The Art of Bop Drumming (Book & CD) (Paperback)

by John Riley (Author), Dan Thress (Editor) "To a drummer, the key to playing any style of music well is recognizing and developing the fundamental elements that make the time flow..." (more)
Key Phrases: chorus sax solo, chorus piano solo, comping ideas, Comp Exercise, Art Blakey, Elvin Jones (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The definitive book on bop drumming -- a style that is both the turning point and the cornerstone of contemporary music's development. This comprehensive book and audio presentation covers time playing, comping, soloing, brushes, more jazz essentials, and charts in an entertaining mix of text, music, and pertinent quotes.

From the Publisher
The definitive book on bop drumming -- a style that is both the turning point and the cornerstone of contemporary music's development. This comprehensive book and audio presentation covers time playing, comping, soloing, brushes, more jazz essentials, and charts in an entertaining mix of text, music and pertinent quotes.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Alfred Publishing (July 11, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089898890X
• ISBN-13: 978-0898988901
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 8.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #32,881 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #10 in	Books > Entertainment > Music > Instruments & Performers > Percussion
  #14 in	Books > Entertainment > Music > Musical Genres > Jazz
  #62 in	Books > Entertainment > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Techniques

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!, December 8, 2003

By	Kevin J (Indianapolis, IN) - See all my reviews

I've had this book for about a month now and am reaping increasing benefits from it. I've been playing jazz for 20+ years, and have studied various books during that period, so I wasn't sure what Mr. Riley's book would bring to the table. I was not disappointed.

The beauty of this book is that there is something here for players of every skill level. The explanantions are clear and lucid, the play-alongs are superb, and the subtle insights are priceless (great photos and quotes from the masters too). Well done....and highly recommended. (I'd also recommend Kim Plainfield's "Advanced Concepts", to tighten up your funk, fusion, and Latin chops. If you spend a year seriously studying each of these books your musicianship and chops will thank you.

Have fun...and keep swingin' !!!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The PERFECT Jazz drumming book, February 2, 2002

By	"greavette" - See all my reviews

I have progressed very quickly by using this book alone! It has been laid out in such a way as to start from the very basics of a simple swing beat and then takes the reader up to the very complex syncopated rhythms. The most important thing to note regarding the book is that it is laid out to advance the student at a VERY quick pace. And since it comes with an audio CD you can 'hear' what is written on the page. There is also five songs that do not have a drum track so the student can play along. For [money] I have at LEAST one year of drum lessons!!! The author not only explains WHAT to play but WHY and also WHEN. The book teaches you not only how to be a good drummer, but also, how to be a good musician. A perfect drum book!!!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fundamental reference for jazz drummers, March 6, 2002

By	Giuseppe Bianco (Matera, MT Italy) - See all my reviews

This book is absolutely excellent. Covers all aspects of jazz drumming: interdepence, timekeeping, drumset orchestration and soloing. The accompanying CD is very good, and contains several excellent play-along tunes (with and without drums).