Three-time GRAMMY Award-winning drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. (Christian McBride, Gregory Porter, Ted Nash, Wynton Marsalis, and many others) is a performer, producer, author, and educator. In his newest book Jazz Big Band for the Modern Drummer, Owens explains how to authentically support a jazz big band with authority, confidence, and finesse.
No other ensemble is so readily identified with jazz music than the big band. Every component, from the saxes to the brass and rhythm sections, has drawn audiences for over a century with high-energy hits, lush ballad textures, and toe-tapping rhythms. The vehicle for the groove of the band lies with the drums, which dictate the intensity, drive, and feel of the entire band by drawing on a large arsenal of time-keeping tools.
The book includes 15 recreated drum charts that Owens used to play on the UOJ Big Band (Rising Star Large Ensemble 2022, DownBeat magazine) release Soul Conversations! In addition to this, many of the exercises in the book feature accompanying audio tracks with Owens himself demonstrating the grooves and patterns being taught. Audio is accessed online, for streaming or download.
Jazz Big Band for the Modern Drummer retails for $29.99. Interested retailers can visit the Hal Leonard NAMM booth #9113 or call their E-Z Order Line at 1-800-554-0626 or email sales@halleonard.com.
