In this lesson series, Zildjian artist John Riley provides a deep dive into many of the topics in his best selling book, “The Art of Bop Drumming”. From discussions on creating the appropriate sounds to musical phrasing and song structure, this series will cover a wide range of topics that is sure to enlighten any student or teacher who is interested in improving his or her jazz playing.

In this video, John Riley introduces the series and talks about the history behind his book.

Critically acclaimed performer, author and teacher, John Riley has worked with the world’s leading Jazz musicians for over 40 years. A four time GRAMMY award winner and 14 time nominee, John has played on hundreds of recordings and at major venues with Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, Woody Herman, John Scofield, Joe Lovano, Bob Mintzer, The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and many others.

John is the author of The Art of Bop Drumming, available from Alfred Music & currently published in five languages, Beyond Bop Drumming, The Jazz Drummer’s Workshop and the DVD The Master Drummer.

John has a BM in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas, 1975, and an MM in Jazz Studies from the Manhattan School of Music, 1985. He is on the faculty of Manhattan School of Music and Kutztown University, an Artist in Residence at the Amsterdam Conservatory in Holland and has given master classes around the world.

JOHN RILEY’S SETUP:

1. 14″ K DARK THIN HIHAT (PAIR) *

2. 22″ K CUSTOM DRY COMPLEX RIDE *

3. 22″ K CUSTOM DRY RIDE (RE-LATHED AND HAMMERED) *

4. 1970’S 20″ SWISH *

5. 22″ K CONSTANTINOPLE RENAISSANCE RIDE

6. JOHN RILEY ARTIST SERIES DRUMSTICKS

7. JOHN RILEY ARTIST SERIES MALLET STICKS

* May be prototype