Drumming News :
Drummers, rejoice! John Riley and Hudson Music are offering signed copies of his acclaimed book The Master Drummer—and you can save $15 on your purchase through July 31st, 2025!
Following the success of his iconic works The Art of Bop Drumming and Beyond Bop Drumming, The Master Drummer takes drumming education to the next level. This new book dives deeper into the essential areas that make great drummers stand out: technique, groove, creativity, and musicianship. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned player looking to refine your craft, The Master Drummer is the perfect guide to enhance your playing and understanding of jazz drumming.
What’s Inside The Master Drummer?
Unlike traditional drumming books, The Master Drummer is not just a static read. It’s an interactive course that includes:
- In-depth video content: Each chapter features videos, easily accessible through icons embedded throughout the text. Just tap the icon on your device, and you’ll instantly get visual demonstrations of the concepts being discussed.
- Exercises and Transcriptions: With comprehensive exercises and detailed transcriptions, including an expert breakdown of Riley’s drum solos by transcriber Terry Branam, this book brings clarity and understanding to key jazz drumming techniques.
- Breakdowns of Musical Concepts: Riley goes beyond just teaching technique—he explains the why behind each concept, breaking down musical ideas so that you can truly internalize them.
The book’s approach is both theoretical and practical, making it accessible for players of all skill levels. Whether you want to master your timekeeping, develop your rhythmic vocabulary, or dive into advanced soloing techniques, The Master Drummer has you covered.
Praise from the Pros
Drum legends like Peter Erskine, Steve Smith, Mark Guiliana, and Kendrick Scott have all praised Riley’s ability to explain complex musical concepts in a way that anyone can understand. Here’s what they’re saying:
- Peter Erskine: “John Riley has done it again… The Master Drummer is as fun as it is informative. This book can be utilized in a student/teacher dynamic or by a curious drummer on their own.”
- Steve Smith: “The section on creativity is especially engaging with myriad examples for increasing one’s drum set vocabulary… I’m digging into this book now to expand my knowledge and abilities!”
- Mark Guiliana: “Packed with invaluable knowledge and insight, John generously presents the drumming DNA required to cultivate your most creative, confident, and musical self.”
Who is John Riley?
For those who don’t know, John Riley is a legendary drummer who’s been a vital member of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra in New York City for decades. He’s performed with jazz icons such as Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, and Joe Lovano, and his expertise is unmatched. Beyond his performance career, Riley has been an influential educator, teaching at the Manhattan School of Music and Kutztown University.
Get Your Signed Copy Today!
The signed edition of The Master Drummer is a collector’s item and a valuable resource for any drummer who wants to improve their craft. If you’re looking for a book that combines clear instruction with real-world applications and deep musical insight, look no further.
Don’t miss your chance to save $15 on this one-of-a-kind, signed copy. Elevate your drumming and musicality with The Master Drummer today!
Purchase your copy HERE
