Archive for December, 2009
I just realized I've posted 116 different loops on this site but not a single one has been a shuffle. What the hell is wrong with me? Some of my favorite songs are shuffles. Pride And Joy, Sweet Home Chicago, Moanin'.... I could go on and on. From jazz, to blues to rock, the shuffle is one of the few grooves that can find a home in almost any genre (except for Viking metal or perhaps Psychobilly).
Loop #117
Today's loop is a straight ahead jazz/blues shuffle ala Art Blakey. With a "fo...
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Q. What do these four things have in common?
[caption id="attachment_5008" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Shawn Johnson"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_5011" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Slipknot"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_5012" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="The Butter Cow"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_5028" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Bill Stewart"][/caption]
A. No, they are not all awesome (well, three out of four are). ...
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I had intended to spend most of today locked in my studio, laying down all kinds of new loops, guzzling a few gallons of coffee and writing my usual "top-notch" commentary... but that didn't happen. Boston's first blizzard of the year had other plans for me. Like shoveling snow all afternoon. Awesome.
Loop #116
I did manage to crank out one quick session before the day was over. While I was breaking my back, digging out my driveway, I was listening to Radiohead's classic album, "Th...
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Chaircrusher! He was the first reader to correctly identify the meter of my last loop as 27/16. Since he cheated by using Sound Forge and some complex mathematics, I'm withholding 2 of the 3 prizes; the cooler full of yellow snow and the meet and greet with Dream Theater. However, he will still receive a three month subscription to the coveted "member's only" area of ryangruss.com
Thanks to everyone who played along at home. It sure was an intense and geeky contest. And for those who are...
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Since my last odd meter loop stirred up so much interest around the internets, I figured I'd step it up and get all kinds of crazy with another, more complex groove. And rather than tell you what meter it's in, I decided to turn it into a contest of sorts. Here's the deal. The first person to respond in the comments section with the correct time signature will be the lucky winner of:
- A meet and greet with Dream Theater the next time they play in your city (A quick game of D&D is also inc...
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Just when you think he had already pushed the limits of auxiliary woodwind instruments to the max, Bob Reynolds is back to blow your mind with some odd meter jazz flute. Recorded on top of the 15/8 loop I released last week, Bob proves that Ron Burgundy and the girl from band camp aren't the only ones who can get down with an edge-blown aerophone.
[audio:15-8flutejazz.mp3]
...
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Those of you who have ever toured or played your share of local gigs will probably be able to relate with the topic of today's post - the soundcheck. A horribly mundane, necessary evil of live performing, it's one of the least glamorous and exciting parts of being a musician. Between the piercing feedback in the monitors, the jaded soundguy who is still pissed about getting dropped from Metal Blade back in '89, and the stale stench of beer and puke wafting throughout an empty venue, it's an ho...
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Loop #113
Dipster. A groove with origins stemming from deep inside the PBR-soaked clubs of Williamsburg. On the surface, it may sound like a rather straight ahead dance/rock beat, but it is actually a sonic melting pot of culture; Ironic mustaches, American Apparel, trust funds, Vice, David Fridmann. They all, in one way or another, contribute to the dipster DNA. So, what are you waiting for? Download this loop, load it up in Logic, set up some mics in your bathroom, and record a song t...
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This morning, while eating a delicious bowl of oatmeal and listening to Billy Cobham's classic album, "Spectrum", I realized that I haven't posted an odd meter loop in quite awhile. The whole intent of this blog is to record and write about as many musical genres as my baby soft hands can handle. I can't just cater to the pop songwriters and dance producers... I also need to show the fusion crowd a little love as well. As the final few measures of "Red Baron" faded out, I pounded my third cup...
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Painfully funky, this 1976 performance from the Montreux Jazz Festival featuring Billy Cobham, a young John Scofield, George Duke and Alphonso Johnson is one of the best recordings of "Red Baron" that I've seen or heard. Look for a Billy-inspired loop to be posted later today. ...
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