5 Outstanding Jazz Drum Books: From Swing to Bebop

Jazz music has a rich history and has become a globally celebrated art form. At the core of jazz music are the complex rhythms and improvisation, which are brought to life by jazz drummers. Mastering jazz drumming requires a great deal of skill and practice, and for those who aspire to become jazz drummers, learning from the greats is essential. To this end, in the following article, we will discuss five outstanding jazz drum books that cover techniques ranging from swing to bebop.

Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer by Jim Chapin

“Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer” is a classic jazz drumming book that has stood the test of time. Written by Jim Chapin, a renowned jazz drummer and educator, It has been used by generations of jazz drummers and is still considered a must-have for any serious student of jazz drumming. The book’s focus on developing strong fundamentals, combined with its advanced concepts, make it a valuable resource for drummers at all levels of experience. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your playing to the next level, this book is an excellent resource for building a solid foundation in jazz drumming.

The Drummer’s Complete Vocabulary as taught by Alan Dawson

Alan Dawson was a highly respected jazz drummer and educator, known for his impeccable technique and innovative approach to rhythm. He played with some of the greatest names in jazz, including Dave Brubeck and Sonny Rollins, and his contributions to the art of jazz drumming were immense. One of his most notable contributions was his seminal work, “The Drummer’s Complete Vocabulary.” The book is a comprehensive guide to jazz drumming that covers everything from basic hand technique to complex polyrhythmic patterns, however its two most influential sections are Dawson’s Rudimental Ritual and his many interpretations on Ted Reed’s Syncopation. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your playing to the next level, this book is a must-have for any aspiring jazz drummer.

John Riley’s material – Beyond Bop, Art of Bop, Jazz Workshop, and The Master Drummer DVD

John Riley is a renowned jazz drummer and educator who has played with jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis. He has written several books on jazz drumming, including Beyond Bop and Art of Bop. These books explore the rhythmic concepts of bebop and provide exercises for developing technical proficiency in these idioms. His Jazz Workshop book explores different concepts and techniques that are prevalent in the world of Jazz, while The Master Drummer DVD is a comprehensive guide to Jazz drumming fundamentals, as well as providing numerous exercises to improve one’s ‘headroom’ in the context of Jazz drumming.

4-Way Coordination by Marvin Dahlgren and Elliot Fine

Drummers of all genres have been using Marvin Dahlgren’s 4-Way Coordination for decades, making it a classic drumming book. While some of the book does not have a specific focus on jazz drumming, it provides many exercises that deal with jazz coordination, making it a valuable resource for jazz drummers. These exercises aim to develop coordination and independence between all four limbs, a skill that is critical in playing complex jazz rhythms. Additionally, it is worth noting that famous drummer Tony Williams was known to practice with this book, further solidifying its reputation as a valuable resource for drummers.

“The Evolution of Jazz Drumming” is a comprehensive guide that takes a deep dive into the history and development of jazz drumming. This book covers the evolution of jazz drumming from its roots in New Orleans to modern-day jazz drumming, with a particular focus on the drummers who shaped the genre. The book includes detailed discussions of the various styles of jazz drumming and how they developed over time. The author, Danny Gottlieb, a highly respected jazz drummer himself, provides detailed explanations and transcriptions of classic jazz drum solos by legendary jazz drummers such as Baby Dodds, Chick Webb, Gene Krupa, Papa Jo, Buddy Rich, Kenny Clarke, Philly Joe, Max Roach, Art Blakey, and many more.

Bonus: Jazz Solos Transcriptions

As an additional resource for aspiring jazz drummers other than Jazz drum books, our website offers a wide selection of jazz drum solo transcriptions. These transcriptions allow drummers to study and learn from the greats by providing a written account of their improvised solos.

Conclusion

These five outstanding jazz drum books cover a wide range of topics and techniques, from basic hand technique to advanced coordination and complex rhythms. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced jazz drummer, these books are essential resources for mastering the craft.