Developing Melodic Drum Solos Using BeBop Tunes - Part 1

Here is the first part in a series of videos about developing melodic soloing and comping using some classic bebop tunes. In this video I use the Charlie Parker 12 bar blues, Billy's Bounce, as melodic material for soloing and time playing. I show you how I think about soloing ideas and concepts when I am playing these tunes and the basic steps I use to master them.
The drums used in the video are Gretsch Centennial from 1983.
The sizes of these drums are: 18" x 14" bass, 10",12" and 14" toms and a 14"x 6.5" snare.
The cymbals in this video are all 1940's- 1950's K Zildjian except for a Masterworks 24" Swish/China
Cymbal sizes
21" K ride
18" K crash/ride w/rivets
15" K Hi Hats
24" Masterworks swish/china with rivets
The drum heads are all calf skin.
Microphones are two Sennheiser MKH 800's for stereo overheads and an AKG D112 on the bass drum.

[@Anton_Nikolaus_Mangweth]

Rick you are an incredible teacher, Sympathic person and an unbelievable player..thanks for that…toni

[@rickdior]

Thank You Toni

[@Anton_Nikolaus_Mangweth]

@@rickdior Rick you said in one video it’s better to get the written solos of charly Parker from a special book …could you please tell me the name of this book ?? Thanks toni

[@rickdior]

It's called the Charlie Parker Omnibook

[@Anton_Nikolaus_Mangweth]

@@rickdior thank you Rick

[@thibodaux3424]

It took quite a long time to get it in my head that you need to be able to sing the melody first and foremost before you even sit down at the drums and attempt to solo over the form. I remember spending a lot of time stuck trying to play 4 or 8 bar phrases so that I could keep my place in the form when all I really needed to do was learn to sing the damn melody! Thanks for making that clear at the start!

[@themole2024]

Great lesson for those with years of experience. A bit too fast for my level, but I enjoy his skill.

[@davidmcdade4288]

Thanks Rick, wonderful lesson ,and great playing.
Cheers from Australia

[@walterharley6049]

Love the Groove and Fill!🎶

[@loucontino4804]

I love his playing and that Gretsch Centennial kit (I think? ) is making my mouth water. WBGO! Yeah Rick out of Newark. I was born and lived in the Bronx and I remember WRVR before BGO. Now I hardly listen to the radio at all, unless its news or talk. How did I get so old turning 60?

[@DrumTrainerbyJunghoKang79]

Awesome lesson. Thank you!

[@jamessholtz6016]

Loved it!

[@larrbrown7277]

Love this kind of drumming, my favorite drummers max roach,Roy Haynes and Shelly manne and now rich Dior love it.

[@tortillasarenotbiceps7622]

Damn he's good.

[@jamesconnors5653]

Fun. Working on. Thank you much.

[@joshuaye615]

1. Snare drum ( buzz for long notes), hi hat on 2+4 4:48
2. Snare + bass
3. Add ride cymbal
4. Play around the drums
Follow phrasing, learn melody on a pitched instrument, experiment with rhythms and orchestrations, loop melody

[@Spagz]

I love that China!!!!

[@jleto717]

Rick, can you post a pdf of the melody line?

[@rickdior]

Hi James
This can easily be found online if you search Google images for Billie's Bounce

[@jerrytubs]

Hi Rick is that ur model jazz stick looks longer kmk thxs Jerry

[@rickdior]

It is, I am just holding it on the back end which I do from time to time and it helps with my arthritis for some reason.

[@jerrytubs]

@@rickdior what is it close too as to model

[@rickdior]

It's basically an SD9 shaft with a Bolero tip with a few modifications to the length and taper. I am in discussions with Vic Firth about making a Hickory version.

[@jerrytubs]

Do u take or do anything for ur arthritis I have issues also

[@rickdior]

No, I just try to keep playing as much as I can. It takes my hands much longer to loosen up these days but once I get going I am OK.