Ever wonder what our WorkhopLive teachers do when they aren’t teaching? Well, WorkshopLive drum teacher Pete Sweeney just recently released a solo disc called “Forward Motion” that is the perfect listen for anyone who wants to experience just how versatile a musician can be. 
This is Sweeney’s first recording as a bandleader. He chose the tunes and arrangements for this album because they were great vehicles for improvisation. It’s amazing that these recordings were done over just two days and without any overdubs! Sweeney’s goal was to keep the recording sessions fun and loose, to play the music he loves, and have fun doing it.
This collection of jazz standards and classics shows off not only Sweeney’s dynamic drumming, but also the talents of pianist Dave Gleason, saxophonist Jon Lorentz and bassist Mike Delprete. All four musicians have their moments in the spotlight on these tracks, but also know how to work together. It’s easy to hear that each member really listened to the others to compliment the songs, themselves, and their band mates.
The album opens up with a wonderfully executed Latin rendition of the Dixon and Henderson classic, “Bye, Bye Blackbird.” Sweeney sticks mainly to timbale and cowbell in the first half of the tune, but after his brilliant timbale/snare/tom solo, he kicks the drumming into high gear and gradually makes use of the whole kit. This transition pushes the intensity of the tune to a climactic ending.
Bassist Mike Delprete shines with his upright solo on the bop rendition of the Cole Porter standard, “What Is This Thing Called Love?” Sweeney’s rhythmic patterns and fills during this solo are so diverse it’s as if there are two solos occurring at the same time! Of course, Sweeney really gets to show off after this when he starts to trade fours between piano and saxophone solos.
Other key tracks on this disc include John Coltrane’s “Equinox,” the Rogers and Hart standard, “Have You Met Miss Jones?” and the funky “Shark Fin Soup.” The album closes with a beautiful arrangement of Hoagy Carmichael’s ballad, “Skylark.”
This album really shows off just how many different styles of playing can be utilized within the jazz genre, as well as showcasing each musician’s talents. Even if you aren’t a drummer, this disc gives insight into what it means to truly be a versatile musician. And if you are a drummer, this disc is sure to educate and inspire you.
Get it here!
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