Greg Caputo is the recipient of the 2010 Jazz Ambassador Award, recipient of the IAJE award for his contributions to jazz education and performances, author of the acclaimed drum book, “Classic Swing Drumming” teacher/performer at Billy Taylor’s Jazz in July programs. He toured with Harry James, Artie Shaw, Nelson Riddle, the Count Basie Orchestra, and recorded with jazz legend, Phil Woods.
Simply stated,Tony Williams defined an original style of rhythmic progression, groove and mastery of musical colors. I would like to focus on the aspect of originality in Tony Williams’s drumming.
Jazz legend Miles Davis chose him for his group because Tony didn’t sound like anyone else. He brought a creative freshness to Miles’s band that inspired every member of the group, including Miles, himself.
Tony developed under the tutelage of master drummer/teacher, Alan Dawson. Miles Davis opened more avenues for development by stating, “You can’t make any mistakes in my band.” This encouraged Tony and gave him a clear musical canvas to create and develop his improvisational skills.
Originality is the genius of Tony Williams. When you heard his playing you knew it was him. This is the earmark of a true artist. When you hear Louis Armstrong, you know undeniably that it’s him. Chick Webb, Gene Krupa, Joe Jones, Buddy Rich, Max Roach, Joe Morello, Mel Lewis, Steve Gadd, all possessed the genius of originality. This is an invaluable lesson to be learned from Tony Williams. Sure, it is important to learn from past masters by learning and notating their styles and playing their grooves. However, if you only continue to clone the style of one of your favorite heroes by playing their licks, solos, imitating them and buying their exact drum setups, then you are on a path which ultimately stagnates your improvisational skills and creativity.
It can take many years to find your sound and style. Be aware, while working on your improvisational skill, that it must be musical and not merely bombastic. Some drummers are athletes, and some drummers tell an artistic story. Tony Williams is one of the latter.
-- Greg Caputo
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