Bob Ernest

Text by Bob Ernest

Book and CD

This 80-page book by Bob Ernest, who was responsible for programming the Roland JB-80 series drum machine, is a great introduction to the basic funk beats and patterns used in hip-hop music. Every pattern in the book can be played as a groove in actual performance. This book begins with basic beats using the hi-hat cymbals and moves to increasingly difficult new rhythms for the drum set. It is attractively packaged, with a CD that includes 6 play-along grooves written and performed by Blackbyrd McNight featuring DJ Tonee McGuire.