Hello Kenwood! I just want to say hello and wish you all the best! We met at X-mas 1993 in N.Y., our dear friend Patrick from Switzerland used to live in your appartment, and Anouschka and myself came visiting you guys. It was a great time and I am never going to forget it! Love from Michele & Anouschka (& Amina, our 4 year old daughter) PS. I am sorry, but my English is still on a beginner level...)

Hi everyone. Kenwood told me to let everyone know that his computer is down and that is why he hasnt been able to respond to the new postings here.

I like your phrases!

Kenwood, my favorite grooves are shake everything you've got and got to get you, witch one do you think would be best to do?.......andrew

Hi kenwood. If you get a chance could you please respond to my e-mail concerning my lesson for Dec. 12th. Thanks

Hello Kenwood! I took some lessons with you a few years ago while you were still living in New York. I recently found some notes that I took and noticed our lesson plan. Unfortunately, we didn't finish my 10 lesson program before your move to the Boston area. I did however notice that you mapped out some ideas we were going to eventually get to (but never did). One was paradiddles and the other was flam accents. I'm wondering if these notes that you wrote down referred to an application similar to the single stroke and double stroke exercises that I was practicing. Do I play paradiddles while counting to 100 like I did for the single stroke and double stroke exercises? Does the same idea apply to flam accents? I'm very interested to know how to play these exercises because the single and double stroke exercises have helped me immensely. As a matter of fact, other musicians I know comment on how my playing had improved in all areas since I studied with you!! Thanks for the inspiration! Neil PS What's "Harmonious Initiative? "

Kenwood. What's up man. Just Wanted to drop in and say hello.

Hey Kenwood, I've got a question for you regarding the fulcrum with matched grip. I know that with your "ready position" the stick is held between the first joint of the index finger and the thumb. But is this where the pivot point is? The idea (albeit an old one) of creating a fulcrum with your middle finger and thumb has been getting some press lately. (Due to Neil Peart's and Dave Weckl's adjustment to their grips as per their lessons with Freddie Gruber. When you do bounce strokes, do you let the stick pivot from a fulcrum that is between the thumb and index finger or betweent the thumb and middle finger?

Valerie Walker! You are my sister! Hey guys my sister, Valerie is every bit as philosophical as I am. We came up under some awesome parents... :-) The gog was cool, and of course I missed you, Val, but everything's cool and I promise I will have many many more. :-)

Hi Greatly enjoyed our time this evening bro. Have missed sharing good vibes with you. Will try to make the concert on Friday Peace and much love - Keep sharing with the young

Hi Kenwood. Did you recieve my e-mail about the lesson for halloween? Just wondering what you wanted to do about it. thanks kenwood. take it easy. Andrew Jones

John Milham, congratulations... You kicked ass on your 123's in the lesson. :-) Just Advance. Please, please, give your all .Yeaaaay! You won't be dissappointed in the long run...

Go to http://www.thehungersite.com/ to feed the hungry at no cost to you. It’s a UN web site. Corporate sponsors pay for the food. I don’t know if this is some kind of hoax, but it can’t hurt. I received an email asking me to pass this info on.

I knew Pat Martino cut you loose on Stone Blue. I could hear it. You sound free, unleashed. The music benefited from that freedom. In my opinion, a great band leader knows his boundaries and he/she guides musicians, rather than dictates to them. Listen, I’m trying to not dominate your board here. I know you have a lot of other people that want to post. So, I’m trying to limit myself. I just never had this kind of opportunity before – where I hear some drumming that I really love, and bang, I can talk the drummer about it. I want to let you know that I am going to pick up the 2 CD’s you recommended. I’ve sampled them some over at Tower on the web. They sound great, especially the bass and drum grove on Just Advance. I hope you don’t mind if I come back with some more questions and comments. And, BTW, call me Jerry. Jerry Troiana sound so clinical.

HEy Kenwood, great website!!! see you at lesson WED. BEEN PRACTICING MY 123123123123123123123123'S

Jerry Troiana, Pat Martino prepared lead sheets for the band which did not consist of drum parts. The drum parts were up to me. He voiced his opinion rather strongly if he objected to what I came up with , but with Pat I had to come up with the entire conception myself- even down to whether to play a fusion style -a funkier style a bebop style- and whether to play straight eighth notes or swing etc.What a blessing from the universe! Pat Martino's gift to the world is more profound than many of us appreciate... I love him. He was my first bandleader when I graduated from Berklee! But don't get me wrong... I enjoyed playing with groups like Manhattan Transfer, too. At first I felt stiffled and frustrated by the lack of creative freedom, but then I began to appreciate the discipline and sheer musical quality of our work together. It was a challange to play the same fills same beats same tempos every night. A drumming career is a wondeerful thing which ever way you cut the cake? may your career be one predominant thing: ENJOYABLE! How? you may ask?...JUST ADVANCE! :-)

Hi Andrew, in my constructive respectful opinion, Cindy Blackman and Terry Lynne Carrington are two of the best drummers there are, period- regardless of gender. I know some other girls that are slammin',too Hmm I have a student now. Makoto Kamei... watch out for that name . I like Karen Teperberg and uhh Noisey Mama from Germany, Carola Gshrey and lots of others. I say u go girl! As a teacher, it seems that sometimes women excel faster in the area of utilizing the bounce for double stroke rolls .That is a very imiportant part of drumming.You should hear Heather Ferguson. like her playing ,too.Oh , and there's this girl from Israel who is into jazz plus fusion plus heavy metal.Shir Konas is her name. I notice that the mere mention of female drummers like SHEILA E... (how come you guys didn't mention Sheila Escovedo... man she galvanized me with Herbie Hancock, and she played her butt off with Prince, too! slammin' ...she's one of my top three favorites! The mere mention of female drummers caused a quick response from you guys. Christina Kanders is a talented educator and drummer/percussionist/bandleader. I was in her exciting percussion ensemble entitled Sambanditos. Gotta go guys, I am rehearsing with fellow faculty member here at Berklee John Thomas.Who's that girl on the west coast Heather Jones? Has anyone heeard her? She has quite a big reputation. :-)

Kenwood, who is your favorite female drummer?

I just checked out Terry Lynn Carrington over at Tower Records on the web. She’s fantastic! I must admit, I was surprised, pleasantly surprised. Women and drumming just didn’t seem to mix for me. But I was pretty amazed.

Terry Lynn Carrington, surely!! The first time that I have listened to her was in John Patitucci record... she was so GREAT!! Bye!

I think that my favorite female drummer would have to be Terry Lynn Carrington. I love the way that she uses her superior technical ability to construct only the most musical phrases on the drum set. I love her playing on Herbie Hancocks new CD and i was blown away by her performance at the Drummers awards show in Boston were she played a beutiful tribute to Roy Haynes. She is one of my favorites. What do you thnk?

Kenwood, hearing about Pat Martino was very inspiring. There’s nothing like the human spirit. We all need to take a lesson from a guy like Pat Martino because belly aching is an epidemic now-a-days. If Pat Martino was a belly acher, he’d still be in a hospital gown somewhere, and he wouldn’t be producing such great music for us all to enjoy! I want to ask you Kenwood, how much of your work on the CD was your own? Meaning, did Pat just leave the drum work up to you, or did he have specific directions that he gave you? How much freedom do you get? I did some studio work years ago and they wanted to reduce me to a paint by numbers role. Screw that! I’m the damn drummer, I’ll decide what drum bits go where!!!! P.S. I’d answer your question about female drummers, but I honestly don’t know of any.

Hey groovagitilizers: Who's your favorite female drummer? (Constructive respectful comments only, please).

Hey folk, another freak question from Italy: Why women have the legs? Bye Woody!! Take care!

Hi Sam... naturally sometimes I am attacked by feelings of uncertainty like most of us who are human beings... but I have made myself an iron clad promise which I refresh every day : to advance and do my best. Even when I experience doubt, I will never ever be defeated by it, because I will always do my best to try again and never give up."Sam, check out my inner directives on this site... especially "¡NEVER GIVE UP!"

Hi Jerry Troiana, looks like we're headed for a nice friendship! :-) I humbly accept your praise, and, yes, the drummer was having a great time on "Stone Blue" .You would be too if your very first bandleader on record, Pat Martino was playing so great after literally a 10 year recovery period from a brain operation...I mean he didn't even recognize his own mother after his operation, let alone his guitar!!!! It was his devoted students who re-taught him his instrument. Wow! He's great! What a beautiful Just Advance of the human spirit. By the way, that is what I am most proud of: "Just Advance" the cd on "Big World" records from the artist Kenwood Dennard. Or check out "Life on Planet Groove" from Maceo Parker... PEACE...LOVE...AND ...JUST ADVANCE! :-) hee hee yoo dig!!!!

Also, Kenwood, in addition to my other response to your post, I didn’t out and out slam Weckl. If you notice, I also said that he had all of his chops down. The man is amazing in that regard. He’s an incredible precision drummer. His timing, speed and foot hand coordination is almost not human. His style doesn’t happen to suit my taste, that’s all. You play the way you live. You seem to love life, and that comes across loud and clear in your drumming. When I listen to Pat Martino, Stone Blue, for example, it’s obvious the drummer is having a good time.

Kenwood, heartfelt thanks for your reply. I was feeling low when i posted that question and your voice through the ether has helped me refocus. Got me wondering though...do you ever doubt yourself?

Kenwood, you’re right. I actually did flinch after I sent my message, but it was too late. I shouldn’t have mentioned Weckl (I honestly marvel at his technical ablity). So now I respect more than just your drumming. I respect your character. That’s hard to find these days. But you didn’t respond to my question: What work are you most proud of?

HEY GROOVOID METAFUNK ALL STARS: ESPECIALLY JERRY TROIANA: CHECK OUT THE ANECDOTES FROG STORY ON THIS SITE IF YOU GET A CHANCE... HHMMMM...

HI JOE. HI DAVE .HEY Dave, you are tired of singles and triplets? lol ok try quituplets! :-) Bye! PEACE

I will give a free triangle to whomever can answer Paolo'sbrain teaser question from Italy. Hey Matt Richards! thanks for your kind words . Coming from you I am most proud. It has been nice playing with you. You teach me a wonderful example of making each moment count. Remember all those clinics when you would travel such a long distance? Well now we have life- long memories and somehting wonderful to build on! :-) I have no plans to visit Italy,guys, but if any drum shop is interested in a clinic, contact boniesL2fk@aol.com... thank you! PEACE!

Jerry Troiana, I am really moved by your excited discovery of my drumming , but I am deeply saddened and horrified by your desrespectful comments directed at Dave Weckyl. While I advocate for free speech, I also spend my good time and money on this site to promote a constructive all out advance of the creative passionate essence of drumming. Not idle criticism of each other as artists. Take a moment and find, if you like, some of my interviews in Modern Drummer (listed on this site) I comment on our tendancy as musicians to "rag" on each other. I feel you mean well and your kind words warmed my heart, but an advance at the expense of others is the same old shit: just an advance... on the other hand, an advance incorporating mutual inspiration constructive motivation and self relflection? That is a "Just " Advance" don't you think so?

Sam Price, no you are not alone. Guess what ? There are extraterrestial groovagitilistic metalizers right here on the web site. 90% of them feel comfortable when they have a solid "footing" .As you described, sometimes it is easier to groove when your right foot is stable. Playing heel down stabilizes the foot by anchoring the heel to the ground! There are also ways to stabilize the heel up technique too. I recommend my " Staccato Ball Technique" almost all my students from Smitty Smith to Tony Thompson and Aaron Comess were exposed to it. Look for it in the upcoming "success stories" in the Just Phrases portion of my site. My take on all things kick-related is "In the vast Funkateerious delirious Metaverse of the funky kick drum, if you "¡PAY ATTENTION!" you can derive joy from diverstiy"

Congratulations on the positive vibrations contained herein. Drumming question: Having being taught to play 'heel-up' fairly early on, it's only within the past couple of years that I've re-evaluated to the point where I now exclusively play 'flat-footed.Although it's been hard getting control back playing heel down, it makes me groove better. Am i alone in this experience? Whats the masters take on all things kick related?

Kenwood, I sure hope you read this message. I bumped into your drumming about six months ago listening to Pat Martino, Stone Blue . I was blown away. I picked up another Pat Martino CD, solely because you were drumming on it. Then I bought Stanley Jordan, Stolen Moments for the same reason. You blow me away. I’ve never heard a drummer breath so much life into music before. Some drummers have all the chops but lack the zest, like Weckl, but you got it all. I’ve been stomping around the CD shops looking for more of your work. Do you have any suggestions? What work are you most proud of?

Hi everybody ON,IN and AROUND the planet! If a car turn on the lights at 60 mph, the light speed will be more, less or the same .... Throwing a stone from the windows of the same car,the relative speed will be at? Which the different between the light speed and the stone? Bye!!

Hi KD,it's been a long time but do you remember the strange gig you had in Padua with Jaco's "WORD OF MOUTH"? I'm the canadian born dood. Anyway, I wanted to know when you'll be coming around these parts again for maybe some clinics or concerts in the near future and if so,give me a call or give me an E-mail.Thanks alot and seeing you soon.......JOE

Hey man! I attended both the 99 5 week and the Percussion fest. I came in to your open class on monday. I was the cat who nailed the 6th gear right away, then had to leave. Anyway, I've been working the hell out of it, and I want to take it further. I'm running short on expansions for it. Could you give me a few ways to work it other than singles and triplets? Oh, I'm listening to some of that Jaco live stuff from New York that you guys did. Swingin stuff, man. I dig. One Love :o)> Dave

KENWOOD CONGRATULATIONS! WHAT A LIFE CONDITION! I FINISHED MY CD (FINALLY)AND ALL IS MOVING FORWARD GET IN TOUCH SOMETIME MATT

Hey ,everybody, I am in Seoul South Korea. Hi, Plycebo! We may have different cultures and religions on this Earth , but ALL of us can Advance, so let's do it! Just Advance! :-)

Andrew Jones,I had the wonderful experience of studying with Alan Dawson. He was a great great teacher, and he was very very full and in demand.Although I felt un worthy of studying with him, I gave it my best shot anyway, cause I knew I could learn if I put my whole heart into it... so I was among the first few to get online, and It worked. I didn't get him right away, but by the time I did get him I was more ready. :-) good luck JUst ADVANCE! :-)

John Bamber? wow you are coming in the fall? Congratulations...Can you refresh my memory who you are? I am determined to improve my ability to remember hundreds of names on sight, meanwhile, I need something to go on my friend.Were you the big fella who played his ass off?

Hey Kenwood-- IF you dont remember me I had you for chart reading during the '99 5 week program. Nice website, I'm glad there is always a way to learn and understand your creative drumming ways, whether it be with you in person or with a computer. Great job with everything, I'll see you this fall. ~John

Hi kenwood. Great site. I will be attending Berklee this fall as a freshman and was wondering how to get with you as a private instructor. For years I have been a huge fan from those deep funky grooves on life on planet groove all the way back to teen town or three veiws of a secret on the jaco trio albums. IT would mean alot to me to be able to sit down and study with one of my favorite drummers. Thanks kenwood!

Darrel, I have re-discovered jogging!!!!!!!!It is wonderful!!!! Check out runnersworld.com !!!!! Stretching is great. I also do pushups and targeted situps and leglifts. In my 40's I am preparing for my nineties despite a busy schedule. Go for it. I totally can relate to what you are saying about getting older!!!We're not getting colder or older, we're gettig "golder" (Silverer? is that a word?) lmao hahaha let's just advance with dignity! :-).

Hi to Daniel Kohler. :-)

Thanks, Mark DeLucia!

Paul Lombardi, I see you felt so nice you had to say it twice! Listen I am moved by your words! I didn't know you cared. :-) Yes regarding summer lessons. How about August 16th at 12 noon? How about in room G in the basement? cool? c u!

Paul Lombardi, I see you felt so nice you had to say it twice! Listen I am moved by your words! I didn't know you cared. :-) Yes regarding summer lessons. How about August 16th at 12 noon? How about in room G in the basement? cool? c u!

Joe Hadacek, I think, in a sense you are right! I truly admire Berklee on a lot of levels! :-)

Kenwood, I had the privlege to tour Berklee about a week or so ago with my family while we were on vacation. I was really amazed at how great of an institution it really is. I mean, the whole college is built upon the concept of "Just Advance", is it not? All I can say is I will be looking forward to auditions and hope that I can somehow snag you as my private instructor. See you in the Fall of 2000!

hey kenwood i gotta say that i love the jam sessions we have during my private lesson at school and i can't wait til sept. to start up again. It is truly a great honor and privilege to be associated with you. Choosing to go to Berklee is the best choice i ever made so far and you are the icing on the cake. You have inspired me to just advance at everything i do and i am so grateful for that. When i find myself struggling with something i just whisper to myself... just advance, just advance... and my concentration skyrockets enabling me to achieve my goals. Also i was wondering if you were available during the summer for lessons. If you could find the time i would love to study with you during summer break, if not that's ok. well cya later KEEP DRUMMIN

hey kenwood i gotta say that i love the jam sessions we have during my private lesson at school and i can't wait til sept. to start up again. It is truly a great honor and privilege to be associated with you. Choosing to go to Berklee is the best choice i ever made so far and you are the icing on the cake. You have inspired me to just advance at everything i do and i am so grateful for that. When i find myself struggling with something i just whisper to myself... just advance, just advance... and my concentration skyrockets enabling me to achieve my goals. Also i was wondering if you were available during the summer for lessons. If you could find the time i would love to study with you during summer break, if not that's ok. well cya later KEEP DRUMMIN

Hey Kenwood, this is Mark. I want to thank you for the lesson we had a couple of weeks ago I learned a lot, and it's kept me quite busy ever since. I have never been so motivated and influenced by one person, and I so greatful for the opportunity to study from someone with you experience. Thanks for everything Kenwood. See ya in august. Thanks, Mark D. Mokijam

Mr.Dennard, Because of your influence on my music skills and drumming skills I have been able to consistently keep myself busy in a variety of musical situations.I have been listening to your various recordings since 92'(My personal favorite is "TeenTown" from Live in NY Vol 1.) Being 23 years old ,I have thought about attending Berklee but that would mean that i could lose my contacts in my hometown (Arlington VA,WashingtonDC Area). With that in mind i was curious If you would be available for private lessons? See,I have a few friends in the Boston Area that I can stay with if we can get these lessons together. Before I go ,I just wanted to tell you how much your drumming has inspired me to always play with personality for the song.Wether it be Hard edged oddmeter fusion stuff ,to a straight ahead -jazz gig or just a phat groove so people can dance and get funky . That is ,in short words how your playing has affected me. For that THANKS!!!!! PEACE email phatgroove23@hotmail.com

i am really a not good englishspeaker and i also don't know very much of jazz music. but as i recived e cd from a friend, an i heard the solo in the song "hey now" my drummerhear pumpet higher (im playing the drum too)

Kenwood, When you add the video clips, perhaps MP3 files and maybe do a 'live' online lesson or seminar for pay. Just being able to dialog with you like this is worth a price. I do have a question. What do you do away from the drum kit to condition the body for playing? I find as I am getting up there in age the stamina isn't what it used to be. I probably need to exercise and stretch more as I did when younger.

Jeremy Gritter, as Jaco would say"Strap on in!!!!!! Let's advance together. Just give me three choices when you can come to Berklee College of Music 1140 Boylston street, Rm "G", on either a Friday ,Saturday, or Sunday. I'll pick one and we're OFF! :-)

Hello Mr Dennard Iam big fan of your skills as a drummer. I real loved you in your years with Jaco.I have heard so much about you and that Cat. Iam a guitarist and I would benefit from a lesson with yourself.So is that possible It would me a great deal to me and would inspire me to study even harder at Music.I would like you you help me with getting more in tuned with my music and my soul.I have been told that you have help many cats with this problem.that you email me with response at Jaco2@mindspring.com

Hey Kenwood. I totally agree that we as artists can make people feel REAl GOOD and peaceful through our musical expressions. In fact, this is one of the major reasons why I play music. When I was in 5th grade I played a snaredrum solo during a school band concert in front of an audience consisting of mostly parents and family members. This was the first public performace experience for me. The solo I played was a march-type thing, and I had practiced it for a month before the performance. I was amazed at how the audience received my performance. I had never expected the whole audience to applaud as loudly and profoundly as they did. I felt good during the performance, and after hearing the applause I could tell all those people felt good too. In relation to what we are discussing, I would call that a misson accomplished! My positive energy fed through the crowd. As far as I'm concerned, that's what public performing is all about! So I totally agree that as artists, we musicians can help people feel good and establish a peaceful being in their lives. This world is aching for a more peaceful being, and I am overjoyed knowing I can make a difference by doing something I love so much; playing music. Together as musicians we can all help society achieve a just advance. :-)

Jeff Muzerolle, I am going to add the Metarhythmic dictionary to the Philosophy section of the site because of your inspiration. :-) Watch for it!

Jeff Muzerolle, you made my eyes wet with your story about Jared. Nice! Especially seeing as how you seriously kicked ass during your last session with me.Despite your euphoria, you somehow made an advance of justice by caring about jared.Congratulations.I believe you created a "Metarhythm. Jared played well as if by magic.You had no control over his playing intellectually or physically or emotionally, but somehow mystically he advanced in the final analysis. I would love to have heard him.Let's continue to set the stage for these mysterious metarhythms to occur.These are rhythms which transcend themselves. A rhythm which is played is a rhythm: but a rhythm which is played and which is FUN is a metarhythm. More than just a rhythm! :-) I agree ,Jeff, the reason I play is exactly the same. It's fun and it feels good. Now I want the world to feel good, too: I mean REEEEAL GOOD-and peace- ful and happy. A deeper kind of happiness which includes tears! I figure if they hear me play, they can feel good like I do! n'estce pas? What do you think? Can we do that as artists? :-)

Kenwood, I just read the teaching story found on your website. I was extremely moved! It reminded me of a student I had while I was in High School. This was during the spring of my senior year and I had just received my letter of acceptance to Berklee. Needless to say, my mind was not entirely on the lessons I had scheduled. However, I had this one student, named Jared, who was in the eighth grade and had a learning disability. He had very little self-esteem and I feared that if I challenged him with difficult material he might lose interest in his lessons with me. The thing was, this kid kicked ass!! He had serious chops for his age, and although he was shy and didn't show it, I could tell he had a serious fire burning in him that was fueled by his love for playing the drums. On this particular day, he was playing a tune that he had to learn for the school jazz band he was playing in. He was totally killing it, except for when he had to solo. He could not grasp the concept of improvization, and I could totally understand, given that he was only 13 years old. He was especially upset because the band conductor and 2 other teachers had tried to explain to him how to improvize and he just couldn't get it. Now remember, prior to this lesson, my head was in the clouds filled with visions of how wonderful my future at Berklee would be. So there I was, watching him play this tune, not totally attentive to what he was doing, and suddenly, during his solo break, he stopped playing and started to cry his eyes out. Obviously, I was caught off-guard. I had never been in a situation like that before and I didn't really know how to handle it. I tried to tell Jared that he sounded wonderful and that his soloing is getting better, but he would not stop crying. After 5 minutes or so, Jared calmed down a bit and I told him to put down his sticks and grab a chair other than the drum throne. I could tell he felt uncomfortable and overwhelmed and by getting him away from the drums he seemed to relax a bit more. I then started to ask him why he liked to play the drums. After hesitating he started telling me how he thought it was a lot of fun and it made him feel good and forget about his problems. He continued to talk about this, and before I knew it, the hour was up! His mom was at the door, and he had to leave. I could tell he didn't want to though and I knew he'd be ok. The following week, I received a phone call from his jazz band conductor. The first things out of her mouth were 'What did you tell him? He played a solo this afternoon that was awesome! I've never heard him play like that before!' After that day, I knew Jared would be ok and that he had a wonderful future as a drummer. This was back in 1995 and I recently saw him at Berklee during the 5-week program. I got a chance to listen to him play and he sounded wonderful. That whole experience taught me that we all got into playing the drums because it is fun and it makes us feel good. It is so easy to forget that and in the past I've gotten to the point that I wanted to just quit. But all I really need to do is sit back and remember why I'm doing this. When we can remember why we do something, it makes all the blood, sweat and tears we put into our advancement worth it.

Darrel Dunning what should I add to my website to make it worth paying for? Thanks for your kind report about the Dennis Chambers clinic. Hey . I have an idea... ask me a drumming question or two. Let s get a dialogue going on this site.

Hey David Franz, I want the world to know that in my professional opinion as an associate professor, you totally kicked ass last semester. Thanks for your kind words

Kenwood - Thanks so much for the funky inspiration this past semester in FUNK LAB! I came into that class having just a touch of funk and came out of it with much more. You have helped me, not only in that lab, but in my private instruction, to become much more solid and focused on the drumset. You have a beautiful heart, a clever mind and a funky, funky soul. Thanks for everything so far!

Kenwood I love your work man you are truely an innovator. I was at a Dennis Chambers clinic last night (5/27)in Baltimore, Dennis gave much praise to you and expressed his dismay that you don't receive more credit and exposure. Needless to say everyone who was in attendence took note.

Just wanted to say thanks for a great lesson. I am filled with excitement towards the things we will explore during this summer semester. I am always inspired by your insightful ideas and practices on musicality. I am exhuberated at the fact that I can use these amazingly simple concepts in all aspects of my life and I offer them to others whom I know are trying to advance in they're own way. Thanks again K, see you next week bro.

Tom Roady! Did you know Zig is one of my two favorites ever? (with Elvin Jones) .Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and I have imitated Zig up the wazooo...Except his penchant for not returning your Zendrum.lol you de man, tom...By the way: here's a great linguistic aid for teaching the double drag rudiment:"GO TO BED ,GO TO BED TOM GO TO BED , GO TO BED TOM" ETC. HAHAHAHA LET'S ADVANCE! :-) PEACE! :-)

SAM Ayubi! Please forgive me ...I cannot remember who you are!!! I want to go to London, but there are no specific plans yet.Do you know Gilead Atzmon? He's a fantastic sax player. Ask him to finish putting together that gig to get me to London...lol ... well whatever happens ,let's advance what ever we are doing now!

K, I meant to ask you if you are playing in the UK this summer? any idea where? I'd like to come and check out a gig. cheers sam

Hey Kenwood!! Guess who played my Zendrum?? Zigaboo Modeliste!! And guess what? I still haven't gotten it back from Kim. 15 months since I gave it up! I hope you are doing great. Your Webbsite is Masterful! Look forward to seeig you sometime again soon. My Best, Tom Roady

sam Ayubi...really? that is amazing! Wonderful to hear!I am going to post a joke about being a musician. Look for it in the just phrases section soon.Thanks for the compliment.

Kenwood; Thanks for the philosophy injection, man, I'm a guitarist trying to learn percussion (inspired by Bill Summers), and your technique tips are applicable for no matter what dicipline. Thanks, oh most funky of instructors.. :)

YES Eric...u de man! two feet are better than one.Did you know I have two heads, too? -Matter of fact, I find I can learn faster and play mony things at once when I use my eye brain, ear brain mouth brain and my body brain.Maybe I could use my nose brain for drumming , but I dunnose how! Can you think of a way?

I just picked up Stone Blue by Pat Martino. Amazing! You do that whacky two-feet-on-a-single-pedal-trick of yours on the end of one of the funkier tunes, don't you? Your playing is fantastic all over this album. Pat's songs and arrangements are very unique and I don't think Delmar has ever sounded better. Eric

Kenwood, I like your take on life. I like that the JUST ADVANCE sign is for ALL of us. We need more of that ALL stuff these days.

Yo, Kenwood. 50 bucks sounds like a steal. I’ll send it right away. Have you ever played Roland V-Drums? What da ya think of em? Can you get tasty on em? I know the cymbals suck.

I misspelled your name- that's HADACEK...! OK BYE!

DEAR Joe Hadacheck, would recommend that you practice "ear training": just have some one play notes on the piano and you match the notes with your voice. See if you can tell if the chords someone plays are major or minor.On the drumset I recommend you get familiar with many stylistic considerations on the instrument.Perhaps you can prepare by taking yourself through Mel Bay's modern Drum Set by Frank Briggs...It also comes with a video. Maybe you can familiarize yourself with "Portraits in Rhythm" by Anthony Cirone published by Belwin Mills. see you in Boston! How should you prepare? just save your money and practice discipline.Listen to loads of music - get excited and devoted to music. Good Luck- just move forward in your music - don't worry... congratulations for your seeking spirit and attitude of "¡PREPARATION!"

I am planning on attending Berklee in the fall of 2000 (a few months after graduating from high school) and am wondering what you ladies and gentlemen up in Boston are looking for in your students. Aside from the basics, refined technique, solid time, sharp reading, open ears and plenty of soul, what are some specifics that you really look for in a drummer? Secondly, how should I prepare myself for the study of music at Berklee? I am taking lessons (drumkit, snare, with a bit of mallet, tympani and hand percussion) from a very talented, knowledgeable and enthusiastic college professor and ear training and theory from my high school choir director. I preform about 4-5 times a month with my high school jazz, concert and (in the fall) marching bands. Additionally, I am the first call drummer for any community work (musicals, concerts, recitals, combos). I have recently taken up interest (perhaps a bit of panic as well) in the piano. I hope to achieve a bit of proficiency in it by the time I Advance to Boston.

Sam Ayubi: Thank you for asking for a technique tip: Here's an Idea, what do you think?:HAVE A SEEKING SPIRIT! :-) ASK QUESTIONS!! If you ask specific questions you can improve your technique ...please ask yourself first -BE RELENTLESS Just keep advancing -you can crack the case! "¡Pay attention!" look at my inner directive ideas on this site... observe yourself when you play and ask "How can I advance!?" Then don't hesitate to reach out for help and support and put it to good use: together let's advance(lets consistently return to the basics and constantly seek self improvement)!common sense! Seeking spirit! yoooo dig!!!! :-) never give up.

Hey groovagitilizers: let's dialogue: does every body agree with Ramon Angel-ray? do we understnd Ramon's sincere sentiments?Is he right? Is writing drum music important? Is playing drum music important?

Jon Margolis- chec out my cd review on this site: I review a song" Wonderful" performed by Jonny Hartman! "ur beautiful"!

MICHAEl HERKLOTS- CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FINAL EXAM!...Torpedo? Yes I remember saying something about torpedos in class- can you recall the exact setting?

THANK YOU CAthy for your inspiring kind words.All my life I have admired visionary individuals. Many of my visions and dreams in music have come true.NOW I FEEL WE EACH NEED EACH OTHER : EVERY WOMAN MAN BOY AND GIRL .HOW CAN WE TURN VISION INTO REALITY? LET'S DO IT- LET'S ADVANCE

Oops - I forgot-My address is 12 Stoneholm street #605, Boston, Mass. 02115 thanks ,Jerry for the kind words-I will advance with all my might .Together let's advance! :-).

JERRY! PLEASE SEND $50 FOR ONE VOLUME OF JUST ADVANCE,THE EDUCATIONAL VIDEO-PLUS PERSONALIZED NOTE FROM ME.DO you have one question? Include it in with your check! Please allow 10 weeks for delivery.This video is a special case please bear with the slow timing of this.I am confident it will be worth your while! :-)

Hey KENWOOD! You didn't respond to my post. Where can I get your instructional CD's man!!! You're the most incredible drummer I've heard in a long time. Teach me!!!

Kenwood- Thanks for a semester of support and inspiration!! I'll be crunching polyrhythms in a whole new way now. Don't forget... "Relentless!!! Forge ahead joyfully, cheerfully. Man the sails and damn the torpedo!!" Beautiful man. See you in class.

Kenwood...you beautiful man

In one of our lessons you asked me to write about the importance of playing drum music and writing drum music, and this is what i think: The simplest definition of music talks about the organization ofmelody and rhythm. With just some drums a musician should be able to play some music (it self) and not just something that becomes part of some music (groove, colors...). The conception is diferent and every drummer or musician should experience it. The next step is writing drum music. This means that you write down your own musical thoughts, and drums become part of the writing musical tradition with the posibility of sharing the compositions with the whole world to enjoy them, study them and understand them.

I've been listening to you on Pat Marino "Stone Blue". OOOOHH MAAAN, what a drummer. I bought the CD cause I liked the drums so much. I've had it for about 4 months now and just realized that I haven't listened to anything else on the CD except the drumming. GOOD JOB!!!! But you discourage me, because I thought I was pretty good until I heard you. Have you made any instructional CD's with play along tracks like Dennis Chambers and Weckl?

Hey -- Kenwood, I just started listening out for ya since I saw you on the Jaco electric bass video, with schofield.... that was an awesome jam, man. Did you know Jaco was going to throw his bass at you, man? if not, it's no wonder yer such a good drummer, your reflexes are well up to scratch.... take it easy bro... --Sam hey, if you have a spare minute, send an email to stixbalfour@hotmail.com -- my friend is a big funk fan... just put some technique tips in there or something... excellent.. :) later, Kenwood.

> >Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was > allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the > fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other > man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on > end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, > their involvement in the military service, where they had been on > vacation. > > > > > >And every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, > he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he > could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for > those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by > all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a > park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children > sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of > every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a > fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man > by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other > side of the room would > >close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene. One warm afternoon the > man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man > couldn't hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the > gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Days and > weeks passed. > > > >One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to > find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully > in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take > the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he > could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, > and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, > painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at > the world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it for > himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. > It faced a blank wall. The man asked > >the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had > described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded > that the man was blind and could not even see > >the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you." > > > > > >Epilogue. . . .There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, > despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness > when shared, is doubled.

I'm so sad......^_^" I'm in Italy...again..... Boston it's like a dream so far! I've a lot of work to do here...in this caotic city. Walking in the life....we'll meet again.... The world's my home now. I've learn how move my life and my music troughout the terrestrial space! NOBODY CAN STOP ME NOW!!! AHAHAH TIME's the mean of my life(or better "one of the" few,I mean). Hope to ear from you about your groovalitistic life! See you in my dreams! BYE!

YES PAOLO-LET'S ADVANCE...I HEARD YOU WERE BACK IN ITALY SUDDENLY!WHERE ARE YOU?

WOW, We`re right back !! Hey Kenwood,I went in New York in Horacio "EL NEGRO" HERNANDEZ house,in New Jersey(more exactly). He told me:say hello to Kenwood!! We spent good time together in his house to......eat pizza!!ahahahah We met the first time in Rome,and was just a coincidence know that he was in New Jersey! I`ve to travel in Los Angeles too,so I hope to come back in time here in Boston to watch your clinic in Berklee! It`s depend from the airline company! And now......stop talk.... Let`s advance!!!!!!!!!

Hey Rich! you are a riot!I am proud to be next to ya!You're a riot and Cynthia u de bomb.Let's all combine our people power and we'll have Human revoloution!!!!! Let's Advance!!!!

Greg Castano,how about 8:30PM Thursday 3-28-99 at 1140 Boylston street room"G" Boston,Ma.02115?

Kenwood, Thanks for the e-mail response. As I mentioned, I'd like to set up a lesson. Are you in New York or Boston, or both? Your reply mentioned Berklee, which is in Boston. New York is better, if that's an option. If not, I'll be in Boston in a couple weeks, and I can check your availability. Thanks!

I just wanted to get next to my wife! It's lonely out here on the road.

You look like you are about 18 in the picture on your web page. Isn't it good to know that youthfulness is in the family genes. Speaking of which, I could not have married into a better one. Grandma's legacy continues! Love to You Always

<< Hey Stranger! Long time no IM--whatya been up to? Our CD's almost finished. Next week is the last of the mixdown. I was involved in a mix session tonight where I got to have a lot of input which was cool and educational! >> Hi!!! I got this great solo concert on march 7th at the Drum Daze festival in Columbus Ohio featuring the magnificent Roy Haynes... A clinic on my drum and keyboard concept "Pansonic coordination at Berklee on 4-1-99... congratulations on the mixdown! I am 99% recovered and zooming towards 120%! No illness til after MSG2000! YEAAY! SEE YA -I AM Determined to show up early to prepare for my 9:00AM class (uugggghhh...LMAO) C YA! PEACE OUT arrivederchi(sp?) yuk yuk bye!!!!! Uhh btw: my 43rd birthday is 3-1-99! coming soon! :-) yeaayy "You know ,Kenwood ,you don't ge t old bye bein' no fool."-DIzzy Gillespie- ok bye for real! peace out! :-)

Harmony ,Music/human relationships. It's not so much a relationship as it just is one energy. Like in any one given day a b2 may not be the right tone but it is still inside the structure.Sounds are days and the sound of every day is not always the coolest progression but we sure a hell are alive to feel it.Harmony just IS.

EHY KENWOOD,if you are on line now,we can open something like a chat !! I`m waiting here.....if you are around..cool! Otherwise....next time!!! Bye!

About WROG? It`s a really cool definition!!!!!!!!! We have to teach WROG to the american comunity!!!!!!!!! I`m sure that something doesn`t work in this country cause people are looking for WROG but,they really don`t know! If the teachers in the college one day can teach to the student the mean of WROG,I think that it`s possible have faith in a better FUTURE! Sometimes.........WROG!

EHY,welcome to my WROG world! The different between armony in music and relation ship? NO DIFFERENCE! IT`S JUST DIFFERENT THE PERCEPTION OF THE ATOMIC ORGANIZATION: The human body it`s just frequency....just like the music but....different positions in the atomic frequency! it`s not really necessary "watch"to watch..... it`s not necessary "listen" to ear.... Most of the time we are confuse about wich sense "use FOR....." Most of the time the language it`s like an "space black hole":everything inside and........nothing more.... just inside! It`s the same during the conversation! It`s really hard find someone that can ear you from the hearth!!! Male or female..doesn`t matter! They can just here you from them(damned!^_^") mind!! Sometimes! Doesn`t matter if my body have to finish in some years! the most important think to me it`s the COMUNICATION!!! MUSIC?WORD?FEELING?A GIFT FOR A FRIEND?doesn`t matter... It`s just write"BEHIND THE LINES"......just like the MUSIC!!! THANKS KENWOOD FOR YOUR SO GREAT LEVEL OF COMUNICATION! LET`S ADVANCE TOGHETER!

12-1-98 Hey Illonart1: I got absoloutely zero quality sleep in the beginning of this week; but I am totally happy with what I did while I was awake! I performed on The birthday tribute in New York for the late Jaco Pastorius,led by trumpeter Miles Evans! I met with 15 of my best friends in the music business-geniuses all-I met with Jaco's son(my god son-HI FELIX THIS SMILE IS FOR YOU-CONGRATULATIONS ON PLAYING YOUR AXE OFF) I traveled with my computer whiz bass playing best buddy Nofretbass.when I got back home to Boston, it was 8:40 AM...I can't believe I made it through the morning rush hour and to the college perfectly in time for my 9:00 AM private student.Plus I had tons of inspiration to offer him-I am so psyched and stoked from this memorable event.- peace out! Just advance! : )

Hey Felix. Yoo de man... I owe you one ,my friend .Let it be known by virtue of events which ocurred when you were still a babe, I have a particular devotion to your happiness. I will send you a little gift via e-mail by the weekend. :-)

IN REFERENCE TO PAOLO'S COMMENTS BELOW: I THINK EACH OF US HAS A LITTLE "WROG" IN US DON'T you think so ( sorry for yelling lol) Any way, yes let's add WROG to our english vocabulary : WROG: an emotional state in which one feels he has made a mistake, but is humbly determined to look at the positive side of it and advance lightheartedly ...hahaha what do you think? I think it's a cool defenition?... Am I wrog? does anybody else wanna suggest any "JA words"? New words for encouragement for advancing human happiness? :-)

Hey warmandfuzzyitiousgroov-’opattamus-heads: (12-7-98)...It’s It’s Monday morning-Guess how I started my morning here at Berklee...I listened to my student Daniel perform and arrangement of George Gershwin’s Summertime...He ACED it!!!!After a long difficult struggle he reached his goal just as he promised himself he would! Congratulations ,Daniel!!!...BTW I asked him what he was going to do next...he said”HARMONY” ....lol I say that’s GREAT! LET’S ALL HAVE HARMONY! : ) hehe...LET’S ADVANCE! : ) I have a DIALOGUE QUESTION for all goophilosophizer-ottamusfacecomerades: Q:what is the relationship (if any) between harmony in terms of music-and “Harmony “in terms of human relationships?

just want to let everyone know that also from a guitar players standpoint Kenwood is one of the most exciting musicians ever & also a man full of love.Lifting time,pushing,driving hard,swinging,slaping back and handing silence !!! Geno White LoLo rec. artist

Hi Kenwood! Your site is different, interesting, informative, let's say it's somehow, uh, maybe, just advanced. Thanx. Benno

Great site! YOO DIG!

Sorry to everybody.... this time it`s not my english.......it`s my nature!AH AH AH! No I`m kidding... I mean W R O N G! instead W R O G but you can put my wonderfull "wrog"in your english vocabulary! My grammar had take a vacation from me! THANKS AGAIN WOODY!

Thanks really a lot for your so kind word in your site! I feel like in paradise.......but.....it`s just the Earth!!! You make me happy! Can you immage me 1 year ago? Ehi Paolo,1 year more and Kenwood write for you something of really kind........no,no it`s impossible,I`M NOBODY! W R O G!!!! Thanks Kenwood,my faith it`s more strong now! Let`s advance togheter!!!

The site is DoPE!!! Keep up the good work

Hey, Gerald Williams...I am putting up some info soon regarding my MIDI set up...Yu might find it interesting... see you soon...what is your MIDI PROBLEM?

Hello, Dr. Lorca, It makes me sad if you feel that way, but still ,with each other's help we can ADVANCE together towards our dream. : )

Dios Mio, Senor Dennard. Si quiere "just advance"??? Que egotista!

Hey fellow groovagitization neurominidase inhibitors! This is an official FEEL GOOD website, don't you think?---any way,to Rich, You are the cat and you know it!All the more I respect you for your kind words about me...I mean, basically it's like this:If we can let the world know GRANDMA'S spirit and artistry and integrity and intensity, then we are definitely saying something right?-BY THE WAY I AM PERFORMING AT BIRDLAND ON JAN 20TH 21ST 22ND AND 23RD WITH PAT MARTINO...NEW YOURK NEW YORK!!! COME ON DOWN... ;) By the way world, my cousin Richie Cummings just won prizes on the price is right: He's probably loaded now... lmao-Love you Rich.... Hey Paolo: you too... lmao y'gotta love a guy who spells like that and yet puts so much heart and soul in his words don't you guys agree? Paolo, you have my personal thanks for your kind words...Please understand: there are many many people who do not wish to give credit where credit is due... for your kind words you have my sincere thanks.Let's each give credit to our own sicere efforts ,so we can repeat our successes.Paolo congratulations...you have embraced TRUTH ,CONSIDERATION FOR OTHERS ,SEEKING SPIRIT ,CHEERFUL ATTITUDE...LET'S advance together...

Hello World! I'm Kenwood's cousin and because of Kenwood, I'm only the second most famous musician in our family under 50! (well, for a couple more years, at least) Yo, Woody! Continue to spread the news, keep the faith and change the world. I'm with ya! PEACE!