Lesson on "Respect" by Aretha Franklin

Overview:

Today, we're diving into "Respect" by the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. This wonderful classic soul tune features the incredibly talented drummer, Gene Crisman. My interpretation, alongside the Rock School interpretation, stays as close to the original as possible with some tweaks to make it viable for the grade.

Listening

• Key Recommendation: Always listen to the original track to get a feel for it.
• Focus On:
  • The other instrumentation.
  • How the drums interact with the bass lines, this track is rhythmically tight.

Playing Technique

• The bass drums are steady, primarily eighth note based.
• Self-Explanatory Parts: The piece is quite straightforward in terms of what needs to be played, but watch for key changes as they are crucial for smoothly transitioning between sections.

Important Considerations

• Hi-Hat Dynamics:
  • Avoid a monotonous, undynamic hi-hat. I'll be using a technique that allows for a nice flow of notes, balancing between downbeats and unaccented offbeats.
  • General Hi-Hat Feel:
    • Count: 1, 2, 3, 4.
    • This feel works better for this tempo and tune compared to a more monotonous approach.

Intro Groove

• Rim Shot:
  • You'll see me using a rim shot, this isn't essential and may not have been used on the original record, but it's something I'd like to incorporate for performance purposes.
• General Feel:
  • The feel between hi-hat, bass drum, and snare might sound like this.

B Section

• Important Fill:
  • The B section has a very short fill.
  • Fill Count: 1, 2, 3, get actum.
  • You can improvise around this fill; it has a classic soul vibe.

Verse Section

• 16th Notes on Hi-Hat:
  • Pay attention to how you play these notes; I prefer to play double-handed as it feels easier.
  • Fill at the End:
    • Fill Count: 1, 2, 3, get that G.

C Section

• Right Cymbal Bell:
  • There's a strong emphasis on the right cymbal bell.
  • Technique: Keep the stick close to the bell and minimize movement during downbeats, transitioning to the body of the cymbal for upbeat eighth notes.

D Section

• Development of Grooves:
  • You can add extra syncopation, open hi-hats, and very short fills.
  • Creative Freedom: Feel free to experiment while keeping it cohesive with the tune.

E Section

• Stops Between Instruments:
  • You'll encounter clear stops between floor tom, snare, and offbeat hi-hats.
  • Transition Mindset: Ensure smooth transitions from previously improvised sections.

FG Section

• Final Fill and Choke:
  • Be aware of the final hits and the short fill.
  • Choke Technique: Prepare to choke the cymbal at the end.

Conclusion

As you practice, remain aware of the overall sound and the interaction with the backing track, ensuring everything fits together. This is a relaxed tune, but it requires energy and dynamics.

Enjoy playing Aretha Franklin's "Respect," featuring drummer Gene Christman. I hope to see you all soon!