FUNK FACTORY
Ride Cymbal Funk
by Mike Clark
Here are a few of the techniques I use for jazz or ride cymbal funk. First, I’m going to show you some techniques, examples and patterns
using the hi-hat substituting for the bass drum and some triplets, borrowed from Elvin and Roy Haynes.

Clark Ex. 1 - CD Track 34

While playing with Herbie Hancock’s group in the early 1970s, Mike Clark gained worldwide recognition as one of America’s foremost jazz and funk drummers. Having toured the world, he has played with the likes of Chet Baker, Tony Bennett, Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, Bobby Hutcherson, Chris Potter, Onaje Allan Gumbs, Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, Dave Liebman, Maxine Brown, Gil Evans and even Brand X, the acclaimed British fusion band founded by Phil Collins. His numerous recording credits include Herbie Hancock, The Headhunters, Brand X, Eddie Henderson, Jack Wilkins, Mark Puricelli, Mike Wolff, and Alien Army, to name a few. In 2001, his solo CD, Actual Proof met with critical acclaim, as did the 2003 acoustic jazz release, Summertime. Clark has been called the “most sampled drummer in Hip Hop,” where he has been sampled by such artists as NWA, Grandmaster Flash, Britney Spears, Prince and many others.

Now, I’m going to play a couple of examples of jazz funk in my style for you, and I’m going to do so
as if I’m playing in the band and comping for a soloist.

Clark Ex. 2 - CD Track 35