- We Want the Funk! 1946 - Jump Blues, Boogie Woogie
- We Want the Funk! 1948 - Backbeat Shuffle
- We Want the Funk! 1954 - Chicago Blues
- We Want the Funk! 1955 - Bo Diddley Beat
- We Want the Funk! 1956 - 12/8 Feel
- We Want the Funk! 1956 - New Orleans R&B Groove
- We Want the Funk! 1956 - Prima Shuffle
- We Want the Funk! 1957 - Back Shuffle (Stumble Shuffle)
- We Want the Funk! 1957 - Straight 8th Note Rock
- We Want the Funk! 1959 - Faux Latin
- We Want the Funk! 1961 - Double Time Gospel Groove
- We Want the Funk! 1962 - Quarter Note Shuffle
- We Want the Funk! 1965 - Motown Groove
- We Want the Funk! 1967 - Syncopated 8th Note Funk
- We Want the Funk! 1967 - Syncopated 8th Note Funk #2
- We Want the Funk! 1970 - Syncopated 8th Note Funk #3
- We Want the Funk! 1972 - One Hand 16th Note Groove
- We Want the Funk! 1972 - Philadelphia Soul
- We Want the Funk! 1974 - 8th Note Funk Groove
- We Want the Funk! 1975 - Funky March Groove
- We Want the Funk! 1975 - Linear 16th Funk
- We Want the Funk! 1978 - 8th Note Funk
- We Want the Funk! 1978 - Go-Go Groove
We Want the Funk! 1965 - Motown Groove
Presented by Zoro, this series of video lessons features some of the grooves that charted the course of history -- starting in the 1940s when shuffles ruled the airwaves, through the dawning of drum-machine inspired hip-hop beats in the late 1970s.
Zoro explains each groove in the series, why the beat made an impact as well as some insights into the feel. In all, Zoro breaks down 23 of the drum grooves that charted R&B/Funk/Hip-Hop history.
INSTALLMENT #13:
MOTOWN GROOVE FROM 1965:
"I Can't Help Myself" by the Four Tops
Drums: Richard "Pistol" Allen
ZORO'S VIC FIRTH PRODUCTS OF CHOICE:
About “The Commandments of R&B Drumming” Series
Available from Alfred Music Publishing, “The Commandments of R&B Drumming” series is a historical and in-depth study of R&B drumming, from the early years of rhythm and blues of the 1940s to soul to funk to hip-hop. Here are the products in this highly acclaimed series
Loaded with history, photos, graphics, exercises and transcriptions, “The Commandments of Early Rhythm & Blues Drumming” brings to live a little-known, but highly influential, period of drumming history that paved the way for all the modern styles heard on the airwaves today – and includes the most comprehensive guide to shuffle playing ever written! Winner of the 2009 Book of the Year in Drum! magazine’s reader’s poll.
The original book in the series, The Commandments of R&B Drumming” is an in-depth, historical study of early soul, funk and rock ‘n roll – from the late 1950s through the beginnings of hip-hop in the 1990s. With 160 pages, Zoro covers every imaginable angle, nook and cranny of R&B drumming. Voted the #1 educational drum book in the world by Modern Drummer Magazine’s reader’s poll.
Featuring 14 of the funkiest tunes in such styles as gospel, blues, soul, funk, go-go, new jack swing, and hip-hop, this play-along package chronologically documents the evolution of R&B drumming from the 1950s through the late ’90s. Included are songs made popular by R&B legends such as James Brown, The Meters, Aretha Franklin, and Janet Jackson. The CD tracks are performed by an all-star R&B band featuring Al McKay, the legendary guitarist of Earth, Wind & Fire. The book also provides historical insight, tips for approaching the music, groove examples, rare photos, and album cover artwork.
Zoro
Zoro is an internationally known rock star and the consummate definition of the rare man who marches to the beat of a different drum. One of the world’s most renowned and respected drummers, he has toured and recorded with Lenny Kravitz, Bobby Brown, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, The New Edition, Jody Watley, Sean Lennon, Philip Bailey, Lisa Marie Presley, among many others.
Zoro’s worldwide appeal is evident from his numerous awards and accolades. He is consistently voted “#1 R&B Drummer & Educator” in Modern Drummer, Drum! and Rhythm Magazines. The author of several books, his current work-in-progress is destined to provide inspiration to readers of all ages for the fulfillment of dreams. The “Minister of Groove” has been the subject of dozens of print, radio and television stories for more than two decades.
He has been described as tenacious, dedicated, and passionate – qualities that stand out to anyone who crosses his path. Not your stereotypical rock star, Zoro is a positive role model whose example of hard work and clean living has served as an inspiration to generations.
