Beat Roots first official review

“BEAT ROOTS” by Steve Powell

Steve Powell’s new offering, “Beat Roots” holds a unique place in an environment which is awash with new books.

Described as “a collection of well-known and rare R&B/soul, funk and rock drum beats from the late 1960s to the early 1980s – rediscovered through sampling …” it presents a wealth of interesting material from its own unique perspective – that of recognising and celebrating the drummers who created incredible grooves which have been sampled & re-used in many situations.

I had a great time researching the original sources, then the versions using samples, then playing through them myself. All examples are transcribed clearly & accurately and have references to notable later sampled versions.

The book covers grooves by legendary drummers such as Idris Muhammad, Paul Humphrey and Clyde Stubblefield, lesser known but equally great players, and several by “drummer unknown” – killer players whose identities can’t be traced.

I wholeheartedly recommend this great, unique book to all drummers – players, teachers and students. It is a well-researched and presented book which is at once challenging, fascinating and inspiring.

Get out there and grab a copy – run, don’t walk! Andrew Dickeson

Professional drummer/bandleader/educator
Drum lecturer – Sydney Conservatorium of music, University of Sydney Drum lecturer- University of New South Wales www.andrewdickeson.com

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