DRUMMER CAFE

I just picked up THIS CD, which features Stan Getz with the Oscar Peterson Trio. There's no drummer on this; instead, the rock-solid time is provided by Ray Brown on bass and Herb Ellis on guitar.

That makes it a terrific CD to practice with. I've found that with jazz records in particular, it can be really hard to play along with a drummer who has a different rhythmic approach than you. For example, I find it very easy to play along with records that Al Foster plays on, but not as easy to lock in with, say, Art Blakey. So a disc like this offers a rare opportunity to "jam" with some jazz heavies!

This disc is available at most online stores, but I found a used copy cheap on half.com - check it out!

That is pretty cool.

To bad my brush technique looks like I'm painting the side of a house or something.

Cool, I'll have to pick this up.  I've got two other Oscar Peterson CDs, both with Herb Ellis on Guitar, Ray Brown on Bass, and Bobby Durham on Drums.  Good Stuff!!

It's funny I'd pick one up that had no drums.  My brother bought me the Peterson CD's for Christmas one year and the front plainly says "The Legendary Oscar Peterson Trio" with Peterson, Ellis, and Brown.  Now, I love jazz piano, but I have to admit I was disappointed that there was no drummer on either CD.  Then I flipped the CD over and noticed the credit for Bobby Durham.  

Guess he's like the fourth member of the trio.

Yeah ... I always pull out stuff that lacks drums ... great to play to. Some of the latest stuff I used is by Diana Krall with piano, bass and guitar.

Playing ANY style of music well is hard. You can start by listening to a lot of jazz, and trying to imitate what you hear.

Then, if you can read music, get a couple drum books such as Jim Chapin's Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer, or perhaps John Riley's book. There have been several good jazz drum books discussed on this list.

If you can't read, you really need to learn, and the most effective way is with a teacher. I know you've said you don't have the money, but if you have the money for sticks, new cymbals etc. (and I know you're shopping for a cymbal right now), then you have the money to take at least a FEW lessons. Trust me, a dozen lessons would be a MUCH better investment right now than a new crash cymbal.

If you have access to a public library, check out their CD collection - most libraries have decent jazz collections. So you can listen for free. The Ken Burns series of CDs is a great introduction to jazz.

Also, check the newspapers and see if there is any live jazz happening in your area. While listening to recordings is great, there's nothing like actually SEEING the way jazz musicians play together, improvising based on what each other is doing - it's great stuff. Good luck!

cool, Felix, definitely be picking that CD up.

a few other great ones are Ron Carter & Jim Hall's "Telephone" or "Telepathy" albums.  

peeps tell me just cop a Tony Williams feel, and you're good to go.  

Telephone

reeeaalllly wanna challenge yourself?  try "Jim Hall & Basses", where he goes toe to toe with Dave Holland, Charlie Haden, Christian McBride, etc.

Jim & Basses

The Rhythm Section Work-Out CD put out by Jamie Aebersold is nice; I use it a lot. It's got drums on the CD, which you pan out when you want to play by yourself. Ed Soph is on the disc ... so it's good stuff.

http://www.jazzbooks.com/playalongs/030.htm

Each track on the CD has drum solo breaks ... and there's no clicks ... so you're on your own!

It's worth the $14.90 for the book/CD.

"you want a fun one, try playing along with coltranes meditations ... if you can find a spot inbetween elvin jones and rashied ali that tyner and garrison havent already filled youll definitely be thinking in new terms"

haha, yes indeed. after you master this challenge you could move on to some Cecil Taylor, Derek Bailey, or Evan Parker. good stuff for beginners!!  

just thought of another ... theres a band called "the not missing drums project" (primarily the work of a cellist and saxaphonist with various guests) ... maybe they are    ive got an album of theirs at home ill have to try out tonight.

Speaking of Bobby Durham, he is, IMHO, the best musician/drummer I've ever heard.  I've never heard a drummer say so much in a solo without resorting to rudimental chops as Bobby Durham.

Ratamatatt