Bill Bruford’s Earthworks - Triplicity

The route to the bathroom in these clubs is often right in front of the stage; sometimes across the stage (”). The drum outing that precedes the full band entry is informed by the main melody. The listener doesn’t know that yet, but it’s running in my head and gives me lots to play. A simple but effective exercise for drummers is to play any kind of ostinato with your feet – typically one and three with bass drum and two and four with hi-hat, and sing any song you like on top. Then play the song, while singing it, on one drum. Only play the rhythm of the song – long notes can be rolls. The thing to notice here is how much music is happening, even if it’s only the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’. Remember, if you can’t sing it or clap it, you can’t play it on the drum kit.