Great things in music the past few weeks. And I mean, capital G great.

1. Kit lessons. Last week the assignment was on counting. Count everything. And I went to town on it as if there was nothing else worth learning. Did it ever pay off.

2. This week, the lesson is permutations. Start a groove, vary it every four bars in a progressive, tension-building way. I had a lot of trouble the first couple days, was paralysed with frustration at my slow progress. Now I’ve got it. And I’m completely nuts about this approach.

3. Still ga-ga about Claude Challe. I listen to it non-stop. Listen to nothing else with the same interest. The guy kills me.

4. Got an email from Phil Perkins. THE Phil Perkins, the author of the three drum books I’ve been studying almost exlusively for the past few years. He just wanted to thank me for my complimentary mention of him in my little blog here. Freakin blew me away. If you’re studying drums or percussion, buy his books. It’s all in there.

Much happening with me and music these days. I just finished my seventh Raving Poets remix. I had my first drum lesson with Sandro Dominelli last week. I’ve stepped up my drum pad practice to a full 60 minutes every noon hour and at least an hour of improv on my kit in the evenings. And I’ve got a ton of new music to inspire me.

Claude Challe. What the hell? Why haven’t I heard of you till now? Just bought “Je Nous Aime” the other day and my god… I’m pretty much crazed over it.