Was Buddy Rich The Greatest Drummer Of All Time? | Greyson Nekrutman

Some say he’s the next Buddy Rich.

Others think he’s a social media sensation.

Either way, Greyson Nekrutman is definitely not your regular 19-year-old.

Greyson decided in high school that instead of partying and hanging out with his peers, he’d sneak off to practice drums at lunch. He’s sacrificed a lot to get to where he is today: a young Big Band drummer with hundreds of thousands of online followers and growing gig opportunities.

There aren’t many modern drummers who play the style popularized during the golden age of drummers. Influenced by Big Band and jazz legends like Sonny Payne, Louie Bellson, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Max Roach and Art Blakey, as well as players in other styles like Carter Beauford, Mitch Mitchell and Ginger Baker, Greyson does a great job taking notes from his heroes while developing his own identity as a drummer.

It might be hard to believe that a capable player like Greyson would be met with criticism, but he’s already encountered his fair share. He says it pushes him harder and reminds him that he’s doing something different. He’s setting out to prove people wrong, whether it’s those who don’t like what he’s doing or those who rejected him from music school.

In this video lesson, Greyson shows you how he plays Buddy Rich’s legendary one-handed rolls and how he puts together drum solos – and shares a vulnerable side as well.

Chapters:

0:00 – SONG: “Caravan” by Duke Ellington (Arranged by Chris Fischer)*
2:10 – Drum Solo
9:32 – SONG: “Caravan” by Duke Ellington (Continued)
11:18 – Introducing Greyson and his influences
18:10 – How to play Buddy Rich’s one-handed roll
28:18 – Drum Solo
32:24 – Breaking down the solo
37:00 – Getting compared to Buddy Rich
43:31 – How his childhood illness and music school rejections fueled him
49:15 – Was Buddy Rich the greatest drummer of all time?
50:57 – “Trajectory” by Chris Fischer

Thanks to Chris Fischer for arranging “Caravan” for this live lesson. You can download and practice along with the drumless version inside the Drumeo members area.

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►YouTube: @BrandonToews
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[TheOlvan]

I was the big fish in my pond. I won all the drumming awards, made the Monterey Jazz All Star band, and was accepted into North Texas School of Music. When I got there, every other drummer at the school was better than me. Nothing grounds you like a big slice of Humble Pie. This is when I got to work and improved my drumming by a lot. I know what you are talking about, Greyson, and good job taking that rejection and turning it around!

[anthonymignot]

All I can say is wow!! I’m 46 and the attitude, work ethic and wisdom he has at 19 is incredible! Thank you so much for sharing your hard work in the drum community. Seems so many obstacles were overcome to get to this moment and the best is yet to come! Truly inspiring!

[rokker]

Greyson is in my opinion the greatest young jazz drummer in the world today ... his technique is phenomenal and he has so much control of his left hand ... his commitment and love of playing is unsurpassed ... soon he will be hailed as THE best player without a shadow of a doubt ... he is also a real sound humble grounded guy

[LeonardSmith-qvdo]

As a retired bigband drummer I didn't think I would ever say this but considering this young guys age, it just maybe possible, maybe that Grayson here eventually gets to somewhere where buddy was, I wont be hear to see it but Grayson just might get up there. Butch Miles got close so keep at it Grayson.

[Alfombrafix]

Surely one of the greatest drummer of all time, and when he goes on like this he will stand in the same row one day … 😊 So great!

[fernandomartincom]

"I think it's a fallacy that the harder you practice the better you get. You only get better by playing. You can sit around in the basement with a set of drums all day long and practice rudiments and try to develop speed, but until you start playing with a band, you can't learn technique, you can't learn taste, and you can't learn how to play with a band and FOR a band" - Buddy Rich

[intradibles]

Woooow, that's awesome. Greyson is like a time machine, always ready to introduce history to young generations thru drumming. Best to see him lead his own orchestra, like Buddy did. 🥁🥁🥁

[tonymazz]

At 8:23, Buddy Rich jumped into his body. Grayson is off the charts incredible. His left hand is a machine gun. God willing he stays safe and has a wonderful career.

[metagordy]

It's incredible how when he plays fast and loud it sort of looks so uncontrolled but is definitely under full control, you can hear how clean each note is played.

[tomtomboy]

Buddy Rich has been gone 47 years today, 4-2-24. Hey Buddy...THANKS FOR SHOWING US WHAT IS POSSIBLE. R.I.P BUDDY"BERNARD" RICH....I LOVE YOU! YOU WILL LIVE ON ETERNALLY.

[lukeweston]

He's such a melodic player while playing with a ton of energy, I can't imagine how fun it would be to play with him

[gdenyer]

Saw Buddy twice as a wee boy in Scotland. Got to shake his hand. Greyson, you are keeping this art alive. Just fantastic. Sublime.

[xgreco]

Greyson is extremely talented and motivated. He has managed to overcome all obstacles and make things work for him. Determined and ambitious, he has put up the work and has made it. Congratulations Greyson!

[timchurchill]

You didn't go for a very common challenge when it came to learning the drums you went for the highest mountain and you've reached the top hours of studying and researching, not only have you achieved your goal your willing to share and pass on your knowledge you show great modesty and humility you dress smart and show great respect for people and the drumming world all round nice guy all the best to you....

[drummerKev]

When I first saw Greyson play during a Drumeo course, I thought “how old is this kid”? Watch him every chance you get, because he’s an absolute prodigy! No doubt as he said himself in one video, it takes tons of practicing to play like he can. But look at his form, his sticking, his control over his hands and sticking approach. He very well may be the next GOAT!

[Camcodrummer]

Kids got skill. Love it that young people are doing this, listening to the history, carrying it. Great job.

[onehotpepper]

I know you can’t please everyone but who would reject him from music school? Glad he was not discouraged but took it as a challenge, an opportunity to continue with his idea, move forward, and practice more.

I learned to play drums late in life, 40s, and this guy is inspiring even if I am not striving to play at that level. But makes me want to practice more and do what I CAN do better.

[JohanSegeborn]

Mind blowing! I’m so glad someone is able to pick up that heavy mantle and wear it!

[Robert-cknm]

God bless Greyson! It's great to see a young lion keeping the big band flame alive. Buddy smiles on your efforts. In fact, you play the way Buddy did at your age.That's my highest compliment. Keep it up, brother. You have my gratitude, and respect!

[FrankPCarpi]

Greyson is so full of energy it makes me sweat just looking at him. This young man is in top league.