TATE BERKEY
Drummer/Percussionist/Teacher

Diving into some live Chicago material with this version of Chicago II's "Ballet" which was recorded live at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco in May of 1982, just before the band released Chicago 16 and embarked on the album’s tour. I've linked the entire recording for those that may want to check it out. This performance was done live in the studio and was later aired nationwide on the radio, which introduced many to the newly formed line up of Chicago just before the release of 16. The quality of this recording is decent, and doesn't include crowd noise which is why I chose to use it verses an actual concert recording that may lack clarity. It also represents in a lot of ways how Danny would revamp his drum parts and his approach on certain songs/sections from year to year on each tour. I tried to catch as many of those revamps as possible, but sometimes it is hard to resist the original recording we all know and love. The setup I have in this video reflects (though it does not mirror) how Danny set up during the Chicago 16 tour, which featured his first double headed kit since 1977, with more conventional sizes. He removed the bottom head off of his 10" tom, but then used doubled head 12", 13", 15" and 16" toms in addition to 2 bass drums (I instead use a double pedal). I hope to do more songs from this specific recording, along with other live recordings over the years in the future! Enjoy! Chicago at Wally Heider Studios (1982): https://youtu.be/LS26vF7tiWE?si=uv2yfY9T5J_ssAfk GEAR: - Slingerland Drums - Zildjian Cymbals - Remo Drumheads - DW Pedals - Vic Firth Drum Sticks - Shure In-Ear Monitors WEBSITE: https://berkeytate.wixsite.com/tateberkey Thanks to everyone who watches and supports this channel, and if you haven't already, please consider subscribing to keep up with more content like this!

This video has been in the works for a little while now, and I hope that those who have been asking/waiting for more instructional based content will enjoy what I have to offer! I like to find new ideas and ways to practice soloing on the drums, and I figure I am not the only one that may face dead ends when it comes to soloing. When applying the ideas or rudimental frameworks that lie within a snare solo like "Rolling In Rhythm", there are sparks of creativity that can light a new path or idea that after much practice can be musically implemented. It can be a lot of fun and inspiring as well! If there are other concepts or certain aspects of drumming/music that you'd like me to address in the future, please let me know as I would love to continue making videos like this one. Also, if you want to learn more about anything specific that I talked about in this video, whether its getting to this type of playing or expanding upon the ideas I touched on, I am always available for lessons both online via Zoom/Skype or in person for people who live in the greater Philadelphia area. My contact information can be found via the link to my website below! GEAR: - Ludwig Drums - Zildjian Cymbals - Remo Drumheads - DW Pedals - Vic Firth Drum Sticks - Shure In-Ear Monitors WEBSITE: https://berkeytate.wixsite.com/tateberkey Thanks to everyone who watches and supports this channel, and if you haven't already, please consider subscribing to keep up with more content like this!

For those who have been asking about Blood, Sweat and Tears, finally, here you go! I love the feel on this classic tune, and at times I found it hard to lock in with Bobby Colomby's laid back elasticity, but at the same time, that's why I love this kind of music! The band is so tight despite what would otherwise be considered a wobbly tempo. The feel and vibe is what is important, and it is so good! Colomby plays some really unique fills throughout this song, and I especially love the couple uses of cymbal swells/chokes that he uses on the upbeats before the band settles back into a verse. His outlining of the riff and horn lines throughout his groove is also a lot of fun to hear and play. So musical! GEAR: - Ludwig Drums - Zildjian Cymbals - Remo Drumheads - DW Pedals - Vic Firth Drum Sticks - Shure In-Ear Monitors WEBSITE: https://berkeytate.wixsite.com/tateberkey Thanks to everyone who watches and supports this channel, and if you haven't already, please consider subscribing to keep up with more content like this!

Last week I had the pleasure of working at Williamsport Area High School for their production of the classic musical Pippin. This was the newer Broadway production that toured about 10 years ago, and took on lots of more contemporary styles/feels. This video displays a lot of those from most of the notable numbers in the show. I always find it to be a fun challenge to try and really make all the songs in a show like this feel authentic and full of energy while still maintaining control and a healthy dynamic level. It's easy to play a rock groove with full rim shot backbeats and sloshy hi hats, but in a setting such as this where I can't play as loud because the vocal level can only compete so much, it can be pretty difficult to get that same effect while playing quietly. Practicing everything softly that I normally work on at a louder or more comfortable dynamic level proves to be effective in these situations! Enjoy! GEAR: - Ludwig Drums - Zildjian Cymbals - Remo Drumheads - Vater Drum Sticks WEBSITE: https://berkeytate.wixsite.com/tateberkey Thanks to everyone who watches and supports this channel, and if you haven't already, please consider subscribing to keep up with more content like this!

Here's a quick peak at what I was up to this past week. It was a great time playing for Williamsport Area High School's production of the modern version of Pippin'. It was a while since I had played a proper musical gig (outside of the occasional sight reading sub gig) and I forgot how much fun doing this type of gig can be! This tune is one of the well known "hits" from Pippin that appears early in the show, and despite its short length requires a lot from the drum throne in terms of quick and subtle feel/dynamics changes that were a fun challenge! Be on the look out for a full highlight reel later this week! Enjoy! GEAR: - Ludwig Drums - Zildjian Cymbals - Remo Drumheads - Vater Drum Sticks WEBSITE: https://berkeytate.wixsite.com/tateberkey Thanks to everyone who watches and supports this channel, and if you haven't already, please consider subscribing to keep up with more content like this!