A History of the Drum Solo
Up until the 1920s, the drum solo didn’t exist because the modern drum kit had yet to be born. But after Ludwig patented the foot pedal in 1909 and economics forced bandleaders to look for guys who could play all the drums–snare, bass, tom-toms, cymbals and whatever else–all at once, we entered a new era in percussion.
A New Domain picks up the story.
You’ll also get a truthful narrative of the technical progression of jazz and rock drumming along the way. Turn up the volume and let’s go.
They start with Baby Dodds who rose to prominence in the late 1920s. (As a drummer myself, I’m ashamed to admit that I’d never heard of the guy. That’s awful.)
The New Domain article goes through solos by Louie Bellson, Art Blakey, Buddy Rich, Ginger Baker, Billy Cobham, Bill Bruford, Terry Bozio and, of course, Neil Peart.
If you love drums and drummers as much as I do, you need to go through this whole article carefully.
Hey there Alan! I’m the original author of the piece for A New Domain. Gina Smith did some editing, too. I’m honored by your appreciation of my work. I’m professional writer, amateur (and rusty) guitar player, and lover of all things Neil Peart and RUSH.