Best of each artist · One record per artist
Best drumming
One album per artist, chosen for the drumming. Listen to the track we point out – then hear the rest of the record with new ears.
- 1 John Coltrane A Love Supreme Elvin Jones plays like weather, not like a clock. On “Pursuance” he opens with a drum solo that lifts the whole quartet. Listen to “Pursuance” Timeless classic
- 2 Miles Davis Miles Smiles Tony Williams was twenty and played as if time were a rubber band. The whole quintet follows him. Listen to “Footprints” Timeless classic
- 3 The Dave Brubeck Quartet Time Out Joe Morello’s solo on “Take Five” – in 5/4, on a record that became a hit even though nobody thought odd time signatures could sell. Listen to “Take Five” Timeless classic
- 4 Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers Moanin’ Art Blakey was both bandleader and engine. “The Drum Thunder Suite” is his own fireworks display. Listen to “The Drum Thunder Suite” Timeless classic
- 5 Herbie Hancock Maiden Voyage Tony Williams again, but gentler: here he paints the sea with his cymbals. Listen to “Eye of the Hurricane” Timeless classic
- 6 Kamasi Washington The Epic Kamasi Washington’s band has two drummers, Ronald Bruner Jr. and Tony Austin, playing against and with each other. Listen to “Change of the Guard” Modern classic
25 artists in the list.