For fun I’ve pulled at random some four measure comping phrases from recordings featuring Billy Higgins on drums. Sort of at random: I’ve grabbed the first thing I heard on the track that stands out as especially interesting on its own. All intermediate and better jazz drumming students should play through these, and listen to the recordings:
He’s playing in a bop style here, so swing the 8th notes. The only articulations I’ve given are some buzzes on the snare drum— you’ll have to find a shape that works for you for each of these lines. They’re not meant to be played at a dead-even volume. The cymbal part is just for reference, in case you need to see it; Higgins may have played some cymbal variations on the recordings which I did not transcribe. Several phrases have bass drum parts specified, otherwise add the feet as you see fit— add hihat on 2 and 4, and “feather” quarter notes or half notes on the bass drum, or just leave it out.
Repeat each line many times.
I am happy to help you with any of the materials on the site, and with anything else drumming related— contact me for private lessons, online world wide, or in person in Portland, Oregon. All levels of players, and all people, are welcome.
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