While Hudson Music is mostly known for its video and DVD productions, our list of educational books grows longer each year.

In 2008, we released six books, each with great educational content as well as play-along tracks to test out and hone your new skills.

Tommy Igoe – Groove Essentials 2.0

Although the official release for the Groove Essentials 2.0 DVD and book is not until January 2009, this followup to the outrageously popular Groove Essentials series started hitting drum shops in November 2008.

The second edition of the best-selling original Groove Essentials features a book and CD package with 53 brand new grooves and over 100 variations for intermediate to advanced players.

This Play-Along book and CD contain over 90 tracks, including every song from the DVD in their full-length versions, minus the drums; allowing drummers to expand their skills by playing any of the grooves with a band and recording themselves on audio or video (optional) to help facilitate the learning process.

Click here to get some free grooves from GE 2.0!

 

Indian Rhythms Book

Pete Lockett – Indian Rhythms for Drumset: Applying rhythmic concepts from Indian is the hottest thing going in drumset education. Master drummers such as Steve Smith and Benny Greb rely heavily on the use of these concepts to free and improve their phrasing on the drumset.

In Pete’s book, he dispells the mystery by simplifying the complexity of Southern India’s classic Carnatic rhythmic system. Indian Rhythms for Drumset is the first book of its kind to apply authentic Indian rhythms to the modern drumset.

The book then covers the South-Indian rhythmic approach in particular detail, featuring topics such as phrase development, groove concepts, syncopation, rhythmic modulations, solo concepts and intricate stickings that can be applied to jazz, rock, funk and many other contemporary musical styles. Also features 3 play-along tracks.

Click here to learn more, watch a video and check out some sample pages!

 

Double Pedal Metal Book

Steve Kilgallon: Double Pedal Metal

This book, the first in our new Turn it Up, Lay it Down series, features 14 super-heavy tracks in the styles of drum Gods such as Jason Bittner, Chris Adler, Vinnie Paul, Lars Ulrich, Mike Wengren and Dave Lombardo plus an all-new book and free online downloads.

Expanding on the success of the Turn It Up & Lay It Down series of play-along CDs created by Spencer Strand, the Double Pedal Metal book by Steve Kilgallon contains charts along with easy, intermediate and advanced groove suggestions, fill variations, and tons of hints and tips.

So if you are into double bass, metal and generally rocking out to some great music – be sure to check out this play along book!

Click here to learn more, watch a video and check out some sample pages!

 

Official Freehand Book

Johnny Rabb: The Official Freehand Technique

Johnny’s playing exemplifies a cross between groove and electronica, seamlessly melding flawless technique, musicality and an ear to produce contemporary sounds from his kit.

The Official Freehand Technique is a unique method book showcasing the art of playing rhythms and patterns with a single hand. Many drummers have used similar techniques throughout the years, however Johnny Rabb’s method is by far the most comprehensive, practical and easy to use. Developed by Rabb through years of extensive research, teaching and performing, the innovative technique gives players the freedom to expand their snare drum and drum set proficiency and creativity along with their independence and coordination.

Click here to learn more and check out some sample pages!

 

Evolution of Blast Beats Book

Derek Roddy: The Evolution of Blast Beats

Derek Roddy is known throughout the Death Metal community for his phenomenal, physical, inventive and inspiring drumming. The Evolution of Blast Beats offers an in-depth look at today’s extreme metal drumming styles and was written by Derek, considered to be one of the emerging genre’s leading practitioners.

The book covers extreme styles such as speed metal, grindcore and death metal but is also designed to improve speed, coordination, endurance and independence as well as balance and breathing that are crucial for all styles of playing.

Click here to learn more, watch a video and check out some sample pages!

 

Messin Wid da Bull Book

Jeff Salem: Messin Wid da Bull

What do you get when you mess with the bull? You get the horns! In our 2nd “Turn it Up, Lay it Down” title, Jeff Salem provides an incredibly complete educational look at how to approach grooves, fills, drum part construction, setting up horn figures, and various other musical twists and turns in 13 extremely funky charts.

The included CD, featuring songs that pay homage to the great horn bands of the ’70s, like Tower of Power; Blood Sweat and Tears; Chicago; Earth Wind & Fire; Average White Band; and others. The book presents detailed concepts and explanations that will not only get you playin gthe particular songs in a very funky manner, but will improve your approach to this genre overall.

Click here to learn more and download a free chart from the book!