This book was designed to help bring the style and elements of jazz drumming into focus. It starts with basic patterns played and the conceptual ideas used to create an authentic approach to jazz music. There are many coordination exercises in this book to build a foundational jazz style. These ideas can then be used with the added improvisational time sections notated before the 4 and 8 bar solo ideas. An integral part of soloing in jazz drumming is using the rudiments, which are highlighted, and are used to convey solo ideas and patterns. Historically, the jazz "feel" origninated in marching band settings; therefore, the rudiments are an important ingredient of an authentic jazz sound. They are altered from their traditional form to a more "swing" eighth-note articulation. Using this approach to the rudiments will help you discover the countless ways to phrase and mold your own voice as you develop.
