The Jazz Theory Book by Mark Levine: Review

Endorsed by Jamey Aebersold, James Moody, Dave Liebman, and others, The Jazz Theory Book presents all the information any student of jazz needs in an easy-to-understand, yet thorough, manner. For intermediate to advanced players, and written by one of the acknowledged masters of jazz, it is used by universities around the world.
Rating:
4.7/5

Imagine sitting behind a drum kit, feeling the rush of adrenaline as your sticks hit each drumhead with precision and speed. You want to take your drumming skills to the next level, but where do you start? Enter ‘The New Breed’ by Gary Chester – a book that promises to revolutionize the way you approach drumming.

In this review, we’ll delve into the unique approach that ‘The New Breed’ takes to drumming and explore its benefits for improving coordination, speed, and independence. While every drummer has their own style and preferences, this book is designed to equip you with tools that can help elevate your playing regardless of genre or skill level. So whether you’re a beginner looking to develop fundamental techniques or an experienced drummer seeking new challenges, read on to discover if ‘The New Breed’ is right for you.

Overview of ‘The New Breed’ by Gary Chester

The New Breed by Gary Chester is a must-read for any drummer looking to improve their skills and take their playing to the next level. This book has been widely recognized as one of the most influential drumming resources of all time, with a rich history that dates back to its original publication in 1985. The impact that this book has had on the drumming world cannot be overstated – it’s been used by countless drummers to develop their technique, expand their musical vocabulary, and push beyond their limits.

One of the reasons why The New Breed has remained so relevant over the years is because of its unique approach to drumming. Unlike other books that focus solely on technical exercises or specific styles, The New Breed takes a holistic approach that emphasizes creativity, improvisation, and musicality. By using a series of carefully crafted exercises and concepts, Chester teaches readers how to break free from predictable patterns and explore new possibilities on the drums.

Overall, The New Breed is an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to become a better drummer. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been playing for years, this book will challenge you to think differently about your instrument and your role as a musician. So if you’re ready to take your playing to the next level, pick up a copy of The New Breed today and start exploring all that it has to offer!

The Book’s Unique Approach to Drumming

You’re probably used to playing drums a certain way, but The New Breed takes that approach and turns it on its head. This book presents drumming techniques in an innovative way, inviting you to explore new rhythms and beats that will transform your playing style. Gary Chester’s unique approach challenges the traditional methods of drumming by emphasizing the importance of coordination, speed, and independence.

The New Breed is not just a book about drumming; it’s a guide that teaches you how to create new sounds and rhythms. Chester introduces rhythmic innovation as the foundation for creating your own musical identity. He believes that each drummer should have their own unique voice and style, which can only be achieved through experimentation with different techniques.

Through this book, you’ll learn exercises to improve coordination, speed, and independence. These exercises are designed to help you break out of your current limitations by pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. With regular practice using these exercises, you’ll notice significant improvements in your overall performance as a drummer. So get ready to embark on a journey towards discovering your true potential as a musician!

Exercises to Improve Coordination, Speed, and Independence

Get ready to take your drumming skills to the next level with exercises that will improve your coordination, speed, and independence! The New Breed by Gary Chester is packed with exercises that challenge drummers to go beyond their limits. Through these exercises, you will develop rhythmic accuracy and muscle memory, allowing you to execute complex patterns with ease.

The book’s unique approach to drumming shines through in the exercises designed by Gary Chester. Here are some examples of what you can expect:

  • Practice playing different rhythms with each limb independently
  • Play a pattern while singing a different pattern at the same time
  • Use polyrhythms (two or more rhythms played simultaneously) to create complex patterns
  • Practice playing different rhythms with each limb independently
  • Play a pattern while singing a different pattern at the same time
  • Use polyrhythms (two or more rhythms played simultaneously) to create complex patterns
  • These exercises may seem daunting at first, but they are designed to push you out of your comfort zone and help you grow as a drummer. With practice, you will start seeing improvements in your speed, coordination, and independence.

    Improving these skills has many benefits for drummers. In the next section, we’ll explore how using The New Breed can improve not only your drumming abilities but also your overall musicianship.

    Benefits of Using ‘The New Breed’

    If you’re looking to enhance your creativity and dynamic playing style, ‘The New Breed’ by Gary Chester may be just what you need. This drumming method has been endorsed by many prominent drummers and is known for its ability to help players achieve greater independence and coordination. By incorporating the exercises from this book into your practice routine, you can expect to see improvements in your overall playing technique.

    Enhanced Creativity and Dynamic Playing Style

    By infusing his lessons with humor and personal anecdotes, Gary Chester encourages drummers to tap into their own unique creativity and develop a dynamic playing style. This approach helps musicians break out of the mold and explore new techniques that enhance their improvisation skills. As you work through The New Breed, you’ll find yourself inspired by Chester’s insights and motivated to take risks in your playing.

    To get the most out of your practice sessions, try these tips:

  • Play with intention: Instead of just mindlessly hitting drums or cymbals, focus on creating deliberate rhythms that convey emotion.
  • Experiment with different time signatures: Don’t be afraid to step outside of 4/4 time – try playing in 5/4 or 7/8 for a more complex sound.
  • Incorporate unconventional sounds: Use percussion instruments like shakers or wood blocks to add texture and variety to your beats.
  • As you implement these strategies, you’ll start to notice an improvement in your overall creativity and musicality. With The New Breed as your guide, the possibilities are endless.

    Moving on from enhanced creativity and dynamic playing style, it’s worth noting that The New Breed has received high praise from many prominent drummers in the industry.

    Endorsement by Prominent Drummers

    Many top drummers in the industry have given their stamp of approval to The New Breed, praising its innovative approach to drumming education. Gary Chester’s teaching method has had a significant influence on drumming, inspiring musicians to think outside the box and explore new techniques. Drummers such as Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Gadd, and Dave Weckl have all spoken highly of The New Breed, citing personal experiences where they were able to break through creative barriers and develop their own unique playing style.

    The endorsement by prominent drummers is a testament to the effectiveness of The New Breed in enhancing creativity and dynamic playing style. However, while many have found success with this method, it may not be suitable for everyone. In the next section, we will examine potential drawbacks of the book that readers should consider before incorporating it into their practice routine.

    Potential Drawbacks of the Book

    You’ll notice some limitations in The New Breed by Gary Chester, but don’t let that discourage you from trying out the exercises and techniques presented. The book is criticized for not being beginner-friendly and for lacking clear explanations of the concepts it introduces. Some readers feel overwhelmed and confused by the dense material, which can hinder their progress.

    However, there are alternatives to overcome these potential drawbacks. First, take your time with each exercise and don’t rush through them. It’s important to fully understand what you’re doing before moving on to more advanced techniques. Second, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional drummer or instructor if you need additional guidance or clarification. They can provide valuable feedback that can improve your skills faster than struggling alone. Finally, practice consistently with dedication and patience – progress takes time.

    While The New Breed may have some possible criticisms and limitations, they shouldn’t deter you from exploring the valuable content and techniques within its pages. By taking advantage of alternative methods like practicing with focus and seeking help when needed, you can overcome any challenges along the way towards becoming a better drummer. Keep an open mind and stay committed – success is within reach!

    Conclusion

    So, there you have it – a comprehensive review of ‘The New Breed’ by Gary Chester. This book is certainly not your average drumming manual, as it takes a unique approach that challenges the traditional ways of teaching and learning rhythm. With the use of various exercises and techniques, readers are encouraged to improve their coordination, speed, and independence on the drums.

    Overall, ‘The New Breed’ offers a fresh perspective for drummers looking to take their skills to the next level. While it may not be suitable for beginners or those who prefer a more structured approach to learning music, this book is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking to expand your horizons and push yourself beyond your limits. In fact, reading this book may just be the key to unlocking your full potential as a drummer – hyperbole aside!

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