RIP Roy Haynes - CRUISE SHIP DRUMMER!

The last old master drummer has died, Roy Haynes, at age 99. He was the last of the “magnificent seven” (coined by Lenny White): Kenny Clarke, Max Roach, Art Blakey, Roy Haynes, Philly Joe Jones, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams. He, Elvin and Tony especially are the real triumvirate of modern guys. He was a very slick, modern player from the beginning— he plays a lot of the same stuff on his early records that you hear later on. Maybe I can attempt to write a full blown analysis of his playing and influence soon.

I used to listen to this record in my headphones constantly when I was at USC, it’s a fitting send off:

I think the late 80s weren’t a real high point for his public profile— this record put him front and center in a lot of people’s consciousness:

I’ve written about him and transcribed him pretty extensively in ~13 years of writing this site, I suggest you spool through that. I also have an e-book of 5 transcriptions.

And here’s a very short list of recommended listening:

Miles Davis – & Horns

Thelonious Monk – Misterioso

Roy Haynes – Out Of The Afternoon, We Three, Cracklin’, Hip Ensemble

Oliver Nelson – Blues And The Abstract Truth

Steve Lacy – The Straight Horn
McCoy Tyner – Reaching Fourth

John Coltrane – Selflessness Featuring My Favorite Things

Gary Burton – Duster, Like Minds

Chick Corea – Now He Sings Now He Sobs, Trio Music, Trio Music Live

McCoy Tyner – Blues For Coltrane

Pat Metheny – Question & Answer

There’s a comprehensive discography here— I’ll be going through that and filling in some gaps in my listening.

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.

Email Todd | Call or text +1(503)380-9259 | Chat on WhatsApp

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