b. 09.09.1927
d. 18.05.2004
Nationality: American
Genre: Jazz

Elvin was probably the most exciting, innovative and passionate drummer of all. His relentless, circular style took the driving 4/4 of swing and bebop and turned it into a maelstrom of tumbling triplets. He sprayed beats poly-rhythmically all over the kit, showing a degree of ‘coordinated independence’. His four limbs and all elements of the kit seemed to carry equal weight and importance.

His playing, famously with John Coltrane, superficially appeared chaotic. Yet Elvin was always in control - jazz as the highest form of art.

Essential downloads:

John Coltrane: A Love Supreme, Part 1: Acknowledgment; Afro-Blue
John Coltrane Quartet: Chasin’ The Trane
Philly Joe and Elvin Jones: Beau-Ty
Larry Young: Monk’s Dream