Chic drummer Ralph Rolle drum masterclass - Part 1: Disco Grooves

Ralph Rolle occupies one of the grooviest drum chairs on the planet. As well as his current job, holding down the foundation for disco/funk legends Nile Rogers & Chic, Ralph has also played for an impressive list of funk, soul, hip-hop artists and beyond, with a CV boasting Stevie Wonder, D’Angelo, Notorious B.I.G., Roger Daltrey, Bono and many, many more.
Armed with our cameras, we met Ralph at Yamaha’s UK HQ where he took the time to share some of his favourite funk and disco concepts, as well as important advice on how to approach your drumming goals.
Ralph Rolle's kit
Thanks to Yamaha, Zildjian and Remo for supplying the gear used in this masterclass.
Drums
Yamaha Tour Custom (maple shells)
Toms: 10” x 7” 12” x 8”, 16” x 15”
Bass drum: 22 x 16”
Snare Drum: Yamaha Tour Custom 14 x 6.5”
Cymbals
Zildjian: 13” K hi-hats, 10” A Custom Splash, 16” A Custom Fast Crash, 16” A Custom Medium Crash, 17” K Custom Hybrid Crash, 17” K China, 20” A Custom Ride
Heads
Remo Ambassador Coated, Powerstroke P3 Clear bass drum batter
Electronics
Roland SPD-SX
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[@paulhiggins2275]

I really like this guy's style... he plays open and his groove is something else.

[@OctaveAcadémiedesarts]

Thank you

[@charlesoutlaw1009]

What grove master. Thanks for the video Music Radar.

[@shoppingamericanarecording5808]

Soooo clean

[@paulogonzalez1632]

My god. You're really an octopus. YOUR PLAYING IS IMPRESSIVE.

[@martinlaptop5622]

Very talented man

[@Mick-Ozz]

insane! makes my head explode just thinking about it

[@regroberts325]

If you think he’s good just-listening to him , think what it is like to play in a band setting with him , I have had that privilege and it was unforgettable 🎹👍

[@regroberts325]

PS have a look at my profile pic !!

[@chrisa1125]

Incredible

[@pauldrumwell4922]

Monster

[@OmarJano]

I think “Chic is a great gig” is a huuuge understatement

[@lovebirdsmusic]

but the clap is terrible) that little machine he refers to is the claptrap and its AWESOME!
its unbelievable that a band like chic doesnt want to spend that extra money for a conga player. those congas from that era are such a significant part of the groove.

[@jacksdrums1]

regarding the Conga patterns , now we know why Chic no longer use a percussionist when Ralph is on the Drums

[@sgt.v7237]

Nickname octopus well-deserved 😁

[@oldschooldrumcorps]

Lancer 4 life!

[@chriswiltsie7855]

Which zildjian k hi hat is he using?

[@smethdog]

Rubbish. 😳😳. Jokes! That is some feel!