One of my favorite drummers ever. His legacy as a beast and a great musician will live on. R.I.P....You are an inspiration to me and to many many drummers. This guy was a pro's pro. God bless his family.
RIP John .A great drummer who contributed so much to us all, with inspiration and finesse.I loved his ethic-groove is king-and he always grooved.I sincerely hope that he has all he needs in the next life.
Yo! It's a long video filled with awesome information and inspiration. Here is a video index if you'd like to skip between certain parts. Thank you for all your support! Intro Song - 00:00 Drum Solo - 07:20 Jared Intro - 17:45 Discipline - 19:53 Squirrel - 34:44 Improvisation - 35:23 Drum Solo - 39:00 Song "Father Daughter - 49:54 Questions - 55:35 Drum Solo - 1:28:00
Blackwell John I think he meant the crash cymbal to your left above your hats, not the 22" new Kerope series cymbal. I'm interested in that crash too. The hammering looks like a "K Custom Dark" crash not the regular "K Dark Thin" but it also looks bigger than 18" ?
This was a great lesson, I played a gig tonight where I focused on keeping the groove with minimal fills. The crowd definitely responded. Even when it's time to give the drummer some, just keep that pocket and let the crowd enjoy themselves. Thank you Drumeo, Jared, and most of all Mr. John Blackwell!
Nobody brings the funk like John! Such an adorable humble soul! Go out and BUY this guys instructional videos. Nothing like watching and hearing the unedited, top quality video and sound through a hi-end system. Plus it's important to support the artist so they can keep doing what they do best. I'd also highly recommend his signature snare(s). With the 13" and 14" steel, all bases are covered, and sound phenomenal for the money. Love you John! I know you've worked very hard to get to where you're at, but you are also very gifted (which I'm sure you're aware)!
I will never, ever, ever, ever, ever, EVER understand why people thumb down videos like this. This guy is quite amazing! RUclips should get rid of the thumbs down button. It is abused too often.
You're so right about that....Have the same question everytime i watch a video of a great drummer....On the other hand we need the dislike button for all the idiots uploading crappy videos and videos with misleading titles...
Its got to be metal drummers who hate the backing tracks. A lot of instructional videos for many instruments get thumbed down just because the viewer doesn't like the style of music, Nothing you can do abut that really,its all just opinions
Serious props to all of you and a big thanks to John for doing the video, but I have to say, your behind the scenes guys are absolutely amazing. For them/he/she to be able to jump camera to camera is one thing, but to be so on top of it to know when to cut the voice mic when he starts playing in a split second, live, is some serious reaction skill. Your team is not only an inspiration to drum better, but to focus on quality in all that I do. Thank you, Drumeo.
Improvisation? Any drummer can jam. Play to a live performance louder than the music without a click track, playing conga with the left hand and trap set with the right hand at the same time. ruclips.net/video/bmJBkWE88hw/видео.html
I absolutely love Johns focus on groove. He really knows how to compliment other musicians and really make an ensemble a team rather than just separate musicians. As a drummer who likes all sorts of genres, holding back and keeping it steady ironically is the hardest thing to do. It really is. When you have the chance to show what you have in a band, respecting the music is the key. Love the idea of how one thing you can do, is choose not to change or do anything. Just keep grooving. Absolutely amazing lesson :)
There are so many chops guys around that leave me cold. I'm new to this amazing musician. Everything is on and happening here. Beautiful melodies, articulation, imagination, time, groove. Thanks John. I will now sing your praises.
Oh my gawd. at 8:19 I love when he does doubles with the right foot and then switches between his heel and and the sole of his foot on the hi-hat. My drum teacher waaay back in the day showed me that and i was obsessed with doing stuff on top of it, sounds amazing. Tricky stuff
My heart aches watching John so alive and amazingly well and I recall that pic his wife published holding his lifeless hand when he passed. RIP master of the groove and lethal chops to boot.
What a pleasure ! I'm a 50yr-old drummer, been drumming as a hobbyist since 13, and I've had to accept that at this age, I'm not gonna get faster, trickier, etc. (not necessarily anyway..). But I am calmer and more patient when I listen to drummers I haven't checked out before. It's such a great ride to listen to any player that sounds and feels good the whole time, like John does. I swear if you give it a shot with *listening* as your goal (as opposed to evaluating..) when you listen to a great drummer like John B., the next times you play, you will play better, and your dialogue will be informed. Thanks so much, John !
John Blackwell is one of the funkiest drummers around today. Very interesting the way he uses cross stick and open hand. His signature snare is awesome, I've got one and will never sell it.
he lived on my floor at Berklee College of Music, Boston. VERY nice person and we all shared our drumming secrets. His room was at the very end next to the drum sheds. He loved walking around in there and watching us all play. He loved going down to "Wally's" Massachusettes Ave blues bar on open mic night. Everyone signed in. You were allowed to play on one song. If you were good they kept you up there. Once John Blackwell got on the kit he was always the drummer for the rest of the night. I miss him.
I had the pleasure of meeting John 2 times in my life, Once with cameo in hartford, CT, and the other time with prince in Boston and Mike Scott. I'm glad for his success and growth! He's earned it!
Incredibly sad to hear John has recently been diagnosed two brain tumours and has lost the use of his left arm and leg. The worst thing for a drummer is to loose the use of their limbs. Can't imagine what he's going through. I wish him the speediest recovery and hope he's doing ok.
What a FABULOUS ending to that first solo! Slowing it down... Utilizing a tablas technique: genius!!!! Probably the most original "finale" to a drum solo I've seen. Bravo!
At 20:20 he explains what SO many modern drummers need to hear. Stop making every second of every song your personal drum solo. Play for the song, not for your ego! RIP Mr. Blackwell, thanks for sharing your gift 🙏🏾
Despite of being studying English for such a long time, I still get speechless after watching a video like this.... either way, I don't know if exist a word in any language that could express what I'm feeling at this very moment... thumbs up to you, John
Still new to drumming but seeing players like reminds me that slower with discipline opens the door to an individual's capabilities and drummers voice within his own head.
frank alfar and when the bass player knows his stuff it makes the drummer smile. the bass player's job is to fill in the empty spots that the drummer leaves out to keep his groove open
I had notes and had rehearsed and everything. But got so caught up in the awesomeness of the solo that I started blanking. Very embarrassing but it happens sometimes!
Met John at NAMM... very nice 'humble' guy. Out of ammo...WORD. Excellent pod cast, excellent player. Gonna steal that 1-1-2 kick riff and be at it by morning. Thanks for being Groovy man.
I am so so happy you guys did this before he so very very sadly left us too early. Rest in beats John 🙏🏽♥️ I’ll never forget meeting you as a kid. Wish I still had the old film to get the picture developed we took together and the signed drum head. Sadly life, moving houses and horrific living situations doesn’t allow you to hold onto everything as a kid but….I’ve got you in my memory and that’s what matters 🙏🏽 Massive inspiration Big love Drumeo for making this happen back in the day.
John is such an amazing drummer and amazing person. I met him about twenty years ago. My band at the time was playing at Rockafella's in Columbia, SC where John is originally from too. He was standing on the side watching me and was like great job and grooving. After our show John,a close friend of mine, and myself talked and gave him a ride home. He was in town, because Thanksgiving was the following day. When we dropped him off he said check out the Cameo special on HBO, because I will be playing. Me and buddy were like man you stupid! He told us thanks for the ride home and was just the nicest and humble guy. Sure enough we were watching HBO to see Cameo play and sure enough, John was back there on the kit representing. I can't say enough good things about John. He represents Col-Town (Columbia, SC),one of the sickest drummers ever, and nicest guys you will ever meet. John deserves nothing but the best. He is such a positive role model. If you met him, you would feel the same. John keep doing what your doing!
John is awesome! Grew up in the same neighborhood with him, back in the 80's about 3 houses down; I was a little older than him... even as a youngster, we knew he was going to be a professional drummer, because of his amazing talent. I played a little 3 piece kit in my bedroom, and his dad had a big white Tama kit in their living room. Good times. Hey John, next time you're in Columbia, stop by The Upstairs Studio at Star Music.....peace...
Me. I love watching different drummers get down but this brother is one of my faves. He is gone now In this physical form but he lives on through these videos.
Great video, even as a guitar player, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to John play and communicate his love and passion for music. My total respect to this wonderful musician.
Blackwell John I thought I oughta say a word of thank you to you... I watched a Modern Drummer Festival DVD featuring you some years ago, and honestly after watching this video I feel like you have reached an entirely new height all over again. I mean, you kept your signature style, but it's much more refined now. You have always been an incredible influence to my playing and I'm glad to have borrowed that DVD from my drum teacher back then. (Nah I didn't rip it, in case you're interested.) :)
Very inspiring, thank you. A humble guy with a wealth of knowledge. Fantastic grooves, I will be buying his instructional and groove masters DVDs. Thanks again Drumeo.
The first time I saw John was in the Hikaru Utada's MTV Unplugged DVD. I was wondered why he put the china at the back over his head. And when I saw he 'uppercut' the cymbal during his solo I was speechless. It's super cool!! One day I'll try this on the kit. One day!!
I've been playing for 30 years and this guy is super good, one of a kind. Why a steel snare, I don't know as I use wooden ones and would like to ask him? This guy does what no one can!
Cool to hear that Burke high school shout out, that school is good friends with my school, Laura Secord, in St. Catharines, Ontario, which is quite the distance!
this man rocks. his playing is fantastic. natural talent and groove. i remember reading about his tragic story involving his daughter on modern drummer. glad to see him playing again.
A beautiful cat and exemplary musician. We were roommates on the road when he started with cameo back in 1991/92. I’ll always cherish our time together.
Just an awesome lecture on discipline!! Thanks Mr Blackwell!!! You are truly an awesome drummer. This not only helped me but I'm sending this to shook the drummers I know. Groove on!!!
I learned pretty fast to not always go crazy on a drum solo. It's incredibly hard to not go crazy when we're really young because have a lot of energy. The pocket is really important
I think a great way of learning how to improvise, from my personal experience and Jared and John kind of alluded to it, is reiteration. Taking a pattern or a fill and playing it repeatedly until you get comfortable with it, then attempt to voice the pattern or fill in different ways. Split it up among the toms, keep it on the snare, embellish with cymbals, etc. Interpretation and reiteration can be great tools to have in the journey to diversify one's playing.
One of my favorite drummers ever. His legacy as a beast and a great musician will live on. R.I.P....You are an inspiration to me and to many many drummers. This guy was a pro's pro. God bless his family.
Rest in peace mr. John Blackwell. Thank you for the influence and inspiration you have shared to all of us drummers
We've lost a legend but his groove is immortal. Fantastic lesson to absorb and study.
John was, and still is one of my biggest inspirations. It hurts my heart that he's no longer with us.
RIP John .A great drummer who contributed so much to us all, with inspiration and finesse.I loved his ethic-groove is king-and he always grooved.I sincerely hope that he has all he needs in the next life.
Yo! It's a long video filled with awesome information and inspiration. Here is a video index if you'd like to skip between certain parts. Thank you for all your support!
Intro Song - 00:00
Drum Solo - 07:20
Jared Intro - 17:45
Discipline - 19:53
Squirrel - 34:44
Improvisation - 35:23
Drum Solo - 39:00
Song "Father Daughter - 49:54
Questions - 55:35
Drum Solo - 1:28:00
i wanna thank you for the video's you upload! it helped me very much!
and there are always tons of tips! =) finn.
can someone plzzzzzzz tell me what crash cymbal is the the first one to his left?????????? thank u.
20" K dark Thin
FourRules Charley 22' new K DEBUTED AT THE NAMM 2014 SHOW
Blackwell John I think he meant the crash cymbal to your left above your hats, not the 22" new Kerope series cymbal. I'm interested in that crash too. The hammering looks like a "K Custom Dark" crash not the regular "K Dark Thin" but it also looks bigger than 18" ?
This was a great lesson, I played a gig tonight where I focused on keeping the groove with minimal fills. The crowd definitely responded. Even when it's time to give the drummer some, just keep that pocket and let the crowd enjoy themselves. Thank you Drumeo, Jared, and most of all Mr. John Blackwell!
Nobody brings the funk like John! Such an adorable humble soul! Go out and BUY this guys instructional videos. Nothing like watching and hearing the unedited, top quality video and sound through a hi-end system. Plus it's important to support the artist so they can keep doing what they do best. I'd also highly recommend his signature snare(s). With the 13" and 14" steel, all bases are covered, and sound phenomenal for the money.
Love you John! I know you've worked very hard to get to where you're at, but you are also very gifted (which I'm sure you're aware)!
I will never, ever, ever, ever, ever, EVER understand why people thumb down videos like this. This guy is quite amazing! RUclips should get rid of the thumbs down button. It is abused too often.
You're so right about that....Have the same question everytime i watch a video of a great drummer....On the other hand we need the dislike button for all the idiots uploading crappy videos and videos with misleading titles...
Well said Craig Tube!
WE will never understand that, Craig...
Hehe, agreed. People feel entitled as if they could drum like John Blackwell :) I'm sure it isn't Dennis Chambers giving him the thumbs down hehe.
Its got to be metal drummers who hate the backing tracks. A lot of instructional videos for many instruments get thumbed down just because the viewer doesn't like the style of music, Nothing you can do abut that really,its all just opinions
Serious props to all of you and a big thanks to John for doing the video, but I have to say, your behind the scenes guys are absolutely amazing. For them/he/she to be able to jump camera to camera is one thing, but to be so on top of it to know when to cut the voice mic when he starts playing in a split second, live, is some serious reaction skill. Your team is not only an inspiration to drum better, but to focus on quality in all that I do. Thank you, Drumeo.
One of the best right foots I've ever seen.... 8:18
Such smooth control throughout....
that's dennis chamber's thing, he got that from him, as did many.
never saw anyone say or spell 'foots', thank you for making my day
He actually picked it up from Marcus Williams.
Edit: Not to say that many hadn't done it before either John or Marcus.
Improvisation? Any drummer can jam. Play to a live performance louder than the music without a click track, playing conga with the left hand and trap set with the right hand at the same time. ruclips.net/video/bmJBkWE88hw/видео.html
I absolutely love Johns focus on groove. He really knows how to compliment other musicians and really make an ensemble a team rather than just separate musicians.
As a drummer who likes all sorts of genres, holding back and keeping it steady ironically is the hardest thing to do. It really is. When you have the chance to show what you have in a band, respecting the music is the key.
Love the idea of how one thing you can do, is choose not to change or do anything. Just keep grooving.
Absolutely amazing lesson :)
Watched John in a clinic around 2005 and he was such power house... Chops, groove, finesse. He was the musical and powerful player I had ever seen.
What an amazing drummer: I never get tired of watching this lesson over and over again. God bless John Blackwell.
the only lesson of any teacher is
"comes from the heart"
we're all here to offer our unique heart
what a generous guy
The audio mix of the drums is soo good! You almost feel like you're playing the drums.
There are so many chops guys around that leave me cold. I'm new to this amazing musician. Everything is on and happening here. Beautiful melodies, articulation, imagination, time, groove. Thanks John. I will now sing your praises.
Oh my gawd. at 8:19 I love when he does doubles with the right foot and then switches between his heel and and the sole of his foot on the hi-hat. My drum teacher waaay back in the day showed me that and i was obsessed with doing stuff on top of it, sounds amazing. Tricky stuff
love the " ghost notes in R hand while playing down beats on L off of the hi hat groove, ...fantastic
My heart aches watching John so alive and amazingly well and I recall that pic his wife published holding his lifeless hand when he passed. RIP master of the groove and lethal chops to boot.
What a pleasure ! I'm a 50yr-old drummer, been drumming as a hobbyist since 13, and I've had to accept that at this age, I'm not gonna get faster, trickier, etc. (not necessarily anyway..). But I am calmer and more patient when I listen to drummers I haven't checked out before. It's such a great ride to listen to any player that sounds and feels good the whole time, like John does. I swear if you give it a shot with *listening* as your goal (as opposed to evaluating..) when you listen to a great drummer like John B., the next times you play, you will play better, and your dialogue will be informed. Thanks so much, John !
Man, I miss this dudes playing his tasty grooves will live on forever. So blessed by this drumeo video.
Rip Mr Blackwell it was a pleasure for us learning from you through this lesson.
This guy is so awesome and humble at the same time !
What a treat listening to his stories and watching him play.
John Blackwell is one of the funkiest drummers around today. Very interesting the way he uses cross stick and open hand. His signature snare is awesome, I've got one and will never sell it.
RIP John
the overtones in those rack toms sound absolutely beautiful together
I know!! What note is that 10 and 12 tuned to?? Just beautiful
he lived on my floor at Berklee College of Music, Boston. VERY nice person and we all shared our drumming secrets. His room was at the very end next to the drum sheds. He loved walking around in there and watching us all play. He loved going down to "Wally's" Massachusettes Ave blues bar on open mic night. Everyone signed in. You were allowed to play on one song. If you were good they kept you up there. Once John Blackwell got on the kit he was always the drummer for the rest of the night. I miss him.
So unique. This guy with Prince is an experience I recommend. This is my favorite drummer.
I had the pleasure of meeting John 2 times in my life, Once with cameo in hartford, CT, and the other time with prince in Boston and Mike Scott. I'm glad for his success and growth! He's earned it!
Incredibly sad to hear John has recently been diagnosed two brain tumours and has lost the use of his left arm and leg. The worst thing for a drummer is to loose the use of their limbs. Can't imagine what he's going through. I wish him the speediest recovery and hope he's doing ok.
So sad... I got to know that today :-(
That's very sad. I pray he will be okay.
Josh Woodley John Blackwell passed away today, his wife announced it 2 hours ago.. sucks that such an amazing guy leaves us so soon.. :(
Rest in peace Mr. Blackwell.
Fuck you Juses!
At 33:25 he runs through some iconic Cameo beats. Legend. 💜
When he went into the intro for She’s Strange I almost fell off the sofa! Awesome.
Just watch this for the 5th time. Amazing. Thanks John, rest in peace man
What a FABULOUS ending to that first solo!
Slowing it down...
Utilizing a tablas technique: genius!!!!
Probably the most original "finale" to a drum solo I've seen.
Bravo!
Wow! He's exceptionally together on this one ... beautiful playing! Always a dynamite drummer and humble human being.
D Y N A MI T E D R U M M E R
One of my favourite drummers out there. More power, funk, and soul to you John.
John Blackwell, your groove is like no other, sickest pocket Ive ever heard.
Legend has it he's still playing the solo, to this day!
Lol
Wish it was still true
RIP
WOW!!! One of the top pioneers in drumming doing his thing.
At 20:20 he explains what SO many modern drummers need to hear. Stop making every second of every song your personal drum solo. Play for the song, not for your ego! RIP Mr. Blackwell, thanks for sharing your gift 🙏🏾
RIP- one of my favorite drummers ever.
man, in tears watching this right now. rest in peace sir.
Despite of being studying English for such a long time, I still get speechless after watching a video like this.... either way, I don't know if exist a word in any language that could express what I'm feeling at this very moment... thumbs up to you, John
Still new to drumming but seeing players like reminds me that slower with discipline opens the door to an individual's capabilities and drummers voice within his own head.
John's feel and precision was incredible and I love how he naturally lead with both hands! Top top player...
"Groove is the secret " when one can feel the groove inside it makes the bass player smile etc...😎
frank alfar and when the bass player knows his stuff it makes the drummer smile. the bass player's job is to fill in the empty spots that the drummer leaves out to keep his groove open
What's priceless is John's face when Jared can't recall his accomplishments.
I had notes and had rehearsed and everything. But got so caught up in the awesomeness of the solo that I started blanking. Very embarrassing but it happens sometimes!
Drumeo No worries Jared...Just busting ya chops.
He came to my band class in 1996, and starting jamming on the drum set. He used my sticks.
Met John at NAMM... very nice 'humble' guy. Out of ammo...WORD. Excellent pod cast, excellent player. Gonna steal that 1-1-2 kick riff and be at it by morning. Thanks for being Groovy man.
R.I.P. drumming brother-in-arms. Loved ALL John's work! Amen.
I am so so happy you guys did this before he so very very sadly left us too early.
Rest in beats John 🙏🏽♥️
I’ll never forget meeting you as a kid. Wish I still had the old film to get the picture developed we took together and the signed drum head. Sadly life, moving houses and horrific living situations doesn’t allow you to hold onto everything as a kid but….I’ve got you in my memory and that’s what matters 🙏🏽 Massive inspiration
Big love Drumeo for making this happen back in the day.
Not seen JB play in ages! What a legend, glad to see he's still grooving!
John is such an amazing drummer and amazing person. I met him about twenty years ago. My band at the time was playing at Rockafella's in Columbia, SC where John is originally from too. He was standing on the side watching me and was like great job and grooving. After our show John,a close friend of mine, and myself talked and gave him a ride home. He was in town, because Thanksgiving was the following day. When we dropped him off he said check out the Cameo special on HBO, because I will be playing. Me and buddy were like man you stupid! He told us thanks for the ride home and was just the nicest and humble guy. Sure enough we were watching HBO to see Cameo play and sure enough, John was back there on the kit representing. I can't say enough good things about John. He represents Col-Town (Columbia, SC),one of the sickest drummers ever, and nicest guys you will ever meet. John deserves nothing but the best. He is such a positive role model. If you met him, you would feel the same. John keep doing what your doing!
John Blackwell one of the most respected drummers all over the world and history of drumming, rest in peace master...
So entertaining to watch John Blackwell play . Great drummer he was .
RIP
John is awesome! Grew up in the same neighborhood with him, back in the 80's about 3 houses down; I was a little older than him... even as a youngster, we knew he was going to be a professional drummer, because of his amazing talent. I played a little 3 piece kit in my bedroom, and his dad had a big white Tama kit in their living room. Good times. Hey John, next time you're in Columbia, stop by The Upstairs Studio at Star Music.....peace...
The sound of Harmonics on the Drums just amazing!
He seems such a modest good-hearted person.
who is watching this three year old lesson to honor John Backwell?
Senor Gamer yes sir!
Boom
2019
Me. I love watching different drummers get down but this brother is one of my faves. He is gone now In this physical form but he lives on through these videos.
2020
Taking drumming lessons to the next level! Thank you guys
I am so happy I'm not the only one who does the snare hi-hat switch thing...
Matt TheMotoGuy left handed I guess
One of the greatest drummers of all-time. R.I.P.
Great video, even as a guitar player, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to John play and communicate his love and passion for music. My total respect to this wonderful musician.
Blackwell John I thought I oughta say a word of thank you to you... I watched a Modern Drummer Festival DVD featuring you some years ago, and honestly after watching this video I feel like you have reached an entirely new height all over again. I mean, you kept your signature style, but it's much more refined now. You have always been an incredible influence to my playing and I'm glad to have borrowed that DVD from my drum teacher back then. (Nah I didn't rip it, in case you're interested.) :)
GREAT!!!!! AMAZING DRUMMER!!!
Saludos desde Argentina!!!
I just learned a great way to ride along on the snare during the groove. Very subtle and fills it in beautifully. Thanks alot
Very gifted drummer . great personality , real pro with his own style . One of the greats
RIP John. Great drummer, and looks/sounds like a real sweet guy as well. F cancer. Keep on drummin in the next level, John!
Still learning from you mr. blackwell! You can haunt my drums anytime! ❤
Very inspiring, thank you. A humble guy with a wealth of knowledge. Fantastic grooves, I will be buying his instructional and groove masters DVDs. Thanks again Drumeo.
The first time I saw John was in the Hikaru Utada's MTV Unplugged DVD. I was wondered why he put the china at the back over his head. And when I saw he 'uppercut' the cymbal during his solo I was speechless. It's super cool!!
One day I'll try this on the kit. One day!!
I've been playing for 30 years and this guy is super good, one of a kind.
Why a steel snare, I don't know as I use wooden ones and would like to ask him?
This guy does what no one can!
I like how he analogizes the composition of a drum solo to the way the theme of a book and its repetition contributes to its structure
Wow! Talk about 'in the pocket'...he plays with such a great laid-back feel. Awesome lesson Drumeo!
Jeremiah's Sleepy Night! Love that tune!
One of my favourites! I grew up watching his DVD. I love it!
A great technicien with musical inspiration. Great work
Cool to hear that Burke high school shout out, that school is good friends with my school, Laura Secord, in St. Catharines, Ontario, which is quite the distance!
Love this guy. Got both hudson videos. AMAZING. Im speaking for all drummers out here....we love u john....
Amazing and excellent example of real musicianship and true groove discipline. We will really miss Johns genius.
Donnie P
No cross sticking for this guy. Kudos! Very tasty and a guy who listens before striking.
One of the best drum solos ive seen in Drumeo. 7:20
Beautiful, melodic kind of drumming even when he just plays a strict groove. Excellent.
Rest in peace Master!
Just love listening to JB and watching him play, amazingly gifted drummer
This is the most creative badass drummer I've ever had the pleasure to hang with John Blackwell you are so funky my brother!!!
Courtland: Your so good on the drums you should be doing these videos.
this man rocks. his playing is fantastic. natural talent and groove. i remember reading about his tragic story involving his daughter on modern drummer. glad to see him playing again.
A beautiful cat and exemplary musician. We were roommates on the road when he started with cameo back in 1991/92. I’ll always cherish our time together.
One of the best Drumeo drumming vibes awesome playing, zen drumming session
Just an awesome lecture on discipline!! Thanks Mr Blackwell!!! You are truly an awesome drummer. This not only helped me but I'm sending this to shook the drummers I know. Groove on!!!
one of my favorite drummers, thanks John, you're a great and excellent drummer!
John Blackwell !!! You are my new hero!!!!!!! Nice playing......😃
From New Caledonia, love John Blackwell. I got all of his videos. Amazing and excellent drummer!! (Jaden)
Seriously so inspiring to watch such an amazing drummer! So humble
What a master. Seriously chilled out and modest aswel
One of the best drummers to have ever lived!!!!
John was my mentor. He was certainly the best. Rest in Peace my friend
Wow, this is my first time hearing of this person and I’m so happy I found this gem
I learned pretty fast to not always go crazy on a drum solo. It's incredibly hard to not go crazy when we're really young because have a lot of energy. The pocket is really important
I think a great way of learning how to improvise, from my personal experience and Jared and John kind of alluded to it, is reiteration. Taking a pattern or a fill and playing it repeatedly until you get comfortable with it, then attempt to voice the pattern or fill in different ways. Split it up among the toms, keep it on the snare, embellish with cymbals, etc. Interpretation and reiteration can be great tools to have in the journey to diversify one's playing.