Edition: Paperback Book & Online Video, Drums

Description: 64 Pages

If you are in search of the most challenging advanced concepts for coordination, technique and rhythmic complexity in modern drum set playing, this is the book you have been waiting for. Alex Cohen and Ramon Montagner present concepts that will challenge even the most dedicated drummer. Split into two halves, each writer presents their concepts separately, with reference to the other's ideas. Ramon Montagner teaches groundbreaking hand techniques that allow him to play at incredible speeds while keeping a relaxed groove. He presents explanations and exercises (in both video and text) covering push-pull technique, slide technique and dual grip (which uses two sticks in one hand). Each of the movements is presented and then applied to coordinated exercises. Along the way, Montagner uses and explains many Brazilian styles including samba, maractu, and the Mangue beat (a modern style of maracatu). Also included are 4 pages of reading rhythms to use with the different exercises.

Alex Cohen picks up where he left off in his first book, Ultimate Progressive Drumming, to document where his explorations have taken him since then. Beginning with advanced weaker-side development and polyrhythm patterns, he delves into advanced material such as “Cohen Counting,” “Eldritch Rudiments,” “Cohen Motions” using polyrhythms, the “Clockwork Rhythmic Scale” and other concepts that will expand your mind and challenge every aspect of your drumming like never before. There are also different orchestration ideas, as well as thoughts for making the material musical and useful in musical situations. Particular attention is paid to advanced independence with polyrhythms, including different ostinatos. A full package of videos helps to explain and demonstrate the material.

Endorsements

“Alex and Ramon have created a veritable encyclopedia of advanced rhythmic exploration. Their sensibilities on the instrument complement each other so well and create an endless number of musical possibilities--plenty of material to practice for a long time! Working through this book will dramatically increase your coordination, independence, reading skills, timing, and polyrhythmic understanding. They also both demonstrate a keen awareness of the need to use the powers in these pages for good and lay out in easy-to-understand terms how to serve the music you're playing with these advanced concepts. If you're ready to go deep into the shed and really push your rhythmic and musical boundaries on the drums, look no further!” –Andrew Marshall (Billie Eilish)

“In every generation, there are innovative musicians who push the boundaries and possibilities of an instrument while redefining how it is played. Ramon Montagner and Alex Cohen are doing this today. In their respective genres, each of these gentlemen is expanding what is possible on the drum set. Ramon and Alex have drawn from many musical traditions and influences, and they have redesigned drum set language from their perspectives. Congratulations and thanks for the inspiration, Ramon and Alex. We all have a lot of practicing to do...” –Peter Retzlaff