Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
Flea Finds His Jazz Thing
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Alfred has published two books, Eighth-Note Rock and Beyond and The Weaker Side, to help drummers develop their chops.
Eight Note Rock and Beyond is an exercise book for beginning drummers with popular rock beats broken down into clear and easy variations of eighth- and 16th-notes. The 145 exercises, compiled by drummers Glenn Ceglia and Dom Famularo, guide players with comprehensive notation that specifies the counts for each measure and an MP3 CD of demonstration and play-along tracks. The book encourages use of the Moeller and free stroke techniques.
The Weaker Side addresses the common problem of proportionally unequal abilities between a drummer’s dominant and weaker muscle sets in drumming technique. The exercises are designed to develop the under-used muscles to cultivate a more balanced ability for controlled movement and a fluid and consistent sound. Organized for gradual strengthening through daily practice, the exercises can be used for both hands and feet.
More info: alfred.com
“Cerebral and academic thought is a different way to approach music,” Flea says of his continuing dive into jazz. “I’ve always relied on emotion and intuition and physicality.”
Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
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