New Orleans drummming is the culmination of a unique blend of rhythmic traditions that draw from African, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Haitian and European cultures. In this book, renowned drummer Stanton Moore, a New Orleans native, presents the most direct and practical approach to learning and understanding this unique style of drumming. His time proven concepts, based on the study of the indigenous music of the city, clearly make it easier to practice and digest the components of this style.

In this book, you will learn about the history of street beats, second line, and the Mardi Gras Indians as well as the importance of clave to New Orleans drumming. You will also learn how to put a New Orleans spin on traditional rhythms like mambo, guaguanco, shuffle, and samba. Stanton also teaches the reader how to play between the cracks, bring more inflection and variation to a groove, and how to incorporate a bit of Crescent City flavor into linear playing. Drummers of all styles should pick up this book to improve your groove, expand your vocabulary and learn to Take It To the Street. Accompanying CD includes performances by the Dirty Dozen, George Porter, and Ivan Neville.