Hey folks. Wanted to share something I’m super excited about. I recently got my hands on a stash of hardwood lumber, mostly oak, that my grandfather milled from trees he cut down on his farm over 20 years ago. I partnered with Buck County Drum Company, and they are going to build me a custom kit from this wood. I just made payment yesterday, and I’ll deliver the material to them in the next few weeks. I’ll have to sell off some gear to cover the cost, but I know it will be worth it. I’ll post progress here over the next few months. Here is the “before” picture of my new drums.

Hey friends, in preparation and planning for next year's lessons, I would love to hear what you are wanting to improve with your brush playing. Is it a specific genre/groove? Is it a specific technique? Is it logical choreography to overcome a specific problem. Looking forward to hearing how I can help

I have gone through everyone's The Spy videos and am pleased to announce that @Takayuki Watanabe is the winner!!! He stuck to the task at hand of playing for the song, with great feel and energy. Can we all please congratulate Takayuki. I have also decided to hand out a couple of runner-up prizes. Please check your inbox for a message. Thank you all so much for your videos, I can't wait to hand out your next assignment (coming in January).

🧹👨‍🔬 Brush Lab, it's giveaway time 🎉 I have created an 'assignment' for you which consists of: - Leadsheet/worksheet - Drumless backing track - Lesson video Watch the video to learn about the assignment. Once you're ready, record yourself playing along to the track and upload your video to this thread. The idea is you stick to the task outlined in the video. The first tune is called The Spy and it's a medium swing. You are to play the main groove without any fills or variation, then learn the hits in the shout chorus. I will choose the winner who I think sticks closest to the task and you have until November 30th to upload. Your prize can be one of the following: - Phrasing and Freedom with Brushes - paperback with free worldwide shipping - Comping and Improvising with Brushes - paperback with free worldwide shipping - Beginner's Guide to Big Band Drumming - paperback with free worldwide shipping - 30 minute online lesson with me Good luck, and I look forward to watching your entries!

Spending some time with the fundamentals. Still feels a bit clunky. Definitely need to put in more time and reps. It’s a start, though. Not the greatest angle to assess my technique, but it’s the best I can do with the equipment I have for now.