300 BPM

300 BPM. It's the tempo that separates the men from the boys. For drummers, it's the breaking point where playing eighth notes isn't just a matter of bouncing the stick, but utilizing your arms, wrists and fingers to make it all happen. I first learned to play at this tempo by listening (and eventually playing) to John Coltrane's, "Giant Steps". Released in 1960, this classic album features several uptempo tracks that are performed masterfully by drummer, Art Taylor. Two cuts in particu...