Tuesday, August 30, 2011

The Basics of Jazz Drumming

By Donny Strickler


Music and jazz drum loops has evolved over the years and has since come a long way from the eighteen and nineteenth century. Back then the orchestra and military percussion laid the groundwork for some of the best music known worldwide. Many different types of instruments were used and arranged in various combinations to create music that we know today.

The combination of many instruments throughout the years evolved into the greatest music the world has ever known. Just think about the many pieces that were played in bands that represented various holidays, states or groups of people. Although the sounds of various instruments were monumental in creating music of today, it would not have the results that it did without the addition of the drums.

Music all over the world has advanced to include many different types of music genres, which also includes jazz, which has produced some fine tunes that also included a type of music called Swing. Swing bands consisted of many instruments including sax, trombone, clarinet, drums and many others. Prior to the twentieth century, drums were played in marching bands, halls and other such gatherings. Many people danced and marched in unison, however, the drum kept music in rhythm. Without the skills of the drummer, music would sound off beat and out of key.

Jazz ensembles gathered regularly all over America, especially in the early years of the twentieth century and as they played their instruments. They began the practice of adding a drummer to the group to play a repeated, steady beat and he was known as the time keeper. However, his accomplishments went unrewarded as he never got any credit for his work.

As years went by, and jazz music evolved even more, the drummer was eventually recognized for the role that he played within the genre of Swing music. This gave the drummer the opportunity to be recognized and play in other bands that needed a drummer, if he so desired. Just think of how music would sound without the magic and steady pattern of the drum loop.

Creativity spurs the imagination and certainly within the music industry. Much of the music in the world today has been made from musicians who have studied and created their own style from composers and band sounds of yesteryear. Thus creating their own unique style and carving a name for themselves in the music industry.

Music is an important part of American history and the instruments have evolved greatly within the last hundred years. Jazz music started out with a time keeper, to introducing drum loops, to letting the drummer bring his/her own creativity into the music, and produced great sounds within the music genre of Swing, which we have grown to love.




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