In this episode, Victoria B.C. jazz drummer, composer, and educator, Kelby McNayr talks about the role of percussion in jazz. His thesis that while drumming has changed, it hasn’t necessarily ‘evolved’ is an interesting one. He demonstrates it through recordings over many eras of jazz.

We talk about Baby Dodds, Zutty Singleton, Art Blakey, Philly Jo Jones, Elvin Jones, Vernell Fournier, and Ed Thigpen. You’ll hear lots of great ensemble work where the drums play such an important role.