The Commandments of R&B Drumming (A Comprehensive Guide to Soul, Funk and Hip Hop). By Zoro. Edited by transcr. Brian Mason. For drum set. Artist/Personality; Method/Instruction; Percussion - Drum Set Method or Collection. R&B and Instructional. Instructional book and accompaniment CD. 160 pages. Published by Alfred Music Publishing (AP.0110B). ISBN 0769216919. R&B and Instructional. 9x12 inches. A fantastic historical and in-depth study of R&B drumming from soul to funk to hip-hop. Practical grooves from each era of R&B are studied and developed through specifically designed exercises. Topics include practice tips, developing the funky bass drum and hi-hat, creating and playing with loops, and what are considered the Ten Commandments of Soul, Funk, and Hip-Hop (the top ten recordings from each era). This book not only pays homage to the R&B drummers of the past, but gives the reader a fortune of invaluable information both in history and playing.

Hosted by the "godfather of modern gospel drumming" (Modern Drummer), Jeff "Lo" Davis, this DVD will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the explosive power, feel, excitement, chops and groove that make up modern gospel and R&B drumming. Features educational lessons and incredible performances from some of the greatest drumming artists playing these styles today: John Blackwell (Prince, Justin Timberlake), Aaron Spears (Usher, Alicia Keys), Chris Coleman (Christina Aguilera, Chaka Khan), Adam Deitch (Break Science), Nathaniel Townsley (Joe Zawinul), Gerald Heyward (Mary J. Blige), Marvin McQuitty (Destiny's Child), Teddy Campbell (Backstreet Boys, Al Jarreau), Zoro (Lenny Kravitz, Bobby Brown), Steve Smith (Journey), Thomas Pridgen (The Mars Volta), and Daniel Glass (Royal Crown Revue). As a special bonus, extensive discussion of the Gospel style with Jeff Davis is included! Running time: approx. 90 minutes.

Amazing performances, enlightening educational segments and revealing interviews are combined into this DVD featuring Aaron Spears.Aaron performs with tracks that include gospel, R&B, Motown, rock and odd-meter styles, illustrating the taste and versatility required of him on the American Idol® tour, with R&B artist Usher, and on many other gigs.For each song, Aaron explains the groove, discusses the style, and answers insightful questions from the small group of drummers in attendance. For those looking for an exploration of Aaron's legendary chops, this DVD not only provides an up-close look at Aaron's abilities, it also sheds light on the context in which these techniques are used and provides insight into the unique vocabulary that Aaron has created.Many of the grooves and fills played are transcribed in an accompanying 21-page printable PDF eBook. Aaron also sits down with drumming icon Jojo Mayer for a revealing and candid interview.Conducted both at and away from the drums, Aaron and Jojo explore conceptual and technical issues including Aaron's background, his approach to technique and to fills, his overall conceptual approach to drumming, the gospel/R&B scene, playing with authenticity, and more.Special features include slow-motion replays of many of Aaron's astounding fills, behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the Hudson team, and archival footage of Aaron's early days as a developing player. This DVD also features uncompressed PCM stereo audio for extremely high-fidelity sound!For any drummer looking to develop their versatility, groove, taste, and technique, this DVD will provide a rich educational experience. 3 hours, 7 minutes.