John Wooton performs "Africa Hot"

Vic Firth artist Dr. John Wooton (aka "Dr. Throwdown") performs his advanced snare drum solo, "Africa Hot", published by RowLoff Productions (www.rowloff.com).
Watch for Wooton's video lesson series on the 40 Essential Rudiments on VICFIRTH.COM!

[@johnwooton]

I would recommend my second book first, "Rudimental Remedies." It is a method book in that there is a method to the madness... Several hidden learning agendas in the book. The "Drummer's Rudimental Reference Book" was designed to accompany other method books, solos and general drumming. It was not meant to be played cover to cover but used to target specific problems you might be facing within a solo or other method book or just in general. Both books will truly last you the rest of your life.

[@tylerbonner4547]

John wooton is not a human being guys this is amazing

[@ladistar]

This guy could probably make quarter notes look entertaining

[@darwincarvajal1235]

Thanks for inspire me, wen I was old, I will be like you, hugs big brot

[@zZzJohnnyBoyzZz]

Legendary!! I remember this from high school!!

[@MrAshtonBrown]

Wooton's Ghost Flams Are The BEST !

[@johnwooton]

facebook.com/jwooton/posts/10101999121880949

[@johnwooton]

Drummer Man, I would never claim to be better than Buddy Rich or Steve Gadd. They are my idols. But I do play set, and steel pans, and marimba and vibraphone and congas, bongo, tabla, classical percussion, etc... i have been teaching percussion at the University of Southern Mississippi for 25 years. Check out our Percussion Ensemble videos on KZbin. I have always taught Rudimental drumming to be the backbone of all other drumming. You have to start with one drum, learn vocabulary and go from there. I don't tour with a big band and make lots of money but I do better than most and I love what I do. I playing steel pans with Bill Summers this weekend at Jazz Fest in New Orleans. There is so much I disagree with you about but I think overall every needs to have a more open mind and not such a narrow view of music. Also, do your research about someone before you judge them from one video on KZbin. By the way, Steve Gadd played in drum corps. He is an excellent Rudimental drummer. So is Buddy Rich. However, Buddy couldn't read a lick of music. Amazing ear though.

[@johnwooton]

Why so angry? Drumming isn't a contest, it's music, art. Y'all need to play football. Seriously, you think the goal for a drummer is to become rich and famous? How old are you? Before I go on, I would like to know if I am talking to a 12 year old or a misguided adult. However, let me say that Rudimental drumming can improve your set playing considerably, especially when you are talking about funk drumming or Latin styles. Some of the greatest drummers out there are very good Rudimental drummers. People I have jammed with on a pad and/or set. Yes, I do play set although I am not rich or famous for doing so. However, I enjoy it very much and I couldn't care less about your opinion of that philosophy or my playing. Any way, let me name a few incredible drummers that Know their rudiments inside and out and do pad practicing routinely: David Garibaldi, Steve Smith, Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Gadd, Horacio Hernandez, Marvin Smitty Smith, Stanton Moore (we had the same teacher), And the list could be pages longer. So, first of all, none of these guys have the goal of being the best. That's ridiculous. Best what? Comparing musicians is like comparing apples and trombones! Do you think Buddy could do the things Horacio does? Nope, no way, so how do you compare them? I don't know why I'm wasting my time here. Let me end this by saying that if you limit what you learn and live with such negativity, you will never grow. This could be your problem altogether. This is why you are arguing over who is the best drummer ever and that someone that plays a snare drum doesn't know how to play drum set. This conversation is completely absurd. So, that's it for me. Good luck, I'm going to go practice.

[@johnwooton]

I sent this already. Don't know if you would think of this as impressive, but then I don't care what you think. I enjoy playing and I think it's pretty damn funky.

[@johnwooton]

facebook.com/jwooton/posts/10101999121880949

[@GloryBound1971]

I'm speechless after watching this!!! 😮

[@johnwooton]

@luizfmp88 Music is organized sound. By definition, this is music. You don't have to like it. There are lots of musics that I don't care for, but somebody does. I don't listen to this stuff in my car, it might cause me to wreck. And, no one has ever asked me to come play rudimental snare drum on a gig. But I enjoy playing it because it is challenging, exciting and difficult to make interesting when you have only one pitch to work with. Cheers.

[@pimpd11]

LOVE this solo!! I can only play it from measure 40 onwards, but I hope to learn the whole thing one day

[@sad.cowboy]

I'm learning this now and it's my freshman year. There are just a lot of visuals and uncommon rudiments at work. It definitely is very fun and I suggest learning it if you could!

[@kevinpineda2336]

I think I could pull it off but unsure, got any pointers?

[@cadenaraujo2688]

@@kevinpineda2336 it does seems like you can pull it off my teacher showed me it because he did it his freshmen year so I feel like you can get it down!

[@JoeL-ne4kl]

I’m performing this tomorrow for my audition to BD!! Sight reading it !

[@kevinpineda2336]

@@JoeL-ne4kl omg that’s rad dude. Hope it goes well!

[@danielperez503]

Doing this solo for my 8th grade year, seems a tiny bit challenging but nothing too crazy 😜

[@Xavier-vd8by]

preformed this at state solo and ensemble sophomore year. Got a 1!

[@zanestackhouse8297]

Xavier S Is that good? In my state the best you can get is a 9, and I'm thinking about playing this next year (freshman year), I took Tuo Kaerf to state this year and got an 11, so that's a gold rating

[@Xavier-vd8by]

A one is the best in Texas.

[@zanestackhouse8297]

Xavier S Are you planning on marching DCI?

[@Xavier-vd8by]

Nope those days are gone. Lol I made Crossmen in 2006 but was too broke to play. Good luck to you though man! Remember perfect practice makes perfect!

[@zanestackhouse8297]

How old were you when you made Crossmen?

[@davidavery5114]

Excellent snare drumming!🙂

[@mg682]

If only I knew where could I get the kind of training to learn these stick tricks and complex patterns on post-high school level

[@krange4563]

I was actually stunned the most by the end

[@nathans4957]

Complete beast!

[@biggsenator]

Hey John. M. Biggs here. Wasn't aware of Rudimental Remedies until I happened across it while browsing the internet. Great concept for a method book and really great pedagogical progression. This is the best I've seen for teaching snare drum, with great accompanying resources. Fantastic job!

[@hgrubbs67]

It was a pleasure seeing this live this past Saturday.

[@tylershoop8509]

The whole performance was entertaining haha. Very nice.

[@bradybrignac]

God damn Wooton, your bad ass and you know it.

[@SJF98]

Absolute magic! Inspirational and impeccable...

[@503music6]

This man Is god, came from his double strokes video and even as a tenor player (wanna march dci and wgi) This guy is an amazing player and I wish i could even get lessons with him

[@wheelholder12]

alright John.I could live to be a hundred and I still wouldn't be able to play that first measure.But I'm going to try.

[@thomascatlett555]

haha yeah man, i see this guy like once a week !!! hes soo awesome, and his daughter goes to my school :D

[@baileyjo8611]

It was so cool to see you play this in person at the Centeral Arkansas Drumline Camp this year ! You did spectacular and you’re the best percussionist / musicsian I have ever seen and heard of. You’ve tought me so much even though I have much more to learn. Thank you so much for one of the greatest experience I would ever imagine. Thank you Doctor Throwdown / Wooton. Sincerely , Bailey Jo ( in a southern accent ) 😂 from camp when you asked my name Also sorry for not doing so well at the performance today I was nervous and I’m going into 8 th grade and I was the only middle schooler. I’m definitely coming next year.

[@ryanjenkins3263]

man this guy has some real talent!!!

[@crazydrumma]

What a boss.

[@nickhill9480]

I thought it was bloody brilliant, thanks John, I love the way you teach, the technique, explanation and feel...

[@johnwooton]

@HiFisch94 Thanks, that is a great compliment.

[@johnwooton]

Sure jpow890, The "Rudimental Remedies" book has a 2 hour DVD and 951 play along tracks. There are a few exercises in this book that are also in the Rudimental Reference book but most of the exercises and all of the etudes are new material. The tracks help you learn properly and gradually, while intuitively learning about interpretation, style and how to listen. The Rudimental Reference Book has more exercises and more difficult material. It's the Arban book for snare drum.

[@ChristopherJStorey]

Dr. Wooten is also excellent on Drumset and one of the Best at Steel Drums!!

[@facudrummer42]

I hope i will take a class with him this year. My teacher has taken one and he said it is incredible.

[@r3dfiv3]

Mind = Blown. Awesome snare surgery Dr Wooton! :)

[@johnwooton]

@TheRew400 Your welcome. Congratulations on your 1 and the compliment!

[@londonschaal6432]

I like that shirt.

[@zRhid]

I might do this for Solo and Ensemble this year

[@vasderek]

Well I didn't play that solo but I did play warp 7. If you want to check it out and give me some pointers that would be great!!!! I took it to state but the one I did for KZbin was just in my room. Warp 7 snare solo.

[@andthensome512]

Sick.

[@kylepackard]

Ahhhhhh that was sick!!!!!!

[@richcrawbuck3396]

That last part was my favorite.

[@APMathNerd]

It was the most amazing thing I've ever seen haha. I loved it.

[@231drummerboy]

Dr. Wooton vs. Scott Johnson.... vic firth im expecting something soon:)

[@TheJMusicNow]

Thanks Mr. Wooton!

[@braxtonsw33tbeats]

This is the epitome of awesome!

[@scv1981]

Love the heavy flams, great sound!

[@JuanRamirez-gw7qp]

To be honest I'm not familiar with Annihilator or Primal Fear but I know I'm going to check out tonight. Mad respect Randy and thank you for sharing your time with us.

[@Xavier-vd8by]

your dynamics are on point!

[@johnwooton]

@vivendonolimete I am using Vic Firth MS2s

[@maxmillman9477]

Drumming insanity. Cool ending too

[@johnwooton]

Ryan, thanks, I think.

[@stephano447]

I was waiting for the ending

[@johnwooton]

Sure, it isn't a concept but a fact that there are many ways to hold the left hand as well as the right. I don't believe any of them are wrong. Some work better than others and some may work better in different situations.

[@rhythmicbeast]

Brilliant

[@loomintz5814]

You are a legend

[@TheJackBowser]

I think this is the highest view count with 0 dislikes :) Good to know people still appreciate percussionists :D

[@pikatangarden]

jhon wooton you is a amazinge

[@kebiwoni]

Woah! Amazing!

[@jfreakiest365]

He's wearing no shoes. Just socks. Because he's that boss.

[@johnwooton]

@TheGhov You can play it any way you want! It isn't written for any specific grip or technique.

[@gabvriyel]

really inspiring!

[@ROCKNROLLFAN]

He's definitely a master, percussive snare drummer.

[@LasVenturasDrumShow]

Very Cool!!

[@oldchops]

Excellent, Dr. John! I'll ask Jay to check this out. He may want to revisit "Africa Hot."

[@winoINC]

YOU SIR DESERVE 1000 000 000 views! like a boss;)

[@ninnapoooh]

amazing

[@GracieJ12]

Jesus Christ he's a show off but I loved every second!

[@fredjones5698]

Grace Jackson the whole point of a snare solo is to basically show off

[@lashaiduncan]

this is freaking ridiculous it was so awesome

[@arielperez5569]

Magnifico

[@sophiemae00]

sweet

[@johnwooton]

I was actually bare foot. I was backsticking swiss army triplets at 1:46.

[@simon_jakobsson]

that was insane! :D

[@karmi32]

I LOVE IT!

[@DrizzyDrummer]

All the inverted flam stuff make it much harder! But really awesome!

[@johnwooton]

Sorry mpdg21, you must be pretty damn good. Please post a video of you playing this solo. I do have some harder solos but I like this one best. Sorry to bore you. You know, you don't have to watch the video.

[@Kristina-qr5po]

can you play the duet u wrote called duet to it the snare part

[@johnwooton]

If I had the music in front of me. I wrote that piece for me and my son to play together when he was in middle school.

[@johnwooton]

@palito32 Yes, stole that from Steve Gadd! Or borrowed :-)

[@Badfoxfinance]

Nice video. S

[@tyronesj06]

I know that guy!

[@germangismondi944]

not human

[@sithwriter]

Imagine doing this on a concert snare drum.

[@ritabrooks9059]

Jesus!

[@JhamariHHS]

that dude raw

[@vivendonolimete]

vic firth ms5 he use in this video?

[@YeabuddyXD]

Daang wish I could play that good

[@张书诚-n7b]

太棒了！

[@jpow890]

*honks horn* *flashes lights*

[@jessepratt4437]

How are his wrists that fast?

[@fox2102]

Knew a kid in highschool that could play this his softmore year

[@Thorrez]

Wow, that alternation between 30fps and 60fps is very unsettling.

[@cesarvaldez112975]

Dr. Throwdown INDEED! Bad Technique is a Disease...Meet the Cure. Hello, Mr. Wooton, Just Wanna Say I Totally Dug your Playing. Could you give us a Brief Layout of the Differences Between Both Of Your Books "The Drummers Rudimental Reference Book" and "Rudimental Remedies". Which Book Would You Recommend First And Why? Thanks.

[@BKZCJDDFCBKBQ]

Ну очень супер!!!!!!

[@johnwooton]

You can get the music from my web site. www.johnwooton.com

[@AlexMartinez-cw4bx]

John Wooton how long did you work on this peice?

[@johnwooton]

Alex Martinez this was a competition piece when I was competing in DCI individuals. I wrote it over a Summer. I later made changes when I auditioned for the job at Southern Miss.

[@programmedwrong3795]

John Wooton Just curious..... who auditioned you?

[@johnwooton]

It was a faculty committee. The only person you might have known is Sherman Hong, who was the percussion professor at Southern Miss before me.

[@HiFisch94]

how easy it looks

[@cahookie901]

john, excuse my ignorance but im only just discovering you through these vic firth rudiment videos so as far as I know youre just a marching band drummer. what else do you like to play? play on kits much?

[@nsmith996]

Conflux - Music and Art it's easy to hate on things you can't do... Mr "drummer man" is probably some garage drummer who spends his time listening to rock music and can only play single and double strokes. rudiments require work and technical skill. he has none

[@ChristopherJStorey]

I studied with Dr. Wooton and he plays all forms of percussion. He's excellent on drum set, marimba, vibes but he is one of the best steel drummers in the world.

[@igotthejuice8298]

what"s the rudiment at 1:57

[@johnwooton]

I Got The Juice those are Flam paradiddles and then fake Flam paradiddles. Then Flam accents then inverted Flam taps. Followed by fake flams on those same rudiments

[@TheJMusicNow]

Dr. Throwdown, do you agree with the concept that there is more than one way to hold traditional grip? cause I see you and several other snare drummers but you hold it differently

[@ronaldvanderwalt6751]

Damn

[@KeatonCarlton]

who disliked this

[@jamiscoates5566]

Me

[@programmedwrong3795]

Jamis Coates ha!

[@fickaful123]

I wanna see this video in slow motion :)

[@WinfreeAustin]

Anyone have the music for this?

[@muhammadhafiz5409]

Tutorial please!!!