General Discussion

Drumming thoughts, concepts, performances

Over the course of the last century, certain jazz drum solos have emerged as essential listening for fans, and essential learning for musicians.

We’ve picked out 10 of the more iconic or, dare we say, best jazz drum solos in history for this roundup. 

The drum solo in jazz has had a long journey.

In the earliest styles, jazz drummers were expected to play a purely supportive role and, when brought to the foreground of the music, were limited to drum ‘breaks’.

These are short solos designed to set up the next section – usually the ‘shout chorus’, which is a lively climax of the arrangement.

Throughout the ’30s, innovators such as Chick Webb and Gene Krupa planted the flag at the front of the band, often courtesy of musical arrangements which would feature them.