The Best Jazz Drummers of All Time
What characterises the best jazz drummers ever, and where can you find out more about them?
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Jazz has given us some of the most technically gifted and musical drummers the world has ever seen.
Drummers are the heartbeat of any band, and their unique styles can define the sound and groove of a musical ensemble.
In this post, we'll delve into the distinctive drumming styles of some legendary jazz drummers: from Art Blakey to Eric Harland.
Many of these drummers have shared their insights and techniques in books that we’ve featured in our list of the essential books for jazz drummers.
14 of The Greatest Jazz Drummers of All Time
Elvin Jones
Elvin Jones, 1979
Image attribution: Thomas Huther, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Elvin Jones, known for his work with John Coltrane, was a pioneer of jazz drumming.
His style was characterized by polyrhythmic complexity, intense cymbal work, and a driving, relentless energy.
Jones's innovative approach to the drum kit pushed the boundaries of jazz, creating a dynamic and explosive sound.
Elvin played with fluidity throughout his career but in later years you can hear the difference in the clarity of his playing. For example check out his brush work on the album The Truth is Spoken Here by Marcus Roberts, compared to the raucousness of earlier Coltrane recordings such as A Love Supreme.
2. Philly Joe Jones
Philly Joe Jones was a pioneer of bebop drumming.
His style featured intricate cymbal work, innovative use of dynamics, and a deep sense of swing.
Jones' contributions to the Miles Davis Quintet's recordings are considered classics of jazz drumming.
He pioneered the clear style of left-hand comping, characteristic of New York BeBop, and solos featuring innovative, musical use of rudiments.
Philly Joe was known to be a cool character, and this characteristic came out in his swinging drum style.
3. Art Blakey
Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers in the Kurzaal Concert Hall in Den Haag, 30.03.1963
Art Blakey was a jazz legend and the founder of the Jazz Messengers.
His drumming style was marked by its propulsive drive and hard-hitting swing.
Blakey's ability to lead a band from the drum kit while inspiring his fellow musicians is a hallmark of his enduring legacy.
Transcriptions of Blakey’s work with The Messengers as well as analysis of his playing style have been put together in this book by John Ramsay.
4. Roy Haynes
Roy Haynes, known as the "Father of Modern Jazz Drumming," had a style marked by fluidity and innovation.
He seamlessly blended various jazz styles, including bebop and avant-garde, into his playing.
Haynes' career spanned over seven decades, leaving an indelible mark on the history of jazz.
5. Bill Stewart
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Bill Stewart, 2019, Oslo
Photo: Tore Sætre / Wikimedia http://www.setre.net/
Bill Stewart is a modern jazz drumming icon, known for his impeccable technique and intricate, melodically-driven playing.
His style combines elements of traditional jazz drumming with modern sensibilities, making him a sought-after collaborator with musicians across various genres.
6. Tony Williams
Tony Williams, a prodigious talent, revolutionized drumming with his blazing speed and complex rhythms.
His work with Miles Davis in the 1960s pushed the boundaries of jazz, and his innovative fusion drumming in the 1970s influenced generations of drummers.
7. Jimmy Cobb
Jimmy Cobb, best known for his work with Miles Davis, had a straightforward and tasteful drumming style.
He was known for providing the perfect groove, maintaining a steady tempo, and playing with impeccable finesse. Cobb's contribution to the iconic "Kind of Blue" album remains one of the most cherished moments in jazz history.
8. Jeff “Tain” Watts
Jeff "Tain" Watts is known for his powerful and intricate drumming style.
He has played with jazz legends like Wynton Marsalis and Branford Marsalis, and his ability to navigate complex time signatures and deliver explosive solos is a hallmark of his style.
9. Max Roach
Max Roach was a visionary drummer and composer who helped shape the evolution of bebop and hard bop.
His style featured precise, melodic drumming, and he often incorporated social and political themes into his music.
Roach's contributions to jazz drumming and civil rights activism continue to resonate today.
10. Buddy Rich
Buddy Rich was a virtuoso drummer known for his incredible speed and technical prowess.
His style was characterized by lightning-fast drum rolls, precise snare work, and impeccable timing.
Rich's influence on the world of drumming can still be felt today, especially in the world of big band and jazz.
For those wanting to learn more about Buddy Rich he has a biography featuring interviews with those he played with here.
11. Brian Blade
Brian Blade is celebrated for his expressive and soulful drumming style.
His ability to infuse warmth and emotion into his playing sets him apart.
Blade's style incorporates a blend of jazz, gospel, and folk influences, making him a standout in both acoustic and electric settings.
12. Eric Harland
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Eric Harland, 2017, Oslo
Photo: Tore Sætre / Wikimedia
Eric Harland is known for his versatility and innovation in contemporary jazz.
His drumming style incorporates a wide range of textures, from delicate brushwork to explosive solos.
Harland's rhythmic creativity and willingness to push boundaries have made him a driving force in modern jazz.
13. Chris Dave
Chris Dave is known in jazz for his work with Robert Glasper.
Dave’s drumming features strong Hip Hop and RnB influences, with technical prowess and an irresistable sense of groove.
A signature of Dave’s drumming is the delayed backbeat, a nod to legendary hip hop producer J Dilla.
14. Mark Guiliana
Mark Guiliana is a giant of the modern jazz scene.
His playing is known for technical ability, dynamics and intricacy. He pays homage to traditional jazz styles while bringing and undeniably modern touch to his playing.
Guiliana’s book Exploring Your Creativity on the Drumset introduces his DROP method of manipulating dynamics, rate, orchestration and phrasing to create new ideas. This is well worth investing in to understand one of the most celebrated modern jazz drummers’ process. This book also features on our list of the best drum books for learning jazz.
These drummers, each with their unique style and contributions, showcase the incredible diversity within the world of drumming.
Their innovative approaches and technical prowess have left an indelible mark on the history of music, inspiring drummers and musicians across genres.
Whether you're a jazz aficionado or a lover of music in general, exploring the legacies of these legendary drummers is a journey worth taking.
Want to explore more? Here’s our list of the best rock drummers of all time. Looking to invest in a jazz drum kit and need some inspiration? Here’s our list of the best beginner to intermediate jazz drum kits.
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Jazz has given us some of the most technically gifted and musical drummers the world has ever seen. In this post, we'll delve into the distinctive drumming styles of some legendary drummers: from Art Blakey to Eric Harland.