Customer Reviews

The Drummer's Complete Vocabulary As Taught by Alan Dawson

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4 star:		(2)
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I don't know why this book is unavailable at this time, I bought it a few years ago and found it to be a big help. Alan Dawson was the drum teacher of Tony Williams and he was big on drummers knowing their craft and playing musically. The book starts off with 86 rudiments and how to play them. You should already know how to read music before attempting this book. Its best for people who have been playing awhile as it does not cover how to hold the sticks, music notation and other basic topics. The presentation is more like an outline for improving technique and how to better your independence. After the rudiments, the author show the "rudimental ritual" which is a method for practicing all 86 rudiments equally. The next section covers how to use Ted Reed's Syncopation as a tool for improving indepenence and reading ability. He presents many ways to interpert the material in Ted's book and show how to play it musically. Next comes a section on using George Stone's Stick Control and finally some thoughts on improving your single stroke roll. The book finishes with some solo material demonstrating everything covered in the book. I use the book as a refresher on technique and for improving my independence. Like I said its not for beginners but if you know how to read music and want to improve in the areas the book covers then its a good buy. Its a good reference on rudiments but to me the best part is the section on using Ted Reed's book.

This book was recommended to me by my jazz drumming teacher. It contains a way of using Ted Reed's Syncopation book that is very interesting.

It is an inspiring book, which really comprises a total concept for teaching and learning drums. Every drummer should have this book, I think. It is probably the one and only really essential drum exercise book I've seen. And yes, that is even including G L Stone's books.

I studied with two drummers who studied with Alan Dawson (who taught, among other giants, Tony Williams). Not surprisingly, they taught me what Alan taught them. But not until now (as far as I'm aware) has any of Alan's students documented and published his methods. Now it is here, under a single cover.

Between the covers of this book is a huge amount of challenging exercises that will broaden your musical vocabulary.

It's not a long book. But the methods and exercises in it will keep you busy for months, and even years. It contains the very stuff (secrets?) that has made many good drummers great drummers. At the risk of sounding melodramatic, it is the holy grail of drumming.

Be prepared to purchase two books to go with it, if you don't already own them: George Lawrence Stone's "Stick Control", and Ted Reed's "Syncopation". You will need these two books to complete most of the exercises in this book. (Maybe Amazon will bundle them one of these days.)

This book is essential to every serious drummer and all aspiring drummer's. This book teaches the necessary fundamentals of drumming for beginners and is a fine tuning tool or even a wakeup call for advanced drummers. It's a definite must buy.

I have been drumming over 20 years and this book has taught me many great things and has catapulted my skills to a new level.

Mitchell

This is a book for drummers already experienced,that know about the author.You will find a world of knowledge that you can use NOW,if you dedicate yourself to the hardwork required.But don't be afraid.The book will open your mind to new possibilities,and all of them are very musical.So ,if making music on the drumset is your business, go ahead.I loved it,only two weeks using it in my daily routine made a real difference.

I know Prof. Ramsey personally (after all, he was my drum teacher at Umass). In my lessons with John, his focus was on independence of limbs (using Ted Reed's Syncopation) and with greater technical facility (George Stone's Stick Control and the rudiments' section of his book).

This book won't teach you cool fills or new rhythms, but without the valuable technique knowledge in this book, you won't be able to learn new complex rhythms. A firm foundation produce good skill. Get this book to sharpen your technique! Highly recommended!

I studied with john Ramsay for 2 years and with Alan Dawson for one year
This book has everything I learned from those graght teachers
I recommend the book to every drummer who wants to take his playing
To a much higher level'

Great book to have to review Alan's amazing, comprehensive teaching method. Excellent for those who didn't study with him but want an overview of his areas of work. Enjoyed the photos and biographical information immensely. Only downside is it reminds us of how he left us way too early.

this is a great book from a highly advanced player/teacher. after using it for only a few weeks i can see that it is extremely challenging and not for beginners. what i like about this book is the way it incorporates stick control/syncopation, endless possibilities, there are enough exercises here for a lifetime.