The application of jazz methods to Brazilian drum kit improvisatory techniques in choro, samba and bossa nova

Abstract

There are a number of excellent books currently available that address Brazilian drum kit playing, but across all these books, there is a general lack of ideas for further development and advanced applications, particularly improvisation. Meanwhile, there are many excellent texts that deal with improvisation and the development of improvising skills, but they are largely within the realms of jazz drumming. As a drummer with a long interest in jazz and Brazilian styles, I came to a point where an in-depth look at the methodology for practicing improvisation within the framework of Brazilian music was a clear next step. It is something I felt the need for as a performer and as an educator. The first section of this thesis provides: a background to the characteristic sounds of choro, samba and bossa; background information on the development of Brazilian drum kit playing; a look at Brazilian phrasing concepts; and a discussion of rhythmic frameworks in these styles. The second section addresses practice and performance methodology based within the framework laid out by the earlier chapters. A significant part of this is the outlining of a graduated process for the development of three- and four{u00AD}way co-ordination. It also includes analysis of rhythmic tension-and-release devices and discussion of some of the subtler aspects of Brazilian drum kit performance. The final part addresses the development of solo ideas, primarily through motivic development. The ideas presented throughout are focused on the concepts of fluent and responsive drumming.