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jazz drumming inspiration

Inspiration
For Jazz Drumming

To listen to jazz music is to be inspired by the top jazz drummers and all the music they have helped create. This section contains a resource of links, articles, and videos to drum lessons and concerts, to get you inspired on your journey to mastering the jazz drum kit.

Last year saw the passing of jazz legend Roy Haynes at the age of 99! Truly a legend, if ever there was one, with a career that spanned almost all the great musicians and variations that is jazz. And in 2023, the greatest living jazz improviser and composer, Wayne Shorter also left us.

In interviews with Jon Batiste, both Haynes and Shorter divulge some of their musical histories and philosophies.

Tuning drums for jazz drumming. It is hard and highly subjective. Here are two videos to help you.

I came to Jim Blackley’ material indirectly. I never got to study with him, but my drum tutor on my undergraduate jazz course in London had studied with Blackley and introduced me to some of the concepts he taught. Blackley’s approach is firmly based on the principle of creating musicians more than creating drummers. It is about the music. An old modern drummer interview with Blackley reveals some great advice for aspiring jazz drummers.

Bill Evan Jazz Piano trio in 1965 | jazz drumming inspiration | on Jazz drumming

Bill Evans' influence on jazz is huge, not least in what he achieved with Miles Davis on Kind of Blue (1959). Outside of that, he redefined what a piano trio could be, turning it into a chamber group rather than simply a vehicle to showcase his talents. This is a great example of that with a trio concert from his European tour in 1965.

How your body and brain learns during practicing | jazz drumming inspiration | on Jazz drumming

All musicians struggle with practice and how to practice effectively. What to practice is very much dependent on your level and your playing goals. How to practice usually means focusing on what you can't do, or at least on what you can't do well enough. But few of us know why practising works and what is going on in the body and brain.

Chick Corea's Wise Words | jazz drumming inspiration | on Jazz drumming

Jazz legend Chick Corea passed away unexpectedly in February, but he leaves beyond a treasure trove of great music, and some profound advice for all aspiring musicians, including jazz drummers.

Solea: Flamenco in Seville | jazz drumming inspiration | on Jazz drumming

"Soleá" is a short documentary about a flamenco guitarist living and playing in Seville. It has some interesting insights into the life of a musician and one can see parallels with jazz musicians.

11 essential jazz drummers you should listen to | jazz drumming inspiration | on Jazz drumming

When you are starting out with jazz drumming one of the most important things you need to do is listen a lot. In fact this is true whether you are a beginner or not. In order to understand the rhythms, the feeling, the swing, you have to listen widely and historically. Time spent listening to the music and what the drummers do, is as valuable as practicing, and not listening enough was a mistake I certainly made when I was starting out. In fact, I still need to listen more which is part of the reason I wrote this post.

Vijay Iyer Trio | Marcus Gilmore | On Jazz Drumming

Marcus Gilmore is one of the most interesting and creative jazz drummers playing at the moment. He played for 10 years as part of the Vijay Iyer Trio. Here they are performing some of the tunes from their album "Break Stuff" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Wayne Shorter's Advice | jazz drumming inspiration | on jazz drumming

Now into his eighties Wayne Shorter is one of the living legends of jazz music. He is one of the great jazz composers as well as tenor saxophone players, so when he gives advice it is well worth listening to. And what’s his advice? Read a lot.

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