Drummers should check out Ed Breckenfeld's "Off The Record"

For drummers who are serious about becoming better players, the first steps are to study the masters and learn to "play for the music." Off The Record, by Ed Breckenfeld (Modern Drummer Publications), is an exciting new book and CD multi-media package designed to help drummers do both.

Highlighting outstanding drum performances in modern rock, metal, punk, classic rock, funk, and progressive music from the past 40 years, this collection of lessons from one of Modern Drummer Magazine’s most popular columns showcases more than 500 drum tracks by the world's most important, influential, and inspiring drum artists — defining just what great drumming is all about.

The innovative educational bundle is recommended as a supplement to lessons and self-study for drummers of all levels. It includes a 120-page book with note-perfect transcriptions of isolated drum patterns with in-depth analysis of how they were created to fit the style, context, and structure of the song. It also includes a bonus CD that contains nearly 180 MP3 tracks recorded using advanced software and techniques to emulate the sound, feel, dynamics, groove, and intensity of the original drum parts.

Author Ed Breckenfeld has been a mainstay of the Midwest music scene as a member of The Insiders, Jim Peterik’s World Stage, The Cathy Richardson Band and Pride Of Lions. A well-respected drum instructor for many years, Ed is a regular contributor to Modern Drummer Magazine. He combined his insight as a recording and performing musician with his knowledge of teaching drum technique and a love for great music and drumming to create Off The Record.

Off The Record is published by Modern Drummer Publications, distributed by the Hal Leonard Corporation, and carries a suggested retail price of $14.95. It is available at music stores and drum shops, or online at www.moderndrummer.com, www.halleonard.com, and other internet music and book retailers. For more information on Ed Breckenfeld, visit www.edbreckenfeld.com.