A (brief) History of Jazz Drums

It's our first collab! This time with my friend who I go way back with, Evan Sherman - who's played with so many of our jazz heroes, young and old, like Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Heath, Christian McBride, Branford Marsalis, Ben Wolfe, Ron Carter, Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars, and the list goes on. There's a lot to be learned from him, and great drummers in general, which is why I brought him in!
Rhythm is the most important thing in jazz that sets it apart from all other styles of art music and popular music, and the rhythms we got from jazz have influenced basically every form of popular music since we first heard it. In order for us to get deeper on this topic, it's important for all of us to understand the history of jazz drums and how they evolved over time. This video, in a format made and taught to me by Evan, is a brief introduction into some of the most important moments in history that changed the music forever!*
*It's important to note, as I note in the video, this is NOT a "complete" history, so a lot will be omitted! If you'd like me to do a full comprehensive history on that, let me know - I'd have to pull in a lot more drummers and historians for that!
Who are some of your favorite jazz drummers in history that I didn't talk about here? Let me know in the comments!
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Evan Sherman Online:
Instagram: @evanshermanmusic
KZbin: ‪@EvanSherman‬
www.evanshermanmusic.com
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[@AriHoenig]

Well done and fun to watch!

[@PatrickBartleyMusic]

Thanks a lot, Ari! Really appreciate it! Hope we can play again soon!

[@arthurrosch5378]

I was born in 1947. When I grew up there weren't as many jazz lovers because there weren't as many people. It was a bit lonely listening to Trane in my bedroom or learning to play drums listening to Elvin Jones. Now jazz culture has grown. This little demo is brilliant. It takes MY evolution and adds an element of clarity. Thank you, my friends! Jazz is a force for Good.

[@PatrickBartleyMusic]

Thank you for sharing your experience and for living in jazz throughout your whole life! I'm sure you've seen so much - thanks!

[@jubnx2781]

This is sooooo fun to watch, please do much more on the history of instruments, like the evolution of the style of the bass or the sax or the guitar, anything

[@antoningilbert1615]

I would indeed love Patrick imitating Marcel Mule's HUGE vibrato, haha!

[@rozkaz661]

You are a great presenter and are great at explaining stuff. I would gladly watch more educational content of this style from you

[@1.4142]

Explainers are so much more impactful when what is being talked about is playing in the background. Truly special episode.

[@DomPalombiMusic]

Super Dope! More people need to know the GREATS, especially all of the drummers that have curated the inspiring rhythms we know today! Can't wait for more homie!

[@willymallier9133]

Thank you guys for giving drums the respect that she deserves ! I'm a guitar player and I find that around 90% of the KZbin jazz tutorials are focusing on harmony and melody but it's very hard to find good content about rhythm, so I really appreciate that one. Can't wait for the next episodes !

[@MrDarkstar620]

As a 10 year jazz-learning-drummer, now transcribing music (and not just jazz drum solos) I have to say this video is pristine.

[@cooldebt]

What a treat for your audience - the incredible Evan Sherman! Best (music) history lesson idea and presentation ever 😁 - and can I just add Steve Gadd

[@caniplaydrumsforyou]

oh yeah.... real swingin.....................

[@JustinLepard]

All Important Figures Mentioned: American March (snare focus): John Philip Sousa New Orleans (more drums, big 4): Baby Dodds, Zutty Singleton, Chauncey Morehouse Big City/Swing (hi hat focus): Chick Webb, Sonny Greer, Papa Jo Jones, Sid Catlett Bebop (ride focus, dropping bombs): Art Blakey, Kenny Clarke, Max Roach Hard Bop (more experimental): Art Blakey, Philly Joe Jones, Jimmy Cobb Elvin Jones (triplets, African rhythms) Tony Williams (Miles’ drummer, played “something different”, free use of drums, current Zeitgeist) Organized some clips, albums, and excerpts (priority given to older recordings) in a playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLf6Ov4FZsQdH69EqimWVKxz2b4GWvfMcM

[@niconico4138]

Great video! I'm a guitar player but the musicians I'm listening to the most lately are Elvin Jones and Max Roach. Not only for the grooves and rhythms but it took me a while to discover how melodically drums can be played

[@jasonruff1270]

it's a beautiful thing when you make long term connections with a friend threw music

[@Hyperclefonical598]

The drummer, and the percussion in general, amplifies the energy and really dictates the feel and style in most any band, so much respect to a great horn player walking through all of this. Bravo.

[@EvanSherman]

Thank you Patrick!!

[@PatrickBartleyMusic]

Thank you for doing this! And for coming up with this idea!

[@brianmcguire5175]

I love the disclaimer! Had it not been included it would have made no alternative baring on my appreciating, enjoying and learning from this superb lesson on the history of jazz drumming upload! That said, the fact that the uploader decided to upload this video, which he had deemed less than perfect, still shows the honest and earnest , true nature of his will to educate. Education isn't by perfect illustration. it's by honest representation! Nothing is more convincing for a passionate student than two seasoned veterans of their respective fields allowing us the insight into the nitt and gritty of producing such music. The lie of the internet is that the perfect take we are shown is the only take made. videos like this show us the real process! And more impressive still is the quality of the video even after such a disclaimer! I mean, I'd never have guessed any uncleanness and even after the disclaimer don't notice anything but a really well executed lesson on the subject matter! Amazing lesson, amazing execution! The disclaimer welcomed by me only as it gives me insight into how high a standard these guys hold themselves to and just how well they produce under compromising circumstances! Learning a lot here,I've homework to do

[@ArthurRosch]

I just watched "heroes of Jazz drumming" and that made me want to return to the traps. Alas, piano is my focus now but Sheeee......it! That's some stuff!

[@sugarsticks5970]

That’s was cool Jazz drums education🎼🥁

[@doyz24]

I really like your narration. Loaded with rythm, as always.

[@kms_domo]

Absolutely loved this kinda video! Very excited to see more.

[@d1karina]

I enjoyed this “condensed” narrative. It combined almost all of the history of jazz drums in just a few minutes. Well done!

[@lucasgrape8576]

Man I'm glad you didn't waste this video! I mean, to make it easy you could've just record the drums and dub comments over, but like this the vid has great energy and vibe! I don't care if it's super clean or not if it can be this entertaining (and informative)

[@sebchamney7057]

This is so awesome! Thanks so much for this super informative and unique take on history!

[@DannyZaidman]

I just came home from a gig and watched this and I have to say Patrick, people like you and Evan who clearly have so much mastery and love for the art form inspire me (and undoubtedly countless others) to wake up every day and work to become a better musician and artist. Thank you for your contributions to jazz and music

[@barbiebeckford2988]

Brilliant as always. Thank you! Sharing.

[@stanvans3214]

mannnn why you always gotta hit us with such on point and holistic content?! great vid!

[@HeilpraktikerVigl]

the most swinging history lesson of my life! ;) Loved also the rhythm of your talking over the drums. Really addictive and inspirational. More of that!!

[@fabrisioponte2692]

This video is exactly what I was looking for and needed. Keep with this, it is not just helpful. It is extremely important to understand. Thanks.

[@rodford1952]

I absolutely love your Saxophone playing Patrick, and being a drummer ,love the fact that you can dedicate this clip to all those drum heros you mentioned who changed all our jazz lives in particular, regardless of era. Nice work boys.

[@thebeesknees135]

fantastic! More of this please!

[@vivids45]

Fun to watch! Looking forward to next vids!

[@jakobleeson]

this is a gem. thank you for the knowledge

[@spoontastico]

Incredible! Musical evolution presented in such an entertaining way - this cannot have been easy to arrange, play, and narrate! Thanks for the amazing effort and for the inspiring lesson!

[@Nino.ElectricSoul]

Patrick, thank you for continuing what Wynton is doing by deep diving of the history. Too many times we overthink about technique when the history of the music is often overlooked. Thank you!

[@quartzofcourse]

This is a super cool format! Awesome vid

[@tonywallens217]

keep the content coming! Been missing your uploads and streams man

[@musicbyfriendsforfriends3311]

Thank you Patrick. This was fascinating.

[@BlackRootsUNLIMITED]

Brilliant Jazz history lesson 👌🏿 Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬👊🏿🖤

[@LeafGreen906]

love how consise this is

[@menzerroku4708]

Beautiful kit!! Thank you 🙏 Jazz has a very rich, beautiful history😀I'm a drummer and want to learn it

[@riptide534]

Hey pat! Love your stuff, I’ve been playing sax for a while but I took up drumming a year ago and it has helped me tremendously in articulations and just rhythms in general, I would definitely advise everyone to take up percussion even if for a small amount

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Man, I love this video so much. As a sax player the main thing I listen to is the drums so this was a total treat!

[@laurenthery1483]

uplifting demonstration !!! GRRREEEAAATTT !

[@samsantanamusic]

Very insightful!

[@alexg4284]

Delightful stuff!!

[@ArthurVint]

Nice Pat! I do something similar to this for my new students … the ultimate *crash* course!

[@II-wk8kv]

Wonderful video, I'd love to hear everything you know about the history, especially the earlier parts involving, march, blues, Appalachian folk, Carribbean influences, African influences. All fascinating stuff. 🙏

[@Skizze37]

Killer video, and as everyone else already said: there needs to be more videos like this, especially from an educator such as yourself.

[@travisjohnson7202]

Lots of fun as always

[@nicomusique]

Awesome video, great playing, packed with informations. Love it !

[@PatrickBartleyMusic]

Thanks man! Appreciate you

[@simonvasquez6039]

PAT! This content is a1! I skip all the ads before the skip button but best believe I’ll be commenting because you should be thriving in the algorithm.

[@nickpilgrim1966]

Fantastic Patrick... can you post the list of players or records to listen to as the jazz drums developed. Thx man.

[@fviannaval]

Great video!!!

[@MrTantriq]

This was cool. More like this.

[@bobblues1158]

I play sax and I know the drummer is my best friend! The Band is only as good as it´s drummer. Really good, fun presentation!

[@Mykhailo_Vasylenko]

that’s great. thanks a lot.

[@AkilHenry]

Great vid!!

[@JMcNultyDrums]

Great content, wonderfully executed by you both It's interesting to note that many bandleaders were initially highly resistant to less "four on the floor" and the introduction of "bombs", in fact Kenny Clarke lost work over this. Thank goodness he persevered as it cannot be overstated what an influence he was on jazz drumming. Good stuff!

[@antoniomusgrove]

Excellent

[@user-kw2fe4nd3h]

That's super coooool!

[@philippemeli2259]

Great presentation, great play. Thanks. Will you do the same with piano or doublebass ? It could be very cool.

[@A.ChristopherJohnson]

Dope !!!

[@ericrosenkrantz6999]

Thanks Patrick superb!

[@enzolescure5833]

love it

[@stevie2673]

THANK YOU PATRICK!!!

[@kurikokaleidoscope]

Very interesting.

[@foooooood]

WOOOOO HISTORY CONTENT

[@krimsworld]

Even if i've heard all these styles before, it's always great to see them presented and put together in such a cohesive manner. And just my two cents - that list of modern drummers cannot be complete without Eric Harland. (Edit: and Terri Lyne Carrington)

[@ziruini5071]

Nice video, I might’ve also liked to hear what the drummer had to say too!

[@sammymiller8566]

yeah!!!!

[@dapu571]

this is fireee

[@davidcarballo5136]

I very much look up to you, thank you for all the informative videos, how do I get the jazzy sound that I want? Is it transcribing? Overtones?

[@PatrickBartleyMusic]

Thanks a lot! Start by kindly removing the word "jazzy" from your vocabulary and listening to the masters of the music! Focus in on a small handful of musicians that you like, who are also a part of the tradition, and get with their sound and vocabulary by transcribing and playing along to the recordings. 👍🏾

[@jeshurunabinadab6560]

Damn 🔥🔥🔥 I love this

[@vincentgomez7607]

I’ve seen that drummer live I have a picture with him

[@woomy8971]

Yessssss

[@Hyperclefonical598]

But Krupa! Only critique would be to highlight the cat who basically brought the drummer into the limelight, while playing a big role in the development of the drum set. Musically, of course with all his fast "single stroke" solos, he injected so much excitement and paved a way for modern jazz drumming... But hey, you did mention my guy Catlett, as well as Zutty and Dodds! (Gene Krupa's influences) so it's alright I guess. :)

[@bm1259]

thanks

[@thomasgrady3103]

5:22 Broadway quote? Hah Great video

[@danieldemaris2975]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@marvinparadroid]

Thanks a lot for the information. Are you planning to do some videos about exercizes that you play along with drums, or something related to that?

[@PatrickBartleyMusic]

Can't let everything out of the bag yet, but something related is in the works!

[@marvinparadroid]

@@PatrickBartleyMusic thanks a lot!

[@sirfizz6518]

So if it weren't for that one beat, we may have never had Cowboy Bebop. Now that's a parallel reality that can stay very very far away from me.

[@chuckc7375]

Nice chops drummer.

[@grandesax]

Max Roach is my favorite!

[@matteopascale7187]

When will we have the next one?

[@yvesdesille7792]

Hi,the video was really really cool:) On the other hand I am looking for jazz history content on KZbin such as lectures/talks that go into the details. Would anybody have some recommendations ?

[@dogmart]

No mention of Max Roach!?

[@T.H.W.O.T.H]

Max Roach. 👍

[@Shagodrums]

Ooooneeeee puuuuuuunch... chazDrums!

[@fryingwiththeantidote2486]

I don't really understand why the swing beat allowed the upright bass to start holding the back line. would appreciate some elaboration!

[@PatrickBartleyMusic]

Moving from the snare to the hi-hat is what provided the space for the wood bass to carry the rhythm!

[@vividill08]

Yeee

[@raylombardo4186]

Good presentation.....but, I think you glossed over very pivotal drummers in all jazz eras. Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Shelley Manne, Louie Bellson, Dave Tough, Stan Levey to name a FEW.

[@morganhansen3404]

great summary, but no mention of max roach? he's also a way back machine innovator, no? regardless, people need more tutorials, with understanding comes more appreciation for one of the greatest developments in music history, jazz. thanks.

[@mrharvest]

Content starts at 2:30

[@znmaf]

Surprised Guy Warren of Ghana who mentored Max Roach has been written out of this history .Art Blakey went Nigeria but Guy Warren came to the US to infuse the roots of drums the African drums to jazz Ask Max Roach ( is he with us )

[@MarvelousMaxter]

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