Trio Corrente - Assanhado (Edu Ribeiro Drum Transcription)

I came across Brazilian Jazz group Trio Corrente in 2016, and marveled at how flexible & inventive each of the members are in their approach to collective time-keeping. Their studio recordings & live performances are a masterclass in playing adventurous ideas, yet keeping it relaxed and musical.

After digging into Edu's playing on this recording, several challenges became apparent to me: keeping a relaxed stream of lead hand 8th notes at such an unforgiving tempo. Moreover, the syncopated subdivisions by which the 7/4 meter is kept, particularly in the Head. At times it seems fitting to count 3-4-4-3, 4-4-3-3, 3-2-3-3-3, and even 3-2-3-4-2 (the lesson in this is clear, practice sticking patterns!)

The comping behind the piano & bass solos employ more of a broken time-feel, which on one hand makes it easier to play physically, so long that you maintain an internal clock.

To me, Edu plays in a way that is reminiscent of several Jazz pioneers. Philly Joe, in his rudimental and precise approach to the snare drum, all while using a whole variety of textures. Tony, in the sections where he nearly plays out of time with double stops, only for the listener to realize, it still lands perfectly on 1 at the end of the phrase. And finally, Max, for how he presents ideas in such an organized manner, phrasing-wise. The latter seems to invite the listener as if to say "go on, take this phrase and make it your own".

I hope you enjoy digging into this entire transcription of 17 pages. Take it slow and have fun :)