John Blackwell has an extensive history in music and drumming stemming from his father John Blackwell Sr. who was also a drummer. John watched his father and noted his incredible pocket, which he still talks about to this day. Through his father's inspiration, John attended Berklee College, and was called upon from Cameo to become the group's new drummer. Leaving Berklee to pursue the stars, John has been on an incredible career path ever since. Performing with Cameo, Justin Timberlake, Prince and several other artists, he has proven that he could make his way.
Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:40:17 -0400 by billy ashbaugh
Now here's a quick lesson that features my own personal notes for the song....enjoy!! ...
Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:58:05 -0400 by JeffOcheltree
Jeff Ocheltree visited DrummerConnection.com this May. Here's Part 4 of the Drum Room Interview Billy Ashbaugh and I conducted with Jeff. The entire enterview is approximately 2 1/2 hours and we're ...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/6687-jeff-ocheltree-drum-room-interview-part-4
Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:12:11 -0400 by billy ashbaugh
Here's the 2nd in our series of Set Up Tips. In this lesson we'll discuss: Adding the toms comfortably the set up Checking proper angles for the toms Seat height Finding the "Sweet Spot"...
https://drummerconnection.com/drumlessons/39077-billy-ashbaugh-set-tips-part-2
Sat, 24 Jan 2009 13:56:24 -0500 by billy ashbaugh
Here's Billy Ashbaugh and Eric 'drumfreak' Rosebrock giving a demonstration for the new drummers out there on changing your snare drum heads and tuning the drum. This lesson is fast paced, yet loade...
https://drummerconnection.com/drumlessons/4638-snare-drum-head-change-and-tuning-drum-lesson
Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:46:16 -0400 by - - D - -
This is what happens when there is a camera in my posession. This is just quick little video I put together for the guys here @ drummerconnection. ...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/34563-drummer-connection-day-office
Sun, 20 Jun 2010 13:14:17 -0400 by billy ashbaugh
We continue our journey with Blues Shuffle #1 by introducing the middle triplet on the kick drum. Remember to keep your hand pattern very steady and consistent as you work your way through the downl...
https://drummerconnection.com/drumlessons/47703-billy-ashbaugh-blues-shuffle-1-workout-part-3
Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:20:33 -0400 by billy ashbaugh
This is one from the Drum Room awhile back. Here's Billy having fun with a sound check....
https://drummerconnection.com/users/drumfreak/media/audio/5645-billy-dw-solo-test
Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:27:21 -0400 by billy ashbaugh
Now it's time to look at my own notes for this song. Don't forget to download your own Road Map to custimize your performance!! ...
Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:08:04 -0500 by drumfreak
Here's Billy Ashbaugh and drumfreak grooving out to some Apple Loops...
Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:04:33 -0500 by billy ashbaugh
Here's a close look at the 7 Stroke Roll. Example #1 - 5 Stroke Roll with accent Example #2 - 7 Stroke Roll Example #3 - 7 Stroke Roll with accent ...
https://drummerconnection.com/drumlessons/4746-7-stroke-roll
Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:07:56 -0400 by billy ashbaugh
Here's my performance with the track and my Road Map. Enjoy!! ...
Sun, 25 Jan 2009 21:59:51 -0500 by billy ashbaugh
Billy Ashbaugh demonstrates how to install and use the Evans Min-EMAD Tone Dampening sysytem. This wonderful device designed by Bob Gatzen is inexpensive and rivals using tape methods to dampen the ...
Sun, 02 May 2010 19:26:22 -0400 by billy ashbaugh
It's time to expand even more on your 8th note grooves! In today’s lesson we’re going to practice moving both the kick & snare around within the groove catching the “e” and “a” while s...
https://drummerconnection.com/drumlessons/46392-billy-ashbaugh-basic-16th-note-grooves-pt-3
Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:35:18 -0500 by billy ashbaugh
Here's an introduction to the Double Paradidde.Example #1 - with feet Example #2 - Paradiddle & Double Paradiddle  ...
https://drummerconnection.com/drumlessons/4006-double-paradiddle
Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:47:07 -0400 by billy ashbaugh
Here's the follow up to our Lesson on understanding Quarter Notes. Today we're going to look at subdividing and counting 8th notes....it's starting to get fun now!! ...
https://drummerconnection.com/drumlessons/5956-billy-ashbaugh-understanding-8th-notes
Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:36:33 -0400 by billy ashbaugh
Here's Jessie and I jamming a bit. I had to edit this out of over an hour of footage we played that day!! Thanks for the pleasure Jessie :) ...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/36202-jessie-billy-jam-session
Sat, 22 Aug 2009 11:43:06 -0400 by drumfreak
Here is the final video for "The Mission" - A real life recollection of my previous life as a C-130 Flight Engineer in the United States Air Force. The song was made here at DrummerConnectio...
Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:54:36 -0400 by billy ashbaugh
Here's the first look at our Road Map for the song "Emotions". Be sure and get your own Map by clicking on the download tab above!! ...
Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:41:20 -0400 by billy ashbaugh
Here's a quick Talk Through for the song "Loose Headlights". We're not listening to the song yet. For this lesson we're just getting familiar with all of the figures and symbols in the Roa...
Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:59:13 -0400 by billy ashbaugh
This lesson is going to take a quick look at the Triple Paradiddle. Hope you enjoy!! ...
https://drummerconnection.com/drumlessons/35838-billy-ashbaugh-triple-paradiddle
Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:32:43 -0400 by billy ashbaugh
Today we're going to take a quick look at the 11 Stroke Roll. Enjoy!! ...
https://drummerconnection.com/drumlessons/35657-billy-ashbaugh11-stroke-roll
Sat, 24 Jul 2010 18:32:22 -0400 by billy ashbaugh
It’s time to continue our journey into the Funk Shuffle Groove. Today we’re going to expand our rhythms on the kick by introducing the “e” and the “a”. Don’t forget to download the PDF f...
https://drummerconnection.com/drumlessons/48482-billy-ashbaugh-funk-shuffle-variation-workout-2
Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:00:21 -0500 by billy ashbaugh
In today's lesson we're going to take a close look at the Cascara Groove. I'll break each limb down individually first, and then we'll put them all together...enjoy! ...
https://drummerconnection.com/drumlessons/41077-billy-ashbaugh-basic-cascara-groove
Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:38:01 -0400 by billy ashbaugh
This is a video of my performance from our very first Drummer Connection Drum Clinic!! More performances to come :) ...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/7420-drummer-connection-clinic-seminole-music-sound
Fri, 01 May 2009 15:21:48 -0400 by JeffOcheltree
Jeff Ocheltree visited DrummerConnection.com this May. Here's Part 7 of the Drum Room Interview Billy Ashbaugh and I conducted with Jeff. The entire enterview is approximately 2 1/2 hours and we're ...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/6715-jeff-ocheltree-drum-room-interview-part-7
Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:19:06 -0500 by billy ashbaugh
Here's Damian sharing his knowledge on grip. ...
Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:42:31 -0500 by billy ashbaugh
Since it's conception the BB King's Blues Club has been providing guests with a premium and unique dining experience by combining great food, drink, and extraordinary musical entertainment. WIth onl...
https://drummerconnection.com/interview/39624-phil-johnson-interview-part-1
Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:40:26 -0500 by ThatDrummerKid
Hey, we figured it would be nice for all of you to get to know the staff of Drummer Connection, so we started with the Development Team. These guys are the programmers/developer's of the website. Don'...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/4317-meet-staff-development-team
Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:40:43 -0400 by - - D - -
Continued interview....Chad answers question from the fans. ...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/youtube/33985-chad-sexton-interview-part-2
Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:55:40 -0500 by billy ashbaugh
Drummers are now in a better place than we've ever been. Living in a new age of evolving computer technology musicians can have access to a wide variety of instruments, sounds, and recording options...
https://drummerconnection.com/interview/38602-casey-grillo-interview-part-1
Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:04:06 -0500 by drumfreak
Rockin out with Cash. I'm on the drums, he's got the keyboard. The kick is heavy in this, but it feels just right to me. ...
https://drummerconnection.com/users/drumfreak/media/audio/5101-drumfreak-2009-02-18-rock-it
Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:45:33 -0500 by drumfreak
This was the start of our JAM on 03-05-2009...
https://drummerconnection.com/users/drumfreak/media/audio/5361-cash-090305-begin
Wed, 06 Oct 2010 15:39:19 -0400 by billy ashbaugh
The music industry is made up of various players including individuals, companies, unions, not-for-profit organizations, rights collectives, and other associated bodies. Occasionally professional mus...
https://drummerconnection.com/interview/39436-paul-quin-interview-part-1
Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:59:28 -0400 by drumfreak
On June 31st, 2009, we invited Blue Man Group Drummer and Percussionist to visit DrummerConnection.com and jam with us as well as interview him. Here's some clips for your enjoyment! Thanks Kevin fo...
Thu, 06 May 2010 11:55:05 -0400 by drumfreak
Here's a teaser for the JoJo Mayer Drum clinic Interview at Seminole Music & Sound! ...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/46544-jojo-mayer-interview-drummer-connection-teaser
Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:59:28 -0400 by drumfreak
On June 31st, 2009, we invited Blue Man Group Drummer and Percussionist to visit DrummerConnection.com and jam with us as well as interview him. Here's some clips for your enjoyment! Thanks Kevin fo...
Fri, 01 May 2009 16:45:09 -0400 by JeffOcheltree
Jeff Ocheltree visited DrummerConnection.com this May. Here's the 10th and final part of the Drum Room Interview Billy Ashbaugh and I conducted with Jeff. The entire enterview is approximately 2 1/2...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/6727-jeff-ocheltree-drum-room-interview-part-10
Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:50:00 -0500 by King
Trick artist Mike Semerau spends a moment with us at the NAMM Show to tell us why Trick is the company of coice for all his drumming needs. Mike also give us a preview as to what he's going to be up...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/4989-namm-2009-trick-drums-w-mike-semerau
Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:58:05 -0400 by JeffOcheltree
Jeff Ocheltree visited DrummerConnection.com this May. Here's Part 4 of the Drum Room Interview Billy Ashbaugh and I conducted with Jeff. The entire enterview is approximately 2 1/2 hours and we're ...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/6687-jeff-ocheltree-drum-room-interview-part-4
Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:44:13 -0400 by drumfreak
Here's Part 1 of Drummer Connection's interview of a local Drummer: Danilo Maia. Danilo came on site today and hung out in the Drum Room with me. We talked about some interesting Drumming Tips and a...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/5811-danilo-maia-drummer-interview
Fri, 01 May 2009 16:32:48 -0400 by JeffOcheltree
Jeff Ocheltree visited DrummerConnection.com this May. Here's Part 9 of the Drum Room Interview Billy Ashbaugh and I conducted with Jeff. The entire enterview is approximately 2 1/2 hours and we're ...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/6726-jeff-ocheltree-drum-room-interview-part-9
Fri, 01 May 2009 15:21:48 -0400 by JeffOcheltree
Jeff Ocheltree visited DrummerConnection.com this May. Here's Part 7 of the Drum Room Interview Billy Ashbaugh and I conducted with Jeff. The entire enterview is approximately 2 1/2 hours and we're ...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/6715-jeff-ocheltree-drum-room-interview-part-7
Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:55:10 -0400 by JeffOcheltree
Jeff Ocheltree visited DrummerConnection.com this May. Here's Part 3 of the Drum Room Interview Billy Ashbaugh and I conducted with Jeff. The entire enterview is approximately 2 1/2 hours and we're ...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/6686-jeff-ocheltree-drum-room-interview-part-3
Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:56:34 -0400 by King
There are so many great drummers playing today, it's hard to narrow it down to even just a few of the best. Modern Drummer once mentioned that MAYBE half a dozen of the Earth's inhabitants possess t...
Fri, 01 May 2009 16:18:17 -0400 by JeffOcheltree
Jeff Ocheltree visited DrummerConnection.com this May. Here's Part 8 of the Drum Room Interview Billy Ashbaugh and I conducted with Jeff. The entire enterview is approximately 2 1/2 hours and we're ...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/6725-jeff-ocheltree-drum-room-interview-part-8
Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:55:40 -0500 by billy ashbaugh
Drummers are now in a better place than we've ever been. Living in a new age of evolving computer technology musicians can have access to a wide variety of instruments, sounds, and recording options...
https://drummerconnection.com/interview/38602-casey-grillo-interview-part-1
Fri, 01 May 2009 15:14:27 -0400 by JeffOcheltree
Jeff Ocheltree visited DrummerConnection.com this May. Here's Part 6 of the Drum Room Interview Billy Ashbaugh and I conducted with Jeff. The entire enterview is approximately 2 1/2 hours and we're ...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/6714-jeff-ocheltree-drum-room-interview-part-6
Tue, 11 May 2010 18:37:11 -0400 by drumfreak
On May 5th, 2010, Damian King and Eric Rosebrock from DrummerConnection.com sit down with famed drummer JoJo Mayer for an interview at Seminole Music & Sound. JoJo Mayer: ...
https://drummerconnection.com/interview/46644-jojo-mayer-interview-05052010
Sat, 25 Apr 2009 18:55:17 -0400 by JeffOcheltree
Jeff Ocheltree visited DrummerConnection.com this May. Here's Part 1 of the Drum Room Interview Billy Ashbaugh and I conducted with Jeff. The entire enterview is approximately 2 1/2 hours and we're ...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/6622-jeff-ocheltree-drum-room-interview-part-1
Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:45:28 -0400 by JeffOcheltree
Jeff Ocheltree visited DrummerConnection.com this May. Here's Part 2 of the Drum Room Interview Billy Ashbaugh and I conducted with Jeff. The entire enterview is approximately 2 1/2 hours and we're ...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/6685-jeff-ocheltree-drum-room-interview-part-2
Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:16:54 -0400 by King
Replacing a former member of an established band is never easy. Aside from having the noteworthy talent required it takes diligence, patience, and thick skin needed to weather the storm and harsh cr...
Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:55:32 -0400 by JeffOcheltree
Jeff Ocheltree visited DrummerConnection.com this May. Here's Part 5 of the Drum Room Interview Billy Ashbaugh and I conducted with Jeff. The entire enterview is approximately 2 1/2 hours and we're ...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/6689-jeff-ocheltree-drum-room-interview-part-5
Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:13:52 -0500 by King
While attending the Buddy Rich Memorial we were fortunate enough to record some backstage footage of John Blackwell's rehearsal. However, with respect to the Dru...
https://drummerconnection.com/news/2008/12/03/3852-sneak-peek-john-blackwell-buddy-rich-memorial
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:32:11 -0500 by King
Celebrate leap year and have your drumming leap to the next level with a private lesson from John Blackwell. Friday Feb. 29th at Seminole Music & Sound. Call or email for available ...
https://drummerconnection.com/news/2008/02/27/1268-john-blackwell-lessons-friday-feb29th
Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:49:37 -0500 by ThatDrummerKid
John Blackwell (Prince, Justin Timberlake, Cameo, P. Diddy, Patty LaBell) will perform a Free Drum Clinic on Tuesday, Dec. 16 @ 7pm. John will perform songs, solos and answer questio...
https://drummerconnection.com/events/3835-john-blackwell-clinic-seminole-music-sound-seminolefl
Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:12:07 -0400 by drumfreak
From Paul Quin - John Blackwell's Manager: "Dear all: as most of you know I have spent the best part of the last year trying to be all things to the John Blackwell Project: law...
https://drummerconnection.com/news/2010/03/24/45783-john-balckwell-project-cd-release
Wed, 21 May 2008 15:07:18 -0400 by King
Seminole Music and Sound will host a drum clinic by John Blackwell 6/5/08 at 7pm. John is also taking appointments for private lessons the following...
https://drummerconnection.com/news/2008/05/21/2107-john-blackwell-clinic-6508-seminolefl
Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:45:00 -0500 by King
Zildjian Product Manager Ron Allman gives a brief presentation about the 4 new stick models available this year at the 2009 Winter NAMM Show. -Travis Barker - Ronnie Vannucci - John B...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/4738-namm-2009-new-zildjian-stick-models
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:32:59 -0500 by ThatDrummerKid
Filmed in front of a live audience, John demonstrates the musical skills that have made him the drummer of choice for artists such as Prince, Patti LaBelle, and Justin Timberlake. John pe...
https://drummerconnection.com/news/2008/11/14/3694-new-dvd-john-blackwell-master-series
Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:06:00 -0400 by King
This exercise alternates between single and double strokes on the feet. This feels similar to the Marcus Williams pattern which is a staple of John Blackwell's warm up routine. ...
https://drummerconnection.com/drumlessons/2336-the-1-2-pattern
Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:05:09 -0500 by King
The other day I had the pleasure of visiting a local shop called Seminole Music and Sound. Having been in business for over 25 years , the store has made it's home in a shopping plaza near...
https://drummerconnection.com/news/2007/11/29/804-seminole-music-and-sound
Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:13:36 -0400 by King
John Blackwell will be offering private lessons at Seminole Music and Sound all day Saturday August 22nd. Please call the store for times and availability so you don't miss the opportunity to ...
Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:02:00 -0400 by King
I case you missed him perform at the recent Dom Famularo clinic, Seminole Music and Sound will have John Blackwell giving private lessons 5/9/08. Call...
Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:13:15 -0400 by ThatDrummerKid
During Zildjian On Tour, you'll have the chance to not only meet some of your favorite artists, but also check out some Sound Lab prototypes, take advantage...
https://drummerconnection.com/events/34695-zildjian-tour-seminole-music-sound-seminole-fl
Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:31:11 -0400 by - - D - -
Feauturing Matrix at Modern Drummer Festival 2002 with Tom Coster,Keys Baron Browne,Bass Bruce Bartlett,Guitar ...
https://drummerconnection.com/users/debrasil/media/youtube/37946-john-blackwell-govnor
Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:45:14 -0400 by King
As of 3/27/08 drumming sensation John Blackwell has made the switch and will now be endorsing Zildjian cymbals. John, having played with such talents as Prince ...
https://drummerconnection.com/news/2008/03/31/1519-john-blackwell-goes-zildjian
Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:21:37 -0500 by webadmin
"Being part of the Zildjian Company and being part of the Zildjian brand there are some things we can do with our sticks that I don’t think anyone else can do." Ron Allman ...
https://drummerconnection.com/news/2009/02/09/4908-new-zildjian-contests-09
Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:39:52 -0500 by King
Here is a preview of John Blackwell at the Buddy Rich Memorial Concert provided to us from Don Lombardi and the staff Drum Channel. You can watch the concert in its entirerty on the Drum Channel, De...
https://drummerconnection.com/featured/video/3851-sneak-peek-john-blackwell-buddy-rich-memorial
Wed, 09 Jun 2010 01:38:34 -0400 by Onsetdrummer
First song off of my bands EP....
https://drummerconnection.com/users/onsetdrummer/media/audio/47170-willow
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:07:09 -0400 by King
John Blackwell will be offering private lessons at Seminole Music and Sound all day Friday September 12th. Cost is $100 per Hour lesson. Please call the store for times and availability so y...
Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:09:44 -0400 by webadmin
On Oct. 19th the DC crew was on hand to witness yet another great performance by none other than John Blackwell himself. Just one day before leaving to Japan to start rehearsal for a pop tou...
Wed, 12 May 2010 22:29:08 -0400 by drumfreak
John Blackwell giving a lesson on Foot Technique from the Hudson Music DVD. ...
Sun, 27 Jun 2010 21:59:10 -0400 by thedrumninja
Here's a nice lick that I picked up off the John Blackwell DvD - Technique, Grooving and Showmanship. He calls it the Marcus Willams Pattern. In this video I am playing the hands in unison but you ...
https://drummerconnection.com/drumlessons/youtube/47981-john-blackwell-lick-drum-ninja
Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:48:53 -0400 by ThatDrummerKid
Hudson Music announces the latest addition to its Master Series of drum instruction DVDs — John Blackwell: Master Series. The three-hour long DVD is jam packed with patterns and drum parts played ...
https://drummerconnection.com/news/2008/09/16/3367-new-john-blackwell-dvd-hudson
Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:27:24 -0500 by King
We all have our influences and role models when it comes to our favorite instruments. To see such an artist perform is a memorable experience, to meet them gives you something to remember fo...
https://drummerconnection.com/news/2008/01/15/986-drum-rehab-with-john-blackwell
Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:24:19 -0400 by ThatDrummerKid
During Zildjian On Tour, you'll have the chance to not only meet some of your favorite artists, but also check out some Sound Lab prototypes, take advantage...
https://drummerconnection.com/events/34705-zildjian-tour-resurrection-drums-hollywood-fl
Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:45:37 -0500 by drumfreak
John Blackwell will be performing with a full band at Seminole Music & Sound in promotion of his new John Blackwell Project CD. Come out and see John play! ...
https://drummerconnection.com/events/45252-john-blackwell-full-band-performance-seminole-music-sound
Thanks again John and John (no particular order) and The Mighty Quin for giving us this opportunity. We love you guys!
Thanks again John for taking the time to share some thoughts with us. It was a pleasure getting to watch your clinic, great job man!! Also, thanks to Paul & John Spinelli for making this possible!
Every time John does a clinic it is always different. Yeah, he does his "signature licks" and plays his "nasty grooves" but he also takes you somewhere we haven't been before. John works hard on his craft to better himself and inspire the rest of us.
Super thanks to John Blackwell for hanging out until 11pm talking to everyone and signing autographs doing the interview and playing his butt off. And special thanks to Drummer Connection for sharing this with everyone who couldn't attend.
John
Thank You John Blackwell, John Spinelli and Paul Quin for making this interview possible. It has been a pleasure to follow John Blackwell and to be able to speak to him and watch him perform regularly. Seminole Music & Sound has pulled through once again and helped another star shine.
Thanks Everyone!
//drumfreak
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addam Says I wish I could see him
Submitted On: Tuesday, Jun 25, 2013 - 4:19 PM
I wish I could see him teaching music at our college. Some of my coleagues are fascinated by his work, I'm sure having him around would be such an amazing experience from both sides. Until we get that lucky I still have to rely on my faithful custom writing resource.