Soloing on Drums in a Jazz Context | Drum Lesson with John Riley

[@Tekkerue]

Even when John Riley literally drops his sticks on the drums it still sounds more musical than my solos. 😩😂

[@kodakanjudo]

How do you subscribe? I don't see the tab.

[@johntaylan3318]

LOL!! same here!

[@lesterp.6967]

Same! Because of INTENTION as he explained that it became musical... Intentional and deliberate with STRUCTURE

[@totfosk]

Jejejejejeje

[@peteryoung4974]

That pretty good!.. lol

[@VeryScaryBiscuits]

Was not expecting this guy to go avant garde, wow

[@mattiemclean9882]

I thought he was having a nervous breakdown!!

[@russellford5597]

@@mattiemclean9882 Brilliant! ;-D

[@mattiemclean9882]

@@russellford5597 haha. Thanks. It was a pretty crazy manoeuvre he pulled!

[@0Somerandomguy01]

*Mark Guiliana has left the chat*

[@ElBoyoElectronico]

Speaking the truth and about music, not just drum technique. He is such a great teacher!

[@BluePi1313]

I agree. I don't even play the drums, but I have learned a lot from him.

[@boomerguy9935]

This reminds me of Joe Morello on "Take 5" and the drums sound like a melody, even in the solo. He never seemed to be showing off, he just seemed to be expressing his feelings without losing any of the musicality.

[@elithepitbulldog2209]

Those drums sound amazing.

[@hddrummer8838]

😎😎🤟🤟👍👍

[@benjaminolsen8774]

Yes, John as well!

[@andrewstark9957]

John has practiced shuffling his sticks on the drums more than most of us have practiced playing the drums

[@MortonLuvz2drum]

Yeah. I had to stop there just to process this thought. Still processing. I understand Miles Davis had a great thing. And his notes weren't always 100% dead on. Which actually gave the music a lot of character. So......

[@timwingham8952]

Singing, ringing, un-muffled drums played by a top quality musician. Superb.

[@drumyogi9281]

Probably playing Ambassador Coated single ply tuned up high or something similar.

[@boomerguy9935]

Probably Ambassador Coated on the batter and Ambassador Clear on the resonant. Tuned correctly, they are amazing. @@drumyogi9281

[@boomerguy9935]

Amazing! Back in the 60's when I started taking lessons from a professional jazz drummer, he showed me the boring paradiddle. Then he showed me the same thing with accents and then used them on different drums and cymbals. My brain exploded and my life changed forever. Jazz was my new love. I'm still learning!

[@BobSchoepenjr]

John has so much respect for his instrument. Great master of drums!

[@rumblepac6823]

Jon Riley's first book on bop drumming remains one of the best and efficient drum method I used. So glad to see his wisdom is still being passed here. Cheers and what a great drum shed!

[@lorenzmuller3542]

Learned with John's book when I was young. Comping exercises, soloing... Learning phrases and musical ideas.

[@patrickwickett1787]

Art of Bop Drumming is great. Essential.

[@lorenzmuller3542]

@@patrickwickett1787 Absolutely!

[@lorenzmuller3542]

@Myke Mynah Think I started with Dante Di Agostini or something at the age of 6. Then progressing towards Riley. But I was always lazy and cared more about the musical context.

[@terrydrums]

Some thoughts: 1. John is so articulate and can convey his ideas in a compelling way in any medium. 2. The set is great and better than any other drum instruction video. What a pleasing atmosphere! 3. The drums and cymbals are beautiful both aesthetically and sonically. 4. John is dressed and has a presentation that does not undermine but rather supports his content. No graphic t-shirt or backward baseball cap. Well done!

[@ertoliart]

What the hell is wrong with a backward baseball cap?

[@terrydrums]

@@ertoliart Not a thing if you're playing catcher or don't plan to be taken seriously.

[@ertoliart]

​@@terrydrums You don't take people with a baseball cap seriously? Kinda sounds like a dog whistle tbh. And what about all the great drummers that use baseball caps?

[@terrydrums]

@@ertoliart Well, let's examine that for a second. First, I didn't say I don't take baseball caps seriously. I do not place judgement on an inanimate object. I said that I don't take people seriously who wear backwards baseball caps in situations in which that it would undermine their presentation. Picture a commencement speaker at a graduation ceremony or a minister at a funeral or a CEO of a Fortune 500 company speaking to his board of directors. Are any of them wearing a backwards baseball cap? Probably not. Why? It's because your appearance communicates a message to the world. If you want to be taken seriously and you want your message to have impact, your appearance should not communicate that you just got off your skateboard. That would be incongruous. Second, I can't think of a great drummer that regularly wears a baseball cap, much less a backwards one. It would also depend on their preferred genre. Are they playing speed metal or big band jazz? It's kind of like you don't wear flip flops (or shouldn't) with a suit. Once again, incongruous. Dress for the environment and the message you want to convey. If the message is of a serious, significant nature, dress accordingly. If it's ultra casual, same. Unfortunately, most men think there are only two modes of dress: superhero t-shirt, cargo shorts and flip flops (and, of course, the aforementioned backwards baseball hat) and a three-piece suit. There are a myriad of degrees in-between. I encourage you to explore those.

[@ertoliart]

@@terrydrums Ok. Want to be taken seriously? Dress like a CEO (or someone willing to be employed by one) or like you're in a funeral. Want to be dismissed by this elevated mind? Dress like you're a member of the vulgar, commonplace people and use a skateboard. Got it. I'm so happy this is the jazz audience, capable of connecting with the folk roots of the music and the popular and spiritual struggles it has represented. Jazz drummers that wear baseball caps: Eric Harland, Chris Dave, Nate Wood, among others. Of course, all of them are influenced by hip hop, about which I can only imagine your opinions.

[@CarpPine]

Nicely miked with Beyerdynamics. What a great sound!

[@watergraffiti]

this illustrated 'context'. He was able to make something sloppy, out of time and chaotic sound more uniformed and relatable then most technical drum solos!

[@DeepZeea]

The paradiddles on snare already sounded so damn good haha

[@bastiendupont1392]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooDOlIKKgNFjpKs if you want to see i have do a solo of Billy Higins with the Transcription good journey men

[@mikekoenning]

Love the discussion about architecture. Due to the abstract nature of drumming, you can also use the concept of energy or flow apart from rhythmic or melodic development.

[@ricardolomeligomez3896]

Gah John lookin’ fly af, those shoes 🔥 all the masters know how to dress. Mastery of the instrument is mastery of the self 🙌🏽🙏🏽 thank you for your timeless contributions to the art of Jazz drumming mr. Riley

[@bastiendupont1392]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooDOlIKKgNFjpKs if you want to see i have do a solo of Billy Higins with the Transcription good journey men

[@ivanpetrov4206]

I totally agree with John. I remember Mel Luis was talking about create a mirage. We haven't any harmonic instrument, but we have а task create the illusion of meaning at the listener. To convince that our playing it makes sense.

[@adamcolbertmusic]

This video could just as well be called "soloing on any instrument in any context" because the principles contained herein are absolutely ubiquitous across the musical spectrum!!! 👏👏👏 Most importantly of the principles is that you want to go on a journey - take yourself AND the audience on a journey - start somewhere, veer from the path, come back around home!

[@timwingham8952]

Wonderful tuition. And drums that ring. Heaven.

[@stevendunton5520]

Thank u so much. Even though I’m a rock drummer, I got so much out of this lesson. U helped me look at things a totally different way!!

[@robertalbiston7822]

Steven Dunton Good for you. Rockers who do jazz have a certain edge.

[@Ebidle]

Robert Albiston ie. GAVIN HARRISON!!!!!!!

[@paulshaum3421]

Or Bill Ward, or Ian paice. Out of respect I’m not saying Ginger Baker cause he was a jazzer that did rock, and made sure to correct anyone who said otherwise

[@TomTeasley]

Brilliant drummer. Brilliant teacher!

[@pesto9]

This is one of the best, most succinct, example of how to solo. So super helpful, thx, Jon Riley!

[@RayHennebeul]

Mr. Rileyl, thank you for the lesson. I am playing along and it is helping me with timing and feel. I am using this as part of my practice routine. Thank you for taking the time to teach us.

[@richardfoulk3228]

This is absolutely beautiful!

[@waleadeyemidrummer]

I have great respect for John,he is amazing!!!

[@bastiendupont1392]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooDOlIKKgNFjpKs if you want to see i have do a solo of Billy Higins with the Transcription good journey men

[@eskoniiranen9294]

I love the format of "Let's play some paradiddles!" to "Let's get to the deep end NOW!" Seriously, this guy is not underestimating people!

[@maryculnane7506]

Thanks John,your so relaxed with the sticks and attitude playing jazz ,I think your the best jazz drummer in the world.👍

[@peteryoung4974]

That ride/ crash is killer!

[@felipeavaloscervantes]

John is my inspiration for study jazz drums. Thanks John.

[@bastiendupont1392]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooDOlIKKgNFjpKs if you want to see i have do a solo of Billy Higins with the Transcription good journey men

[@boomerguy9935]

He reminds me of my first jazz drummer (not instructor) who was kind enough to teach me the importance of time, softness and paradiddles with accents in the 60's. John is exactly like he was, not condescending. He appears to be very patient and understanding without showing off. Wonderful drummer and human being.

[@mladenpalenkas7750]

John is one of the greatest drum theacher I know. 👍

[@cannito3]

Man, look at those cymbals! They sound incredibly good, also you gave a bunc of killer advice thanks a lot!

[@bradlloyd6261]

Hey John! Brad Lloyd!!! Been a few moons and jahres but I did Aebersold in 2000 when Thomas Taylor was there as well. You might remember my face easier. Love this mini lesson and hope you are well, cheers!

[@mrlozano]

That solo-story-telling idea in the way you performed it was like the perfect "ah-ha" moment for conveying that idea. Tremendous insight and teaching ability. Now you can take that and be as rudimentary or as technical as you want to make it, and by following that story telling structure, you can make everyone in the audience understand what is going on. It brings to mind one of Joe Morello's discussions about classical music, or classical solo structure (coming from his initial background studies in violin) that he referred to technical terms such as theme, development, and recapitulation. You essentially articulated that idea here by actually playing thru each of those three modes. Fantastic teaching video. Fantastic teacher. Thank you!

[@markielinhart]

Thank you, thank you, thank you John Riley🌹✌️🌻

[@RodrigoRaez]

Great concepts in this lesson. Thank you very much.

[@jaysonwilson2697]

I’ve learned more from John Riley and Brian Blade then anyone. John is something else

[@JD-qp9ox]

Jon is a musical treasure!

[@bastiendupont1392]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooDOlIKKgNFjpKs if you want to see i have do a solo of Billy Higins with the Transcription good journey men

[@davidbrown9395]

excellent composition. as you were playing I knew that you would return to scraping and then to finish with a cymbal stroke. I was anticipating that ending and then delighted to hear it.

[@robertstrobel7237]

The Master speaks.

[@romainbertrand253]

Jon Riley is really a brilliant teacher.

[@bastiendupont1392]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooDOlIKKgNFjpKs if you want to see i have do a solo of Billy Higins with the Transcription good journey men

[@brianmelody8930]

Seriously dig that I accidentally stumbled across this cosmic drum teacher today. Mind fully expanded! Wow.

[@ArtOfDrumming]

Great - thanks for your feedback Brian!

[@timothymckenna1702]

Wow, talking about thinking outside the box! John's approach to drum instruction his so intelligent! Great lesson...thanks JR!

[@bastiendupont1392]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooDOlIKKgNFjpKs if you want to see i have do a solo of Billy Higins with the Transcription good journey men

[@mosilflutil10]

Those toms sound lovely

[@rolfhogfeldt7645]

Excellent !

[@kgamaseg]

Wow! I learned something very valuable today.

[@nogoogleplus]

This guy is a great teacher👍

[@Mike-oz5pp]

Woah, He lost me for a min, but after listening again it makes total sense thanks JR

[@thenel2162]

Master player and teacher!

[@ericmsandoval]

What a fantastic teacher.

[@mhp2766]

The art of relaying important musical information

[@bastiendupont1392]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooDOlIKKgNFjpKs if you want to see i have do a solo of Billy Higins with the Transcription good journey men

[@konradkolen3424]

Wow, incredible drummer, teacher!

[@timvivoda5208]

At first I thought he had a stroke as a add come on as soon as he started the solo I thought he was holding the drums about to drop .but after the add it was evident he was fine .very interesting concepts .

[@longfade]

This is really great. Thanks again, Sr. Riley.

[@DrummerMike86]

Such a class act!

[@stevenwilsondrummer5956]

Superb. Can I just say... What a fantastic sounding set of Zildjians you have there.

[@bastiendupont1392]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooDOlIKKgNFjpKs if you want to see i have do a solo of Billy Higins with the Transcription good journey men

[@stalliec]

John is a master - either ONE of his method books alone is a lifetime of study. If you are ever in NYC on a Monday night you have to watch John play with the legendary Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra - sit where you can watch him and that alone is another lifetime of study. IN his books he talks a lot about using form in solos - I teach middle school and high school drummers that concept from John, and it REALLY shows in their playing. Thanks for this!

[@trevormcmanis]

American One Productions Rehearsal and Drum Studios in NJ gives two huge thumbs up 👍🏻🥁👍🏻

[@billbigler1366]

John a very nice and informative lesson. Thanks.

[@Tonyclaret1]

Excelent Master Class !!!

[@bastiendupont1392]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooDOlIKKgNFjpKs if you want to see i have do a solo of Billy Higins with the Transcription good journey men

[@andrebark]

Wow! Just, wow!!!

[@luisfernando-mm3jt]

Best teacher ever

[@blujay9191]

This was excellent. Very cool. Rather than applauding, I feel like we should all be just clicking our fingers 1950's beatnik style.

[@canterburyaudio5836]

God that ride sounds so good!

[@DonaldSturgeAnthonyMcKenzieII]

GENIUS SOLO. AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

[@sweetdragon36067]

Nice drum set. I had an almost identical set when I was 16: Ludwig Champagne model. I worked odd jobs to get enough money to make a payment and then quit to spend more time practicing.

[@robertalbiston7822]

sweetdragon36067 Still have my ‘67 Hollywood in champagne, but using my high school ‘64 Modern Jazz in blue sparkle on tonight’s gig.

[@MacMic333]

sweetdragon36067 I was got a call on a club date and the singer provided the kit.Turned out to be Mitch Mitchells’ champagne Ludwig kit, I got high just playing it, such a cool finish.

[@sweetdragon36067]

@@MacMic333 What are the odds of that. Loved Mitch and the king of guitar Jimmi!!!!

[@RaphaelNick]

thanks! such a good demonstration!

[@doozzoo]

Great tutorial!

[@frankburdodrums8984]

I'm glad he explained why he was doing that. I was like WTF for a second there.

[@JulianFernandez]

pure class! thanks!

[@bastiendupont1392]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooDOlIKKgNFjpKs if you want to see i have do a solo of Billy Higins with the Transcription good journey men

[@ronaldgenendlis6423]

Wat are his cymbals? There incredible

[@zannoni96]

Great Lesson John Thank Ypu

[@fbwnsan]

Very helpful insight. Thank you

[@snakefich]

Wonderful, Namaste

[@jasonlee8193]

Aside from the superlative instruction , don’t those drums sound totally amazing.

[@Mityob67]

Wow. The concept lesson that was just dropped here--very heavy.

[@karldejong5731]

what kick drum is that yummmm

[@thenel2162]

this man is wonderful!

[@bastiendupont1392]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooDOlIKKgNFjpKs if you want to see i have do a solo of Billy Higins with the Transcription good journey men

[@paulfitterer5576]

Really great thanks

[@jazzhole8208]

Fantastic musician ✌ i totally dig his approach . . . Thnx for those awesome clips ✌

[@bobsabin]

This is so great.

[@tmaddrummer]

Thanks and Blessings!!!

[@RobertVandenberg]

That kit sounds amazing

[@SergeyChupyrin]

Wonderful teacher !!! Thanks!!!

[@stergos60]

what are the hihats shown on this video please?

[@bimobizzer]

very useful thank a lot🙏🏻

[@lexnite22]

Where did he get them shoes?! 🤩

[@olejakob9216]

I’m not that familiar with John but I did not expect him to go all mark guiliana on the drums when I hit this video, cool to see that even people like John does that sometimes

[@ArtOfDrumming]

Mark was one of John‘s students ;-)

[@olejakob9216]

@@ArtOfDrumming really? Cool 😅🤩🤩

[@ttvfazeclokesyoutubeisai8633]

What drumset is that

[@NBass136]

This dude is ssmoooooooth

[@markmcnamara608]

Reminds me of what Kurt Cobain did. He put structure to punk music. He turned something that seemed chaotic and unlistenable into something we could all relate to, making it listenable by putting conventional song form to punk. John Riley is a brilliant teacher and master of his craft. Thank you, John Riley!

[@johnnyxmusic]

Thé Ramones, writing girl-group pop songs in a garage band style didn’t have structure? Every genre of music has structure. That’s how you know it’s part of a genre. I mean, the Clash had so much structure that you could hardly really think of them as punk. And in and on… what nirvana did was to bring melody and disaffection together in a marketable package. In other words… Rock ‘n’ roll.

[@RogierRJDonker]

Great player! Great info! Thank you! What size bassdrum is he using? It sounds sooo good. You guys record drums beautifully every time.

[@RogierRJDonker]

@@ArtOfDrumming thank you! Sounds great

[@pierreg8562]

amazing.

[@PhilippMoehrke]

Great MUSICIAN

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

still love your work!!

[@jotagomezmusico]

Thank you. Witch Yamaha model is that?

[@Samisven]

now we'r into some deep avantgarde here.

[@ArtOfDrumming]

100%

[@kodakanjudo]

He even uses traditional grips and knows the lingo, 5 stroke role ect... Check out the National Association of Rudimental Drummers on line.

[@simoneliasbjorkman]

Great video but the camera is weird, it's bugging me a bit, because it looks so grainy and creates some sort of trails from the movement

[@mattamponah2597]

6:05 if you were ever looking for drum ASMR...

[@Li_Zihao]

hahahahhahaha