Drummers – Page 12 – Practicing Drummer

Elvin Jones and Comping

Nicholas Payton recently posted his thoughts about comping on the drums over on his Instagram account. There’s some deep insight that I wanted to share. Drummer George Coleman Jr. also chimed in with some great info.

Nicholas Payton on Elvin and Comping:

“Here’s the thing: The “Elvin thing” most drummers get into, it often ceases to be conversational and becomes filler. You gotta make sure there’s substance and reason for everything you play. Don’t just play noodlely sh*t on the drums because you can.

All fills and accents have to be about creating an energy, moving the song forward, and a dialog. If not with the soloist, a conversation between the kick and snare or the toms. Whatever part of the kit you’re engaging with, make it purposed.

Charli Persip Medical Fund

Donate Here

I just saw this news on the Four on the Floor blog about Charli Persip and want to help spread the word.

Please consider helping out if you are able. You can donate on Go Fund Me or the family will also accept a check if you message them privately. Details below.

Philly Joe Jones Solo Book

Update August 2021 – There is a new post with updated photos and a full table of contents that lists every solo included in the book.

Updated July 2019 – This post was originally posted in 2017. Two years later there’s a new version of The Philly Joe Jones Solo Book available with an additional 32 transcribed drum solos! I’ll list them at the bottom of this post.

The Philly Joe Jones Solo Book is well worth the $50 – $60 price tag. It was transcribed over the course of 10 years by Joerg Eckel, a student of John Riley’s.

There are over ~~320~~ 380 pages of Philly Joe Jones drum solo transcriptions in the book. Each one includes stickings and lists the album that each solo is on.

You can get a copy at Memphis Drum Shop or Columbus Percussion. I’ve heard that Maxwell’s Drum Shop will be getting some copies as well.

Read on for details, photos and the list of solos included in the book.