Press Reviews
Modern Drummer - 2018
Originally published in 1992, this classic method book garnered praise from top drummers and educators. Now the author has updated it with additional exercises and online audio examples.
Designed to develop coordination in a groove context, Time Manipulation features an open format that favors exploration. The bulk of the exercises consists of sets of one-bar beats, where a simple groove builds in complexity. What's special is the relationship between the simple and complex grooves, and the related patterns in between therm. They can be mixed and matched, ostinato ride patterns can be swapped in, bass drum phrasing can be altered, and more, allowing for a lot of creative exploration. The collection of phrases in both 4/4 and 12/8 develops a solid foundation in groove, along a spectrum from simple to complex.
Later there are sections that delve into 4:3 and 3:2 polyrhythms, ideas like three-bar patterns, beat displacement, and more. Each of these more advanced concepts quickly brings things back to how they might function within a groove. Such an approach works to strengthen rhythmic awareness, leading to a deeper overall understanding. A welcome update to a classic, Time Manipulation remains an excellent single-book introduction to these concepts. The open format sparks ideas and creativity while getting a drummer thinking about new ideas. Fun, inspiring, and educational. Martin Patmos
Designed to develop coordination in a groove context, Time Manipulation features an open format that favors exploration. The bulk of the exercises consists of sets of one-bar beats, where a simple groove builds in complexity. What's special is the relationship between the simple and complex grooves, and the related patterns in between therm. They can be mixed and matched, ostinato ride patterns can be swapped in, bass drum phrasing can be altered, and more, allowing for a lot of creative exploration. The collection of phrases in both 4/4 and 12/8 develops a solid foundation in groove, along a spectrum from simple to complex.
Later there are sections that delve into 4:3 and 3:2 polyrhythms, ideas like three-bar patterns, beat displacement, and more. Each of these more advanced concepts quickly brings things back to how they might function within a groove. Such an approach works to strengthen rhythmic awareness, leading to a deeper overall understanding. A welcome update to a classic, Time Manipulation remains an excellent single-book introduction to these concepts. The open format sparks ideas and creativity while getting a drummer thinking about new ideas. Fun, inspiring, and educational. Martin Patmos
Drums and Percussion Magazine – 2019 (Allemagne)
The goal of this book, first published in 1992, is to expand rhythmic vocabulary. To achieve this, 68 simple basic grooves—4/4 binary and ternary, 12/8, etc.—are developed into complex patterns over 16 bars using polyrhythms, anticipations, displacements, and ultimately metric modulation. These patterns can then be combined with various ostinato patterns.
Each of the seven sections also includes numerous additional ideas for interpreting the 16-bar sequences. By shifting rhythmic elements on two levels simultaneously, long forms are created that require a good sense of overview—just don’t lose track!
This is definitely not a collection of licks. The material is demanding, precise, highly informative, and very musical. The new expanded edition now also includes audio and, in some cases, visual materials.
Each of the seven sections also includes numerous additional ideas for interpreting the 16-bar sequences. By shifting rhythmic elements on two levels simultaneously, long forms are created that require a good sense of overview—just don’t lose track!
This is definitely not a collection of licks. The material is demanding, precise, highly informative, and very musical. The new expanded edition now also includes audio and, in some cases, visual materials.
Sticks Magazine – 2018 (Allemagne)
In this expanded new edition of the instructional book Time Manipulation, first published in 1992 and available in both English and French editions, renowned drummer and author Alain Rieder introduces the world of groove-based rhythmic effects in an innovative way. He does so through exercises built around carefully selected, structured patterns, ranging from absolute basics to highly complex Time Manipulation and Rhythmic Modulation exercises.
The book is designed to develop drum set coordination within a groove context. The 67 exercises in Chapters 1–6 each consist of 16 one-bar patterns, which are played twice. The exercises should be practiced in the specified order within each section, but they do not need to be followed sequentially from 1 to 67—they can be learned individually. The introduction provides a detailed explanation of how to work with this book.
Sections 1–6 cover basic patterns, polyrhythmic patterns, anticipations (syncopations) using eighth and sixteenth notes, beat displacements (shifting an entire beat), 12/8 patterns, and swing & shuffle feels. Chapter 7 then explores Rhythmic Modulations in depth, for which the previous chapters serve as excellent preparation. The book concludes with a comprehensive list of all exercises, making it easy to locate the corresponding audio files available for download on Alain Rieder’s website.
While the book begins with simple basic patterns, its overall concept is geared toward advanced and professional drummers looking to expand their rhythmic vocabulary and gain a deeper understanding of the actual perceived effect of groove patterns. This method is also highly recommended as part of a structured drum lesson plan, as its well-thought-out pedagogical approach and unique content make it a valuable addition to any practice routine.
The practical concepts presented in 1992 were relevant then and remain so today. It is great to see this classic instructional book getting a new edition.
Axel Mikolajczak, 11 Septembre 2018
The book is designed to develop drum set coordination within a groove context. The 67 exercises in Chapters 1–6 each consist of 16 one-bar patterns, which are played twice. The exercises should be practiced in the specified order within each section, but they do not need to be followed sequentially from 1 to 67—they can be learned individually. The introduction provides a detailed explanation of how to work with this book.
Sections 1–6 cover basic patterns, polyrhythmic patterns, anticipations (syncopations) using eighth and sixteenth notes, beat displacements (shifting an entire beat), 12/8 patterns, and swing & shuffle feels. Chapter 7 then explores Rhythmic Modulations in depth, for which the previous chapters serve as excellent preparation. The book concludes with a comprehensive list of all exercises, making it easy to locate the corresponding audio files available for download on Alain Rieder’s website.
While the book begins with simple basic patterns, its overall concept is geared toward advanced and professional drummers looking to expand their rhythmic vocabulary and gain a deeper understanding of the actual perceived effect of groove patterns. This method is also highly recommended as part of a structured drum lesson plan, as its well-thought-out pedagogical approach and unique content make it a valuable addition to any practice routine.
The practical concepts presented in 1992 were relevant then and remain so today. It is great to see this classic instructional book getting a new edition.
Axel Mikolajczak, 11 Septembre 2018
Modern Drummer 1995
For students who are not quite ready for Gary Chester's The New Breed, this book could prove the perfect introduction to some of it's concepts. Time Manipulation begins by introducing a series of ostinatos for the hi-hat or ride cymbal (and sometimes hi-hat pedal) that are comparable to Chester's "systems".
Granted, there are no instructions indicating that one should play them with both left- and right-hand lead (sic), but there is nothing to stop someone doing that, either.
Following the ostinatos are over fifty pages of exercises with various bass drum and snare patterns, each of which is to be practiced with each of the ostinatos. Had Rieder have written all of the exercises out, the book would have easily filled several hundred pages; by simply printing the basic exercises once and listing all the various ride patterns that can be played with them, his book covers a lot more ground than its 112 pages would indicate. Whereas The New Breed's reading exercises are great for developing reading and technique, individual measures do not always make practical drum beats. Time Manipulation, by contrast, offers one-bar patterns that are very realistic in terms of potential for everyday use. They progress logically in difficulty from simple quarter and 8th-note patterns to 16th notes and 12/8 time. Because it starts with a basic 8th-note ride pattern, the book can be used as a beginning drumset method. By the end, the student will have a good command of a variety of time feels.
Rick Mattingly, Modern Drummer, March 1995.
Rick Mattingly, Modern Drummer, March 1995.
Batteur Magazine - Janvier 1994
When I immersed myself in Alain Rieder’s book, I quickly realized how valuable it was. Short, clear, and concise texts, leaving no room for unnecessary complexity; exercises built on simple foundations, requiring only a moderate level of reading ability; modern concepts (polyrhythms, anticipations, displacements, linear phrasing, double bass drumming, metric and polymetric modulations…)—everything is in place to bring this book to life and give it originality.Masterfully written by an author eager to deliver the message of modern rhythms in the most direct way possible, this book is by no means a headache. On the contrary, you’ll likely be surprised at how quickly each chapter can be broken down and how every section is genuinely designed for playing.
But don’t be mistaken—“Time Manipulation” is not a collection of licks to memorize and pull out at the right moment. No, much like Gary Chester’s work, this book defines how to successfully play certain rhythmic formulas by providing only the essential building blocks, which must then be adapted to one’s own personality.
The method’s five main sections include 64 exercises of 16 bars each, designed to be played with various cymbal ostinatos. This approach ultimately offers more than 6,500 possible combinations—an impressive number! A useful addition: printed charts in the final pages of the book allow drummers to track their progress, such as playing exercise X with ostinato Y, and so on.
I personally appreciated the quick results I achieved while working on the time displacement section (Section 4, page 51) and the linear phrasing exercises (page 80). I also had a lot of fun experimenting with the excellent metric and polymetric modulation phrases (examples 1 to 27, page 94). Check them out—you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised.
In Time Manipulation, Alain Rieder shares everything he learned from great musicians like Ralph Humphrey, Joe Porcaro, and Steve Houghton during his time at PIT. Add to that a deep study of the styles of drummers such as Garibaldi, Gadd, Colaiuta, Weckl, and Erskine, and you’ll get an idea of the rich blend of influences behind this book. That said, simply copying others does not make a great method, and here, Rieder has truly crafted an outstanding educational work. It is based on the playing of innovative drummers, but let me emphasize—this book is by no means a collection of their licks. That’s where the true artistry of the author lies. Q.E.D.
Should I also mention that this book is recommended by Dave Weckl and Peter Erskine?
Alain Gozzo - Batteur Magazine, Janvier 1994.
“Time Manipulation” provides a fundamental approach to working on groove, beyond styles and trends. Its structure is open enough for each drummer to bring in their own ideas and creativity, using the book’s core rhythmic elements—from the most basic to the most advanced—to build a solid improvisational vocabulary.
But don’t be mistaken—“Time Manipulation” is not a collection of licks to memorize and pull out at the right moment. No, much like Gary Chester’s work, this book defines how to successfully play certain rhythmic formulas by providing only the essential building blocks, which must then be adapted to one’s own personality.
The method’s five main sections include 64 exercises of 16 bars each, designed to be played with various cymbal ostinatos. This approach ultimately offers more than 6,500 possible combinations—an impressive number! A useful addition: printed charts in the final pages of the book allow drummers to track their progress, such as playing exercise X with ostinato Y, and so on.
I personally appreciated the quick results I achieved while working on the time displacement section (Section 4, page 51) and the linear phrasing exercises (page 80). I also had a lot of fun experimenting with the excellent metric and polymetric modulation phrases (examples 1 to 27, page 94). Check them out—you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised.
In Time Manipulation, Alain Rieder shares everything he learned from great musicians like Ralph Humphrey, Joe Porcaro, and Steve Houghton during his time at PIT. Add to that a deep study of the styles of drummers such as Garibaldi, Gadd, Colaiuta, Weckl, and Erskine, and you’ll get an idea of the rich blend of influences behind this book. That said, simply copying others does not make a great method, and here, Rieder has truly crafted an outstanding educational work. It is based on the playing of innovative drummers, but let me emphasize—this book is by no means a collection of their licks. That’s where the true artistry of the author lies. Q.E.D.
Should I also mention that this book is recommended by Dave Weckl and Peter Erskine?
Alain Gozzo - Batteur Magazine, Janvier 1994.
Batteur Magazine 100
The Drummer’s Essential Library
In 1997 Time Manipulation receives another distinction by being featured in the “Drummer’s Essential Library,” a selection of around forty printed drum methods, published in issue #100 of Batteur Magazine (April 1997).
