a wood shell here I do prefer metal snare drums. At the moment I am switching between a 5" and 6.5" in different situations. They're tuned pretty similar but the 5 is much more responsive. In the bass drum I often use an old school felt strip just to take a little of the resonance off.
Is your BD resonant head tuned higher than the batter head?
Jim Ryan usually, yes. Unlike a lot of jazz players I like to keep the pitch way down but like a tighter front head for rapid response.
I really want to play big band, but I have an old electric drum set, and I can’t roll.
My crowdfunding campaign to produce a technique and concepts dvd can be found here www.indiegogo.com/projects/pete-cater-drum-instruction-dvd-music-jazz/x/15946557#/backers
What heads are they on the bass drum .
Remo Fyberskyn
Who do you prefer gene Krupa or buddy rich Pete ?
+Stephans channel (TMNT4689) Honestly, Buddy's technique combined with Gene's musicality and charisma together with Mel Lewis's feel would make the perfect big band drummer.
weres yor swish
Left it at home!
i like it
i like both buddy rich and gene
what's the head on your snare?
Patrick McNally Remo Renaissance, I normally use a coated Ambassador but just tried this as an experiment.
whats that snare Pete?
Premier One Series, 14 x 5, wood shell. Remo Renaissance Ambassador head.
Thank god you recorded this in an echo chamber
A night in tunisia
A train
He stole it from the classic swing chart Big Swing Face
All kinds of great liver performances coming up. Full details at www.petecater.org/events