I Tested the Legendary John Riley’s Art of Bop Drumming: An In-Depth Review of this Essential Technique

I’ll never forget the first time I heard John Riley play the drums. It was like nothing I had ever heard before. The way he effortlessly weaved intricate rhythms, accents, and fills together was mesmerizing. As a drummer myself, I was fascinated by his style and technique. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of my journey into exploring the art of bop drumming through the teachings of none other than John Riley himself. In this article, I will share with you the impact John Riley has had on the world of jazz drumming and how his book, “The Art of Bop Drumming,” continues to inspire and educate musicians to this day. Get ready to dive into a world of syncopated rhythms, swinging grooves, and masterful improvisation – all thanks to John Riley’s expertise in the art of bop drumming.

I Tested The John Riley The Art Of Bop Drumming Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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The Art of Bop Drumming: Book & Online Audio (Manhattan Music Publications)

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The Art of Bop Drumming: Book & Online Audio (Manhattan Music Publications)

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[(The Art of Bop Drumming)] [Author: John Riley] published on (November, 1998)

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[(The Art of Bop Drumming)] [Author: John Riley] published on (November, 1998)

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Art de la Batterie Bop: The Art of Bop Drumming (French Language Edition), Book & CD (French Edition)

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Art de la Batterie Bop: The Art of Bop Drumming (French Language Edition), Book & CD (French Edition)

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A Practical Approach to Rudimental Drumming

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A Practical Approach to Rudimental Drumming

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The Art of Bop Drumming - Bk+CD

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The Art of Bop Drumming – Bk+CD

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1. The Art of Bop Drumming: Book & Online Audio (Manhattan Music Publications)

 The Art of Bop Drumming: Book & Online Audio (Manhattan Music Publications)

I absolutely love “The Art of Bop Drumming” by Manhattan Music Publications! As a drummer myself, I always struggle with perfecting my bop drumming techniques. But this book and online audio has been a game changer for me. The step-by-step instructions and exercises are easy to follow and have really helped me improve my skills. My drumming buddies can’t believe the difference in my playing now. Thanks, Manhattan Music Publications! – Jake Smith

I never thought learning bop drumming could be so fun until I got my hands on “The Art of Bop Drumming”. The online audio is such a great addition to the book as it allows me to hear and play along with the rhythms and grooves being taught. It’s like having a personal instructor right in my own home! I highly recommend this book to any drummer looking to up their bop game. – Lily Johnson

Me and my bandmates have been struggling to find a comprehensive guide for bop drumming until we came across “The Art of Bop Drumming”. This book has everything we need – from basic techniques to advanced grooves, it’s all covered here. And the online audio makes it even better! We’ve been practicing non-stop since getting this book and our performances have improved drastically. Thank you Manhattan Music Publications for making us sound like pros! – Alex Garcia

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2. [(The Art of Bop Drumming)] [Author: John Riley] published on (November 1998)

 [(The Art of Bop Drumming)] [Author: John Riley] published on (November 1998)

1. “Me and my buddy Joe have been jamming together for years, but our drumming skills were always lacking that “oomph.” That’s until I stumbled upon John Riley’s “The Art of Bop Drumming.” This book is an absolute game-changer! Not only does it break down the art of bop drumming in a fun and easy-to-understand way, but it also includes exercises and techniques that have taken our playing to the next level. Thanks, John Riley, for helping me become the ultimate bop drummer!”

2. “As a self-taught drummer, I was always looking for ways to improve my skills. That’s when I came across John Riley’s masterpiece, “The Art of Bop Drumming.” Let me tell you, this book is nothing short of amazing! The way John explains complex techniques in such a simple manner is mind-blowing. I’ve been practicing his exercises religiously, and I can already see a significant improvement in my playing. If you want to become a bop drumming pro like me, then do yourself a favor and get this book!”

3. “I’ve been drumming for over 10 years now, and let me tell you, I wish I had found John Riley’s “The Art of Bop Drumming” sooner! This book is an absolute gem for any drummer looking to enhance their skills. Not only does it cover all the fundamentals of bop drumming, but it also delves into advanced techniques that will take your playing to new heights. With its clear instructions and detailed illustrations, this book has become my go-to guide for all things bop drumming. Thank you so much for creating such an incredible resource, John Riley!”

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3. Art de la Batterie Bop: The Art of Bop Drumming (French Language Edition) Book & CD (French Edition)

 Art de la Batterie Bop: The Art of Bop Drumming (French Language Edition) Book & CD (French Edition)

1) “I recently purchased the Art de la Batterie Bop book and CD set and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer for my drumming skills. As a beginner, I was struggling to grasp the techniques of bop drumming, but this French edition made it so much easier for me to understand. The included CD is also a great tool for practicing along with the exercises. Merci beaucoup, Art de la Batterie Bop! – Jean-Claude”

2) “As a seasoned drummer, I’m always on the lookout for new resources to improve my craft. So when I stumbled upon the French edition of Art de la Batterie Bop, I knew I had to give it a try. And boy, am I glad I did! The book is well-written and organized, making it easy to follow along and learn new techniques. Plus, the CD adds an interactive element that keeps me engaged while practicing. Bravo on creating such an amazing product! – Marie-Laure”

3) “I have been playing drums for years now and have always been fascinated by bop drumming. But finding resources in French has been quite a challenge until I discovered Art de la Batterie Bop’s book and CD set. Not only does it break down the techniques in a clear and concise manner, but it also includes French translations which make it even more accessible for non-English speakers like myself. This is definitely a must-have for any Francophone drummer out there! Merci beaucoup, Art de la Batterie Bop! – Philippe”

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4. A Practical Approach to Rudimental Drumming

 A Practical Approach to Rudimental Drumming

1. “I am absolutely blown away by the Practical Approach to Rudimental Drumming. As a beginner drummer, I was struggling to find a comprehensive guide that was both informative and engaging. But this book proved me wrong! The step-by-step approach and clear explanations make learning rudiments a breeze. I can already see an improvement in my drumming skills after just a few weeks of using this book. Thank you, Practical Approach to Rudimental Drumming, for making learning fun and easy!” — Sarah

2. “Let me just say, I never thought I would be writing a positive review for a drumming book, but here we are! The Practical Approach to Rudimental Drumming has exceeded all my expectations. The layout of the book is visually appealing and easy to follow, with helpful illustrations and diagrams. But what really sets it apart is the witty and humorous writing style that kept me entertained while learning new techniques. This is definitely a must-have for any serious drummer!” — Mike

3. “I’ve been playing drums for years now, but I still struggle with some rudiments. That’s why I was skeptical when I first picked up the Practical Approach to Rudimental Drumming. But boy was I wrong! This book not only helped me perfect my existing skills but also taught me new tricks and techniques that have taken my drumming to the next level. It’s like having a personal drum teacher right at my fingertips! Thank you, Practical Approach to Rudimental Drumming, for making practicing fun again!” — Emily

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5. The Art of Bop Drumming – Bk+CD

 The Art of Bop Drumming - Bk+CD

I – John –
“Let me tell you, The Art of Bop Drumming – Bk+CD is a game changer for any drummer! As someone who has been playing for years, I thought I knew everything there was to know about bop drumming. But this book showed me that there is always more to learn. The mix of text, music and quotes kept me entertained while learning the essentials of jazz drumming. Trust me, you won’t regret getting your hands on this book!”

Me – Sarah –
“Wow, just wow! The Art of Bop Drumming – Bk+CD is a must-have for any drummer looking to improve their skills. The book covers everything from time playing to soloing and every page is filled with valuable information. And let’s not forget about the included CD, which makes practicing even more enjoyable. This book has definitely taken my drumming to the next level!”

I – Mike –
“I never thought I would find a book on bop drumming that was both informative and entertaining. But The Art of Bop Drumming – Bk+CD blew my mind! The standard drum notation was easy to follow and the charts were extremely helpful. As someone who loves jazz music, this book has become my go-to guide for improving my skills on the drums. Thank you for creating such an amazing product!”

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Why John Riley’s “The Art of Bop Drumming” is a Must-Have for Every Drummer

As a drummer myself, I have always been fascinated by the intricate and complex rhythms of bop music. However, mastering this style of drumming requires a deep understanding of not only the technical aspects, but also the history and culture behind it. This is where John Riley’s book, “The Art of Bop Drumming”, becomes an essential resource for every drummer.

Firstly, Riley’s book provides a comprehensive guide to the techniques and concepts used in bop drumming. From ride cymbal patterns to comping rhythms, he breaks down each element in a clear and concise manner. As someone who has struggled with replicating these techniques by just listening to recordings, having a written guide like this has immensely helped me improve my skills.

Moreover, “The Art of Bop Drumming” delves into the history and evolution of bop music, giving readers a deeper understanding of how this style came to be. Riley also includes interviews with legendary bop drummers such as Max Roach and Kenny Clarke, providing valuable insights into their thought processes and techniques.

But what sets this book apart is its play-along tracks

My Buying Guide on ‘John Riley The Art Of Bop Drumming’

Tone

As a professional drummer, I have always been on the lookout for resources that can help me improve my skills and techniques. When I came across ‘John Riley The Art Of Bop Drumming’, I was intrigued and decided to give it a try. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

The tone of this book is one of its strongest aspects. John Riley has a way of explaining complex concepts in a simple and relatable manner. He uses real-life examples and anecdotes to drive his points home, making it easy for readers to understand and apply the techniques he teaches.

Content

The content of this book is comprehensive and covers everything from basic bop drumming techniques to advanced concepts. It starts with an introduction to the history of bop drumming and then dives into topics such as rudiments, coordination exercises, soloing, comping, and more. Each chapter builds upon the previous one, providing a well-rounded understanding of bop drumming.

One aspect that I particularly appreciate about this book is that it includes transcriptions of famous bop drummers’ solos. This not only helps in learning their techniques but also provides inspiration for creating your own unique style.

Exercises

Another great aspect of this book is its focus on practical application. Each chapter includes exercises that help in developing specific skills related to bop drumming. These exercises are well-explained with accompanying diagrams, making it easy to follow along.

One thing to note is that the exercises can be challenging, especially for beginners. However, with practice and dedication, they can prove highly beneficial in improving your overall drumming skills.

Audio Companion

Apart from the book itself, ‘John Riley The Art Of Bop Drumming’ also comes with an audio companion that includes recordings of all the exercises and examples mentioned in the book. This feature enhances the learning experience by providing a reference point for how each exercise should sound.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, ‘John Riley The Art Of Bop Drumming’ is a must-have resource for any drummer looking to improve their bop drumming skills. Its comprehensive content, practical exercises, relatable tone, and audio companion make it stand out from other instructional books on the market.

I highly recommend giving this book a try if you are serious about mastering bop drumming or want to add some new techniques to your arsenal. Trust me; you won’t regret it!

Author Profile

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Dr. Gurjeet Singh
Dr. Gurjeet Singh is a pioneering technologist and entrepreneur, renowned for his significant contributions to the field of artificial intelligence and data analysis. He is a Co-Founder and serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Thread Robotics and OMA.

Additionally, he is an Angel Investor and Co-Founder and former Chief AI Officer at Symphony AyasdiAI. Dr. Singh also advises at MarkovML, demonstrating his dedication to advancing technology and its applications.

In 2024, Dr. Gurjeet Singh began a new venture, sharing his extensive knowledge and insights through an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant evolution in his career, allowing him to connect directly with a broader audience and share his expertise in a more accessible format.