Ep.1 - Gary Chester Student on Philosophy and Approach of "The New Breed" w/ Tony Cruz

[@vincentbuonora8477]

Six way playing….4 limbs, the voice and the mind. Encouraging demonstration…. Incredible breakthrough.

[@tonycruz2048]

Thank you Vincent!

[@jcushon]

One of the best periods of my development was during the 2 years I studied with Gary Chester. It’s challenging to get today’s speed culture to settle down, work on the systems’ coordination demands and all of the nuances. Your observations and explanations are excellent! Thanks Tony!

[@bobbysabella5085]

Excellent Tony, you know how I feel about Gary and this is so great! I will admit I did start to feel some anxiety once you started playing LOL Brought back memories. Wow! I always heard that human beings only use a small percentage of their brains, something like 10%. I never believed that until I studied with Gary. These systems done right as you said and demonstrated, will have you using parts of your brain you've never used. So glad you did this. And can't wait to see the documentary when it's completed. Gary deserves it. Not only as a drummer and musician but as a human being. He meant a lot to me as I know you as well.

[@elitedrumlessons6174]

I've never heard of counting like this, even though I've gone through a lot of this book and counted the notes as I saw them. Now I'm going to go through the book again with a student.....this is going to be difficult!

[@tonycruz2048]

Yes, you'll be so happy you did! ; )

[@acslater8899]

I'm so glad this is here for us drummers. When I first tackled this book many years ago, I knew I had basic musical knowledge to get through a good amount of the systems, while also not having a great instructor to really guide me through the various ways and techniques to work them out correctly and effectively. The way Tony broke it down here was so refreshing, and definitely eye opening! Thank you.

[@tonycruz2048]

My pleasure AC. I will do more, as promised. Thank you.

[@williamthompson5078]

Tony Cruz Great system I purchased the New Breed book this week .

[@gabrielastan.5118]

Loved this, Uncle Tony! Thank you for sharing your experiences and expertise with us. I’m not a drummer, but I was still trying to count along with you haha. Miss you and hope all is well

[@tonycruz2048]

Miss and love you too sweetie! By the way, it's never too late to become a drummer. : )

[@mktg3]

Thank you so much for sharing these insights Tony! I wish I had the opportunity to study with Gary. The examples and explanations will help so many (me included)!

[@tonycruz2048]

I cannot articulate the honor I feel in having had my life cross paths with Gary and even more that these examples and explanations will help you and others! Enjoy the journey!

[@johnmercurio340]

Wow! It reminds me of how mind wrecking the lessons could be!! Haha.at some point studying with Gary before the first New breed was written, showed us and Gary that the systems worked. So there was no new breed book for a lot of us. I've known Tony all my life. I truly have love in my heart for him as a man and as a musician. Pay attention and take seriously what Tony is trying to share. Gary would say music is Black or White. Also he would say it's either up or down!! Take that to heart my Brothers!! Like Gary would say may you all be part of the new breed of drummers!! God bless and keep your chops!

[@johnmercurio340]

That should have said keep your chops up!!

[@tonycruz2048]

A sincere thank you my friend, and brother in drums.

[@garye4678]

Excellent video Tony. At 9:03 you gave some really good suggestions about breathing in whilst still counting. I'd never thought about doing it like that, thanks so much for that tip, I'm going to be adopting that method from now on. I've only spent a little bit of time on counting quarters and I've neglected the And's, E's, A's. It makes real good sense to go back and practice them also, I can see the value in learning them after watching your video. It looks like I'm going to be going back to that first system and learning it properly now. Thanks again from Tasmania, Australia :-)

[@GaryChesterTheDrummer]

Gary E, Now that's exactly what I wanted to hear for our very first post! Thank you for those observant details, Gary. I can't agree more with what you said, and If new to Tony's suggestion...from there, that can morph and reveal additional things and it sort of never stops if you keep going! Game changing. Cheers, Gary E!

[@garye4678]

@@GaryChesterTheDrummer I just finished practicing System 1 - Reading IIIA whilst singing quarters and upbeats. I found I had to really slow it down to 45Bpm for the upbeats. It's going to take some time, but it's going to be worth it :-)

[@tonycruz2048]

Thank you Gary. I am sincerely happy this helped you. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised where it will lead in expanding your drumming head. Just be patient with yourself. ; ) Rock on!

[@garye4678]

@@tonycruz2048 Thanks Tony, you also, stay healthy :-)

[@issessein]

👍👏

[@NeilMiller-fw8zv]

Thank you for this amazing lesson, Tony. It's great to see Gary's legacy continue through his incredible students. I'm going back through System One now. It is really deep - I had no idea!

[@richspicer7818]

This will take me some time but I will work at it little at a time. Great video, Thanks Tony! I have had this book for a year now and never did any real work in it. I think it's time I get started. Maybe in a few years I will get this all happening. It looks like a lot of hard work but in the end I am sure it will pay off!

[@tonycruz2048]

Rich, Definitely get started. It will change you, really. And taken on correctly, you will discover that the conceptual approach is much different than any other book (no disrespect to any of the great books available to our community). And if/when you feel the time is right, contact Katrina for lessons. There is no doubt, however you move forward, it will pay off! Rock on, Brother!

[@richspicer7818]

@@tonycruz2048 Thanks for your encouragement brother! It is starting to come along but I am in NO hurry.

[@richspicer7818]

Well I can't practice everyday but I am now starting System 14 and finding it a tough one. My BPM's run between 30 and 45. Somedays I get it better than on other days. If it is a bad day for concentration or whatever, I stop and get back the next day. In all, its starting to get better. :) Thanks again Tony!

[@tonycruz2048]

@@richspicer7818 That's great, Rich. Try to imagine the floor tom as another bass drum and notice the wonderful rhythms produced, especially with Melody II-A (pg. 16). There are nuances like this throughout the Systems. One last word of advice, try not to picture these as "I'm done, on to next System." There is so much stuff. Go back to earlier Systems periodically. You will be amazed! Rock on.

[@richspicer7818]

@@tonycruz2048 I can assure you that I am the type of person that will never say I'm finished with this book because I believe the combinations are endless. Thanks Tony!

[@hogintheskyskysky]

13:54 counting the rests 🤯 that is absolutely mad.

[@mecdrum7]

I have the book thank you for showing me this

[@tonycruz2048]

Hope you're making good progress, George.

[@mikedarock1]

Tony Cruz!! Beautifully done, My New Breed brother! Your playing and singing are spot-on, man! Not to mention how clear your commentary is (while playing!). Bravo!!

[@tonycruz2048]

Much gratitude, Brother!

[@ger.lieder]

Hay que aplicarlo a la música que se que toque para potenciarlo.

[@CharlieSteinerDrums]

Great video Tony! Do you also count a quarter note pulse while playing in a live setting with a band?

[@tonycruz2048]

Thank you, Charlie and GREAT question! Though the answer to this is much deeper than I can go in to here, the short answer is no. If counting is a serious part of one's practice, eventually the quarters are "felt" and not counted, and the only way that can truly happen is if strict attention is given to the other subdivisions. Furthermore, that is also the nucleus of why some drummers rush or drag -- too much emphasis on the quarter and not so much on the others. This also especially becomes evident in playing poly rhythms and odd times. I hope that makes sense.

[@CharlieSteinerDrums]

@@tonycruz2048 thanks so much for the response and sharing the knowledge!

[@DaveRodway]

Hey Tony! You look and sound great! Yay Gary! I was with him from 77 to 82. Think about him every day

[@tonycruz2048]

What a nice surprise, Dave! Thank you for your words. Yeah, we're lucky guys to have crossed paths with Gary, for sure. Hope all is well with you and yours. Where is home for you?

[@BPJazz]

gREAT!! tHANK YOU A LOT!!!!!

[@rhythmfield]

Terrific, Tony, this is now officially your new Mob name: Tony “Terrific” Cruz. Clearly explained and a great review for me, too. Great that you are doing this, T! The focus on breathing and dynamics is great.

[@rhythmfield]

.... singing the rests / in between notes is wild! Nicely executed!

[@tonycruz2048]

Thank you my brother, especially for the Mob name! ; )

[@rhythmfield]

Tony Cruz my pleasure always - hope to talk / catch up soon

[@Isaiah54V7]

You floored me when you counted those rests!

[@tonycruz2048]

Ha!

[@MikeMcLarenDrumming]

Amazing. Love this !! Thanks for the video

[@tonycruz2048]

My pleasure, Mike. There will be more coming shortly.

[@derrisleemusic1998]

Oh my god…I thought I knew how to count

[@Chongsiu913]

Thank you very much Tony, great lesson, may I know how to apply triplet in the new breed system? or is not suppose to?

[@tonycruz2048]

Since I was an early student of Gary's, I was much more involved in the birth of, and therefroe more versed in, the New Breed which is void of triplets.

[@MichaelVLang]

Like the clave, the vocalization is the key to a lot of what goes into improving as a drummer/musician. Vocalists have to breathe, some melodic instruments require breathing. I think when we are more sympathetic to what those folks are going through, even subconsciously, we can be more supporting and musical. Feeling the rhythm in our core is also a great way to improve time and feel. New Breed helped me so much.

[@tonycruz2048]

Well said, Michael! I could not agree more.

[@shackleton72]

Hi - great video, completely understand the why's and how's of the whole concept of the book. I have one question for all drummers, I have stones, stick control & accents and rebounds, ted reeds syncopation, and Chesters new breed , I also have a great book by Adler and buddy rich ! My question is - how to practice from all of these when each one could consume a lifetime? Just feels a bit intimidating and daunting. Any advice really welcome - 🙏

[@tonycruz2048]

Thank you so much for your compliment. As for your great question, I can only attempt an answer if I point out two things 1) Every drummer in our great community has different goals, aspirations, and, therefore journeys and 2) I must point out a not-so-obvious distinction about these books. Stick Control, Accents & Rebounds, Syncopation, and Rich and Adler’s Snare Drum Rudiments are treasures to us all. Except for Buddy’s book, I have been through the others for most of my early drumming life, and they have helped me immensely. However, most of them are founded in rudiments and variations of them. Syncopation is great for reading, especially in a jazz context. I would argue, however, that once drummers get their rudimental chops to an acceptable level, those books stop there. I have seen others take pages and apply them in creative ways, but the books are still rudimentary. The New Breed, on the other hand (literally lol), is a completely different animal. The problem begins if drummers approach the New Breed the way they would another. It is not an exercise book. When drummers tell me they have been through it, I hear a small chuckle followed by mild sadness in my head because it’s likely that person has missed the deeper, most important meaning of the book. What other drum book has “melody” pages and Systems that encourage one to explore right- and left-hand lead, singing, etc.? I can tell you first-hand (especially having studied with Gary for so many years) that this book can change your life in more ways than drumming. I have four pieces of advice for you. First, watch the existing New Breed videos Katrina has put out. Next, keep an eye out for others that will be coming out soon. Third, practice this book at slower tempos; lean into quarter = 40 BPMs. And lastly, consider reaching out to Katrina for lessons. I hope this inspires you to explore more of the New Breed. Wishing you discovery on your journey.

[@loucontino4804]

Dynamite Tony! I love that you’re doing this and I love you brother, Louie

[@tonycruz2048]

Special place in my heart for you too my Brother!

[@richspicer7818]

I appreciate this video Tony. It is very helpful to understanding how to play this book. I have had the book for a year now and have not started working through it until a few days ago. I find myself at 30 BPM's and still making mistakes. Do you have any advice that might help me learn this easier? I was thinking of leaving one limb out until I am comfortable with that and then add that limb later. Thanks in advance for any help! Rich

[@richspicer7818]

OK, I went back to the beginning and started as suggested in the book. My BPM's are slow but I am doing each measure 4 times and more when needed. It seems as I train my brain on these movements I am starting to make less mistakes. I am now on exercise 3.

[@tbone8358]

This is currently the only drumming book that I consider at a similar level to Stick Control.

[@tonycruz2048]

tbone, I cannot agree with you more. Stick Control is classic, staple, etc., but they are two different animals. Long live all the classics!

[@flyagaric23]

Nothing short of a magikal system...voicing the rests is super dope. Thanks for the breakdown.

[@Kostis_playsDrums]

I have a quick question about studying the book, which I've just purchased...Should you go through one system at a time and take it from slow to fast - incorporating all the different ways of playing and counting as we see on the video or go through all the systems at a slow tempo, again doing all the different things we see on the video?

[@tonycruz2048]

This is a "quick," and also great, question! The first thing I would do is to sit with the book, peruse through it, smell the pages, look at his credits, pictures, etc. Then you should go back to the beginning again and read all of what Gary wrote. Most of the answers to your questions are there. As for the rest of what you're asking, I can only say that it is different for everyone. I would not want to have someone jump into what I was doing necessarily because that would be based on your experience, sense of time, ability to read. The last thing that Gary would do is overwhelm someone, unnecessarily. If you want to cut to the chase, consider reaching out to Katrina to inquire about studying in the One-to-One Series. Either way, enjoy the journey, Brother!

[@Kostis_playsDrums]

@@tonycruz2048 thank you for the reply! I'm enjoying the journey, indeed sir! :)

[@susunaga7]

great, and I agree, on many occasions people say that they already studied it and I am going to look but it really is a very superficial view about Gary's concept, (in my personal opinion I think they would not really last long if they could study personally with Gary). on the other hand, I would also like to see Chris Adams.

[@robertpien8708]

Great job on explaining this book also check the new breed book 2 for more advanced odd time rythems and systems. Are mind is so important to always keep developing and growing no matter how long your have been playing music .

[@bennoschlachter368]

brilliant video. thanx so much for sharing and telling the stories of your time as a student of Gary. great explanations also. very inspiring!

[@tonycruz2048]

Thank YOU Benno! I am inspired by your inspiration.

[@tonycruz2048]

Thank you Benno! It is a pleasure and honor to share anything "Gary" with our wonderful drumming community. He was the real inspiration.

[@weatherking11]

Am I doing myself a disservice by practicing all of these with 16th note subdivision

[@tonycruz2048]

Do you mean 16th notes on the metronome?

[@weatherking11]

@@tonycruz2048 yes

[@weatherking11]

@@tonycruz2048yes

[@georgeguest397]

Fantastic material. I thoroughly enjoy what this amazing book does for you. As you go through the systems, you can literally feel yourself getting better. And I envy all of you guys that had the opportunity to learn from Gary personally....you're so lucky

[@tonycruz2048]

Great to hear this is helping you, George!

[@Heavyperro]

These exercises remind me of my marching days. I taught a line back in the early 2000s and this would have been a great way to teach my students. With a little creativity, these exercises could be applied to other drum setting. Thanks for the great lesson. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@tonycruz2048]

Yes! This can dovetail into many things! Thank you for the comment.

[@tster4181]

Thank you. This was great. Right away I heard your Bass Drum and thought what a round open sound. Someone who actually comes off the head and doesn’t bury the beater. You dove into the finesse aspect of Gary’s systems. This is a timeless approach and thankfully reverts to what the instrument is about. I’m curious to know, from the musicians who studied with Gary, if he used a traditional metronome or actually had a studio style click track during the lessons. Thanks again Tony what a gift!

[@tonycruz2048]

tster! Thanks for your kind and true words. For many students, the hands are the focal point and the bass drum technique seems to be a ornamention of what's happening up top. Finessing the bass drum is a thing ; ). As for the metronome, there were no “studio style” click tracks back then. Gary had a Franz metronome that he put a mic on to run through a PA. There were two big speakers on either side of the drum set. You could not miss that thing. Here is a pic of the thing: theguitarpages.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/metronome_feature.jpg

[@karmik2]

So Beautiful Tony. Love your analysis of the essence of what Gary was trying to instill in his students. I personally wish i would have been able to have more time with him. Love you, Man !

[@tonycruz2048]

Thank you, sincerely. I think we all feel that way.

[@MichiMischpult]

Icredible Great Performance of explaining Gary Chester‘s System ❤

[@tonycruz2048]

Thank you! More to come...

[@BoomJitsu]

This is so helpful!!! I've had the new breed book for years and never really dove deep into it. This video alone is showing me the power within those pages!! Thank you sir!

[@tonycruz2048]

BoomJitsu! I am sincerely happy that this has helped you see "the power." However, I would be remiss not pointing out that much the credit goes to Gary’s daughter, Katrina, whose vision of having drummers like you able to see the power of these Systems in real time through this series has finally been realized. Dive deep my Brother! It will change your life, really!

[@robertpien8708]

Wow taking a look a this system again very interesting and very helpful to see someone who not just loves this system but also really put a strong value through teaching this method the right way . No matter how advanced we it's always good to go back to the basics. Thank you so much. Great lesson

[@tonycruz2048]

I am sincerely happy that you found this helpful, Robert. Wishing you many breakthroughs with this.

[@DennisCadigan]

Thank you. Very inspiring, and clear demonstration of the system (s)!

[@tonycruz2048]

You are most welcome.

[@CosimoKeitaCadore]

Thank you Mr Cruz.🎶🥁

[@brianmcknight6136]

Superb demonstration! I learned so much! Thanks you!

[@tonycruz2048]

So happy to hear this, Brian. Thank you!

[@drummersagainstitk]

Great to find your channel. I know how great he was.

[@GaryChesterTheDrummer]

Happy you found it! Please share your experience with Gary whether you’ve met, studied or not in person or otherwise, even if you did not have a chance to personally or professionally meet Gary...stories help to maintain his true teachings and integrity. Thanks for posting! You can also find everyone over at Facebook.com/garychesterthedrummer Thank you!

[@jl3drums526]

Thank you so much for putting this out here. I first played through this in college in 1990. I was the race car driver just trying to get through the pages. I have come back to it periodically through the years to attempt more understanding. This video is finally helping get the full vision of the lessons. 🙏

[@tonycruz2048]

My pleasure, Brother. Great to hear you are reapproaching. There will be more videos coming soon.

[@mlklotusmann6749]

Great video thank you for sharing your expertise and experience with Gary!

[@tonycruz2048]

It is a pleasure and honor. Thank you for taking the time to listen and consider it.

[@josephbracchitta1500]

Excellent, Tony!

[@tonycruz2048]

Thank you my brother!

[@angelozollo9506]

Thanks Tony. Great job and please keep them coming

[@tonycruz2048]

Thank you! More to come soon.

[@mar-zgarcia429]

Wow that last one is really really tough. Great video thank you for sharing !

[@tonycruz2048]

You are Welcome! You'll get it with concentrated work and practice.

[@yesdrums6627]

Hi Tony, is the New Breed drumming system for a beginner drummer who's been playing for only about 1 1/2 years? Does the book come with an audio download that you can follow as you're working through the lessons? Thanks

[@tonycruz2048]

Hi Susan, I would need a little more information about the beginning drummer to answer your question more specifically. However, the short answer is yes. As long as one can read music at an intermediate level and be dedicated to working and exploring, the New Breed can be a powerful book. It is truly unique. I also need to add (with no disrespect to anyone) that there have been many people who have studied and taught from it, but when approached as another drum book, you lose most of the philosophy that Gary envisioned. This is why Katrina (Gary's daughter) came up this series and pairing those interested in the full experience with a drummer who studied with Gary.

[@yesdrums6627]

@@tonycruz2048 Hi Tony thanks. I don’t think that I read drum notation at an intermediate level? So the program might be too advanced for me. I’m assuming that the lessons with an instructor are online? What is the cost of lessons? Thanks again

[@trondhelgeknutsen5139]

Love it :) :)

[@tonycruz2048]

Happy to hear that. More coming soon.

[@dmralx]

Great job Tony, thank you so much for this video..!

[@tonycruz2048]

Thank you Alex! Sorry for late reply

[@MrJuan3259]

Muchas gracias, muy iustrativo... Thank's¡¡

[@tonycruz2048]

Mi placer, hermano!

[@masterofpaistes]

Wow, just an outstanding, very understated, very fantastic command of rhythm + being able to count + being FREE within the ability to count, esp exemplified by counting all the rests at the end. Killer stuff, to be able to do what you do in this video takes a lifetime of practice.

[@masterofpaistes]

Also on top of clean, dynamically controlled doublestops all the way all the time. Bravo.

[@tonycruz2048]

A sincere, humble thank for your kind words and recognition.

[@tonycruz2048]

A gracious thank you for your comments!

[@SionedWillicombe]

Where does the fifth note land on the first bar?

[@tonycruz2048]

Forgive me, but I am not sure what you're asking.

[@SionedWillicombe]

@@tonycruz2048 The exercise at 6:42, I was wondering on what count does the last note land on in the first bar (1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and)?

[@tonycruz2048]

​@@SionedWillicombe Assuming you count 16ths as 1ETA, etc., that fifth note is the A of 4. I hope that help

[@SionedWillicombe]

@@tonycruz2048 Thank you very much

[@yougotgroove]

So happy I found this! I am working on the new breed! I am coming back to this book!

[@tonycruz2048]

How is it coming?

[@yougotgroove]

@@tonycruz2048 Hi Tony! Definitely putting me on a creative path.

[@infinitydrumming]

Amazing content. Bravo!

[@tonycruz2048]

Thank you Matt!

[@robertstrobel7237]

This is absolutely fantastic.

[@tonycruz2048]

Thank you, Robert!

[@robertstrobel7237]

@@tonycruz2048 in my second lesson Gary called me a fu..... German boy. But that was perfectly alright. He was like a father to me.

[@planedefiler]

super helpful stuff, thanks tony!

[@tonycruz2048]

I'm happy you found it helpful!

[@tonycruz2048]

My pleasure siij. Hope you're making some progress.

[@JW-nn7eh]

@@tonycruz2048 it's great-- easy to try and rush through, you're helping me slow down and focus on the voice

[@radoslavradosevic4586]

thnx!

[@tonycruz2048]

My pleasure. Hope it was helpful.

[@Mulberry2000]

I just cannot use the metronome I find it so confusing. it is just too much hard work guessing. For example, you say play at 50 bpm but that is so slow how the hell is going to guess to put the drum strokes in. I hate the metronome, it just does the opposite of what people have said. Basically, how can you count in 8th notes into a 50bpm beat? it is just impossible. On my drum it does have 8th notes on it because it goes so fast I cannot keep up. So you have some meany things going on hand, eye, feet, reading music, music count and then trying to listen to the metronome. Way too much stuff going on. I could 8th notes like this 1& 2& 3& 4&. But some drum notes are not entirely in 8th notes, some will have a mix of notes such as 1 2 3e&ah 4&.

[@tonycruz2048]

Hi Mulberry2000, I completely agree that the metronome can be frustrating, confusing, difficult, etc., and there are many people who play instruments that do/have not used one. Furthermore, there are a few people who have what Gary called the "in-born quarter note." However, that did not mean that we were exempt from using it. It becomes another voice while you're playing, and if you really think about it, playing with other musicians is much the same. You need to listen and react to others. That is the essence of making music. Technically speaking, if the quarter note is being sounded, any other sub-division should be relative to that quarter. That should not be a nuisance but more of a solid post from which to play from. Ultimately, the metronome goes away and the drummer becomes the metronome for the band, and if that drummer is not solid with his/her time, the groove, fills, and reactions won't feel right. I am sincerely sorry to hear that you "hate the metronome." I get it; I really do, but without question used as a proper study tool, a metronome is an integral part of study and will exponentially expand your sense of time, feel, and musical vocabulary. Wishing you the best in your studies.

[@Mulberry2000]

@@tonycruz2048 The problem is people see music as a feel, they do not think it or dance to the beat of a ticking clock. It is a sound that is highly mechanical and it removes the musician from the music. I have got some basic know how to use the metronome, but the biggest gripe is how people explain the contraption. Their terminology and jargon is a major problem, a lot with the metronome. The contact clack of the metronome can drive you nuts. Thanks for the reply and happy new year.