The 5 Best Jazz Drummers
What is jazz drumming, anyway?
For most of us, jazz drumming is that classic, triplet-based swing pattern played on the ride cymbal. This style emerged in 1920s America, with Baby Dodds widely regarded as one of the first prominent swing drummers. Over time, swing evolved into other jazz forms like bebop, free jazz, cool jazz, and fusion. Each subgenre has its own legendary drummers, who have driven the art of drumming forward. While there are countless incredible drummers – both past and present – in the jazz world, today we are focusing on five innovative players who have shaped, and continue to shape, the genre. Let’s dive in!
Elvin Jones
To jazz fans, Elvin Jones is what John Bonham is to rock fans. Born in 1927 and passing in 2004, this American drummer is best known for his work with John Coltrane. His playing was technically demanding and remains the gold standard for balancing musical support with artistic freedom. Nearly all modern drummers, regardless of genre, recognize Elvin’s contributions as foundational to contemporary drumming. Be sure to check out A Love Supreme (1964), one of the most famous jazz recordings of all time and a perfect showcase of Elvin Jones’ extraordinary drumming.
Tony Williams
If you’ve heard of Miles Davis – one of the most influential jazz musicians ever – you’ve likely come across his album Seven Steps to Heaven (1963). The drummer on that record? A 17-year-old prodigy named Tony Williams. He went on to play on nearly all of Miles Davis’ subsequent albums, as well as with Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, Wayne Shorter, and many other legends. Williams’ drumming is still celebrated for its technical brilliance, and he played a key role in earning drummers the recognition they deserve. Later in his career, his yellow Gretsch drum kit became something of a trademark. Listen to Herbie Hancock’s Cantaloupe Island and Miles Davis’ Nefertiti for a taste of his genius.
Buddy Rich
If you are a drummer, you simply have to know Buddy Rich. Born in 1917, he was a child prodigy – performing as a tap dancer, singer, and drummer at an elite level. By 15, he was already one of America’s most famous child stars. As the leader of the Buddy Rich Big Band, he achieved cult status, and his shows were a major draw. To this day, he is celebrated as one of the greatest drummers of all time, thanks to his technical and musical mastery. His single-stroke rolls were lightning fast, and his complex, self-penned arrangements are still studied and performed by top drummers. For a great introduction, listen to his West Side Story Medley – and don’t miss his legendary drum battle with Animal from The Muppet Show!
Mark Guiliana
Unlike the previous three drummers, Mark Guiliana is still with us, born in 1980 in the USA. He carries on their legacy with remarkable technical and musical sophistication, blending the traditions of the old masters with modern influences. While jazz is still often played in a traditional style, many contemporary musicians – Guiliana included – incorporate elements from electronic and DJ culture. He rose to fame through his work with jazz bassist Avishai Cohen, but is also known for electronically inspired projects like Beat Music! Beat Music! Beat Music!. A career highlight was his collaboration with David Bowie, drumming on Bowie’s final album, Blackstar, which was released posthumously.
Greyson Nekrutman
Greyson Nekrutman is the youngest drummer on this list and a perfect example of how drumming transcends musical boundaries. He first gained fame on social media for his jaw-dropping Buddy Rich drum covers, complete with the speed and technical finesse that made Rich legendary. Today, he plays for the Brazilian metal band Sepultura, but he hasn’t left his jazz roots behind. If you’re curious about his journey, you can find him on social media, and on YouTube, he breaks down Buddy Rich’s playing on the Drumeo education platform.