5 Secrets Of Philly Joe Jones Every Drummer Needs

Exploring the legacy of Philly Joe Jones reveals a treasure trove of drumming techniques and philosophies that are not only pivotal to jazz but have influenced countless drummers across various genres. Here are five secrets from Philly Joe Jones's playbook that every drummer, whether amateur or professional, should know to elevate their drumming game.

The Jazz Groove - Timekeeping as an Art Form

Philly Joe Jones was renowned for his exceptional timekeeping ability, a skill that's crucial in jazz drumming. Here's how you can master it:

• Ride Cymbal Mastery: The ride cymbal is often the heartbeat of a jazz track. Philly Joe's approach was to play it with precision yet with enough syncopation to keep the music lively.

  • Focus on playing even quarter notes but feel free to alter the emphasis on certain beats to introduce a swing feel.

• The Hi-Hat Techniques: Philly Joe often incorporated innovative hi-hat techniques to add color and depth to his grooves.

  • Practice playing both the closed hi-hat and the foot-operated pedal, aiming for a balance that complements the ride cymbal pattern.

• Syncopation and Feel:

  • Incorporate off-beat hi-hat patterns or subtly ghosting the snare drum to impart a jazz feel that drives the rhythm section.

<p class="pro-note">⏱️ Pro Tip: Remember, timekeeping is about feeling the music as much as it is about counting beats. Let your internal clock guide you, but don't be afraid to make slight adjustments to keep the band together and the music swinging.</p>

Creating Dynamic Drum Fills

Philly Joe Jones was a master at using drum fills to add excitement and narrative to his playing:

• Subtle Accents: His fills were not just about speed; they were about placement, creating a dramatic effect through well-placed notes or rests.

• Melodic Drumming: Philly Joe often played fills that mirrored the melody of the tune or responded to the solos, showcasing his listening skills and ability to be part of the melody.

• Ending Fills:

  • He often ended his fills on a suspended cymbal, bringing the fill into the next phrase seamlessly, setting up the next groove or solo.

Example: In his solo on "Lady Bird," Philly Joe uses a fill that starts on a low tom, moves up the toms, and ends on the ride cymbal, perfectly setting up the next chorus.

The Art of Listening

Listening is perhaps the most critical lesson from Philly Joe Jones:

• Reacting to Solos: His ability to react to the piano or horn solos with appropriate fills and grooves made him an essential part of the ensemble.

• Adapting the Groove: Philly Joe had a knack for adapting his drum grooves to complement what was happening melodically and harmonically around him.

<p class="pro-note">🎵 Pro Tip: Train your ears to pick up on not just the notes but the emotional context of the music. This sensitivity will allow you to support and enhance the band’s performance dynamically.</p>

The Right Tools for the Job

Philly Joe understood the importance of drum set choice and tuning:

• Drum Setup: He often used a traditional jazz setup with minimal toms but focused on having quality ride cymbals.

• Tuning: His drums were tuned to resonate but also to provide the flexibility needed for different musical contexts.

Table: Recommended Drum Set for Philly Joe Jones Style:

The Showmanship of Philly Joe Jones

Philly Joe wasn't just a drummer; he was a performer:

• Energy Transfer: His stage presence and the way he played the drums exuded energy, motivating the band and the audience.

• Playing with Eyes and Ears: His awareness of the band's visual cues and the audience's reactions allowed him to adjust his playing on the fly.

• Incorporating Personality: Philly Joe's personal style and interaction with the band added another layer to his playing.

Example: In the iconic "Crescendo" scene of Miles Davis's Quintet, Philly Joe’s energetic drumming style added drama, building tension and then resolving it with a flourish, captivating audiences with his performance.

Let's not forget that Philly Joe Jones's influence extends far beyond jazz drumming techniques. His approach to the instrument as a means of storytelling, his focus on communication within the band, and his ability to convey emotion through rhythm has left an indelible mark on drumming history. So, dive into his recordings, experiment with these secrets, and let your drumming evolve with this profound legacy.

<p class="pro-note">🚀 Pro Tip: Incorporate a bit of Philly Joe's showmanship into your playing. Your performance isn't just about technical prowess; it's about engaging with the music, your bandmates, and the audience. Let your personality shine through the drums.</p>

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I practice Philly Joe Jones's timekeeping?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Start with a metronome and practice playing even quarter notes on the ride cymbal, gradually introducing syncopation and subtle accents to feel the swing rhythm.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Did Philly Joe Jones use any specific drumming technique for fills?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>He often used his left hand on the snare drum or hi-hat to create ghost notes while his right hand would move through the toms, creating fills that were dynamic yet controlled.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can you recommend a recording to study Philly Joe Jones's playing style?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>A classic album to explore his drumming is 'Milestones' by Miles Davis, which features Jones's exemplary playing throughout.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

As you embrace these secrets from Philly Joe Jones's drumming arsenal, take the time to explore related jazz tutorials and other drumming techniques from the masters of the past. Remember, every drummer brings their unique voice to the drums, and by mastering these techniques, you'll unlock new dimensions of your playing, making you not just a drummer, but a storytelling musician.

<p class="pro-note">📚 Pro Tip: Incorporate listening sessions into your practice routine. Study and mimic other drummers' solos, understand their techniques, and adapt them to your style. Learning from the greats is one of the fastest ways to improve.</p>