Comments on: Toto’s “Africa” Drum Fill

By: funkytradition

funkytradition — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 00:40:00 +0000

In reply to Werner Groisz. The 2nd fill pattern is definitely the rumba clave

By: Wojtek

Wojtek — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 20:03:00 +0000

bass drum actually goes TA TATA TA TATA in the oryginal

By: Jared Falk

Jared Falk — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 17:09:00 +0000

In reply to Werner Groisz. It's very much a matter of interpretation in how you explain it. I can definitely appreciate your perspective. Thanks for commenting!

By: Christian Spencer

Christian Spencer — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 15:41:00 +0000

Very cool beat. The only problem is it’s hard to fit it in with the rock style. If i’m playing 140 bpms or even 120 bpms, it’s going to feel like im dragging the song. Unless we are bring that song down, like to a bridge. That would fit perfectly.

By: Malcolm Cassisa

Malcolm Cassisa — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 10:33:00 +0000

Hi Mike,
Great lesson. I’m working through your drumming system. I love Jeff’s simple approach to Toto’s music. There is a fill (second one ) done my Simon Phillips off their live album which is much more (typical Simon) I would love to know how to play that one too.

By: Werner Groisz

Werner Groisz — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 08:41:00 +0000

In reply to Justin Shaub.

sure, he played it right and very cool too…. and I know the fill and the full song very, very well. 😉

BUT: all what i like to say is, the explaining (in my opinion) is a little bit different.
i think, it is based on the “rumba-clave”! (the toms !!!)
i had a talk about this with Lenny Castro and he told me i should listen to Jeff how he bring in the traditional rumba clave in his fills to understand his feel in this song ….

but the cool thing on this is: both ways works 😉

By: Justin Shaub

Justin Shaub — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 06:41:00 +0000

In reply to Werner Groisz. Mike had it right, the full measure fill he's talking about is at 1:13 in the song, give it a listen, it's the fill which goes into the first chorus.

By: Lorenzo Clarke

Lorenzo Clarke — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 04:51:00 +0000

This guy is really cool! Love the lesson

By: Scott Riegelmann

Scott Riegelmann — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 02:20:00 +0000

Thanks Mike and I have your drumming system at home and its AWESOME!!!!!!

By: Gediminas Stankevičius

Gediminas Stankevičius — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 00:05:00 +0000

Second variation looks like based on 3-2 rumba clave for me

By: Dave Poulin

Dave Poulin — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 23:50:00 +0000

Great instructional video and as mentioned below, in this case less is more. Jeff Porcaro brought some unforgettable beats to the music of Toto. Good choice of tutorial Mike – thanks

By: Greggs DrummingTuition

Greggs DrummingTuition — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 23:01:00 +0000

Top stuff Mike. Very much appreciated. Guess what my students will work on tonight?

By: Terry G. Taylor

Terry G. Taylor — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 22:11:00 +0000

love it! thanks for all you guys do…

By: Werner Groisz

Werner Groisz — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 22:09:00 +0000

hi mike …. all great but …
i think, the full measure fill is a clave-part and the BD is “only” 4onthefloor …
this is it where the fill comes from. i do not think it is a combination between hands and feet … the clave is the basic.
cheers werner

By: John Stoltz

John Stoltz — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 21:15:00 +0000

In reply to bibby. PAISTE Formula 602 cymbals.

By: Gman5415

Gman5415 — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 20:57:00 +0000

Such a tasteful example of less being more.

By: bibby

bibby — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 20:49:00 +0000

what kind of cymbals were used this lession