Jazz Drumset Language: Resolution Points
Have you ever wondered why Jazz drums sound the way they do? What exactly makes them have that particular sound and feel?
In this lesson, I'll be discussing one of the essential characteristics of jazz...
How to Comp On The Drums Like Elvin Jones
Elvin Ray Jones was born September 9, 1927, in Pontiac, Michigan. He grew up in a musical home of jazz musicians. Hank Jones and Tad Jones, both legendary and innovative musicians, are Elvin's brothers....
Rudimental Drummer: 2 Concepts To Incorporate Wilcoxon’s Solos Into Your Playing
Charles Wilcoxon was one of the most innovative and prolific drum educators/Authors of the 20th century. He wrote several books on hand technique and Rudimental drumming.
Although for many, the name Wilcoxon might not ring any...
Dealing With Song Forms: Tips for Drummers
Drummers, in jazz and popular music, have two primary functions.
One is to keep an excellent time feel, a foundation for the rest of the band, so they can play with ease over a bed...
Awesome Philly Joe Jones Lick and Solo Analysis
For this month's drum lesson we are going to analyze a lick played by one of the fathers of bebop drumming: the great late Philly Joe Jones.
I first learn this lick when transcribing Philly's...
Learning to Solo In The Style Of Max Roach
Max Roach was an American jazz drummer and composer. He was born on January 10, 1924, in New Land, North Carolina. He was raised in Brooklyn and studied at the Manhattan School of Music. He worked...
How To Develop Musical and Organized Jazz Drum Solos
Playing drum solos is one of the first great challenges a jazz drummer faces in his/her career. Keeping the audience hooked to a long drum solo is definitely not easy. Many times I see...
How to Play Drum Rudiments In A Musical Way
Ever since I was a kid learning to play the drums, I've been aware of the debate about rudiments. Many drummers argue that rudiment can be detrimental to your feel and musicality, stating that...
Developing Your Jazz Drum Comping
"Comping" is a term coined by jazz musicians, which means accompaniment. It is what the rhythm section players do while the lead player plays the head of a jazz tune or solos over it....
How To Get The Most Out of Your Drum Solo Transcriptions (Part 2)
Hey guys, welcome back to my monthly lesson!
Last time we discussed some basic concepts I use in order to learn new soloing and comping vocabulary on the drums. We went over breaking long...