Rob Silverman: Drumology

Master drum clinician Rob Silverman, known for his explorative drumming and absorbing instructional videos, teamed up with an impressive line-up of top-flight jazz and fusion drummers to collide the study of drumming with the presentation of original songs penned by Silverman and his brother Michael Silverman. The result, Drumology, is a blend of science, rhythm and melody. For the project, Silverman invited an array of drumming superstars that included Dave Weckl, Simon Phillips, Gregg Bissonette, and Steve Smith.

Whether in unison, sparring with each other, or solo, the drumming is powerful and prominent throughout. Equally abundant, and at times overwhelming, are the keyboard skills of brother Michael. Perhaps the term "less is more" could apply here. Nonetheless, Drumology is an energetic effort which engages in a variety of styles and percussive dialogues. While the core is coming from behind the kit(s), Silverman also enlisted a crew of melodic and rhythmic jazz stars to the party.

At the top of the list, at least in terms of what he brought to this record, is saxophonist Eric Marienthal. His melodic sensitivities and beautiful lines in tunes like "Brave New World," "Ten Times Ten" and "Spark" give the record depth and musicality. He connects with Simon Phillips on "Brave New World," a tune which has the flavor of the latter's Protocol sound. Creative violinist Jerry Goodman brings integrity to the complex "Ten Times Ten" featuring Gregg Bissonette. While Bissonette's rock fills are a bit over the top, Marienthal and Goodman manage to color in between the lines of fusion. "Waverunners" is a tune that nicely syncs and merges the skill sets of Silverman with Dave Weckl.

Bassist John Patitucci, guitarist Buzz Feiten, and keyboardist Jay Oliver are among several other guest artists brought in on this maximum effort outing. Oliver was a conceptual partner of Drumology and recruited Steve Smith to take part. Not surprisingly, Smith brought his South Indian vocalizations to the mix. Smith and Silverman come together on "Konnakol" with unique Indian rhythmic phrases, in a piece which adroitly stretches the boundaries.

Lifetime friend, drummer Casey Adams, jams with Silverman on the hot and furious "Inferno," and the late John Blackwell duets with Silverman on the precision grooved "Drum Duet in C Minor." These two offerings well signify the variance in scope presented throughout this record.

While no new compositional ground is broken here, it is still a significant work from Rob Silverman, as he opens doors for improvisational play and drum study from and with some of today's finest drummers.