1 – Introduction
Let’s continue with the linear style.
This time we’ll work with a one-bar general rhythmic pattern instead of a simpler 2-beat pattern using the linear approach.
We’ll memorize this pattern and then orchestrate it between the SD, HH and BD to create some linear grooves.
2 – Linear 3
The Funky Beat, p. 11 & 12, Ex. 19
A. Video 1
Explanation and demonstration.
B. Transcription 1
Here’s a transcription with the RR pattern on the HH, adding the BD in the holes and the 4-bar phrase as played in Video 1.
C. Video 2
Explanation and demonstration with the HH using the LR linear sticking.
D. Transcription 2
Transcription with the LR pattern between the HH and SD, adding the BD in the holes and the 4-bar phrase as played in Video 2.
Tower Of Power. Check the transcription for the “What Is Hip?” intro on p. 35 of The Funky Beat to see how this type of coordination is used.
E. Video 3
Explanation and demonstration with the HH using the RL linear sticking.
F. Transcription 3
Transcription with the RL pattern between the HH and SD, adding the BD in the holes and the 4-bar phrase as played in Video 3.
3 - “The Oakland Stroke”
Let’s work on one of David Garibaldi’s classic grooves, “The Oakland Stroke,” which he played on the Tower of Power CD, “Back To Oakland.” It’s easy to understand why they called it “The Oakland Stroke” because the drum groove is super funky. Oakland, California was a hotbed of funk in the 70’s and still is today.
Tower of Power
IMPORTANT NOTE: I want to emphasize that this song has a very funky beat and we can learn a lot about how David Garibaldi constructs his grooves by studying it, BUT… the tempo on the original is fast, around 131bpm. Don’t worry about the tempo!
The idea is to understand the beat and be able to play it at a slower tempo.
Several slowed down versions for you to practice to are included below.
Slow practice gets results as we all know by now and to be able to play this classic groove at any tempo is an accomplishment in itself. That’s what we’re looking for.
David Garibaldi from Give The Drummers Some!
A. Original song
Download the original song “Oakland Stroke” (Additional LP Version) from the Tower Of Power, “Back to Oakland” album from iTunes, Spotify, etc.
Make sure you get the (Additional LP) version. The original LP had this song in two pieces Part 1 and Part 2. The first half was faded out and then the second half faded in at the end of the album. The (Additional LP) version has both halves put back together.
B. “Oakland Stroke” Introduction Video
C. “Oakland Stroke” Transcription 1
This is a transcription of the exercises played in the Introduction Video.
Note: I mistakenly included a BD note on “1” in line 4 of this and the following transcription. Leave the “1” out on the BD. That’s what helps make this groove super funky!
D. “Oakland Stroke” Transcription 2
Here is a transcription of the complete “Oakland Stroke” groove.
If the last two bars of the groove are too difficult substitute a single accent on the “and of 3” and the “e of 4”.
E. “Oakland Stroke” Groove - Video
Video of Jim playing “The Oakland Stroke” groove at 90 bpm.
F. “The Oakland Stroke” Chart
G. Slow Versions
1) 70 bpm
2) 80 bpm
3) 90 bpm
4) 110 bpm
H. “Oakland Stroke” Video
Video of Jim playing to “The Oakland Stroke” at 90 bpm.
Workbook
1. Play each of the 4-bar phrases in the videos and transcriptions 1, 2 & 3 above, two times. 80 bpm
2. “The Oakland Stroke” without drums.
Play the transcribed beat to the track without drums of this song. Use the 105 bpm version below. If the last two bars of the groove are too difficult substitute single accents on the “and of 3” and the “e of 4”.