The Genius Of Elvin Jones

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 พ.ค. 2024
  • “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
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ความคิดเห็น • 794

  • @DrumeoOfficial
    @DrumeoOfficial  ปีที่แล้ว +23

    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
      @reggaefan2700 ปีที่แล้ว

      Somebody is wearing Clarks 7:05

    • @Redbeard4321
      @Redbeard4321 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Do Frank Beard please and thank you!

  • @alanasda7705
    @alanasda7705 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

    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.

  • @bacobill
    @bacobill ปีที่แล้ว +212

    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
      @BrandonToews ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Thank you, Bill!

    • @nickthabit420
      @nickthabit420 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      He was the best.

    • @paulkimbarow4766
      @paulkimbarow4766 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      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
      @jonathandale7157 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      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
      @MRCATL3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @keith_kenniff
    @keith_kenniff ปีที่แล้ว +82

    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
      @BrandonToews ปีที่แล้ว +1

      So cool!

    • @Brian4hand
      @Brian4hand ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Awesome Keith yea the old masters had that ascended vibe

    • @Osnosis
      @Osnosis 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Was that The Truth band with Michael Brecker?

    • @keith_kenniff
      @keith_kenniff 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @williamgregory1848
    @williamgregory1848 ปีที่แล้ว +21

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

  • @jaaklucas1329
    @jaaklucas1329 ปีที่แล้ว +41

    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!

  • @pipervibe3427
    @pipervibe3427 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    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
      @DG-sf9ei 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @carlbowles1808
      @carlbowles1808 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Yes that's me.

  • @criticalmass613
    @criticalmass613 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

  • @Goatchild90
    @Goatchild90 ปีที่แล้ว +39

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

  • @nedgrant918
    @nedgrant918 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    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!

  • @AaronBowley
    @AaronBowley ปีที่แล้ว +12

    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

  • @Lehmann108
    @Lehmann108 ปีที่แล้ว +107

    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
      @BrandonToews ปีที่แล้ว +5

      🔥🔥🔥

    • @dominikn19
      @dominikn19 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      YESSS.

    • @jmfs3497
      @jmfs3497 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      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
      @luislozano6332 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

    • @lippielean1435
      @lippielean1435 ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

  • @gregtomilson3846
    @gregtomilson3846 ปีที่แล้ว +21

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

  • @ianwebb9859
    @ianwebb9859 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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!!

  • @cliffbacken
    @cliffbacken ปีที่แล้ว +5

    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…!!

  • @tomcarr4630
    @tomcarr4630 ปีที่แล้ว +122

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

  • @moneybot646
    @moneybot646 ปีที่แล้ว +89

    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
      @kapiltriv ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

    • @reggaefan2700
      @reggaefan2700 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Somebody is wearing Clarks 7:05

    • @sirjer73
      @sirjer73 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @HaloAdmiral
    @HaloAdmiral ปีที่แล้ว +4

    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.

  • @JazzzRockFuzion
    @JazzzRockFuzion ปีที่แล้ว +30

    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.

  • @larkstonguesinaspic4814
    @larkstonguesinaspic4814 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    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
      @johnfrenette ปีที่แล้ว +4

      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
      @BrandonToews ปีที่แล้ว

      It was meant to be!

    • @rustynail766
      @rustynail766 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @ronniewrong1539
      @ronniewrong1539 ปีที่แล้ว

      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.

  • @loboestepario9709
    @loboestepario9709 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Mi favorite drummer Elvin Jones

  • @NOAHCASAS
    @NOAHCASAS ปีที่แล้ว +6

    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

  • @mwdrum
    @mwdrum ปีที่แล้ว +21

    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
      @Kent-qo6xp ปีที่แล้ว

      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.

  • @houdinididiit
    @houdinididiit ปีที่แล้ว +8

    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.

  • @itsjohnnymillion
    @itsjohnnymillion ปีที่แล้ว +20

    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.

  • @royschwaben9646
    @royschwaben9646 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    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
      @BrandonToews ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @ronnywilson2112
    @ronnywilson2112 ปีที่แล้ว +13

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

  • @alexandremello6913
    @alexandremello6913 ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

  • @TheThinkersBible
    @TheThinkersBible ปีที่แล้ว +6

    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.

  • @THESESSIONROOM
    @THESESSIONROOM ปีที่แล้ว +11

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

    • @Rogersdrumvideos
      @Rogersdrumvideos ปีที่แล้ว +3

      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
      @davidwicks9538 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @gregedenfield1080
    @gregedenfield1080 ปีที่แล้ว +6

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

  • @minorracket2854
    @minorracket2854 ปีที่แล้ว +7

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

  • @juanquintana6070
    @juanquintana6070 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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.

  • @drummantvhg9490
    @drummantvhg9490 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

  • @MarioCalzadaMusic
    @MarioCalzadaMusic ปีที่แล้ว +9

    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!

  • @c0ns1d1ne
    @c0ns1d1ne ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

  • @ochocabra1542
    @ochocabra1542 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    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
      @MrEmanuelw ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @RonCarterBassist

    • @ochocabra1542
      @ochocabra1542 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@MrEmanuelw excellent. thanks.

  • @71Roadking
    @71Roadking ปีที่แล้ว +7

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

    • @DrumeoOfficial
      @DrumeoOfficial  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's a never-ending journey :)

    • @RonCarterBassist
      @RonCarterBassist ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @sutusmihaly
    @sutusmihaly ปีที่แล้ว +4

    ..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 🖤🖤❤️

  • @toddberg4404
    @toddberg4404 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    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
      @BrandonToews ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thank you so much, Todd!

  • @TREYMcLAMB
    @TREYMcLAMB ปีที่แล้ว +15

    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.

  • @msticdrumr
    @msticdrumr ปีที่แล้ว +7

    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!!!

  • @davidwicks9538
    @davidwicks9538 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    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'...✊✊💯💯✊✊

  • @Balonious_Crunk
    @Balonious_Crunk ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My favourite drummer of all time honestly

  • @mannykeller
    @mannykeller ปีที่แล้ว +10

    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!

  • @seanpeel2194
    @seanpeel2194 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    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!

  • @rickeyjoyce7904
    @rickeyjoyce7904 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    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
    @CarloGarof 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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 ❤

  • @andrewlane1491
    @andrewlane1491 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Genius of Roy Haynes! Get it!🎉

  • @ryanbachmeier6979
    @ryanbachmeier6979 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @dumbstupid5065
    @dumbstupid5065 ปีที่แล้ว +21

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

    • @nickthabit420
      @nickthabit420 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Don't forget Jimmy Garrison.

  • @loumonte658
    @loumonte658 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Legend Elvin lives on.

  • @evensteven8129
    @evensteven8129 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    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!!

  • @MaximusWolfe
    @MaximusWolfe ปีที่แล้ว +49

    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
      @Martin_Bernard ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

    • @MaximusWolfe
      @MaximusWolfe ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@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
      @Martin_Bernard ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@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
      @MaximusWolfe ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@Martin_Bernard
      Greatest

    • @Martin_Bernard
      @Martin_Bernard ปีที่แล้ว

      @@MaximusWolfe That's only your preference

  • @paradiddle16
    @paradiddle16 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @criticalmass613
    @criticalmass613 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Saw him play with Ravi Coltrane and Jazz Machine in 1991... something I will never forget

  • @danp420
    @danp420 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Amazing! We want more jazz stuff especially Elvin!

    • @BrandonToews
      @BrandonToews ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @cusab69
    @cusab69 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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.

  • @aidanschram9652
    @aidanschram9652 ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

  • @phatbackbeat6553
    @phatbackbeat6553 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Very informative. Thank you.

  • @bluebossa54
    @bluebossa54 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @michaelmoss6110
    @michaelmoss6110 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    To my eyes and ears, Evin always explored his joy in a composition playing what was needed to elevate the experience for all musicians he drumed with! And, he never dialed it in on record or live! To me,he is T
    the most unique drum/percussion master who ever kept time!

  • @djammerosl879
    @djammerosl879 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Original Classic jazz drummer,yeah the OG

  • @aaronserfatydrumsandpercus7589
    @aaronserfatydrumsandpercus7589 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Brilliant!

  • @alvarocordova3664
    @alvarocordova3664 ปีที่แล้ว

    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.

  • @markkasick
    @markkasick ปีที่แล้ว +1

    His awesomeness is on full on display on one of My desert island top 10. Sonny Sharrock's "Ask the Ages".

  • @drummermikeclark
    @drummermikeclark ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Beautiful and Thank you!!

  • @peterdavidian4359
    @peterdavidian4359 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    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...

  • @cymbolic_space1832
    @cymbolic_space1832 ปีที่แล้ว +6

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

  • @ManuelTOrtega
    @ManuelTOrtega ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you Brandon, Drumeo… 🔥 🎶 🫶🏼

  • @klep2859
    @klep2859 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    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.

  • @TomMendoladrums
    @TomMendoladrums ปีที่แล้ว +14

    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
      @BrandonToews ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @TomMendoladrums
      @TomMendoladrums ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @nickthabit420
      @nickthabit420 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @msticdrumr
    @msticdrumr 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    As a drummer and percussionist myself, of all the great recordings Elvin was a part of...one of my all time favorites is when he plays on Wayne Shorter's masterpiece - "Speak No Evil" with Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, and Ron Carter! Elvin's drive, comping, swing, sound, and hipness is the exemplar of Jazz drumming that never gets old!!!

  • @3340steve
    @3340steve ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @EdAldred
    @EdAldred ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The different orchestrations for the displaced paradiddlediddle sounds great!

  • @Dave-lr2wo
    @Dave-lr2wo ปีที่แล้ว +2

    "El Barrio" -- one of my favorite songs he played on.

  • @jackgreenman
    @jackgreenman ปีที่แล้ว +15

    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
      @DrumeoOfficial  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Cheers Jack!

    • @BrandonToews
      @BrandonToews ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @jackgreenman
      @jackgreenman ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@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
      @BrandonToews ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jackgreenman - Thanks!!

  • @martijnvanbeek4387
    @martijnvanbeek4387 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @bluzizalright
    @bluzizalright 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    A great musician, a wonderful, gracious man.

  • @sandrasage346
    @sandrasage346 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I use a lot of variations of triplet rolls! Bonzo and Ian Paice were some of my main inspirations during my initial stages of learning how to play a Kit, and I have to add Hal Blaine as another major Inspiration at the time, and Playing to; "Have fun!!! Play Drums!!!" album was how I learned my first Rock Beats...It was great to learn where They both got their inspiration from.... great job!! And Thanks Elvin !!

  • @michaelstevens8
    @michaelstevens8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    This is the Best overview of Elvin Jones style on TH-cam. Great Video Drumeo. Thanks.

  • @blujay9191
    @blujay9191 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I was blessed to see him live at Detroit's very intimate Baker's Keyboard Lounge in the 1970s. A unique and amazing player.

  • @ilovemapledrumsspaun4083
    @ilovemapledrumsspaun4083 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @freelance_commie
    @freelance_commie ปีที่แล้ว +2

    ELVIN FOREVER

  • @kamauyakini768
    @kamauyakini768 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The expansiveness of his playing. The depth of his knowledge played with seemingly effortless facility. Most useful was knowing where he was before I first discovered him with Coltrane and Wayne Shorter. Very fine.

  • @terrydonegan1622
    @terrydonegan1622 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @kevincoggins3409
    @kevincoggins3409 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    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!

  • @philipnestor5034
    @philipnestor5034 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    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.

  • @johnrobinson8323
    @johnrobinson8323 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

    • @BrandonToews
      @BrandonToews ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you so much, John! Really appreciate it!

  • @nataliebrownbrown3992
    @nataliebrownbrown3992 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I know Elvin Jones did many, many, great things with those drums! But my heart, mind, ears, & spirit are stuck on the John Coltrane quartet he was part of. I'm addicted to the "Warrior" music that this all time great Quartet produced 4-ever!❤️🎷🥁🎹 + the bass🎶

  • @gphonk7359
    @gphonk7359 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @alvarocordova3664
    @alvarocordova3664 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Magnificent portrait of Elvin the Master Brandon super cool.
    One little detail he also played CAMCO drums and was an endorser
    of Camco / Hoshino for a couple of years. Thanks.

  • @tunes699moon2
    @tunes699moon2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Always one of my favorites. Triplet application and the information on the use of 16 and 18 in bass drums. We all deal with it in small clubs and I did not know that he had made application of a 16 at one time. For ensemble work I would prefer an 18, but I'm getting old. I have a 16.

  • @thurgooddukes7381
    @thurgooddukes7381 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    My favorite show of all while watching Elvin play was with John Coltrane, i can't recall the song but they were in Paris and everyone including the bass player was playing a marathon song and all of them were in a trance like state of mind, it was a spiritual ritual taking place on that stage and Mr. Jones played the drums like a possessed man! Out of this world talent!😊❤ i made this comment before watching the video and turns out it was the set with John Coltrane and the song was "my favorite things "!😂😂

  • @zelmastrachan1683
    @zelmastrachan1683 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    the best yet !!!!!!

  • @KitCatStudio
    @KitCatStudio ปีที่แล้ว +4

    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!

  • @carlosnovaes6993
    @carlosnovaes6993 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    One of the Greats!! Awesome

  • @kapiltriv
    @kapiltriv ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @Anton_Nikolaus_Mangweth
    @Anton_Nikolaus_Mangweth ปีที่แล้ว +14

    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
      @BrandonToews ปีที่แล้ว

      Glad you enjoyed it, Toni!

  • @RolfWamFjell
    @RolfWamFjell ปีที่แล้ว +2

    More of this jazz historical wholesome level of content please. Well done!