Every time you think and speak about jazz, the jazz drummers do leave an impression on your mind. The Swing era will not be justified if you do not consider at large the jazz drummers. Since the drummers have been a part of the big bands, the onus of making Swing music a big affair did rest on them too. Therefore, it is completely justified to talk about the jazz drummers when you talk about big band swing music. So, take a look at these gems!
1.Louie Bellson
Duke Ellington referred to Bellson as ‘the world's greatest drummer’ at one point in time. During the big band era, Bellson had a marvelous career and backed artists such as Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman. Moreover, he achieved fame as the leader of his own band, where he initiated the use of two bass drums. A true jazz legend!
2. Art Blakey
Blakey swung it harder and better than anyone else and his infamous shuffle during the late 1950s Blue Note hit ‘Moanin’ turned out to be one of the most exclusive and iconic drum beats. This was to go down from one generation of the audience to another. Even though he did not receive wide recognitions, he only got his dues towards the end of his career. However, his band ‘The Jazz Messengers’ came to be the breeding ground for young artists like Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard and Wynton Marsalis.
3.Terri Lyne Carrington
Carrington was a ‘dynamite’ when she took to the drums. Not only was she a drummer but also a bandleader who played incredible beats. She had an amazing career as a drummer where she was pleased to work with giants like Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock and even had the honor to have her band nominated at the Grammy awards among all the other swing music bands USA. Carrington is still remembered for her unfathomable energy, creativity and deep grooves that were so unlike the other female musicians of her times.
4. Kenny Clarke
Better known as ‘Klook’, Clarke was one of the forerunners of bebop drumming that was popularized in the 1930s. He was also one of the first drummers to improvise the bass drum and struck a different beat every time he hit the drums.
5. Jimmy Cobb
A name that you have surely heard. Jimmy Cobb or just Cobb, is one of the most favorite jazz drummers. His understated and swing style earned him the popularity of being the sideman of Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley in the post-bop era. As a part of ‘Kind of Blue’, the most famous jazz album so far, he earned praises and accolades from across the globe.
6. Peter Erskine
Erskine pioneered in both jazz and fusion music. When he performed ‘Weather Report’ and ‘Steps Ahead’, he simply vaulted to prominence following these performances. He has a record appearance in over 700 albums and won multiple Grammy awards all through his career. His fluid and innovative big band swing music drum playing style has inspired drummers in every country.
7. Roy Haynes
Listen to an album for a few seconds and you will place Roy Haynes without even his name being mentioned by anyone. His drumming career expanded for over 80 years and his original improvisational style has vaulted him to the summit of the jazz universe. Besides working with Chick Corea and McCoy Tyner, he even led his own Grammy-winning band.
Conclusion:
You can catch these jazz drummers and all other swing music bands USA on your favorite Swing music radio station. Listen to some timeless songs from the Swing era and cheer up your spirits at every beat. So, why wait any longer when you can turn on the radio and swing to Swing music a little?
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