A drummer is undoubtedly one of the most important band members for any musical genre, but when it comes to jazz, they’re perhaps the propelling force that can take a jazz band to the next level. In fact, it won’t be an understatement to say that a jazz band is only as good as its drummers. Even a below-average band can be transformed into a fairly decent band if only its drummer is skilled.
The drummer’s skill and proficiency are a lot more important in jazz than it is in other genres of music, such as pop or rock. This is because it’s the drummer who creates the beat that other band members follow. If you’ve seen the movie Whiplash, you’d know that it’s not easy to train as a jazz drummer. In fact, it takes a lot of skill and technical expertise to nail the job and get the tune exactly right.
Back in the early 20th century, when jazz music was still in its early phases, the drummers were merely responsible for providing a rhythmic pulse in the background. This pulse was supposed to support the other soloists in the band while building tension in the music and invoking a certain mood.
Of course, as the genre evolved, the drummers were no longer restricted to the background. They had to match the other soloists in the band and give the same level of expertise as all the rest. It was during this time that the world saw some of the best jazz drummers who not only put their bands in the mainstream but elevated the entire genre.
Interested to learn more about these distinguished drummers? Here’s a rundown of some of the best jazz drummers of all time.
Art Blakey
Art Blakey definitely tops the list as a versatile drumming powerhouse who was often considered a one-man show in his popular band, The Jazz Messengers. He was most famous for his sense of synchronization and swing and was also the person responsible for propelling his band into the mainstream.
With a charismatic demeanor and a massive fan following, he was a major jazz sensation of his time. His iconic press roll is still admired by drummers and jazz enthusiasts, and his bop grooves still echo in the world of jazz.
Max Roach
Max Roach was not only talented, but he also became part of the jazz scene at the right time. In the late 40s, by the time Roach entered the industry, drummers had already moved from the background to the foreground and became a much more integral part of the band.
Roach’s talents carried him forward as he brought on a more fluid and flowy type of jazz with his drumming. His improvisation is considered to be one of the best in history, and he was one of the few drummers who could create contrasting tones during a single performance.
Tony Williams
Though a small man, it won’t be an understatement to call Tony Williams the giant of drumming in the world of jazz. He began his career at 17 by playing with the legendary Miles Davis and was quickly known as a major trailblazer because of his unique harmonic displacements and intricate rhythmic patterns. However, his real talent was his versatility in playing jazz and also rock and fusion genres with seamless ease.
Kenny Clarke
Keny Clarke (also famously called Klook) rose to prominence as bebop was surfacing in the jazz scene. He was a member of the famous jazz band The Modern Jazz Quartet and was considered one of the best drummers during the genre’s initial years. He was most famous for introducing his iconic syncopated accents produced on a bass drum while using a cymbal to ensure a swingy groove. In fact, his style is still evident in modern drumming techniques in jazz.
Elvin Jones
Elvin Jones rose to prominence when he joined the legendary John Coltrane’s famous quartet during the early 60s. He made a name for himself with the brilliant force with which he drummed, as well as his unique and brute presence. Jones was subtle but knew just how to build a harmony that flowed seamlessly and was simply attuned to just what the song needed.
Roy Haynes
Roy Haynes, famously called Snap Crackle, became famous for his exceptional snare drumming technique. He began his career in the early 50s as a bop drummer and went on to demonstrate versatility in playing just about all types of jazz, including avant-garde. This living legend is still considered to be a master of creating magic with his music.
Buddy Rich
Bernard Rich, nicknamed Buddy Rich, is perhaps the most flamboyant drummer to have entered the world of jazz. His unmatched speed, force, and sense of swing gave him a unique showmanship that made every other instrument blur in comparison. He often indulged in long solos, which was popular in rock music of the era.
Gene Krupa
Gene Krupa is said to be the first person to ever use a bass drum during a recording session. He used a big-bad drum set which primarily influenced the modern drum kits we see today. He was also responsible for the use and popularity of tom-toms and cymbals in jazz music. Krupa’s famous face-off with Buddy Rich remains one of the most explosive and iconic drum battles in the history of jazz drumming.
Joe Jones
Joe Jones, nicknamed “Papa” Joe Jones) was an integral member of Count Basie’s band from 1934-48. He was responsible for drawing up the technique of big-band drumming while using a hi-hat to keep time. He also pioneered the use of brushes that were used for softer and mellower songs.
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About the Author
Alem A. is a music teacher in Abu Dhabi with specific expertise in jazz music. He’s a proficient drummer and saxophonist who also enjoys writing blogs for The Young Musician Music Institute in his spare time.
