Clips from Rick’s new DVD/Blu-ray Video for Advanced Coordination for Drum Set and Hand Percussion

admin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:30:29 +0000

As I announced in an earlier post, a video supplement to my book Advanced Coordination for Drum Set and Hand Percussion is now available in both the DVD and High Definition Blu-ray formats. The video shows the many ways the book can be used to improve your technique and coordination. The video is over 2 hours long and contains 80 tracks. There are also two different audio tracks on each disc: one with a click track and one without. You can easily switch between these two tracks with a press of the audio button.
Please contact me from the site if you want to purchase a copy of the video.
The prices are-DVD-$15, Blu-ray-$20. shipping is $5.

All of the exercises in the following clips contain the click except for the solo tracks. Please allow some time for download since they are very large files.

This clip shows how to use the Rhythmic patterns on pg 8 to work on your Jazz Coordination
The Click is on 2 & 4.
Track 21 Jazz Coordination

This next clip shows how to use the Hand/Foot exercises on pages 121-128 to work on your jazz coordination. This particular exercise deals with broken triplets and 16th’s under a jazz ride cymbal pattern. There is also a window showing my bass drum foot in action.

Track 29 Developing Jazz Coordination using the Hand/Foot Exercise from page 127

These next two clips demonstrate how to play page 121 from the book around the drums. The first clip is using one bass drum note and the second clip is using two bass drum notes.
Hand Foot Coordination from page 121 One bass drum note

Hand Foot Coordination from page 121 Two bass drum notes

This clip demonstrates how to work on the modular rhythms in the book with the rhythmc patterns. Here I am using a left hand lead Brazilian ostinato.
Modular Rhythms Left Hand Lead

This clip shows how to apply the rhythmic patterns with your bass drum to a simple funk ostinato.
Backbeat Ostinato

There are 13 solos on the video which incorporate the techniques learned from the book. Here a a few of them.
Brazilian Style Groove Solo

Fast Afro-Cuban Style solo

Hand Foot Solo#1

Hand Foot Solo#2

Rick inducted into J.P Stevens Hall of Honor

admin — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 01:15:34 +0000

Back in April I was inducted into my high school’s Hall of Honor in Edison N.J. They do this every 4 years for
past graduates and it’s quite an affair. I had a great time and met some really interesting folks. Among the other inductees were doctors, politicians, military and law enforcement personnel and scientists.
It was great to see my former band directors, Andy DeNicola and Chris Peterson as well as the school which I had not visited for 25 years. It was amazing to see the changes and they now have a whole wing for the performing arts. I got to share the day with my wife, parents and sister which was really special.
Here are some links and pictures from the ceremonies.

from L to R: Chris Peterson, Rick and Andy DeNicola

Mom and Dad

Sister Donna and Rick

Donna, Jennifer Dior, Chris Peterson and Rick

Andy and Rick in his bandroom-Check out those trophies!!

Donna Rick and The Mayor of Edison, Toni Ricigliano

Here's the Plaque that's in the hall

The induction ceremony

Some of the inductees

Here’s a link to a newspaper release

Advanced Coordination for Drumset and Hand Percussion DVD/ Blu-ray released

admin — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:18:38 +0000

I am now accepting orders for a Video from my book, “Advanced Coordination for Drumset and Hand Percussion.” The Video contains over two hours of examples from the book as well as 13 drum solos demonstrating the ostinato concepts. There are close-ups of Bass Drum and Hi-Hat technique as well as music examples on the screen. There are two seperate audio tracks- one with a click track and one without so you can mute the click at any time.
The video is available in the DVD and Blu-ray formats.
The price for the DVD is $15 and the Blue-ray is $20. Shipping is $5.
I will be posting some clips from the video soon so stay tuned.
Here is a cover shot of the art work. and a track listing:

Wicked 2010

admin — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:27:04 +0000

No -I am not referring to the economically horrible 2010, just the show.
I just finished a month run of the Broadway musical “Wicked”. It was fun except for the fact that I had a respiratory infection the whole run and the fog machines they used seemed to be aimed into the pit. You gotta wonder whats in that stuff!
Anyway the show was great and the traveling musicians and conductor were excellent.
Next up is Mary Poppins for a month in August. I will post that info in September.
Here are some pictures from the Wicked pit.

Here is the setup that I practiced with at home. Of course when you can't fit it all into the pit you have to move things around.

Here is the front of my pit setup.

Here is the left front side of the setup. I am using my old Leedy chimes as a percussion rack because of the limited space.

Here is the timp setup to my left. I had to build this strange trap table since there was no room for a normal one.

Here is the Bass Drum, Gong and xylo setup to my back right

The lovely Waterphone. It plays an important role in the show so I brought my own which is one of the originals. The waterphone they travel with is not happening at all.

Here I am in the pit

Here is a shot of the drum booth. Paul Hanna was the traveling Drummer and He was in his own self contained booth.

Bass Player Tom Hildreth

Here are the woodwinds, from l to r-Phil Thompson, Holis Ulacky, Jennifer Dior (my lovely wife) and behind them is Ron Turner on Trumpet, Racheal on horn and Anna Brock on Keyboard 4. Brent Ballard (trombone) is not pictured

I am now making drumsticks

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:05:32 +0000

I have been working on making drumsticks for a few years now and I feel like I have finally perfected the process. Within the last several months I have started to sell some sticks and all the feedback has been very positive. For the time being I am only making concert style (heavier) sticks.
I am using exotic hardwoods exclusively, many of which are somewhat rare. Since the wood is so expensive it does not make sense right now to make a disposable drum set stick.
Each pair is unique but I do have several different tips that I can recreate (see pictures).
I have tried to design what I feel is a specialty type of stick, not a replacement for what is currently available.
The sticks are a bit longer and heavier than the sticks available from other manufactures and of course the wood is different and truly beautiful. I have placed more weight towards the tip which makes bounces, double strokes, and loud rolls much easier. The heavier weight of the stick also helps to get a bigger sound out of a drum and is great for working on building your technique. Stick weights range from 60 to 80 grams. You can specify a weight. Thickness varies slightly but is usually around 5/8″ to 7/8″.

I also recently purchased a laser engraver which enables me to engrave names and designs onto the sticks.
Drummers World in New York City will soon be carrying the sticks. You can also purchase a pair directly from me. If you are interested email me at rickdior@carolina.rr.com.
Prices range from $35-$50 per pair. Shipping is free.

Here are some pictures.

from left to right, Wenge, Zebrawood, Bloodwood, Bocote, Yellowheart, Leopardwood, Purpleheart, Paduak and Bubinga

Here is a side view

Here is a picture of some of the different tips.

Here is a picture of some engraving. Almost anything can be engraved on the stick.

Sticks in bag 1

Cyrus Chesnut visits the Studio

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:50:14 +0000

Jazz piano great Cyrus Chesnut recently visited the Studio to record tracks for a new CD. He sounds as great as ever! Joining him are John Brown on Bass and Adonis Rose on Drums.
Here are some pictures:

Cyrus at the piano

Cyrus runs down some tunes

The trio listens back to a take

UNCC concert video

admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:21:56 +0000

Here is a video of a concert I played on 2/2/10 with my wife Jennifer. It’s with the UNCC Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the piece is Dance of the Southern Lights by Eric Richards. This is a very large file so please give it time to load.
Southern Lights

Recent Article: Mike D’Angelo

admin — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:53:55 +0000

Here’s a nice article about one of my former students Mike D’Angelo who was up for a Grammy this year (which sadly he did not win.).
link

Anne Trenning Wins Music Awards

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:03:32 +0000

Pianist Anne Trenning who has recorded all three of her CD projects at Acoustic Barn is getting great press for her latest CD “Watching For Rain” which Rick produced, arranged, orchestrated, performed on and recorded. “Watching For Rain” was nominated for 4 ZMR Awards, including “Album of the Year.” by zonemusicreporter.com. The CD was also named a “Best of 2009″ pick by Michael Debbage. Look at Anne’s website for numerous reviews on this recording, as well as reviews on “All One World,” (also produced by Rick) which was named one of the top five contemporary instrumental recordings of 2005. Her music is in the new age realm and she has a very large and loyal fan base as the following press reveals. Here are some more links and reviews:
You can buy the CD here amazon

review1
review2
and a link to Annes site
Annes site

New Percussion Ensemble Piece

admin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 23:43:31 +0000

Here is a new percussion ensemble piece I have just completed called minor infraction. It’s for 13 players and is a grade 4 level. It was commissioned by the Jay M Robinson High School Percussion ensemble which is directed by Blair Smith. It will be performed at the North Carolina PAS Day of Percussion at UNCG on April 24th 2010. The recording is me overdubbing the parts in the studio.
minor infraction