The Genius Of Elvin Jones

“I was a rebel. Nobody could play with me ’cause they couldn’t understand it.” Elvin Jones is one of the top jazz drummers of all time, and definitely one of the most influential. But why? - His power and energy were unmatched. - He took a unique polyrhythmic approach to timing, comping and soloing. - He was one of the first jazz drummers to approach the drum set as a single voice, often playing linear patterns. Elvin Jones influenced big names like Mitch Mitchell, John Bonham, Bill Bruford, John Densmore and Ginger Baker, even having a drum battle with the latter in the early 70s. A professional drummer from the 1940s until his passing in 2004, Jones was a key member of John Coltrane’s classic quartet in the ’60s, appearing on legendary jazz records like A Love Supreme, My Favorite Things and Ascension. Here are 5 reasons why Elvin Jones was a genius (and how he helped change the direction and future of jazz drumming): 0:00 - Intro 1:45 -- A Fresh Approach So