Tiger Bill Reviews

Creative Coordination and Advanced Foot Technique

Book/CD

By Thomas Lang

Whether you're a fan of Thomas Lang's drumming style or not, you can't say the guy doesn't have chops and he seems to have as easy a time playing with his feet as he does with his hands. Since, back in 1978, I published the first book (DoubleDrum: A Double Bass Drum Text ) that contained exercises that approached the development of the feet in a way that was similar to the hands, I was extremely interested in Lang's approach.

Let's check it out.

Part I: The Method

The first part of this book is divided into three main sections.

Section 1: Kicktrix - contains double bass patterns designed to development your feet equally enabling you to play patterns starting with either foot with the concentration on developing the ability to play with equal dynamic levels with either foot.

Section 2: Coordination, Independence & Interdependence - introduces us to Lang's Creative Independence Matrix, which is his formula for overcoming problems with coordination and independence. His Matirx makes it possible to practice literally endless combinations of sticking permutations and 4-way coordination variations in order to build the necessary coordination in your hands and feet. It also contains drills that can help you build the Multi-Pedal Orchestrations that Lang has become famous for.

Section 3: Modern Playing Concepts - provides some examples of contemporary coordination patterns and blast beats.

Part II: The Music

This part of the book contains a series of seven songs written by Lang. Each song provides a musical platform that allows you to apply each of the exercises you learned in Part One. The book contains a drum chart for each tune while the included audio CD contains two versions of each, with and without Lang's original drum track.

Thomas Lang Creative Coordination & Advanced Foot Technique:
The Bottom Line

Because certain of today's musical styles are much more double bass intensive than ever before, many drummers are having problems keeping up with their feet. Thomas Lang's book and CD combination, designed to be used either with or without the Hudson Music DVD of the same name, contains challenging 4-way coordination drills that will definitely help drummers improve coordination problems between their hands and feet while at the same time helping them develop their feet to be closer to the playing level of their hands.

I recommend it for intermediate and advanced drummers alike, regardless of musical style. But only those who are serious about shedding need apply!

While a good value at its suggested retail price of $24.95, this Hudson Music product is also available at a discount from:

Review Update: This book/CD is now available as a package along with the DVD of the same title. It retails for $59.95 but can be purchased at a huge discount here:

Until next time, stay loose.