Tony Williams

Tony Williams wasn't famous when he was recruited to join one of the most inventive and accomplished ensembles in music history. He was seventeen years old. And that ensemble was led by Miles Davis.
Nothing else even needs to be said to explain who Tony Williams was and what his role in the music world meant. But I'll say more anyway. I owe Tony Williams a LOT.
From 1961 up to his far too early death in 1997, Tony Williams performed and recorded with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Dexter Gordon, John McLaughlin, Jaco Pastorius, Hank Jones, McCoy Tyner, Wayne Shorter, Stanley Clarke, Chet Baker, Stan Getz, Eric Dolphy, Gil Evans, Kenny Dorham, Marcus Miller, Sam Rivers, Dizzy Gillespie, Freddie Hubbard, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Joe Henderson, Mulgrew Miller, Andrew Hill, and Weather Report, and led his own bands, most notably The Tony Williams Lifetime.
His father was a professional saxophonist, which of course played an important part in influencing and bringing up young Tony. After seeing prodigious talent in his eight year old son, Tony's father took him to jazz clubs where he was allowed to sit in. By age eleven, he was enrolled in private lessons at Berklee with the legendary Alan Dawson. By thirteen, he was playing with renowned saxophonist Sam Rivers. At sixteen, he was playing professionally with Jackie McLean. That obviously made an impression on Miles Davis, because only a year later, he was invited to join Miles' second great quintet and make history. That group rewrote jazz history on a daily basis and proved to be one of the most resilient bands in the genre. With Miles Davis, Tony Williams recorded around seventeen albums and reshaped and reconfigured the direction of music in the process.
Tony Williams was the first jazz drummer I got into. I bought Miles Davis' album Seven Steps to Heaven at a Streetside Records that used to exist a few miles from my house. I was just getting into jazz, and already had Kind of Blue and A Love Supreme, but I wanted something a little more modern sounding. I remember buying that album when I was twelve years old while my mom was next door at Wal Mart. I took it up to the counter, paid for it, then took it to one of the listening stations so I could check it out and read the liner notes. I read liner notes religiously. Tony Williams' playing on Joshua and the title track floored me. Blew me away. He could seamlessly changed time signatures in the middle of a tune. He could play a blazing fast tempo with tons of comping and never let the time or the energy start to slip. The dark sound of his ride cymbal was like a wash of music coming at you. I told my drum instructor Rich Hensley that I had I bought that album and said "I want to play like Tony Williams." He laughed and said "So do I." He told me that I would love the album Miles Smiles.
I bought that and heard Footprints. Now, no disrespect to the rest of the quintet on that recording, but you could strip away everything except the drums and be knocked out by that song. You could even strip away everything except the ride cymbal and it's still powerful and impressive. One word: polyrhythms. Learn it.
So I heard Footprints. And Tony Williams' playing had completely changed me. Completely. I was twelve years old and I wanted to be a jazz drummer. It really shaped the way I play. Having no real good knowledge of exactly what he was doing, I learned all of Tony's fills that I could and incorporated them into my playing. I believe that getting into Tony Williams at such a young age is what gave me an energetic and assertive style of playing. When I was in my first semester at Webster University, Paul DeMarinis told me that my playing always had attitude, and I have to credit Tony Williams for that.

On your CD:

1. Maiden Voyage – Herbie Hancock
2. Seven Steps to Heaven – Miles Davis
3. Joshua – Miles Davis
4. Footprints – Miles Davis
5. Freedom Jazz Dance – Miles Davis
6. Black Comedy – Miles Davis
7. Frelon Brun – Miles Davis
8. Agitation – Miles Davis
9. Pee Wee – Miles Davis
10. Marney – Jackie McLean
11. Para Oriente – Trio of Doom

Discography with Miles Davis:

Seven Steps to Heave (1963)
Miles Davis in Europe (1963)
Four & More (1964)
My Funny Valentine (1964)
Miles in Tokyo (1964)
Miles in Berlin (1964)
E.S.P. (1965)
The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel (1965)
Miles Smiles (1966)
Directions (1967, 1968)
Sorcerer (1967)
Nefertiti (1967)
Water Babies (1967, 1968)
Circle in the Round (1967, 1968)
Miles in the Sky (1968)
The Complete Miles Davis–Gil Evans Studio Recordings – four takes of 'Falling Water' (1968)
Filles de Kilimanjaro (1968)
In a Silent Way (1969)

VIDEOS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTfBpKzu6XA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o40smfOyIso&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzkZ8Ikr9L4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3FpC6mcb-w&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDu6w66F5dU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NLNaGMyTjI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7FNeMzIm80&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVf9McCjT3s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KMT--JWQwk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxyiNopn08w



LINKS:
http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Tony_Williams.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Williams

http://www.allmusic.com/artist/p7832

http://www.jazzhouse.org/gone/lastpost2.php3?edit=920671037

http://www.drum-videos.com/drummers/tony-williams

http://www.cs.cf.ac.uk/Dave/mclaughlin/art/final.html

http://www.freedrumlessons.com/drummers/tony-williams.php



Solo & Transcription from "Moose the Mooche" by Great Jazz Trio
http://www.cymbalholic.com/forums/showthread.php?32100-Tony-Williams-transcription

Chris "Daddy" Dave

Chris Dave is dangerous, plain and simple. When he was finally on the cover of Modern Drummer magazine in February 2010, I braved the seven inches of snow St. Louis got that given day and made it to Drum Headquarters to buy it. I put it on the counter and told the dude working that I'm glad Chris Dave is finally getting some of the credit he deserves. He replied that he'd never heard of him and asked who he's played with. I flipped open the magazine to page 46 and showed him.
"Robert Glasper, Kenny Garrett, Mint Condition, Mary J. Blige, Pat Metheny, Toni Braxton, Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Erykah Badu, Kim Burrell, Ron Blake, A Tribe Called Quest, Mos Def...he just recorded with Maxwell and is currently on tour with him."
Chris Dave's resume speaks for itself. Then you actually hear him play. That's when the word "dangerous" will come to mind.
I first heard of Chris Dave after seeing him perform with Mos Def on Letterman in 2009. The way he played completely blew me away, and I spent the next three days scouring the internet for information about him. At that time, he didn't even have a page on DrummerWorld.com, but he did have tons of videos on YouTube. I found every single one and then hit the practice room for the next three days after that.
Chris Dave grew up in Texas. Like many other great drummers, he got his start playing in church when he was only six years old. However, he personally describes his discovery of jazz as the beginning of his education. His music loving father played Miles and Coltrane albums constantly. When it was his mother's turn to choose what was played, it was gospel music. His brother was into funk. With all that music in the house, Chris Dave gained an appreciation and ear for all types of music, and most importantly, learned what it meant for music to groove. The recording that was most influential on him in those early days was Miles Davis' landmark "Footprints." The legendary drummer on that was of course none other than The Tony Williams. After that, Chris spent hours and hours every day simply listening to jazz recordings and digesting what it was that Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, and Philly Joe Jones were doing on the drums.
He studied with Craig Green and Sebastian Whittaker. He mastered every exercise and pattern in the book "4-Way Coordination." He got into J Dilla beats and learned those (as impossible as that may sound. And if that means nothing to you and you're a drummer, set aside some time and look that dude up. J Dilla is one of the greatest and most innovative hip-hop producers that ever lived). He became an expert sight reader. He studied at Howard University. Then he landed the gig with Mint Condition.
Since then, Chris Dave has been around the world and back again, impressing and blessing jazz lovers, hip-hop heads, and soul aficionados with his innovative playing. He has the innate and unmatchable ability to drop ridiculous polyrhythms into any beat. He can be playing in 5, switch to 7 for a few bars, and come right back in on the down beat like it's nobody's business. He can metrically modulate anything and never lose it. He has crazy fast chops and seems like he gets faster every time I hear something new from him. Most recently, he recorded on Maxwell's 2009 platinum selling album "BLACKsummers'night," which won two Grammy Awards including Best R&B album. I haven't even mentioned his set up (currently, it's five snares, a bass drum, 18 inch hi hats, and an assortment of cymbals that changes by the minute). Whether you're a drummer or not, whether you're a musician or not...when Chris Dave plays, you'll listen. It doesn't matter what he's doing. He could be playing the simplest 6/8 ballad groove or soloing over a jazz tune. His playing will make you listen. You might not get it, but he will hold your attention and never let it go. He is dangerously pushing the envelope and changing drumming on a daily basis.


"Humility isn’t just shown in your attitude. It’s also shown in the way you approach the kit. Do you have enough respect for the instrument to really learn it? How much time do you put into learning the history of the drums and how drumming got where it is now? All of that matters."
- Chris Dave

That's absolutely true. You've got to learn the rules if you want to break the rules. And if you ever want to come close to Chris Dave, you've got to master the rules. Now go practice.

On your disc:

1. Quiet Dog – Mos Def
2. Bad Habits – Maxwell
3. Cold – Maxwell
4. Pretty Wings
5. Help Somebody – Maxwell
6. Stop the World – Maxwell
7. No Worries – Robert Glasper
8. Yes I’m Country (And That’s OK) – Robert Glasper
9. Think of One – Robert Glasper
10. Delta Bali Blues – Kenny Garrett
11. Happy People – Kenny Garrett
12. Fellowship – Me’Shell Ndegeocello
13. Good Intentions – Me’Shell Ndegeocello
14. Sometimes – Mint Condition
15. Raise Up – Mint Condition

Selected Discography:

BLACKsummers'night - Maxwell

Double Booked - Robert Glasper

Happy People - Kenny Garrett

Simply Said - Kenny Garrett

Standard of Language - Kenny Garrett

Definition of a Band - Mint Condition

Life's Aquarium - Mint Condition

Livin' The Luxury Brown - Mint Condition

From the Mint Factory - Mint Condition

Comfort Woman - Me'Shell Ndegeocello

The Spirit Music Jamia - Me'Shell Ndegeocello

Ali Shaheed Muhammad- Shaheedullah and Stereotypes

Mary - Mary J. Blige

Sonic Tonic - Ron Blake

Try Me Again - Kim Burrell

VIDEOS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_eIN4RLA-E&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuwVP1WoIhg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIjQxIOAGJ4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgyRyEKkH_k&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9d9eydCfTdw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpGOdR7HFB4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFpreczrWuY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIo6UakaFVY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaysNUZI9a8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPYLkJYruic&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dur71QRV36M&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwtmVON_v7I&feature=related


LINKS:
http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Chris_Daddy_Dave.html

http://www.cymbalholic.com/forums/showthread.php?23716-Chris-Daddy-Dave

http://www.rappersiknow.com/2011/01/11/chris-daddy-dave-on-the-cover-of-modern-drummer/

Jack DeJohnette

Jack DeJohnette was and is revolutionary. He’s legendary. He’s one of the greatest innovators on the drumset. A bass player friend of mine calls him the “groove master of the planet.”
He hooked up with Miles Davis in 1969 and changed the world of music. He was the rhythmic dictator behind one of the most controversial records of all time – Bitches Brew. That record birthed the genre known as fusion and changed the face of jazz, funk, and rock all at the same time. Jack D’s red meat grooves take each song from one level to the next, adding intensity and musicality that makes you question everything you thought you knew about how to back a soloist and carry a beat. He took that trademark with him to other big names that he recorded with in the years to come – Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard, Keith Jarrett, Pat Metheny, John Scofield…
Jack DeJohnette is well known as one of the high-priests of drumming. He’s never too loud. He’s never too busy. He’s never boring. He’s never repetitive.
His grooves are untouchable. They’re raw and they just sound and feel good. His solos are inspired and inspiring, and never repetitive. He never relies on licks or plays the same thing from one solo to the next. He has out of this world proficiency on his instrument, but unlike most drummers, he never makes his playing on technicality.
And while he can do alllll that, he can still color a ballad with all the sensitivity you would expect from a master.
And if that’s not enough, he can play a wide variety of percussion instruments and piano. While he can swing over a standard and play the pocket on a funk jam, he certainly can and certainly knows when to change his focus for the different musical styles from around the world.
At the risk of sounding cliché, Jack DeJohnette's grooves on Freddie Hubbard's "Straight Life" totally and absolutely changed my life. I was so blessed to get to recently experience his playing in a live setting. For my ramblings on that schooling: http://nosbig.livejournal.com/137934.html
Go buy “Straight Life” by Freddie Hubbard, “Bitches Brew” by Miles Davis, and “Saudades” by Trio Beyond and get educated. Get to know The Legend, Jack DeJohnette. There is nobody else like him. I could go on and on and on about this hero of mine, but I’ll let him testify with his playing.

ARTISTS - Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarret, Pat Metheny, John Scofield, Michael Brecker, Bill Evans, Jackie McLean

On the CD:
1. Red Clay – Freddie Hubbard
2. Seven Steps to Heaven – Trio Beyond
3. Saudades – Trio Beyond
4. Egad – Christian McBride
5. Cobilla – Jack DeJohnette
6. The Thief – Herbie Hancock
7. So Sue Me – John Scofield
8. Black Satin – Miles Davis
9. Spanish Key (live) – Miles Davis
10. John McLaughlin – Miles Davis

11. Picture 3 – Jack DeJohnette

For more grooves and solos that will send you to the chiropractor:
Straight Life – Freddie Hubbard
Saudades – Trio Beyond
Bitches Brew – Miles Davis
Live at the Fillmore East – Miles Davis
On the Corner – Miles Davis
A Tribute to Jack Johnson – Miles Davis
Live-Evil – Miles Davis
Big Fun – Miles Davis
Standards Live – Keith Jarrett Trio
Bye Bye Blackbird – Keith Jarrett Trio
Number Two Express – Christian McBride
The New Standard – Herbie Hancock
Demon’s Dream – Jackie McLean
Jacknife – Jackie McLean
Dream Weaver – Charles Lloyd
Pictures – Jack DeJohnette

VIDEOS:
http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/jackdejohnettemd97.html

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/jackdejohnettemusicalsolo1.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJWPs69ZJn4

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/Jackdejohnettekeith3.html


LINKS:
http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Jack_DeJohnette.html

http://www.moderndrummer.com/updatefull/200001203/Jack%20DeJohnette

http://www.jackdejohnette.com/

http://www.myspace.com/jackdejohnette

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_DeJohnette

me and my favorite drummer of all time

Max Roach

Max Roach is probably in the top 5 list of most influential drummers of all time. He is without a doubt one of the most important drummers in history. He was a pioneer in the birth of bebop and cool jazz. He played with huge names that even people outside of jazz have heard -- Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, and Duke Ellington. His biggest innovation came in the 40s when he switched his timekeeping from the thumping bass drum to the driving ride cymbal, which is of course standard jazz drumming today. This created a more flexible style and rhythmic feel for soloists to play over. Other than that, Max was one of the greatest soloists and his contributions to drummers' solo repertoire is massive. He also has a lengthy discography as a bandleader and formed the percussion group M'Boom in 1970 (with whom he made four records). If there was ever a true artist on the drumset, it was Max Roach. He died recently, in August 2007.

ARTISTS - Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Clifford Brown, Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, Sonny Rollins, Duke Ellington, Clark Terry, Coleman Hawkins, Bud Powell, Sonny Stitt, Stan Getz, J.J. Johnson, Thad Jones

What's on the CD:

1. What Is This Thing Called Love? – Clifford Brown & Max Roach
2. Sandu – Clifford Brown & Max Roach
3. Jordu – Clifford Brown & Max Roach
4. Joy Spring – Clifford Brown & Max Roach
5. Delilah – Clifford Brown & Max Roach
6. Tender Warriors – Max Roach
7. Money Jungle – Duke Ellington
8. Dr. Free-Zee – Max Roach Quintet
9. Humph – Thelonious Monk
10. Wee – Bud Powell, Charles Mingus, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, & Max Roach

Here's some albums to check out that show Max's genius and significance:

Brilliant Corners - Thelonious Monk

Birth of the Cool - Miles Davis

The Amazing Bud Powell - Bud Powell

Diz and Getz - Dizzy Gillespie & Stan Getz

Bird on 52nd Street - Charlie Parker

Records as a bandleader:

Jazz in 3/4 Time

Max Roach Plus 4

Rich vs. Roach (with Buddy Rich)

Again!

We Insist! - Freedom Now

Percussion Bitter Sweet

It's Time

VIDEOS:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vA5dt9QT4Ms&feature=channel_page

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suR_adaYiNs&feature=related

http://nosbig.livejournal.com/113958.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8syiOwwVyY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNpDQztqWQw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y8Il-yRz_A&feature=related


LINKS:
http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Max_Roach.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Roach

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/musician.php?id=10725

Bill Cosby vs. Max Roach! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WScoPutUeiY&feature=related