Jazz Standards on the Drum Set by Timo Ickenroth is an in-depth study of how the masters of jazz drumming crafted their parts while supporting the melodies of some of the classic standards of jazz. Transcriptions of various performances of the standards are analyzed through transcriptions of the head of each song, with different versions studied that were played by different drumming greats. The primary aim of this book is to shed light on how the drummers played the melody, how they supported the head, how they interacted with the thematic material, and what creative choices they made in shaping the musical flow during those sections.
The book features 20 transcriptions of classic jazz recordings, each carefully transcribed and notated to the best of my ability. They are paired with performances that aim to bring each transcription to life. Sonny Greer, Max Roach, Roy Haynes, Jimmy Cobb, Steve Gadd, Joe Morello, Billy Higgins, Harvey Mason and others are studied on recordings from jazz titans from Duke Ellington to Herbie Hancock.
The book zooms in on a moment in musical time: How a jazz drummer approaches the head. What does it mean to support a melody with groove, and musical intent? How can we bring personality to the chorus of a tune?
“Timo’s new book takes a deep dive into how great drummers support and enhance a range of musical environments. Some of the examples are well known while others are more obscure. They are all interesting and enlightening,” says John Riley. “The key to getting the most out of this book is to listen to each track carefully and to try to capture both the moves AND the feeling the drummer creates; it may even help to tune your drums like those on the track you are emulating. Happy listening!”
eBook | 102 pages
