19th Annual Student Research Conference
Fine Arts
Max Roach and his Contribution to Bebop Drumming
Doris A. Doyon♦
Dr. Jay Bulen, Faculty Mentor
Bebop style drumming developed from the swing drummers of the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. There are several drummers who are considered pioneers in this art form, but the two originators of this style are Kenny Clarke and Max Roach. There is some disagreement on which of these two played in this style first. Max Roach’s two main influences were Papa Jo Jones and Sid Catlett, and some say, Kenny Clarke. Roach’s new style of playing included focusing the time on the right hand, using the bass drum as an independent voice, and making the drummer an equal partner of the small jazz group through melodic soloing. Through transcriptions we see the melodic and harmonic techniques Roach employs to create a melodic drum solo different than what had been heard before.
Keywords: Max Roach, Bebop Drumming, Kenny Clarke, melodic drum solo
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 32-3
Location: OP 2210
Time: 1:45