Video of the Day

One of the greatest quartets in jazz history, John Coletrane's Classic Quartet, featuring McCoy Tyner on piano, Jimmy Garrison on bass, and of course Elvin Jones on drums. Of all the great jazz drummers of this time, Elvin Jones is my favorite because of the intensity with which he plays. Although at times it seems as though he is not playing in time or has lost the beat, if you pay close attention you will realize he has complete control. He plays with such emotion and passion that it can seem like madness at times. Watch Elvin and his four way independence in 6/8 on this video of the song Afro Blue:

Video of the Day

Check out this video of a tune entitled "Chank", performed by Scofield (guitar), Medeski (keys/piano), Martin (drums) and Wood (bass). Medeski, Martin and Wood, or MMW, as they are often known as, has been an avant-garde jazz trio since 1991. This tune is from Scofield's 1998 album A Go Go, on which MMW were the sidemen; since that album, they have put out a collaborative album entitled Out Louder, and played many concerts as a foursome. They typically don't write ornate or overly complicated compositions; nor do they play exceedingly uptempo or fast tunes; their sound is instead characterized by their mid-tempo, relaxed feeling, yet always really strongly grooving, funky-swing feel.

Learn it, Play it!

Here is a transcription of a Max Roach waltz drum solo from the song "Valse Hot" off of the 1956 album Plus Four. The album features Sonny Rollins on tenor sax, Clifford Brown on trumpet, Richie Powell on piano, George Morrow on bass and of course Max Roach on drums. It's essentially the same famous Brown/Roach group, except with Rollins as the leader. Check the album out and learn to play this solo which swings hard and will give you good ideas for creating melodic solos while playing in 3.


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Video of the Day

Here's a video of Max Roach playing a drum waltz style solo in 3/4. He has the ostinato with his feet constantly going through the piece, while he plays different patterns and rhythms over top of that on the drums. Max is known for being a master and pioneer of incorporating melodic and musical themes, phrasings and patterns to his drum solos. The original solo drum waltz recorded by Max was entitled "The Drum Also Waltzes" from the 1966 album Drums Unlimited, which included many pieces that were entirely drums solos. You will notice how he creates a theme and is able to variate and build upon that theme to create a musical composition.

Video of the Day

Check out this video of Zeca Pagodinho singing Samba Pras Mocas. This is a samba pagode song which is done in a grand style with a full band for a concert he performed on MTV in Brasil. Typically pagode, a subgenre of samba, is played in much more informal settings; at parties and BBQ's, and is a type of music that everyone is encouraged to join in on. It is led by a cavaquinho and can also include guitar. Tan-tan is the hand-drum replacement of the surdo, because it is much quieter and more appropriate for pagode settings. Repique de mão is also common, as well as pandeiro and any other percussion available. Also, everyone is encouraged to sing. Although this video does not portray the typical pagode setting, it gives you an introduction to the music with a good quality recording of this beautiful and melodic song.

Video of the Day

For more playing ideas from the great Roy Haynes, check him out in this solo from 1973. You should notice many of the things he plays in this solo are also used in his 4's for Sneakin' Around which I have transcribed.

Learn it, Play it!

Here's a transcription of Roy Haynes trading 4's on the song Sneakin' Around from the renowned album We Three. Simply put, it is one of the best trio jazz albums ever recorded, featuring Phineas Newborn Jr. on Piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Roy Haynes on drums. Learn these 4’s that Roy Haynes plays, and pick up on some of the vocabulary he regularly uses throughout the album and in his playing in general.

Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this material is prohibited by law.