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Music Books [Issue
#24]
Various:
The Drummer: 100 Years of Rhythmic Power and Invention By
Adam Budofsky
In just over 170
pages, Adam Budofsky’s volume provides an excellent overview of drumming
in the past century. Packed with excellent live and studio photos and sprinkled
with amusing or insightful quips from the masters, the work begins with the “founding
fathers” of drumming (Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Elvin Jones). Highlighting
the pioneering technical prowess and electrifying showmanship, the evolution then
quickly unfolds into the likes of Keith Moon and John Bonham, who added blistering
power to the finesse of the early masters.
One of the exemplary elements of the book is that it does not solely cover household
names. Incredible drummers such as Billy Higgins, Fred Below, and Earl Palmer
are rightly given the same (if not more) coverage as Mitch Mitchell, Ringo Starr,
and Neil Peart. The tome also covers modern marvels from Jane’s Addiction’s
Stephen Perkins to The Flaming Lips’ Steven Drozd.
While there exists
some explanation of technique, the book is not designed for the purpose of instruction.
Instead, The Drummer gives a beautiful look at the history or the instruments’
great icons in every genre: rock, pop, jazz, R&B, metal, progressive, alternative,
and beyond.
Modern Drummer
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