Joe Crabtree's Blog

How should you set up your kit?

admin — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:40:16 +0000

I get asked a lot about where’s the best place to put your drums and your cymbals. I think the assumption is that I feel comfortable behind my kit – which is actually rarely the case. Over the configuration of … Continue reading →

Jeff Porcaro fill from Toto’s “How Many Times” (4:05)

admin — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:58:29 +0000

Here’s a Jeff Porcaro fill transcribed by request… Jeff Porcaro Fill Half tempo version If you enjoy this content please spread the word, subscribe, check out my MasterClass lessons and software, Like my Facebook page, etc.

How do we feel time?

admin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:03:03 +0000

Check out this video and see if you fare any better than I did… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg8a0J6Wiks I find it extremely difficult to stay in time if I’m not moving any part of my body or singing/counting out loud. Once time is relegated … Continue reading →

Jost Nickel Montreal Solo – transcription of cool reggae bits…

admin — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:08:09 +0000

In the last week two different people have turned me on to Jost Nickel. Here’s a transcription of some cool bits he plays in this solo They happen at 1:50 – 2:20, and 3:25 – 3:50 Jost Nickel 1,50 – … Continue reading →

Vinnie Colaiuta lick in Chaka Khan soundcheck clip

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:09:20 +0000

Ok, I can’t post the video to this, but if you’ve seen the video of Vinnie messing around in a Chaka Khan soundcheck this is one of the licks he plays (at the 2:28 mark). It sounds a bit like … Continue reading →

Lessons from the road…

admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:07:14 +0000

I’ve been recording every gig on this tour and listening to the recording on the journey to the next gig. I always find that when I’m disciplined enough to do this regularly I learn a lot about how I can … Continue reading →

Snare Sound

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:34:39 +0000

snare sound The above is a recording from my iPhone of how the top head of my snare drum is tuned. It’s a 6.5 x 14 Ian Paice signature model. I’ve been recording gigs on the tour and I was … Continue reading →

Thoughts on Foot Technique

admin — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 01:47:16 +0000

One thing about touring is it gives me the opportunity to try out different techniques night after night and see how they affect the sound, accuracy, and ease of playing. So far on this tour I’ve been focussing mainly on … Continue reading →

I’m now a columnist in DrumHead magazine!

admin — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:00:21 +0000

So I just received the new issue of DrumHead magazine which features the new regular column ‘Joe Knows’. This month it’s a 4 page article on quintuplet rolls Vinnie style! DrumHead has been my favourite drum magazine since I first saw … Continue reading →

The best metronome in the world! UPDATE – Now Available

admin — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 01:08:32 +0000

Ok, so I’m a little biased as this is my baby. A few years ago, after taking some lessons in New York, I was inspired to create some software. I originally figured it would be for the iPhone but I … Continue reading →