Brushes in Context (PDF)

Many confident drummers — as strong as they may be in other areas of drumming — identify their brush playing as a specific weakness. Maybe they’ve studied some brush patterns, and maybe they even have a strong vision in their head of what the brushes can sound like when played by some of the great brush players. In spite of that, when they go to play brushes with other musicians on the bandstand, they feel boxed in and uncreative. Suddenly the patterns that they’ve studied don’t bring them the kind of interactive, swinging timekeeping that they had hoped. They’re lacking a sort of comping vocabulary that is specific to the brushes that will open up their hands and minds to new ideas that are fluid and flexible enough to adapt and react in the moment. 

This book aims to make the student feel comfortable and confident while comping and interacting with the brushes. These methods have made a world of difference to me, and it is my hope that these phrases and ideas will spark countless other ideas in addition to the vocabulary that they offer directly. The book develops the students own unique voice with the brushes by studying comping phrases that are malleable and can be easily manipulated in different contexts, different timekeeping patterns, solo phrases and technique builders, chart interpretation, dealing with fast tempos, odd meters, and transcription and analysis. Most of all, it is all done in a clear, concise way with no confusing notation or graphics. It is my belief that the phrases presented in this book are clear, unique, challenging, creative, and sure to inspire countless hours of inspiration in those who practice it — myself included!

Jacob Wutzke, Author

"The art of brush playing is somewhat mysterious, hidden behind toms and cymbals, with no right or wrong way to approach it. Many drummers say, "I kind of just do my thing," and perhaps to a certain degree, this is why it is so mysterious. But where to even start? I think you should start right here!

Clear, concise, comprehensive and thoughtful. Jacob has successfully broken down all aspects of brush playing: every style, tempo, and feel; it is fantastic. This is a tool and resource from which drummers of all ages and levels will benefit."

Jim Doxas, Reknowned Canadian Drummer & Educator