The Genius Of Elvin Jones

“I was a rebel. Nobody could play with me ’cause they couldn’t understand it.”
Elvin Jones is one of the top jazz drummers of all time, and definitely one of the most influential. But why?
- His power and energy were unmatched.
- He took a unique polyrhythmic approach to timing, comping and soloing.
- He was one of the first jazz drummers to approach the drum set as a single voice, often playing linear patterns.
Elvin Jones influenced big names like Mitch Mitchell, John Bonham, Bill Bruford, John Densmore and Ginger Baker, even having a drum battle with the latter in the early 70s.
A professional drummer from the 1940s until his passing in 2004, Jones was a key member of John Coltrane’s classic quartet in the ’60s, appearing on legendary jazz records like A Love Supreme, My Favorite Things and Ascension.
Here are 5 reasons why Elvin Jones was a genius (and how he helped change the direction and future of jazz drumming):
0:00 - Intro
1:45 -- A Fresh Approach
Sonny Rollins’ “A Night At The Village Vanguard” (featuring the well-known tune “A Night In Tunisia”) is one of the first times people heard what was to become ‘the Elvin Jones sound’. But outside of that album, here are a few key tracks where you can hear his flavor at its finest.
- “Remembrance” by Elvin Jones - Dramatic dynamics
- The “Zachariah” film featuring Elvin Jones - Huge cymbal crashes
- “Acknowledgment” by John Coltrane - A washy, rivet-filled ride sound
- “My Favorite Things” by John McLaughlin - Hemiolas/polyrhythms
In the 1940s, most drummers would accent every quarter note or beats 2 and 4 while swinging on the ride. Listen to “Anthropology” by Elvin Jones or “Miles’ Mode” by John Coltrane and you’ll hear the difference.
Jones was also known for his triplets, particularly his focus on the middle triplet partial (which most drummers neglected). You can hear this on tracks like “Blues to Bechet” by John Coltrane.
8:26 -- Unique Sound & Gear
He was known for playing loudly with unprecedented energy and strength - so much strength that he’d sometimes nail the bass drum to the floor to keep it from sliding!
From felt mallets on tracks like “The Drum Thing” (John Coltrane) and timpani on “Psalm” (John Coltrane) to riveted cymbals and flipping his drumsticks around to use the butt end, Jones carefully chose gear to give him the sounds he wanted.
12:29 -- Polyrhythmic Drumming
How many jazz drummers can you name from Elvin Jones’ time who were playing polyrhythms? One of Jones’ favorites was to play 3 beat phrases in a 4 beat context (like in “Impressions” by John Coltrane). He also incorporated hemiolas into his drumming - rare for the time and style as well.
17:15 -- Timekeeping Mastery
It was once said that “Elvin loosened up the time and opened up the music,” and it’s this relaxed sense that set him apart.
Drummers still talk about his grooves to this day, especially his trademark ‘afro-waltz’, which can be heard on multiple songs Jones tracked with artists like John Coltrane and Wayne Shorter. His Latin and Afro-Cuban-inspired grooves set him apart in the jazz world.
23:50 -- Explosive Drum Solos
Elvin Jones built his rudimental chops in the U.S. Army band, and they made their way into his mind-blowing drum solos. Jones’ go-to rudiment was the paradiddle-diddle, moving between the ride and snare drum or around the toms (like on “Pursuance” by John Coltrane).
You could always tell when he was ending a drum solo because he’d play a buzz roll on the snare drum and vigorously nod his head (a great way to signal to the band when you’re about to wrap up).
31:16 -- Final thoughts
Elvin Jones was a captivating and creative force behind the drums. If you enjoyed this breakdown of his playing, Drumeo members get access to notation and practice tools (to loop/slow down sections) for all of the tracks mentioned here. Click here to try Drumeo free for 7 days: drumeo.com/trial-10008
_______________________________________________________
►Learn Drums Here: drumeo.com/
►Free Lessons: drumeo.com/free-lessons
►Our Favorite Music Products: www.drumeo.com/jared-recommends/
_______________________________________________________
Follow us:
►The Drumeo Beat: www.drumeo.com/beat/
►Facebook: / drumeo
►Instagram: / drumeoofficial
►TikTok: / drumeoofficial
Follow Brandon Toews
►Facebook: / brandon.toews.drums
►KZbin: / brandontoews
►Instagram: / brandon.toews
►TikTok: / brandon.toews
_______________________________________________________
#drums #jazz #drumeo

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Drumeo members get access to notation and practice tools (to loop/slow down sections) for all of the tracks mentioned above. Click here to try Drumeo free for 7 days: drumeo.com/trial-10008

[@reggaefan2700]

Somebody is wearing Clarks 7:05

[@Redbeard4321]

Do Frank Beard please and thank you!

[@bacobill]

A true gentle giant.. the kindest man I've ever met.. It was mid-seventies when I met him at Frank Ippolito's drum shop in NYC.. He was signed to Vanguard Records as was I at the time.. He invited me to his session that evening which to this day remains the highlight of my life.. When I remember that evening I think of the man before his drumming.. He was a powerful sweet soul and in my heart I still feel him deeply.. Thank you for this video.. much appreciated.

[@BrandonToews]

Thank you, Bill!

[@nickthabit420]

He was the best.

[@paulkimbarow4766]

Hey Bill I worked at Frank's at that time and my fondest memories are of Elvin and spending time with him , what a beautiful soul and got to hear him so many nights around N.Y. at that time....I feel truly blessed Paul Kimbarow

[@jonathandale7157]

Elvin was such an amazing drummer;a real force of nature who could just swing so hard,and those triplets! Man,what an individual,and a great collaborator too - the way he answered a soloist with his call and response was uncanny. Every drummer,no matter what genre,should be required to listen to him.

[@MRCATL3]

He was a tall man! Not Howlin Wolf imposing but just insane on the drums. Over looked in my humble opinion

[@alanasda7705]

My dad was a jazz drummer and Elvin Jones was his hero. About twenty five years ago, my dad had the opportunity to hear Elvin give a masterclass in Montreal at the Salle Gesu concert hall and actually got to play with him. My dad told me that besides marrying my mom and my birth, that day with Elvin was happiest day of his life.

[@keith_kenniff]

When I was a teenager my dad took me to see elvin jones at the blue note in nyc. It was a magical and pivotal moment in my life and it forever cemented my love for drums and was instrumental in me wanting to becoming a professional musician. After the show he shook my hand and it was a moment I will never forget. I knew he was just a man with all of the faults of a human being but it also felt as if I were in the presence of something outside of ourselves and timeless. Just to note he had an *extremely* firm handshake.

[@BrandonToews]

So cool!

[@Brian4hand]

Awesome Keith yea the old masters had that ascended vibe

[@Osnosis]

Was that The Truth band with Michael Brecker?

[@keith_kenniff]

@@Osnosis it was the Jazz Machine, not with Brecker, but I think Darren Barrett was in the lineup at that time.

[@williamgregory1848]

The level of intelligence and seriousness that Elvin Jones was on is something to behold!

[@jaaklucas1329]

Ive realized over the years that Elvin Jones was a big reason for me loving Tranes great quartet. He opened up the sound of the band with his melodic drumming for Trane to improvise and at the same time propelled it rhythmically along with Tyner. John Coltranes urgency set the table. What a great jazz drummer!

[@Lehmann108]

When I started drumming many decades ago a friend introduced me to Elvin's playing. I thought it was horrible. I couldn't understand it. Decades later I finally got it. A whole new rhythmic world opened up!

[@BrandonToews]

🔥🔥🔥

[@dominikn19]

YESSS.

[@jmfs3497]

I still can't completely get it, but my bandmates have referenced Elvin in regards to my playing, and now I guess I don't get my own playing, lol. I'm starting, too, though. I have a habit of triplet/poly/hemiolas and I just had to google what hemiolas are.

[@luislozano6332]

i can't believe it took you decades to recognize he was good

[@lippielean1435]

Good for u, i still don't understand...

[@pipervibe3427]

Even the people who have never heard of Elvin Jones have been listening to him coming through when they hear their favorite bands.

[@DG-sf9ei]

Well stated, interesting how most music listeners think their favorites were the 1st.

[@carlbowles1808]

Yes that's me.

[@tomcarr4630]

Best and most understandable breakdowns of Elvin's drumming I've ever seen! Lesson learned: Don't be afraid to be yourself.

[@BrandonToews]

Thanks, Tom!

[@reggaefan2700]

Somebody is wearing Clarks 7:05

[@AaronBowley]

i was fortunate enough to see elvin play at jazz alley in seattle just before he passed away. one of the best musical experiences of my life

[@Goatchild90]

One of the greatest drummers of all time. Rest in Peace to a legend.

[@gregtomilson3846]

After watching this I realized that much of my teacher's lessons had its origins in Elvin Jones' playing.

[@nedgrant918]

Back in ‘67, when I first discovered Elvin Jones and Tony Williams, I also discovered accidentally I guess, that a 6 stroke roll (RLRRLL) played as triplets, Right hand on ride, Left hand on snare, once it was played fairly up-tempo, was a key that cracked open a doorway to Mr. Jones’ basic style… Just the START of a long, long, process!

[@JazzzRockFuzion]

Probably my favorite acoustic jazz drummer ever. Elvin’s awareness of rhythmic time, knowledge of song form, his swagger in driving his ensembles, his touch and feel - such a massive continuing influence on my own playing.

[@ochocabra1542]

I forget who said if but it was put best like this-- "If you want to understand Elvin's impact on drumming, listen to jazz before Elvin, and after"

[@MrEmanuelw]

@RonCarterBassist

[@ochocabra1542]

@@MrEmanuelw excellent. thanks.

[@cliffbacken]

I fortunate enough to see Elvin many times in lower Manhattan in the late 80’s…I loved how explosive he could … and how you also had a gentle touch. None were like him before and no one after… He was that unique…!!

[@moneybot646]

This man is a monster . Guitarist John McLaughlin wrote a song for him called tones for elvin jones its a great jazz tribute to this incredible drummer

[@kapiltriv]

wow thanks for sharing, i wonder if thats because Elvin had synesthesia

[@reggaefan2700]

Somebody is wearing Clarks 7:05

[@sirjer73]

​@@kapiltrivis that when you hear or see colors, if so I heard him say that's how he played his kit.

[@mwdrum]

Very nice. In 1984 I studied with Elvin, 3 weeks, amazing. There were a couple things he showed me and demonstrated that are interesting. A different way he practiced and actually played his signature triplet ride pattern. Your playing demos were good. Elvin used a red wood bass drum beater when I was with him. His touch was really light but explosive. He was a genius.

[@Kent-qo6xp]

I hung out with him at the Village Vanguard all night long one night in 1982. He showed me that he didn't use his high hat when he soloed. He would turn his foot to the right a little and rest it with the high hat closed. He also wold cup his palm and pour some cologne and then put it on the top of his head. It works.

[@ronnywilson2112]

Elvin is one of my Top 5 Drummers of all time. A must for serious drummers.

[@larkstonguesinaspic4814]

Holy shit the timing of this video couldn't be more perfect. I just listened to A Love Supreme last night and was blown away by the drumming. throughout the whole day I was watching his videos and searching around the internet for his albums. And then boom, Drumeo releases this video. I guess it's all meant to be.

[@johnfrenette]

Oh man, I’m jealous you got to listen to *A Love Supreme* for the first time. It’s like an awakening moment. Everything going on in those tracks is just… wow. Each player just next-level’ed the crap out of music.

[@BrandonToews]

It was meant to be!

[@rustynail766]

First time I saw him was in 1968. Got a copy of A Love Supreme soon afterwards. I was 19.

[@ronniewrong1539]

I love the wonder, revelation and enthusiasm you experienced regarding Elvin's playing last month. And the subsequent acceptance you experienced!! Then you decided to share it all with us in an innocent and charming way,!! You're cool af. Keep on coolin. Continue with the humility. Its charming on you.

[@msticdrumr]

Elvin Jones and Tony Williams are at the very core of my drumming psyche as the essential ingredients among the many historic and important influences that have helped shape my total musicality as a drummer, percussionist, and all around musician!!! I am most grateful, thankful, and humble to have been born to experience such greatness in my lifetime!!!

[@HaloAdmiral]

Elvin taught me how to “talk” to people behind my kit. He taught me the language of drumming and fueled my love for post-bop.

[@TREYMcLAMB]

One drummer I can never quite wrap my head around, which makes listening to his work a continuous fascination. Bravo for taking this on, always interesting to hear someone analyze his style.

[@BrandonToews]

Thanks Trey!

[@alexandremello6913]

I was fortunate enough to see The Elvin Jones Jazz Machine in the 90s in São Paulo, Brazil. Such a powerful act.

[@royschwaben9646]

This is the first Drumeo vid I've seen in this deep dive history format. I LOVE IT!!! I love the other stuff, too, but this is outstanding.

[@BrandonToews]

Thanks, Roy! Appreciate it. We’ve done about 10 other Genius Of videos in this style that you can check out too!

[@Tyrell_Corp2019]

Great! I'll never forget seeing him at the Blue Note in NYC shortly before he passed. Cecil Taylor was guesting with The Jazz Machine. I was really curious to hear Elvin in this context. As I waited on line outside, occasionally music could heard from the band's first set. It was great. When I got in for the 2nd set, the lights dimmed and an announcement was made on the P.A.: "Ladies and Gentlemen, we now have a special presentation. A duet between Ceil Taylor and Elvin Jones." For about a 1/2 hour, it was 100% Cecil-style free jazz improv. Throughout the entirety, Elvin used only mallets on the kit. It was powerful to say the least.

[@dumbstupid5065]

Elvin Jones with John Coltrane and McCoy Tyner IS jazz. Very rarely has the artform approached the brilliance those men created together.

[@nickthabit420]

Don't forget Jimmy Garrison.

[@NOAHCASAS]

FIRST TIME I HEARD ELVIN JONES I WAS BLOWN AWAY BUT CONFUSED AT FIRST I FELT LIKE I WAS HEARING A PAIR OF SNICKERS SHOES ROLLIN AROUND IN A DRYER MACHINE I JUST COULDN'T EXPLAIN IT

[@TheThinkersBible]

Great semi-documentary of Elvin Jones' style and about many of specifics that made him so great. The use of 4-limb polyrhythms was very interesting to learn. It's also very interesting (although not shocking) to learn John Bonham and other rock greats got many of their techniques from Elvin Jones. God bless his memory and may he be always remembered for the seminal genius he was.

[@gregedenfield1080]

GENIUS... loved that man, what a great artist he was and still is through extensive recordings....RIP, Mr. Jones.

[@danp420]

Amazing! We want more jazz stuff especially Elvin!

[@BrandonToews]

Thanks, Dan! I've got lots of other jazz lessons in the Drumeo members area, too!

[@c0ns1d1ne]

So much of what I learned from my rock drummer influences came from Elvin. True legend.

[@ianwebb9859]

I got to see Elvin in Oakland just before his passing. I was in high school at the time and I am so lucky that that happened!!

[@itsjohnnymillion]

I love this stuff. I happily admit I may have heard the name before, but nothing more. I recognize the people he played with. This is why I adore Drumeo.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Cheers, Johnny!

[@BrandonToews]

Thanks, Johnny!

[@criticalmass613]

I saw him play live in a small club in 1990. I was 20 feet from the stage. It was epic.

[@THESESSIONROOM]

Why didn't I think of nailing my bass drum to the floor!!!🤣 The guy is such a LEGEND!!💯🙌💯

[@Rogersdrumvideos]

ELvin never nailed a bass drum to the floor. He or Keiko would sometimes put nails in front of the bass drum but never through the drum or hoop. When I asked Elvin why he didn't just use a carpet he said that he didn't like how something soft under the drums absorbed the beautiful reflections.

[@davidwicks9538]

Modern drum spurs are 1000% better than what were available in the past, usually no need to nail.

[@MarioCalzadaMusic]

Thank you for this video… the first time I heard Elvin Jones I learnt that I was actually in love with drums. As he said, he was a fighter… such a great!

[@BrandonToews]

Love it!

[@toddberg4404]

Thank you Drumeo and Brandon for this AMAZING discussion and celebration of Elvin Jones. Elvin Jones is just the best - as a drummer and a person. It's no wonder he and John Coltrane made such beautiful music. As for what I have learned from Elvin Jones, it has to be the majesty and thunder of triplets. For me, Elvin Jones when he's just laying down a mid-tempo swing over the blues - like Spiritual or Village Blues or anything from Wayne Shorter's "Night Dreamer," "Juju" or "Speak No Evil." When I think back about what really made me fall in love with the drums, I think about the part in Afro Blue when Elvin and McCoy are holding things down and Elvin ratchets up the dynamics with those thunderous triplets just before John Coltrane comes back in. It still gives me goose bumps and brings a smile to my face. Thank you again for the love and care you put into this honoring of the great Elvin Jones. Yours, Todd Berg

[@BrandonToews]

Thank you so much, Todd!

[@sutusmihaly]

..thank you for this one..he will always be my favourite drummer..he was a great artist on his drums..and an awesome musician..r.i.p. mr elvin jones 🖤🖤❤️

[@BrandonToews]

Cheers!

[@minorracket2854]

I’m not a drummer but this gets me thinking out of the box with rhythm 😮

[@71Roadking]

I learned that no matter how good I get, I’ve still got a lot to learn.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

It's a never-ending journey :)

[@RonCarterBassist]

And you'll still get better every time you practice :)

[@MaximusWolfe]

The greatest drummer who ever breathed and my exemplar on the kit. His lyricism on that instrument is unparalleled in my opinion and his incorporation of the crash symbols as a vital and capacious cog in the total expression of the drum set is quite breathtaking, haunting and unexampled to this day (e.g., the song Alabama by Coltrane with Jones on the kit - he paints like Van Gough with his sticks adding an extra dimension and middle earth depth to that tune) . He is what every drummer should aspire to and he was an an essential ingredient on some of the most important records ever recorded (and far, far more important records than Buddy Rich ever played on after he went solo). His surpassingly adroit knack for the tempestuous and fierce or subtle and delicate is quite rare. His wide ranging and majestic solo albums are only beginning to be revisited with a proper sense of awe. I recommend them all as models of percussion craft.

[@Martin_Bernard]

Always this "greatest" comment under every drums video, sick and tired of it, there's no greatest

[@MaximusWolfe]

@@Martin_Bernard Yes there is. I agree that the term greatest is overused by overly opinionated persons who simply grasp at what they like for superlatives, but the simple fact is that Elvin checks every box with a bolder hand. Ability, contribution, influence, important recordings, live performance, indelibility, innovation, range, etc. By each of these metrics he sits atop his discipline or nearabout. There is no other drummer who a student or fan of percussion would be better suited to.

[@Martin_Bernard]

@@MaximusWolfe One of the greatest, not the greatest, too many great drummers, too many different aspects of drumming, different times, different techniques, different styles, different types of music, different tastes, etc. impossible to compare esp music is not a competition like a sport

[@MaximusWolfe]

@@Martin_Bernard Greatest

[@Martin_Bernard]

@@MaximusWolfe That's only your preference

[@EdAldred]

The different orchestrations for the displaced paradiddlediddle sounds great!

[@BrandonToews]

Thanks Eddie!

[@paradiddle16]

Love the shirt there. Those are pretty much my favorite jazz drummers from that period.

[@BrandonToews]

Thanks!

[@juanquintana6070]

Excellent report. Elvin is there with the best of history. I enjoyed him in "Time is of the essence" from Michael Brecker. The most African of drummers.

[@mannykeller]

Great tribute and analysis, Brandon. I saw Elvin play the most of any of my idols, his wife Keiko and him were both always very nice, even sometimes inviting us drummers backstage. Seeing your beautiful video about him and reminding us of his contributions to our instrument is just what I needed today!

[@TomMendoladrums]

Excellent analysis of Elvin's approach to the drums and music. I would go and listen to Elvin often at the Village Vanguard. It was a privilege and a joy. His dynamic range was exceptional and he gave every performance his all. His energy was infectious as was his love for music. As great as he was, his kindness and manners were equal to it. His legacy will never die. Thanks for the great video Brandon!

[@BrandonToews]

Wow! That would be amazing to see him perform live. So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@TomMendoladrums]

@@BrandonToews You did a great job of breaking his style down. It was a pleasure to watch.

[@nickthabit420]

As you stated, his greatness was in his person: you can only play what you are.

[@aidanschram9652]

I'm loving the jazz content! Elvin was a genius and has perhaps the most recognizable sound in the world of jazz drums.

[@Balonious_Crunk]

My favourite drummer of all time honestly

[@davidwicks9538]

Impressive to see an acknowledgement and tribute to a Musician 🪘🪘"ELVIN", that focuses on the 'Artist' and His🥁🥁 work, rather than explaining His creativity and innovation by crediting those that "copy" or are 'heavily Influenced' by the Originator!! 👏Thanks👏 It's about 'Time'...✊✊💯💯✊✊

[@evensteven8129]

I have been “Jonesing” for an Elvin Jones documentary for a while and this is very well done. i esp. love his physicality when playing, I.E. his power when bearing down on this amazing instrument. Thanks for this!!

[@BrandonToews]

Cheers Evan!

[@michaelstevens8]

This is the Best overview of Elvin Jones style on KZbin. Great Video Drumeo. Thanks.

[@BrandonToews]

Thanks Michael!

[@drummantvhg9490]

This is one of the best Jazz drummer teaching method! Thanks Drumeo!

[@peterdavidian4359]

Elvin Jones has always been my favourite drummer, and this is a great journey into looking at his tecniques around the kit. Thankyou for putting it all together...

[@terrydonegan1622]

What an amazing analyst, educator, presenter and Drummer you are Sir. thank you very much for your work

[@gphonk7359]

You did a fantastic job with this video. Thank you for making this and thank you to Elvin for all the wonderful music!

[@seanpeel2194]

The one thing I've learned from the video about Elvin is why I love his sound so much. Cause he played like every time would be his last! Great video!

[@kevincoggins3409]

Great retrospective on Elvin Jones playing style. One thing I learned, or wa sreminded of, was Elvin's overtly aggressive playing inside the form while the melody was being played by other band members. Thank you - watching and listening to this video was time well spent!

[@BrandonToews]

Thank you so much!

[@bigchunkybubbles]

Whenever I listen to Elvin Jones the word that always comes to mind is “oceanic.”

[@drumsbymark]

These genius series are absolutely fantastic! And this one is certainly no exception. I can only imagine the amount of work that goes into these; everything from the research, script, playing, transcribing, to the production, and editing. Thanks for putting this up for free.

[@nilsonmatta6392]

Excelent vídeo, THANKS! I saw Elvin 4 times, in Brazil, Village Vanguard 2times and in the San Xavier Spain st same fest. tha I was playing with Don Pullen and we all were hanging at back stage listening Elvin telling beautiful stories… Congratulations for this video about virtuose Elvin Jones!

[@loumonte658]

Legend Elvin lives on.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Always 💙

[@ryanbachmeier6979]

Just BLAZED & jammed while Listing to This. LOVE SUPREME ❤️ 🎶 one of The BEST. THANK YOU DRUMEO

[@phatbackbeat6553]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@luiszuluaga6575]

Your overview on Elvin Jones is greatly appreciated. Your breakdowns on his playing style were clear and concise. Thanks for a great presentation. 😸👉🏼🥁

[@spears104]

Wow. A very well done tribute to the master. I have loved Elvin's playing since I was introduced to it in my early days of playing drums. I wish I could have seen him live. Thanks Brandon!

[@BrandonToews]

I wish I could've seen him live too. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Anton_Nikolaus_Mangweth]

Brandon that’s a treasure chest full of unbelievable real drumming! Thanks for that! Love your vibe while talking! And interesting that you play matched and super cool that you aren’t unsure to play matched in this strong Traditional state of the art! Super work ! Want more 🙏

[@BrandonToews]

Glad you enjoyed it, Toni!

[@bluebossa54]

This video brought back memories of seeing EJ at Keystone Corner in San Francisco What a great show!

[@MrOhmygoditsben]

I sometimes feel like I had an opposite introduction to Elvin compared to most people. I was in school for music business and jazz studies. Drumset was my focus instrument. I had a great professor named Skip Walker who studied at Berklee. He taught a jazz history class and I remember the day we learned about a Love Supreme. It piqued my curiosity like crazy and I listened to that album religiously. Elvin's style inevitably became engrained into my own because it was the first real example of jazz drumming that my brain ever soaked up. Now that I have a greater knowledge of jazz as a whole, I see why my professors used to give me a strange look when I told then A Love Supreme the first jazz that ever really grabbed me. When compared to Kind of Blue or Time Out, it's pretty out there and definitely not where most peoples' jazz journey begins, but because I had no frame of reference, it just sounded like music to me and I didn't analyze it as if it were "out there". 5 years later, it feels like Elvin was the realest teacher I ever had, and he died before I was even born. I'm so grateful that he existed and left his mark on the world.

[@rickeyjoyce7904]

Fellow drummers the MOST important thing I learned from Elvin came from watching him warm up just before start time. It was not his time keeping or his soloing it was his mastery of the double stroke press roll. Before anyone came in the club he was executing the press roll starting slow and quite and soft and building it up so smooth and yet POWERFUL! The other great masters of the press roll was Buddy Rich and Art Blakely. In spite on the fact that Buddy played perhaps the fastest single stroke rolls ever it was his press rolls that would make the hair on my arms stand up.

[@CarloGarof]

I was lucky enough to see Elvin Jones live 4 times and study at one of his workshops in Italy in Ravenna. the last live was in 2003 at the Blue Note in New York and in 2004 he left us. Different Drummer. The only thing I can say for sure. Unique. Thank you so much for this video ❤

[@carlosnovaes6993]

Remarkable Job and supreme tasty compilation of images, quotes, words of Drumeo Team and Mr Brandon Toews!! I'm watching slowly , going back to watch again to try to learn. Very inspirational video to us drummers!!

[@BrandonToews]

Awesome - so glad you enjoyed it, Carlos!

[@3340steve]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful music. It is so great to celebrate this GIANT.

[@jackgreenman]

The wealth of knowledge and artistry on display here is awe inspiring! Thank you Elvin Jones for your artistic vision and thank you to Brandon Towes and Drumeo for bringing detail to things that, for most of us, can seem opaque about jazz drumming. I have a whole new appreciation for the form and, even if I can quite play the exercises yet, this video deepens my listening! Love what you do! (A happy Lifetime member!)

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Cheers Jack!

[@BrandonToews]

Thanks so much, Jack! So glad to have you with us!🙌🏻🥁

[@jackgreenman]

@@BrandonToews Thank YOU so much (and sorry about the name mis-spell!) Seriously, Brandon, it's awesome to watch you break down all my favorite drummers - and the pinnacle so far was the Rush Canon surrounded by drums! Love your work!

[@BrandonToews]

@@jackgreenman - Thanks!!

[@t.kuenzler]

Wow such a great video!!!!

[@BrandonToews]

Thank you!

[@AlvaroLopez1]

Thank you Drumeo! What a wonderful team you are and what incredible and important work you do. These videos such a gift to our musical community!

[@BrandonToews]

Thank you so much!

[@Gretschnut]

A master class, an absolute master class on a fabulously influential drummer. Drumeo continues to provide extremely professional, in-depth, relatable, understandable content for drummers and anyone interested in the percussive arts. I so enjoyed this. Thank you for putting this together and sharing.

[@BrandonToews]

Appreciate that! Thank you very much!

[@philipnestor5034]

A great video Brandon,very well done. I saw him many times,the first time I saw Elvin was in 1971 at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan. I still have the sticks he gave me. I can certainly hear the influence he had on another drummer idol of mine Mitch Mitchell.

[@carlbowles1808]

Thanks for this informative and inspirational video of elven Jones someone I've listened to for decades but didn't know it.

[@kapiltriv]

ok 8 mins in and im loving this.... will stop commenting now. thanks! bye!!

[@cusab69]

I heard him at Clark University's Coffee House around 1968 or 9. It was one of the most fantastic performances of musicality I ever heard.

[@ilovemapledrumsspaun4083]

Great video. I've been listening to Elvin for about 20 years and I'd never heard of some of those recordings.

[@martijnvanbeek4387]

I haven't listened to his music for a long long time but man, I still love it!

[@davidfriedlaender4130]

Thanks for a great Homage and to Elvin! some producers I hear would write " Play like Elvin" in the band notes to the drummer

[@BrandonToews]

Glad you enjoyed it, David!

[@SAEmusic7]

I had the immense pleasure of seeing Jeff “Tain” Watts recreate and embellish upon an (almost) note for note medley of Elvins “greatest hits“ solos, it was utterly breathtaking. 25?minutes of everything you could ever want and Jeff even had a different kit brought out for that segment of the show, incredible stuff. AND THEN Branford’s group re-created the entirety of love supreme in addition to an entirely improvised set - Epic in that nothing was forced and for many more reasons! This was less than a year after Jones’ death and therefore Jeff talked good 20 minutes or so I lost count, and there wasn’t a dry eye in that entire theater, including a visibly moved Branford😢❤ My only “wait a minute! What about “_____”???” Moment after watching this entirety was the album made and recorded live with minimal guitar overdubs with wI still think of as one of the greatest trios ever recorded: EJ, Dave Holland and Bill Frisell is perfect, sublime and utterly transcendental! He demonstrates every single bit of his patience and musicality, including some of the catchiest drum “hooks“ ever laid down! Also those big huge sometimes free time flurries/flourishes described here beautifully as “bombastic could be as per William himself, be shortened to “blowouts”, a term from Tony’s, Who, in my opinion, was The one true contemporary of his that I compare to and use as a barometer of sorts to Elvin’s playing as I look at them as two sides of a coin, but the rarest single most valuable coin in all of jazz drumming history if not future, so IBelieve he’s definitely not resting on his laurels he’s definitely hammering down his kick to a cloud somewhere, STILL breaking conventions whilst definitely having a ball! Elvin = eternally a “greatest-of-all-time” iinfluence and artist, the man was not a “drummer“ either IMO, he was a trendsetter, genius and pure artist in every way. fun fact, John Bonham got his self described “Boo-guh-duh” (someone help me with the spelling on that please!? Lol) triplets & Elvin is also the reason Bill Bruford began using the butt end of his left hand stick to get “Those” rimshots! I could ramble for a year about Mr. Jones and enjoy every moment of it! 🖖 & remember the greats & keep them alive by looking towards the future! ✌️

[@ralphflores4422]

Wow, definitely an innovative artist following his heart and passion. Thanks for the presentation!

[@KitCatStudio]

I’ve been playing the drums professionally mainly in rock bands throughout the years, but only now begin to understand the brilliant minds of the founding fathers of the instrument. Thank you Drumeo for this well researched lesson, I learned a ton of new ideas. Already subscribed to the site and working with it daily, also with my students. Tnx guys keep it up!

[@BrandonToews]

Thanks a lot!

[@alvarocordova3664]

The most complete exposure of Elvin Ray Jones ever. Thanks a lot Brandon . l has the enormous fortune of being his friend.As a teenager l felt in love without listening to him. l used to love to watch the Gretsch adds on Down Beat magazines. Than l got started on drums.( Thanks to Ringo)By 1970 l bought my first Elvin LP didn't like it( way to advanced) but as me went by l started to dig it. Being a rock drummer l used to play covers by Hendrix, Cream, Vanilla Fudge and Led Zeppelin. I was hooked on Elvin Then l got started playing jazz digging Trane, Miles, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Buddy Rich & Joe Morello. By 1973 Elvin came to my home town.La Paz Bolivia. He was so kind de became friends. l found myself in NY in 1975 and called Elvin his lovely wife Keiko told me " Elvin and Art are playing at the Top of the Gate tonight. There I was in front of his 18 " inch yellow Gretsch bass drum. He recognized me and than told me to go to Frank Ippolito's to get the Camco Stradivarius kit l was looking for. The show was incredible Elvin & Art played superbly. Than he recommended me to Frank.Next time I saw him in Toronto. Than de met at a clinic in San Jose.He was very kind to invite me to his hotel room and we talked drums; Spirit and Mother Africa. He told me about knowing the melody of the song while playing a solo..about using the whole kit as a musical Instrument. No one knows more about polyrhythms and syncopation than Elvin, his phrasing, timing and dynamics above excellent. But the most important THE COSMIC TRANCE WHILE YOU PERFORM ETERNAL LOVE FOR THE SUPREME MASTER INFINITE GRATITUDE.

[@aaronserfatydrumsandpercus7589]

Brilliant!

[@BrandonToews]

Thanks Aaron!

[@cymbolic_space1832]

The genius of Robert Wyatt or Milford Graves. two of the most underrated drummers of their times. in my opinion.

[@jacksid13]

Great information on my favorite drummer. Glad I got to see him on many occasions!

[@booj101]

definitely don't forget that elvin feathered the bass drum through all of that complexity!! was essential to his concept!! glad you put something up about elvin, @drumeo -- a great feature!

[@loboestepario9709]

Mi favorite drummer Elvin Jones

[@drummermikeclark]

Beautiful and Thank you!!

[@fernandomartincom]

A couple of decades ago, I enjoyed so much those "style and analysis" columns in Modern Drummer magazine, describing an important figure in drumming history, and including some transcriptions, interesting quotes and listing some of the player's discography (which obviously being a printed medium, it was up to the reader to find out those recordings). Nowadays, thanks to these Drumeo series "The genius of..." we can have the transcriptions, audio examples and valuable information in a single video. Videos that are really well structured, edited, and where ideas are really well presented, not to mention the always great sounding drums and great played examples. Drumeo is the MODERN Modern Drummer magazine 💯🥁🎶👏🏼 Thank you so much Drumeo! 🙏🏼

[@ilanyaron8631]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS LESSON AND DEMONSTRATION. So clear, inspiring, helpfull to learn with the notes, - wonderful.

[@AdrumaVictoria16]

He was in Umboom with Warren Smith and Freddie Waits. At sixteen I met Elvin, one of his fingers was massive, his hands were trees. He such a cool spirit of strength and kindness.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Whoa!

[@johnrobinson8323]

I know this is about Elvin,but Brandon you're amazing! One of the most versatile players out there. 🥁❤️

[@BrandonToews]

Thank you so much, John! Really appreciate it!

[@jazzjens]

Thanx a lot! What a great + thorough vid about the One&Only 💚 💙 ❤

[@BrandonToews]

Thanks!

[@klep2859]

Very fortunate to have seen Elvin three time; Ronnie Scott's in London, Jazz Alley in Seattle w/Ravi Coltrane & another, same place, w/Sonny Fortune.