The Art of Bop Drumming

Rating:
Summary: The PERFECT Jazz drumming book
Review: 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!!!

Rating:
Summary: The PERFECT Jazz drumming book
Review: 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!!!

Rating:
Summary: Must have for Jazzers
Review: 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' !!!

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding!
Review: 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' !!!

Rating:
Summary: The Art of Bop Drumming (with CD).
Review: The Art of Bop Drumming (with CD)

Rating:
Summary: Must have for Jazzers
Review: The best intro book for jazz drumming. John Riley introduces the style, complete with information on cymbals, tuning and equipment.

Regardless of experience, you will quickly pick up the skills to go as far as you want as a bop drummer. Independence, comping, brushes, solos, charts...it's all here and presented clearly. The attached cd is good to help you hear what the lessons sound like and to provide several tunes minus drums to play along with.

Rating:
Summary: A fundamental reference for jazz drummers
Review: 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).