Hey, everyone!

Well, I have decided to endorse a great company who makes incredible drums. GMS...and I couldn't be happier!

I used their latest line, made from North American White Ash, on the DVD. These drums sound amazing, with a timbre that is a cross between Birch and Maple. Warm, punchy, and a sustained low end that sings. Keller designed the shells exclusively for GMS. There will be a review of them in an upcoming issue of Modern Drummer.

Go to www.gmsdrums.com for more info on these great drums..

Speaking of the DVD, it has been shot, and is now being edited. The release date is October 1, and it there will be ads in Modern Drummer in October.

Next time, I'll give you a report on the process, the Book editing, and how we are progressing!

C ya

Well, finally, we will be shooting July 28, 29, 30. All the pre recorded tracks, (50 to be exact) have been edited, and I'm finishing up the story board and script. It's going to be cool, and there's tons of information to put on it!

The release will be in September, and ads will begin to appear in Modern Drummer in October. You will be able to purchase it in most stores by October, and immediately at www.music123.com. They will be the exclusive internet supplier.

There will be some pics up on the site from the shoot, and the hype will begin!...

P.S..I have a new drum company...but it will have to wait till next time! (I'm real happy with them!)

You may have noticed that the picture on the home page has changed. That is because I am no longer endorsing Taye Drums. Basically, it was a business decision, and that I feel it best to move on to a different situation.

Let's talk for a moment about endorsements, shall we?

First of all, many people have this process all wrong...The company does not "endorse" or "sponsor" you...you are not a TV Show...YOU, as the artist, endorse the COMPANY...(in a way they are "endorsing" you, but technically it's the way I just mentioned) To me, when I endorse a company, it means:

1) I believe the company makes high quality drums.

2) The company has have a committment to education via a well organized, structured clinic program, and will...

3) be involved in co sponsoring any clinic I have around the world, without hesitation.

4) Has a staff that is knowledgeable about all aspects of the "drumming business", and how it works.

5) Of course, a free T Shirt now and then..

If any one of these aspects is not happening, then, I can't fully committ to a company. I don't lend my name to a product lightly. So, it was time I parted ways with Taye Drums. I wish them all the best in the future..

If you have any questions about things of this nature, feel free to go to "Ask Pat", and I will answer it for the world to see...

Until next time!!

Well...sometimes plans change, and when they are for the better, it's worth it! I pushed the shoot date back until August 4,5,6 because upon further review by the video crew, the room was too small...SO...I am going to shoot at Riverview Studios in New Jersey..a large, camera ready video studio ready to roll...

The name of the video company is Visual Music Media. I will be their first artist release. They are very excited, as am I, and the ads will begin to appear in Modern Drummer in the December issue (which comes out in October!)..

All great stuff, so, I will be putting "sneak peak" clips up on the site by the end of the summer!

Hi again...

Well, the Play Alongs track to the 55 grooves for the DVD have been recorded, and they sound great! Each groove is in a different "groove style", like "Pop/Rock", "Jam Band", "Old Skool R&B", "Drum n Bass", Prog Rock", etc, with LIVE rhythm section..No sequences... It will make learning and practicing a real musical experience. Unlike reading and playing a groove from a book without any musical context, I wrote the music to go WITH the grooves, so you can hear how things are put together, and the thought progress to how to create parts. They are not just your "average/basic" grooves...they really get into bass drum syncopations, and serious ghost note phrasing.

Also, the text and examples are about finished in the computer...Next step is to proof read each section.

We will be shooting the DVD the weekend of July 15 and 16 at a Studio here in New Jersey. It will be shot in DV Cam, 3 cameras, including a floating "JIB" arm for those sweeping around the kit shots.

Gotta finish up on the script, so, I'll be back with you soon!