NEWSLETTER
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021
Welcome to my bi-monthly review of new gear, books, new and classic albums,
YouTube videos, rudiments and much more
WHY SHOULD I LEARN DRUM RUDIMENTS?
By Brian Bestall published 2019
Discover the beauty of drum rudiments and the numerous combinations that can be applied to the drum kit.
Available now from Amazon in Book or Kindle version
Buy Now!
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1091533091
Book Reviews
DRMRGRL 5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on 3 February 2020
Verified Purchase
In addition to including all forty rudiments, Bestall provides examples of HOW to apply rudiments to the Drumset. A complete and uncomplicated table of contents lets readers know what to expect. Excellent layout. Fairly new and current book. I am so glad that I have this in my library-this is exactly the type of rudiment book that I have been looking for.
Hello Brian,
I have to congratulate you on writing and producing such a clear book. From start to finish there’s no doubt about the nature of the exercises without the reader having to resort to lots of wordy explanations-the exercises themselves do the talking. Moreover, a beginner who’s learned 16th notes could start using the book, as well as intermediate and advanced students who want to brush up on their rudiments, practicing them around the drums. In effect, the book could be for drummers at any level. You have a definite talent for organising and presenting material in a clear and coherent way, so I’m sure you must be a terrific teacher. I wish you the best of luck in selling the book, and I look forward to your next offering.
Joel Rothman
American Joel Rothmans
is the renowned author of over 100 drum and percussion method
books.
5.0 out of 5 stars Makes rudiments fun for kit players!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on
16 April 2019
I bought this book from Brian
personally after a lesson (he’s a fantastic teacher by the way if
you’re in
the Sheffield area and can manage to grab
him).
I don’t always get the time to
practice as much as I’d want but have learnt that improving my
rudiments WILL improve my playing. However running down the Vic
Firth chart on my wall can be a bit tiresome. This book sheds a new
light by making them fun and applicable to the whole kit. Lots of
great ideas and plenty to build on. Each rudiment is given 2 pages,
the left hand one for pad or snare and the right hand one for the
whole kit. The exercises also contain other notes as well as the
rudiments so it’s great for brushing up your reading skills and
note values and avoid repetition of the same thing over and
over.Only scratched
the surface so far but looking forward to working through and would
recommend it as something different for all
drummers.
5.0 out of 5 stars If you play drums you will find this invaluable
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 July 2019
Verified Purchase
Nicely presented tutor with clear hand notation. Only a very minor issue is the binding of the book, which isn't the best, however I am using this on a day to day basis to improve my rudiments. Very glad that I bought a copy.
Rockem Music Store UK
Check out this new book . Great for teachers to use or for those students who want some inspiration. Written by local pro drummer and teacher Brian Bestall (was a teacher at Rockem years ago!). In a nutshell the book applies drum rudiments around the kit. There's some really nice ideas in this book. We are local stockiest of this fabulous book.
Rockem Music
8'' Billy Hyde Practice Pad
offers a
realistic feel, stick rebound, and stick response, allowing
drummers to develop their drumming skills and techniques, wherever
they are. The durable rubber design is both compact and
lightweight, making it extremely easy to carry around with you.
Shown here mounted on a cymbal stand.
New Album of the month
DOVES
The Universal Want
Doves announce their first new album in over a decade. “The Universal Want” will be released on September 20th. This follows the release of their new single entitled “Prisoners”.
My Classic Album Choice
The Unforgettable Fire
by U2
The
Unforgettable Fire was the fourth studio album by U2. First
released on 1 October 1984 by Island Records. Stand out tracks
Pride (in the name of love) and Indian Summer Sky
PHOTO GALLERY
Here is a selection of recently taken photographs of me working with some amazing musicians and more importantly thoroughly nice people
Recording the THE UNSUNG album
With my Chronology band mates
Adding some soothing strings to one of my compositions on THE UNSUNG album
Taking a break during recording the new Sarah Sharp album
Introducing Foz the engineer
Playing with Alan Barnes at Higham Hall
My studio kit
Last show at the Edinburgh Fringe with Genevieve Carver and the Unsung plus our top hatted road manager
My set up for a gig at the Roundhouse in London
Relaxing after laying down my drum part
At Big Dog Studios in Sheffield 2020
Edinburgh Fringe Festival2019
"I just love the creative process, the moment it all comes together, when the groove is just right. I saw Buddy Rich when I was 15, that changed everything. Before that it was the blues and it made me realise that I wanted to play all styles of music"
Brian Bestall