Most of the NSMD writers are accomplished drummers. Featured this month is Mat Marucci who has written a number of educational articles for us. I told Mat that I was very envious that he got to play with the Jimmy Smith Trio. Teaching a drummer to ‘swing’ is sometimes better taught by example than with spoken or written words. Swing is a feeling that can be learned by osmosis: by listening to a master drummer demonstrate it. Pay attention to Mat’s effortless ability to swing hard with one of the greatest jazz organists, Jimmy Smith.
And below, Mat soloing on “Star Eyes” with Doug Webb in 2009. Listen how he plays over the song’s form, implying it and conveying to the band as they come back in at the top of the song’s changes.