Jazz Trio Workshop with Mark Eisenman

Mark is an inspiring mentor/teacher and a fabulous jazz pianist. My buddy bassist Rory Slater and I took a class with Mark this past week. I was drumming. My dignity is intact, though I'm sitting home in a bit of a daze. 

First: what fun it is to play with a professional. 

He showed me 3 significant things on the drums:

1. How to comp like Elvin Jones: quarter note triplets started 1/8 note after the downbeat. Others have mentioned it, he explained it, then we played it. Voila. Got it. 
2. Crash cymbal outlining the form on the “and” of 4 anticipating the top, or on the beat 2 in measure 1. Never on the downbeat at the top of the form. Ever. Oops.
3. How to play ballads with one brush on the off beats and other hand with a broom. Groovy
4. Crisper high hat
   

This old dog has learned a few new tricks. 

David