Elvin Jones

[Superlow]

Maybe it's wrong to post the obvious choices, but I gotta post my personal favorite of all time. Elvin of course. For all of you who haven't picked up John Coltrane's A Love Supreme, you might find a new love with jazz and jazz drumming. His work with Wayne Shorter and McCoy tyner is also quite wonderful. Not to mention his later solo work. His live performance at the Blue entitled the Truth is quite an amzing record.

[finnhiggins]

He's amazing. Even when he plays simple, it's still just stunning.

Go find the track "Alabama" from "Live At Birdland". Wow. Mid-tempo time playing, mostly ride cymbal... but still an amazing and memorable piece of drumming. It has swing coming out of its eyeballs.

I must admit not being a huge fan of his soloing on A Love Supreme though.

[CarterB_Junkie]

Besides John Coltrane's A Love Supreme, what other albums are considered his best ???
What are your favourites from him ?

[Freddie Freeloader]

even mclaughlin's 'after the rain' is beautiful.
oh man, i get so emotional just thinking about that record.

[Blue]

I love all of his live stuff with Coltrane. "Spiritual" is a GREAT tune. "Afro Blue" and "My Favorite Things" too. He is SO intense during Afro blue from Live at the Birdland. It's one of my favorite songs ever. That and "Spirtual" really got me into Elvin.

[OceanDirt]

words cannot begin to describe the amazingness of elvin jones (especially at 3 AM). i saw him play just a few months before he passed away, and it was the greatest gift i could have ever asked for. i love his playing, it's so powerful and it feels like nothing else.

another track worth checking out is wayne shorter's "deluge" off of juju (in fact, check out the whole album while you're at it). not only is elvin's playing phenominal, but so is wayne's. his solo is immensely powerful, helped hugely by elvin's work.

[Superlow]

Besides John Coltrane's A Love Supreme, what other albums are considered his best ???
What are your favourites from him ?


I think his self titleted Jazz Machine record is one of his Best also. He plays with a pretty sick cast of musicians including Nicolas Payton and Joshua Redman. I would deinitely agree that JuJu is one his better recordings with Wayne Shorter, however Shorter sounds so much like Coltrane on that record that it kind of bothers me. If you heard it you might not be able to discern it from a Coltrane record. The real McCoy with none other than McCoy Tyner is a great record as well.

[AurelienPK]

I adore Elvin.
I love his work with Ray Brown. Amazing drummer.

[theduke86]

Elvin rules.
The McLaughlin record, after the rain, is his best recording. Unbelievable. From the 60's, I like the Real McCoy and Speak No Evil.

[thedrumthing86]

i <3 elvin

i havent checked out the mclaughlin record nor heard of it but i will now
hes pretty pimpin on the larry young cd "unity" tho
and i like elvins solo on a love supreme
its ill

[foursticks]

man, elvin came to play drums and created a whole new style of his own! the man's a genius.... gotta love all his work!

[Stu_Strib]

When I get good enough at jazz I'm making a hundred of those "Jazz Machine" t-shirts for when I gig!

[Zackman]

I'm sure there have been alot of these on the Drummers forum, but he deserves it. Probably one of the most humble and happy people that I've ever seen. Not only is he unbelievable but he makes you smile when you see him. I think more people should know who Elvin is and how much he influenced jazz. Anyways what's your favourite song with Elvin playing at the moment? Mine would have to be My Favourite Things by Coltrane. Great song. Just started this to honor a legend.


P.S. Does anyone know where I can find the picture Promark did of the empty music stationary that says "A moment of silence for Elvin Jones, 1927 - 2004" at the bottom? It was in Modern Drummer a while ago. I need it because I'm putting it on a shirt but I don't have a scanner. Thanks.

[Rascul]

Yeah, Elvin is just legendary. My favourite is Resolution of A Love Surpreme... The melodies, the solos, it's so super intense playing I just can't imagine what was going on inside those guys. I was just getting into jazz when he passed away, it's a shame I'll never have the opportunity to experience someone like him live (just like Tony Williams and Max Roach...).

Really, if you want to find out the 'spark' which makes jazz so interesting, you have to listen to Elvin a LOT.

[stumprrp]

words cannot begin to describe the amazingness of elvin jones (especially at 3 AM). i saw him play just a few months before he passed away, and it was the greatest gift i could have ever asked for. i love his playing, it's so powerful and it feels like nothing else.

another track worth checking out is wayne shorter's "deluge" off of juju (in fact, check out the whole album while you're at it). not only is elvin's playing phenominal, but so is wayne's. his solo is immensely powerful, helped hugely by elvin's work.

amazing song! elvins playing give a very positive powerful feeling when i hear it.

[fly]

Right now Im really diggin this cd by Joe Lovano Trio Fascination with Elvin and Dave Holland. any avid Elvin fans should check this out. Its Heavy Heavy stuff.

[theduke86]

Right now Im really diggin this cd by Joe Lovano Trio Fascination with Elvin and Dave Holland. any avid Elvin fans should check this out. Its Heavy Heavy stuff.
I just got this last week. I'll add that everyone needs this in their life. It's really, really good. Even on terms of Elvin good... what a phenomenal drummer. I need to relisten to After the Rain again.

[Bernhard]

Just listened to Outrance - Time Is of the Essence - Michael Brecker

and share it with you - enjoy:

http://www.drummerworld.com/m3u/elvinjonesoutrance.m3u

Bernhard

[kstrouts]

Elvin Jones' drumming is so free and dynamic - at least on his works with Coltrane. He can squeeze in so much in a short period of time, while still keeping going the rythm. His drummng also fits well with the rest of the Quartet and can be very atmospheric - just listen to his playing in Attaining

[sticksup]

Just purchased Art Pepper Encounter on CD. The reproduction quality is pretty good. You can here all the phrasing. Nice work by the Machine.

[foursticks]

i love his drumming on acknoledgement on 'A Love Supreme', it's such a complicated groove and I tend to end up in awe at how he manages to pull it all off...

[Guinness]

I just bought A Love Supreme this week and have since been humbled to ant size. I don't understand how someone can be that discoordinated, it's ridiculous. I have a new mountain to climb. Elvin does the best cymbal work I have ever heard on this one. I think they broke the mold after this guy.

[Cabazon]

Elvin Jones was my inspiration that sparked my love of Jazz drumming and desire to play it.

[sticksup]

My mistake, the lead for the recording session Encounter was Pepper Adams.
Note: I've switched to Mr. Jones method of the & beat accent on burshes.

[sticksup]

Sorry to say this: Is this board listing only tributes to Elvin Jones. You can do better then that.... The 3/4 over 4/4 is a Elvin Jones trade mark. Anyone learning, using, expanding on this concept.

[sticksup]

Any comments on Mr. Jones approach of playing on the 1 and 3.

[Jookbox]

i have his live album, The Truth. i got over a year ago and just a few weeks ago i really started to appreciate it. i wish i knew his greatness before he passed away.

[sticksup]

Last comment. Some Day My Prince Will Come. Elvin playing like Elvin, but who was on the board and what were they thinking about during and on the finial cut of this session. Am I missing some background info on this session.....?

[sbm711]

Does anyone know what elvins bass foot looked like?

[Renato]

do you mean how he played his bassdrum?? I got to sit right next to the drumset several times at the Regatta Bar in Boston...it was amazing.

I noticed several things about his bassdrum foot....

1)He feathered the bassdrum quite a bit - and it was very much felt not heard....and with a wood beater!

2)He cranked the crap out of his bassdrum....it was higher pitch than his 18" floortom!

3) He played heels dow for his comping patterns unless he was doing some of his mind-blowing fills and had to plays lots of doubles on the bassdrum and then he was on the ball of his foot and almost sliding his foot up the footboard a bit.

4)Elvin never buried the beater - he let the drum ring out!


I love Elvin and miss him and his presence everyday....just knowing he was alive and kicking it somehow made the world a better place. His music influenced me to leave behind one college and a path in life I would have regretted and go to Boston to study at Berklee.

Here are my favorites of Elvin:
Heavy Sounds - the duo with Richard Davis on "Summertime" is worth the price alone. His mallet solo is amazing - and if you listen close you can hear him grunting away and you can hear his sticks rattling on his bassdrum(they were shoved in between the lugs). And let's not forget - here Elvin play guitar on this recording is a real treat!

Sunship - right before the End of the Coltrane Quartet as it was known...just prior to the introduction of more musicians on titles such as Live in Seattle and Ascension. This record is heavy as anything but still more inside than later records. Elvin is EXPLODING on this one.

Transition - maybe a little more inside than SUnship - but equally impressive.

Crescent - many people consider it to the peak for this group. Fabulous.

A Love Supreme - check out this record....it is perfect. Dig Ashley Kahn's great book about with an intro buy Elvin.

Real McCoy - Elvin is amazing on this.

The Complete Village Vanguard Recordings - amazing becuase of several things but notably the presence of Eric Dolphy throughout adds an unreal dimension to these recordins. Sevveral blistering takes of "India" alone make this worth it. I mean - its about 4 hours of music plus a cool booklet and a poster for about $40....killin'! Also Roy Haynes sits in and this is interesting because Roy was very influential on Elvin and you can hear how Roy has more of a slick approach and Elvin is more like a force of nature organic approach both work and they have similar vocabulary as well. VEry cool.

Tommy Flanagan - Overseas....an early recording of Elvin from his first tour of Europe...and here is the best part....he plays ONLY BRUSHES throughout the recording.

Sonny Rollins - Live AT The Village Vanguard - an amazing double album of SOnny Rollins's Sax trio - with Pete LaRoca on drums - but Elvin sat in and he is on almost the entire recording - an early view of Elvin while he is still puttin' it together....great great great

okay one more - I could go on and on - like his Mosaic boxed set of all his Bluenote stuff is Killing! Plus it has LIve At The Light House in it.

I really like the record he did with his Borther Hank and Richard Davis. "Collaboration" - close to the end of his life http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00094AQY2/sr=8-5/qid=1144132801/ref=pd_bbs_5/002-7123774-9204833?%5Fencoding=UTF8 its worth it for the cover alone.


Elvin passed and the world has never been the same....but it was better becuase he came through. I know the last tune ELvin played was Coltrane's "Dear Lord" I think that is perfect. Elvin was so cool...he once gave me a hug after a gig and I had to practically ring out my sweater....although I read he ruined Buddy Rich's calfskin jacket giving him a hug!

HE also harassed me once about not cleaning my old K's.....I was like "but Elvin, uh I mean I uh want them to sound darker......uh"...."well, some guys say they sound better when there dirty....but they don't! they sound worse! now go home and clean this thing...ahahahaha!"

[fly]

Haha, thats pretty funny Renato. Just curious, did Elvin stick to playing old K's, or did he have some Constantinoples?

I never got to see elvin play, I have heard alot of stories, but nothing compares. When I saw Roy Haynes play not to long ago it made me think of what it would have been like to see Elvin. I really dig listening to the more recent Elvin recordings, The Lovano trio is killen, and also that Bill Frissel recording with Elvin and Dave Holland. That one took a while but now I cant get enough of it.

[bigbeatbenny]

[QUOTE=fly]Haha, thats pretty funny Renato. Just curious, did Elvin stick to playing old K's, or did he have some Constantinoples?


According to Zildjians website Elvins recent set up was...


20 inch K Constantinople Light Ride
20 inch K Constantinople Medium Ride
14 inch K Hi-hats
20 inch K ride


The setup of a true master.

[fly]

I dont beleive those things, i mean sometimes they are accurate, but usually not.

[DogBreath]

Here's great motivational poster-type image from Steve Holmes at House of Drumming:

[Blue]

[QUOTE=Zackman] Mine would have to be My Favourite Things by Coltrane. Great song. Just started this to honor a legend. [QUOTE]

Me too! That is my favorite all-time jazz song. It's so incredible. Colrane Kills on that thing. Everytime when I listen to it, at the end, when Coltrane goes nuts, my hair literally stands on the back of my neck and I get goosebumps, its so awesome.

[foursticks]

Here's great motivational poster-type image from Steve Holmes at House of Drumming:

Too true, too damn true...

[fixmejesus]

Yeah he's a great drummer, but he sounds just like any other great Jazz drummer.

[rjvsmb]

Yeah he's a great drummer, but he sounds just like any other great Jazz drummer.

Fair enough, but who are you putting in the "Great" category? It's probably an impressive list of cats.

So, is it fair to say that Elvin is one of the "Greats"? And if so, the use of "any" trivializes his and others' greatness.

[foursticks]

Yeah he's a great drummer, but he sounds just like any other great Jazz drummer.

I disagree with you there.

Elvin came along and created a whole new sound and style of his own, his sound is truly unique and you can always tell its him playing from a mile off, go buy any record with him on it and you'll be able to hear the raw passion and emotion he puts into his play and that famous 'Elvin sound'. I suggest you buy 'A Love Supreme' and those others mentioned by Renato.

That's why he's so great because he's not like most jazz drummers, Elvin is Elvin and will always be.

[rendezvous_drummer]

Check out Heavy Sounds with Richard Davis if you want to hear some great Elvin Jones stuff....sounds like all the other greats? Not at all!

[vadrum]

Yeah he's a great drummer, but he sounds just like any other great Jazz drummer.

sounds JUST like any other great jazz drummer?!

man, ron carter said it best when interviewed on elvins jones' video "different drummer: elvin jones"

"in order to understand elvin's contribution to the drums as an intstrument, first you have to listen to a record of a pre-elvin jones drummer, listen to an elvin jones record, and then listen to a record of a post elvin jones drummer."

to say that he sounds just like any other great jazz drummer shows a lack of understanding of the history of drums as an instrument.

[vadrum]

my first experience w/ elvin was in the library media center @ VCU. i grabbed a copy of live @ birdland and proceeded to check out afro blue. OMG, i had NO clue what i was in for. prior to that my jazz listening included max, art, buddy, gene, and philly joe. but elvin, elvin was a whole different thing all together. i dont think my head was right for quite a few days after i heard that recording. coming out of mccoys piano solo, elvin kept the intensity high, and i really thought to myself that the music could not get any more intense @ that moment. then, john coltrane started his solo and the intensity jumped about 20 knotches. my jaw literaly hit the floor. loved elvin, and that band, ever since. i didnt know jazz could be played that way. man i heard that band had the white collar business men standing on the tables going nuts in the club during their shows.

the drumming world lost a treasure when elvin passed.

[the gayge]

I definitely agree with almost all of the above choices. I love all of Elvin's work to death, but my top three are most definitely the following:

Resolution from A Love Supreme, Afro-blue from Live at Birdland, and almost more than any others Contemplation from The Real McCoy. You never hear mid-tempo's played like that.
-aj

[dawg]

no other drummer sounds like elvin...i saw him in 1990 with the jazz machine at a college where i was in the 6 o'clock big band.absolutely tremendous.from the rumbling triplets and loose feel down to a whisper with brushes...and quite the comedian too. he actually came on stage before the band and was cracking jokes! you can almost always recognize elvin when you hear him even if youv'e never heard the record before.that is STYLE and very few great drummers have that recognizability.

[rendezvous_drummer]

I definitely agree with almost all of the above choices. I love all of Elvin's work to death, but my top three are most definitely the following:

Resolution from A Love Supreme, Afro-blue from Live at Birdland, and almost more than any others Contemplation from The Real McCoy. You never hear mid-tempo's played like that.
-aj

That album is unbelievable! Elvin was something than a great drummer, he was also a very good guitarist. Surprising that he had time to become the drummer he was and still have time to be able to play a mean guitar.

[Sheridan]

Elvin is without a doubt one of the greats. The most important thing about him is his style: you could come into a recording of Elvin and know within three seconds that it's Elvin Jones on the drums. There are only a few instrumentalists, let alone drummers, that one can say that of. One record that I don't think anyone has mentioned is the Elvin Jones: Live At The Village Vanguard album. They play a 15 minute version of "Mister Jones" on there with Hannibal on trumpet, George Coleman on sax and WIlbur Little on bass and they're just burning!

Oh, as for his gear, here's how his sound progressed: In his earlier days, he had a loosely tuned wooden snare, larger bass drum (20"), and older zildjians. The main things that changed in his sound in his later days were his cymbals (in which he commonly used Istanbul cymbals or newer K's), metal snare instead of wood, an 18" bass drum and tuned it tightly instead of the relatively loosely tuned bass drum of before, and he added more toms and cymbals in general.

[Mook]

Yeah he's a great drummer, but he sounds just like any other great Jazz drummer.

That's the weirdest thing I've ever read, how exactly does Elvin sound like Buddy, Gene, Max Roach, Philly Joe, Billy Cobham or Tony Williams (the list is endless), he sounds nothing like any of them but still probably influenced them all at one time or another. To quote Miles Davis "That cat could light a fire under the music like no other motherf*cker!".

[dawg]

how 'bout wayne shorter's "night dreamer" cd? does a great solo on "black nile."

[jazzin']

I'm surprised no-ones mentioned 'Inception' by McCoy Tyner. (unless I missed it and someone has already). A must have album.

The space that he would create throughout his playing, even if relatively busy or complex was simply astounding. Of course it goes without saying that his ride playing and use of the second note of the triplet was a large part of his brilliant sound.

More later when I've got more time.

[syoshii]

I would recommend Tribute To John Coltrane "A Love Supreme" by Elvin's special quartet featuring Wynton Marsalis (Sony). It was recorded live at PIT INN in Tokyo in 1992 and maybe released only in Japan, but this is the must for Elvin fans! I think this is one of his best performances recorded in his career. I guess you can get it at amazon.com or GEMM.

I saw his performance at the same Jazz club in Tokyo, PIT INN, in January 2004, just 5 months before his death. To tell the truth, it was one of my saddest moment in my life. He became very small and thin. He couldn't walk without assistance, even looked like he needed a great effort just to move his fingers. He managed to sit behind the drum set, helped by his wife Keiko, and started to play. But he couldn't keep the tempo with his high-hat and ride cymbal. I couldn't hear his "roar" at all during his play. When he hit the crash cymbal, the cymbal didn't move at all and instead the stick was almost dropped from his hand. Apparently he was feeling great pain in playing drums. I wanted to shout out "No, Elvin, just go to the hospital right NOW!" He was supposed to perform 2 sets a night, but he could only play one set. Keiko told us that he suffered a serious stroke and fell into critical condition just before his visit to Tokyo, but he insisted to play at PIT INN, where he has been playing in winter every year, so he came over to Tokyo. And after that week's performances (he was to play there for a week) he was going to make more thorough physical examination at a hospital somewhere (she didn't identify it, but probably Kyushu Island, Japan, which is Keiko's birthplace) and spend there for a couple of months. So, after that, he made his last performance at Yoshi's in April.
After his death I heard that Elvin played in London in October 2003 and he was all right then. So I guess he suffered the stroke right after that, probably in November.

I've talked with Elvin a couple of times. He was powerful (I still remember his handshake!), and at the same time very gentle, with a big smile all the time. I miss him very much.

[CooManChu]

Great story - thanks for sharing it.

[jazzin']

I think only one person has mentioned arguably one of, if not his best, Elvin's great playing on Larry Young's album Unity. I feel he hit a peak with his rolling triplet and time shifting phrases on this amazing record!
Truly a classic!
I must agree with Duke though as well, Afro Blue on After the Rain is painful it's so good.

[bballdrummer34]

THE REAL McCOY !!!!!!!!!! Elvin is the CAT!!!!!!

[bballdrummer34]

I think only one person has mentioned arguably one of, if not his best, Elvin's great playing on Larry Young's album Unity. I feel he hit a peak with his rolling triplet and time shifting phrases on this amazing record!
Truly a classic!
I must agree with Duke though as well, Afro Blue on After the Rain is painful it's so good.

I dont know man what about ALLLLL the Coltrane stuff? A Love Supreme? Innerstellar Space?

[jazzgregg]

Arguing about what Elvin recording is the best is like arguing about what food is the best at a gourmet meal.

G

[CyclopseSlayer]

I dont know man what about ALLLLL the Coltrane stuff? A Love Supreme? Innerstellar Space?

That's Rashied Ali rippin' it up on Interstellar Space

[jazzin']

Arguing about what Elvin recording is the best is like arguing about what food is the best at a gourmet meal.

G

Haha very true! It is foolish to say the least to try and pick his best. He tears it up from his Sonny Rollins recordings to his very last recordings! Amazing.


Bball, you're right, to say that one is the best is a bit crazy. Theres just too many to choose from. All his stuff with Coltrane is incredible. 'Coltrane Plays the Blues', 'Crescent', 'Ballads' theres simply too many. 'Unity' just happens to be one of my favourites. Monks Dream is Elvin heaven.

[bballdrummer34]

I knew that was Rasheed i dont know why i said that, im sorry haha

[bballdrummer34]

O and dont worry i love Unity too. I've been listenin to it non stop for an entire month

[bballdrummer34]

Did and any of you know that Elvin feathered on the up beats, more so than the downbeats? Try it sometime if you haven't it may open up your playing a bit more. And as far as learning the rolling triplet feel, i think it's necessary.

[dawg]

i think elvin's rolling triplets was his calling card. and i'd bet that bonham heard a lot of elvin coming up.

[CyclopseSlayer]

i think elvin's rolling triplets was his calling card. and i'd bet that bonham heard a lot of elvin coming up.

Don't forget Mitch Mitchell in that, obviously he's influenced by many aspects of Elvin's playing, but his hand and foot triplets had that beautiful rubbery feel like Elvin's

[bballdrummer34]

No drummer that has ever heard him can escape elvin's inlfuence.

[CooManChu]

Don't forget Mitch Mitchell in that, obviously he's influenced by many aspects of Elvin's playing, but his hand and foot triplets had that beautiful rubbery feel like Elvin's

Yeah, it probably would have been pretty hard to come up as a drummer during that time and not be checking out Elvin Jones and Max Roach and Clyde Stubblefield and Blakey and guys like that.

[Steve Holmes]

Wayne Shorter's Speak No Evil pretty much embodies jazz drumming for me. Best jazz cymbal sound ever. Some great instances...
roll..roll...ROLL..ROLL...FLAMCRASH!

That CD come with me if I'm stranded on an island.

[Jazztree.O]

I love his work with Wayne Shorter!

Especially "Juju" will always be one of my favourites!

[caprisun3484]

i really like Juju too
it's pretty much a toss up for me between that and Speak No Evil when it comes to Wayne Shorter and Elvin Jones

[crumbdrums]

Am I the only one who thinks that Elvin overplayed, particularly on "A Love Supreme"? The stuff he did sounds amazingly difficult, but it really sounds like too much, especialy for a jazz record. Honestly, I don't think a drum solo has a place on a jazz record at all. Granted, he was clearly talented, and far better than I could ever hope to be, but I don't think he played well within the context of the song.

Sorry if I upset anyone. That was certainly not my goal. Also, if I came off as condescending, I apologize. In fact, on the contrary, I will be the first to admit that I am largely ignorant to jazz music and jazz drumming. This is precisely why I would like to why know no one else has mentioned this.

[jangus]

Am I the only one who thinks that Elvin overplayed, particularly on "A Love Supreme"? The stuff he did sounds amazingly difficult, but it really sounds like too much, especialy for a jazz record. Honestly, I don't think a drum solo has a place on a jazz record at all. Granted, he was clearly talented, and far better than I could ever hope to be, but I don't think he played well within the context of the song.

Sorry if I upset anyone. That was certainly not my goal. Also, if I came off as condescending, I apologize. In fact, on the contrary, I will be the first to admit that I am largely ignorant to jazz music and jazz drumming. This is precisely why I would like to why know no one else has mentioned this.

Are you sure you're a drummer?

[jonescrusher]

Am I the only one who thinks that Elvin overplayed, particularly on "A Love Supreme"? The stuff he did sounds amazingly difficult, but it really sounds like too much, especialy for a jazz record. Honestly, I don't think a drum solo has a place on a jazz record at all. Granted, he was clearly talented, and far better than I could ever hope to be, but I don't think he played well within the context of the song.

Sorry if I upset anyone. That was certainly not my goal. Also, if I came off as condescending, I apologize. In fact, on the contrary, I will be the first to admit that I am largely ignorant to jazz music and jazz drumming. This is precisely why I would like to why know no one else has mentioned this.


You've answered your own question there. It's because, as you say, you are ignorant to jazz that you're not getting his drum part.

That said, even if you were informed and you still felt the same way, then fair enough. An opinion is to be respected.

[crumbdrums]

Thank you Jones. I thought that might be it.

[jonescrusher]

As you'll learn more about jazz drumming, and the importance of the drums as a solo instrument you'll understand the 'mechanics' behind what makes an Elvin or Tony solo initially sound so intimidating. Elvin for example favoured using three beat phrases, but could start these phrases anywhere on the 4/4 bar, amongst many other transformations.

[bballdrummer34]

Am I the only one who thinks that Elvin overplayed, particularly on "A Love Supreme"? The stuff he did sounds amazingly difficult, but it really sounds like too much, especialy for a jazz record. Honestly, I don't think a drum solo has a place on a jazz record at all. Granted, he was clearly talented, and far better than I could ever hope to be, but I don't think he played well within the context of the song.

Sorry if I upset anyone. That was certainly not my goal. Also, if I came off as condescending, I apologize. In fact, on the contrary, I will be the first to admit that I am largely ignorant to jazz music and jazz drumming. This is precisely why I would like to why know no one else has mentioned this.

You kind of made my heart drop ... Obviously a tear has never left your eye after listening to it. I read some of the book A Love Supreme. If you knew what it all meant you would not have said that. Those statements sometimes make me want to stop what i do and get a desk job. But it's ok go back and listen to it some more. See if you can feel the aurora coming out of your player. Its really strong man real strong.

Sorry if i got dark, just that piece means a lot to me.

[foursticks]

You kind of made my heart drop ... Obviously a tear has never left your eye after listening to it. I read some of the book A Love Supreme. If you knew what it all meant you would not have said that. Those statements sometimes make me want to stop what i do and get a desk job. But it's ok go back and listen to it some more. See if you can feel the aurora coming out of your player. Its really strong man real strong.

Sorry if i got dark, just that piece means a lot to me.

I'm definatly with you on that. I can understand why someone would think that Elvin overplayed, but the piece was Coltrane's gift to God and it's meant to be epic in every sense. Without Elvin's thundering cymbals, intense snare work and his solos of pure energy and passion A Love Supreme wouldn't be A Love Supreme.

Besides jazz isn't all about playing softly. Jazz can be louder and more intense than metal when it wants to be.

[crumbdrums]

I'm definatly with you on that. I can understand why someone would think that Elvin overplayed, but the piece was Coltrane's gift to God and it's meant to be epic in every sense. Without Elvin's thundering cymbals, intense snare work and his solos of pure energy and passion A Love Supreme wouldn't be A Love Supreme.

Besides jazz isn't all about playing softly. Jazz can be louder and more intense than metal when it wants to be.

Sorry to get to both you guys. Like I said, I'm pretty ignorant to jazz music in general right now. Don't get me wrong, the music is excellent, but like Jones said, I just need to listen to more jazz as to understand his drumming, and the music he drums to.

[foursticks]

Two words for you guys: SUN SHIP

Oh sweet cymbals of Elvin - that album is something else. Elvin is as if someone's injected him with pure energy - it's like listening to an lcd trip. He absolutely kills, I mean everything he does is pure genius, but this is truly him on top form. Especially Amen and Sun Ship and like someone earlier mentioned - he's EXPLODING.
It's one of the last recordings that quartet ever did together, and you can see how Coltrane's moving into a more free style and how that quartet were so perfect together. I mean they (according to McCoy Tyner) were able to make a whole composition out of just two notes. It's unreal. I can't recommend this album enough, even if you're not into the 'free' thing it's worth it purely for Elvin.

[bballdrummer34]

Two words for you guys: SUN SHIP

Oh sweet cymbals of Elvin - that album is something else. Elvin is as if someone's injected him with pure energy - it's like listening to an lcd trip. He absolutely kills, I mean everything he does is pure genius, but this is truly him on top form. Especially Amen and Sun Ship and like someone earlier mentioned - he's EXPLODING.
It's one of the last recordings that quartet ever did together, and you can see how Coltrane's moving into a more free style and how that quartet were so perfect together. I mean they (according to McCoy Tyner) were able to make a whole composition out of just two notes. It's unreal. I can't recommend this album enough, even if you're not into the 'free' thing it's worth it purely for Elvin.

Is that the name of the album?

[foursticks]

Is that the name of the album?

Yes. Trust me it's worth every penny. The quartet's last recording and a stunning and breath-taking sign off.

[bballdrummer34]

Yes. Trust me it's worth every penny. The quartet's last recording and a stunning and breath-taking sign off.

Looks like i'll be ascending tonight ...

[foursticks]

Lol - tell me what you think once you get it, I'm in awe of this album. Also, anyone heard Rip, Rig And Panic by Rahsaan Roland Kirk? Elvin on drums - brilliant album epecially title track and From Bechet, Byas and Fats.

[bballdrummer34]

This might be the best video on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74MvcFBLJdY

[Steamer]

This might be the best video on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74MvcFBLJdY

Or this just recently put up of the Elvin Jones Trio. Nice!:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4plvPrYgkDU

[foursticks]

Or this just recently put up of the Elvin Jones Trio. Nice!:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4plvPrYgkDU

Nice vid - at around 3.44 does anyone notice that, that swinging marching line is the same one off Zoltan by Larry Young on Unity?

[OldStampK]

I love just about anything with Elvin on it, but Sun Ship really messes up my head.

I look at the John Coltrane Quartet's music as a cosmic spherical astrolabe type machine that used non-resolving harmony and triplet based rhythmic structures to create wheels within wheels which spun with such intensity that it created its own ever increasing centrifugal force. By the time Sun Ship was recorded the process was nearly complete and music had become more fragmented sounding while still remaining in the context of their established rhythmic and harmonic concept. Soon the the sphere would blow up into a giant super-nova and the mission was completed, leaving Coltrane free to explore the universe in a more ethereal vehical.

That's the way I see it anyway.

[bballdrummer34]

I love just about anything with Elvin on it, but Sun Ship really messes up my head.

I look at the John Coltrane Quartet's music as a cosmic spherical astrolabe type machine that used non-resolving harmony and triplet based rhythmic structures to create wheels within wheels which spun with such intensity that it created its own ever increasing centrifugal force. By the time Sun Ship was recorded the process was nearly complete and music had become more fragmented sounding while still remaining in the context of their established rhythmic and harmonic concept. Soon the the sphere would blow up into a giant super-nova and the mission was completed, leaving Coltrane free to explore the universe in a more ethereal vehical.

That's the way I see it anyway.

I like the explanation. In the sense that you used words without boundaries. You didn't generalize it like some tend to do with words. If it was me i wouldn't have used words I would have used ...

[bballdrummer34]

Nice vid - at around 3.44 does anyone notice that, that swinging marching line is the same one off Zoltan by Larry Young on Unity?

Yep, thats basically what he did on Zoltan isn't it? Also, did you know, he used to practice Sousa marches when he was younger?

[caprisun3484]

I love just about anything with Elvin on it, but Sun Ship really messes up my head.

I look at the John Coltrane Quartet's music as a cosmic spherical astrolabe type machine that used non-resolving harmony and triplet based rhythmic structures to create wheels within wheels which spun with such intensity that it created its own ever increasing centrifugal force. By the time Sun Ship was recorded the process was nearly complete and music had become more fragmented sounding while still remaining in the context of their established rhythmic and harmonic concept. Soon the the sphere would blow up into a giant super-nova and the mission was completed, leaving Coltrane free to explore the universe in a more ethereal vehical.

That's the way I see it anyway.

that's awesome, sweet description

[criz p. critter]

I have always loved this guy, he's my all-time favorite jazz drummer. But what can you say about Elvin that his playing doesn't say for itself?

So let me just tell a little story... I went to see Elvin once, many years (well probably two-plus decades!) ago. His band was playing at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, California. I got there early, and picked a seat in the front row center. The stage was only a few feet high, and his kit was set up right up front, so his kick drum was right in my face, just a few feet away. I remember he had a Tony-Williams-style yellow Gretsch kit that looked and sounded amazing.

Elvin came out before the gig, and was just standing onstage checking out the audience. He saw me sitting there and said "Hey, you look like Chick Corea." (Which I kinda did, at the time...) That would have been the perfect opportunity to have gotten to talk to my hero a bit, but of course I was so surprised and nervous, all I could do was blurt out a Ralph Kramden-like hamana-hamana-hamana stuttering kind of thing. Then he turned and walked backstage.

Anyway, needless to say it was an amazing gig and I was in heaven thoughout the two shows that night. And almost deaf when it was over and I drove home, cuz he was kind of a hard hitter, and like I said, I was right in front of his drums.

One other thing... I don't if it's been mentioned in the thread yet, but probably a lot of people don't realize: Elvin was a grunter! He would kinda grunt along in time with the music. I could hear him pretty clearly all through that show. Kinda weird, actually. After that, I started listening to all my Coltrane records closely, and you can sometimes hear him in quiet spots on the recordings, too.

[aydee]

I have always loved this guy, he's my all-time favorite jazz drummer. But what can you say about Elvin that his playing doesn't say for itself?

So let me just tell a little story... I went to see Elvin once, many years (well probably two-plus decades!) ago. His band was playing at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, California. I got there early, and picked a seat in the front row center. The stage was only a few feet high, and his kit was set up right up front, so his kick drum was right in my face, just a few feet away. I remember he had a Tony-Williams-style yellow Gretsch kit that looked and sounded amazing.

Elvin came out before the gig, and was just standing onstage checking out the audience. He saw me sitting there and said "Hey, you look like Chick Corea." (Which I kinda did, at the time...) That would have been the perfect opportunity to have gotten to talk to my hero a bit, but of course I was so surprised and nervous, all I could do was blurt out a Ralph Kramden-like hamana-hamana-hamana stuttering kind of thing. Then he turned and walked backstage.

Anyway, needless to say it was an amazing gig and I was in heaven thoughout the two shows that night. And almost deaf when it was over and I drove home, cuz he was kind of a hard hitter, and like I said, I was right in front of his drums.

One other thing... I don't if it's been mentioned in the thread yet, but probably a lot of people don't realize: Elvin was a grunter! He would kinda grunt along in time with the music. I could hear him pretty clearly all through that show. Kinda weird, actually. After that, I started listening to all my Coltrane records closely, and you can sometimes hear him in quiet spots on the recordings, too.

great story! One of the few of my heroes that I haven't seen. Since you were so close to his foot, how did he play it? heel toe? heel up? was his foot technique special. Could you describe it ? thanks

[Enchantca]

OLa como estas' **I loved the Way you Expressed Your self *you have a ARTISTIC flow with Your expression Just Like your DRUMMING **I always LOVED Elvin Jones**
FANTASTIC DRUMMER as we Being ARTIST That Have PASSION within this ANCIENT SPIRITUAL ANCIENT ART of DRUMMMING & DRUMS TAMBORES PERCUSSION *
GRACIAS for your Knowledge*
STICKS WIZZARD DRAGON

[Steamer]

I have always loved this guy, he's my all-time favorite jazz drummer. But what can you say about Elvin that his playing doesn't say for itself?

So let me just tell a little story... I went to see Elvin once, many years (well probably two-plus decades!) ago. His band was playing at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, California. I got there early, and picked a seat in the front row center. The stage was only a few feet high, and his kit was set up right up front, so his kick drum was right in my face, just a few feet away. I remember he had a Tony-Williams-style yellow Gretsch kit that looked and sounded amazing.

Elvin came out before the gig, and was just standing onstage checking out the audience. He saw me sitting there and said "Hey, you look like Chick Corea." (Which I kinda did, at the time...) That would have been the perfect opportunity to have gotten to talk to my hero a bit, but of course I was so surprised and nervous, all I could do was blurt out a Ralph Kramden-like hamana-hamana-hamana stuttering kind of thing. Then he turned and walked backstage.

Anyway, needless to say it was an amazing gig and I was in heaven thoughout the two shows that night. And almost deaf when it was over and I drove home, cuz he was kind of a hard hitter, and like I said, I was right in front of his drums.

One other thing... I don't if it's been mentioned in the thread yet, but probably a lot of people don't realize: Elvin was a grunter! He would kinda grunt along in time with the music. I could hear him pretty clearly all through that show. Kinda weird, actually. After that, I started listening to all my Coltrane records closely, and you can sometimes hear him in quiet spots on the recordings, too.

Here's my Elvin story:

Met Elvin at Jazz Alley in Seattle many years ago. One of the nicest people i've ever met in life. Had a great conversation about drumming and gigs he did in Vancouver at the old Cave nightclub MANY years ago up a the bar on the break. Sat right up a front of the stage at a table in front of his kit for the show. Keiko came out and tuned the kit right before the band walked out on stage with the whole audience seated ready to enjoy the show. Amazing concert and he played a killer set of old pre-split Istanbuls that sounded lovely that really stuck in my mind.

Speaking of grunts and groans even in a quiet ballad with beautiful brush work that night you could hear Elvin's various vocal sound effects going on.

I got a nice postcard picture of Elvin I brought to the gig autographed that night too. He was a tall friendy man with big hands and long fingers like a star basketball player with a firm handshake and a sincere honest appreciation of those unknown to him he met that night who had been in love with his playing over many years and had no problem warmly meeting and greeting them as new friends..Priceless moments from the past indeed. Miss you dearly Elvin.

[BringoDingo]

Sun Ship isn't their last album. Actually, the Quartet's "'First' Meditations" is their last album. Before Trane recorded the album "Meditations" he did it with the quartet, which to me is a more enjoyable listening experience.

[foursticks]

Sun Ship isn't their last album. Actually, the Quartet's "'First' Meditations" is their last album. Before Trane recorded the album "Meditations" he did it with the quartet, which to me is a more enjoyable listening experience.

Were they not recorded at the same time and released after Trane's death?

[foursticks]

One other thing... I don't if it's been mentioned in the thread yet, but probably a lot of people don't realize: Elvin was a grunter! He would kinda grunt along in time with the music. I could hear him pretty clearly all through that show. Kinda weird, actually. After that, I started listening to all my Coltrane records closely, and you can sometimes hear him in quiet spots on the recordings, too.


Hear ya on that one. First time I heard I was baffled - it's a low grumbling noise. Few examples include, Sun Ship (I think you can hear McCoy singing his improv as well), Unity and Rip, Rig and Panic.

All passionate musicians tend to grunt or make facial expressions, in my experience, but that's not to say it's true.

[criz p. critter]

great story! One of the few of my heroes that I haven't seen. Since you were so close to his foot, how did he play it? heel toe? heel up? was his foot technique special. Could you describe it ? thanks

No, sorry I can't, cuz I was sitting directly in front of his kick, and a little below, like my face was at the level of the center of the kick. I probably could've noticed his leg bouncing if he played heel up, but I don't remember, it was so long ago.

[criz p. critter]

Keiko came out and tuned the kit right before the band walked out on stage with the whole audience seated ready to enjoy the show.

I don't remember seeing Keiko there that night, but he must have been married to her at that time. Cool that she tuned his drums for him!

Btw... ain't it a shame that guys like Elvin can't make a living in the US, but have to move to Japan or Europe cuz that's where they are appreciated?

[Steamer]

No, sorry I can't, cuz I was sitting directly in front of his kick, and a little below, like my face was at the level of the center of the kick. I probably could've noticed his leg bouncing if he played heel up, but I don't remember, it was so long ago.


Heel/toe {flat foot} depending on the sound he was after at any given time during the performance.

[Steamer]

I don't remember seeing Keiko there that night, but he must have been married to her at that time. Cool that she tuned his drums for him!

Btw... ain't it a shame that guys like Elvin can't make a living in the US, but have to move to Japan or Europe cuz that's where they are appreciated?

Yes and she wasn't polite about it either in the sense that she really wacked the drums hard to check the tuning. On another side note the stage guys had placed Elvin's kick in the wrong spot on stage according to Elvin who brieftly sat behind the kit before the show started. Keiko had them remove to 2 metal pin braces hammered firmly into the stage holding the BD in place. Remember Elvin hit the bass drum with a wood beater HARD at times. She had them pull them out of the stage and reposition the kit and hammer the stop movement pins back in the stage in front of the bass drum. Quite the show that night in more ways than one criz p. critter.

Tough back then even tougher today even with someone a great as Elvin. Sign of the times on point #2.

[tajtonic]

has anyone noticed the extent to which gadd's jazz playing borrows from elvin's? like on his (gadd's) tracks on the album she was too good to be true by chet baker or the video on here of him demonstrating zildjians?

[aydee]

...

2 little nuggets from utube: Lieb talking about Elvin & Coltrane:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFvhN1q8KHo&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew96V4xkVE0&feature=channel

...

[beatboy21212]

You know.....I'm only 22 and I've come to realize something yet again, that's pathetic about America. It's the American appreciation for the arts, and more specifically, JAZZ! I'm going into my Senior year of college at a State School called Oneonta in NY State where I'm studying Music Industry. I could go up to 90% of the student body and they couldn't tell me the first thing about Jazz.....OUCH! Isn't Jazz Americas indigeounus music? If it wasn't for Kats like Art Blakey and Elvin Jones Jazz would have been dead alot sooner. I think that people need to understand where drummers of great bands like Led Zeppelin and Cream go all their influence. It's called Jazz, and it's American. I can count the number of Jazz Labels on 1 hand...very sad. Elvin is truely a stand out player and yet not many people know who he is outside of the jazz and drumming community. Anybody out there feel me?

[Toby_Jackson]

Hey dude, Jazz is still happening. Yeah, a lot of people have tuned out, but the majority of these people are self-centered and materialistic and don't really own their own cultural personality (they soak it up from mass-media). And modern jazz is just not a commercially minded pursuit - it's a powerful art-form continually seeking out the unknown and many people can't handle it.

At any rate, if you can't keep up, why stick around? We don't need those people to keep jazz alive - it's influence has been felt in every decade that rock or hip-hop or electronic music have dominated. You know, good musicians will always look to the attitude of the greatest jazz players, even if they don't play the same style of music. At the same time there is a thriving ring of universities and high schools breeding new players every year and you can still make a living playing every form of jazz in history if you're smart and really feel the need to play that music in your soul.

In short, if you've got something good to say, than forget the squares and come join the party!

[Funky Crêpe]

Here's my Elvin story:

Met Elvin at Jazz Alley in Seattle many years ago. One of the nicest people i've ever met in life. Had a great conversation about drumming and gigs he did in Vancouver at the old Cave nightclub MANY years ago up a the bar on the break. Sat right up a front of the stage at a table in front of his kit for the show. Keiko came out and tuned the kit right before the band walked out on stage with the whole audience seated ready to enjoy the show. Amazing concert and he played a killer set of old pre-split Istanbuls that sounded lovely that really stuck in my mind.

Speaking of grunts and groans even in a quiet ballad with beautiful brush work that night you could hear Elvin's various vocal sound effects going on.

I got a nice postcard picture of Elvin I brought to the gig autographed that night too. He was a tall friendy man with big hands and long fingers like a star basketball player with a firm handshake and a sincere honest appreciation of those unknown to him he met that night who had been in love with his playing over many years and had no problem warmly meeting and greeting them as new friends..Priceless moments from the past indeed. Miss you dearly Elvin.

your so lucky to have me and talked to the great man. I wonder, did he give you any insight into his drumming that may have helped you? He seemed like a guy who would be very giving of advise, but then again, you may not have wanted to hastle him with personal questions like that.
cheers, Bryan

[Steamer]

your so lucky to have me and talked to the great man. I wonder, did he give you any insight into his drumming that may have helped you? He seemed like a guy who would be very giving of advise, but then again, you may not have wanted to hastle him with personal questions like that.
cheers, Bryan

As my late mentor Claude Ranger said to me sitting, listening and watching carefully how the greats play in the music is the BEST lesson you can get Bryan. Elvin was no exception clearly to this wise sage advice as was given to me by an equally great jazz drummer in his own right.

The conversation consisted of what I said earlier such as Elvin going on in some detail about his experiences playing in a now long gone but famous local jazz club called the Cave in the town Vancouver I call home in the early 60's. I was only a small boy at this time he was talking about.

[Joe P]

This man was truly soulful! I ADORE his live work with John Coltrane. I have the rare Blue Train Live album and I'm bewildered every time I listen!

My Favorite Things w/ John Coltrane:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_n-gRS_wdI

[Funky Crêpe]

As my late mentor Claude Ranger said to me sitting, listening and watching carefully how the greats play in the music is the BEST lesson you can get Bryan. Elvin was no exception clearly to this wise sage advice as was given to me by an equally great jazz drummer in his own right.

The conversation consisted of what I said earlier such as Elvin going on in some detail about his experiences playing in a now long gone but famous local jazz club called the Cave in the town Vancouver I call home in the early 60's. I was only a small boy at this time he was talking about.

ya, i suppose your right, even if he was to verbalise what he was doing it probably would'nt do him much justice. I can see it being too hard to explain. It must have been such a boost in your drumming to be talking to him so young.

[Steamer]

ya, i suppose your right, even if he was to verbalise what he was doing it probably would'nt do him much justice. I can see it being too hard to explain. It must have been such a boost in your drumming to be talking to him so young.


The stories Elvin told were from the early 60's Bryan about playing in Vancouver when I was only about 6 years old at the time. When I met him at Jazz Alley in Seattle it was in the early 90's and I in my 30's at that time and already a well established working Canadian jazz pro at that point.

I'll never forget this first opportunity to hear and meet one of my key influences and musical inspirations finally playing live in the flesh in a small club. Can't be beat.....or ever forgotten regarding the impact it had on me.

[con struct]

A very great record that Elvin Jones appears on that hasn't been mentioned is "In 'N Out" by Joe Henderson. McCoy Tyner also plays on that date, along with Kenny Dorham and Richard Davis.
This is a really special one for me, just wonderful music from the Henderson/Dorham team backed by a fantastic rhythm section. Pure gold.

[beatboy21212]

Hey dude, Jazz is still happening. Yeah, a lot of people have tuned out, but the majority of these people are self-centered and materialistic and don't really own their own cultural personality (they soak it up from mass-media). And modern jazz is just not a commercially minded pursuit - it's a powerful art-form continually seeking out the unknown and many people can't handle it.

At any rate, if you can't keep up, why stick around? We don't need those people to keep jazz alive - it's influence has been felt in every decade that rock or hip-hop or electronic music have dominated. You know, good musicians will always look to the attitude of the greatest jazz players, even if they don't play the same style of music. At the same time there is a thriving ring of universities and high schools breeding new players every year and you can still make a living playing every form of jazz in history if you're smart and really feel the need to play that music in your soul.

In short, if you've got something good to say, than forget the squares and come join the party!

I enjoyed that.....I'm here for the party!

[beatboy21212]

Hey I'm not sure if this was mentioned yet, but you should check out "A Message from The Nile" by Mccoy Tyner. It features Elvin in that Free Jazz period right before he left for the Jazz Machine I believe. MAN! it's soooo killer. Elvin Jones is great and always inspirational to listen to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSjI8JQWl_8 ... Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4tsGOFnRio&feature=related ....part 2


His complex simplicity is soooooooo Elvin Jones!

[beatboy21212]

Sorry people! I forgot to mention that the name of the album is "Extensions"....check it out!

[beatboy21212]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rZa70mmuA8 ....more from extensions....song is called "His Blessing"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj_b86b2jYI&feature=related........song is called "the wanderer"

[ThUmPaH]

I was blessed to have seen Elvin many many times in the last 5 years of his life at the regattabar in Cambridge MA w/ His machine.
He was playing an OLD K as his MAIN ride (rt side) but had a constantinople on his left......that old k was reeeeeeeee-diculous. Of course if any ordinary person played it ...it wouldnt have sounded like it did under the stick of this master. His touch was SUPREME STILL!.....

He had everybit of his magic when I saw him them many times from 97 on or so til the last time. They did the dbl sets there (each set was a seperate show...meaning u needed to buy tickets for each set/show.)
So me and my buddies would buy ticks for both shows on 3 of his 4-5 nights he was usually at regattabar. I have many many pics of myself with him...and I even brought my new constantinople at the time for him to sign...which he graciously did as he talked shop with us. MY MOST treasured pc of drum gear.
Anyway.....a legend in every sense of the word....
One quick story to share ...one night he was playing and his huge gold watch he always wore's band snapped mid tune (was the type that stayed on you when claspe was undone)......so Kieko (his wife and drum "roadie!") super sweet lady.....anyway....she comes running up on stage and tries to get it off his hand.....she couldnt get it off of him!....she was struggling (meanwhile the band and Elvin were still bruning the place down).....this went on for 3 minutes.....half the sax solo...lol...we were all watching like...omg what is going on.....why wont it come off? haha
HE finally got it off (after the tune....) she ended up leaving shaking her head....after the 3 minutes not being able to get it off.....HE had to PULL it off himself. :)
The man had the STRONGEST sincere handshake I ever was on the receiveing end of despite his age. His hands were huge.
SO many Elvin memories from them nights at regattabar. Just the most gracious human being...seriously.

[aydee]

I was blessed to have seen Elvin many many times in the last 5 years of his life at the regattabar in Cambridge MA w/ His machine.
He was playing an OLD K as his MAIN ride (rt side) but had a constantinople on his left......that old k was reeeeeeeee-diculous. Of course if any ordinary person played it ...it wouldnt have sounded like it did under the stick of this master. His touch was SUPREME STILL!.....

He had everybit of his magic when I saw him them many times from 97 on or so til the last time. They did the dbl sets there (each set was a seperate show...meaning u needed to buy tickets for each set/show.)
So me and my buddies would buy ticks for both shows on 3 of his 4-5 nights he was usually at regattabar. I have many many pics of myself with him...and I even brought my new constantinople at the time for him to sign...which he graciously did as he talked shop with us. MY MOST treasured pc of drum gear.
Anyway.....a legend in every sense of the word....
One quick story to share ...one night he was playing and his huge gold watch he always wore's band snapped mid tune (was the type that stayed on you when claspe was undone)......so Keiko (his wife and drum "roadie!") super sweet lady.....anyway....she comes running up on stage and tries to get it off his hand.....she couldnt get it off of him!....she was struggling (meanwhile the band and Elvin were still bruning the place down).....this went on for 3 minutes.....half the sax solo...lol...we were all watching like...omg what is going on.....why wont it come off? haha
HE finally got it off (after the tune....) she ended up leaving shaking her head....after the 3 minutes not being able to get it off.....HE had to PULL it off himself. :)
The man had the STRONGEST sincere handshake I ever was on the receiveing end of despite his age. His hands were huge.
SO many Elvin memories from them nights at regattabar. Just the most gracious human being...seriously.

Hey, great post Thumpah! A wonderful intimate picture you painted for us. Thanks for sharing. The title of your post should be KIEKO & the Gold Watch! lol

[ThUmPaH]

hahaha....hey thanks Aydee.....a pleasure to share...as I have loved some of the posts I have read here since I jumped in today. Yeah the two of them were the epitomy of "LOVE" seeing how she watched over him and how she looked at him while he was up there. Like it was the 1st time she ever heard or saw him play. It was as beautiful as the music being created....not to be corny. Also to anyone that had ever seen her, knows how slight she is...very petite woman....she would hoist his gold sparkle yamaha bass drum with both toms still on there up like NOTHING and move them off stage saying "excuse me" to all the people waiting inline near the stage to get a chance to talk to him or a quick picture. She would procede to start tearing them down/packing at the end of the last show :) ... I miss seeing him play.

[The Colonel]

Probably saw you there, Thumpah. I always made a point to see at least 4 sets a weekend when he came through Cambridge.

[ThUmPaH]

RIGHT ON Colonel !
Were VERY special nights there huh ?
I haven't been there in years.....last time in town I was at Sculler's.

I used to always be there for Elvin, Mike Stern, Phil Woods, Niacin one time...til' Billy Sheehan's dbl ampeg rig woke some guests up mid set (regatabar is IN the Charles Hotel) to anyone unfamiliar....I later found out the reason Niacin was never back was because of that...from then on they played Ryles...lol

[Richard.Awesome]

Elvin Jones was my inspiration that sparked my love of Jazz drumming and desire to play it.

bingo. the most truthful and beautiful player in jazz.

ELVIN IS JAZZ IS ELVIN

rip.

[Richard.Awesome]

Yeah he's a great drummer, but he sounds just like any other great Jazz drummer.

barf


dave liebman's liner notes from the complete blue note elvin jones discog: http://www.chipstern.com/chip_elvinjones.htm

[Funky Crêpe]

it's quite something that the guy always overplayed, but never OVERPLAYED

[Funky Crêpe]

Yeah he's a great drummer, but he sounds just like any other great Jazz drummer.

don't think any other drummer came close to his polyrhythms

[Richard.Awesome]

http://www.drummagazine.com/special/elvin-jones

"Take him out of the history of this music and suddenly you have nobody there to prove that drummers could play in rhythm and out of meter at the same time. You have nobody making the case that the drums could play with rather than behind a soloist. You have nobody pushing way beyond the beat, into texture and dynamic interaction, where drummers once scarcely roamed."

[Steamer]

ELVIN...the one and THE only indeed!!

[Funky Crêpe]

never realis3ed but his ride technique is brilliant. I always thought that he didn't have good technique, but look at that relaxed finger action at 5:35 to 7:10....a great angle for quite a long time! Nice to see great camara work :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw4Hy6MtBLE&feature=related

[Richard.Awesome]

can anyone get me a copy of 'a different drummer' on dvd? or somewhere i can download it?

[Funky Crêpe]

Can anyone recommend albums that are like "heavy sounds" with himself and Richard Davis? Love the sound of "raunchy rita". Any old fusion stuff?

[8Mile]

Elvin playing just ridiculously great jazz (sound, no video): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvRkGglLe-U

There's a lifetime's worth of study material here. The swing, the way he drives the soloist, the way he LISTENS.

[mattukdrummer]

Hi,
this is my first reply on here been watching the forum for quite a while and just decided to join. I'm doing a lecture on Elvin Jones, I was wondering if anyone knew what heads he used. I know he used coated ambassadors snare and toms any idea what the bass drum head is maybe ambassador? and what are the reso heads, diplomats/ambassadors?
Also does any one have any concepts that Elvin played with i.e one I picked up was that he would play a phrase on his bass drum and fill in all the triplet gaps with his left hand while playing time.

thanks

[Richard.Awesome]

This may help.

Inside the Drumming of Elvin Jones: http://www.drummagazine.com/lessons/post/inside-the-drumming-of-elvin-jones/

[paistemage]

I personally like the album by Larry Young entitled "Unity." But anything Elvin touches is gold. Midas technique when on the throne.

[paistemage]

Hi,
this is my first reply on here been watching the forum for quite a while and just decided to join. I'm doing a lecture on Elvin Jones, I was wondering if anyone knew what heads he used. I know he used coated ambassadors snare and toms any idea what the bass drum head is maybe ambassador? and what are the reso heads, diplomats/ambassadors?
Also does any one have any concepts that Elvin played with i.e one I picked up was that he would play a phrase on his bass drum and fill in all the triplet gaps with his left hand while playing time.

thanks

Yeah I heard about that concept, and have noticed it.

[poppies]

My favorite quote about Elvin:

"Just listen to any drummer before Elvin and any drummer after him!"
- Ron Carter

[jmck]

i love elvins playing i got to see him only once but it was amazing the sound from his ride was from heaven.

[Anthony Amodeo]

Hi,
any idea what the bass drum head is maybe ambassador?


thanks

I understand this post is about 2 years too late .....but here is your answer :)
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/3928/elvinskick.jpg

[poppies]

I understand this post is about 2 years too late .....but here is your answer :)
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/3928/elvinskick.jpg

That's an awesome pic. Man, he tore into his drums.

[dmacc]

I understand this post is about 2 years too late .....but here is your answer :)
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/3928/elvinskick.jpg

Just stumbled on this.... Wonderful pic Anthony!

Elvin is / was / and still is one of the most gifted drummers ever. Music is better, drum history is changed because of Elvin - no doubt.

[Anthony Amodeo]

Just stumbled on this.... Wonderful pic Anthony!

Elvin is / was / and still is one of the most gifted drummers ever. Music is better, drum history is changed because of Elvin - no doubt.

absolutely D

we are lucky to have everything he left for us to listen to and pull inspiration from