Two drummers working it out, face to face—trading licks, contributing to a massive groove, spurring each other on—it’s one of the great musical traditions, and surely it goes back to the very invention of the drumkit at the beginning of the last century. In the ’30s, the idea of the “drum battle” took hold in popular culture, and crowds flocked to see and hear the percussive gods of the day duke it out on the bandstand. Quite a few records were sold too: Rich Versus Roach, Gene Krupa & Buddy Rich, Gretsch Drum Night at Birdland….
In time, though, the “entertainment” approach to double-drum performances was superceded by ambitious recordings featuring two drumset players who were working toward very specific musical goals. Jazz leaders like John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Miles Davis—each of whom you’ll soon be reading more about—envisioned new musical worlds that exploited the rhythms and colors that four hands and four feet could create.
Soon, psychedelic rock groups who were hip to ’Trane and Miles, like the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers Band, took the idea and ran with it, recording and improvising live on tunes that rock fans still love and learn from. And the tradition lives on today, from rockers looking for some extra-heavy rhythmic wallop to jam bands exploring time complexities to R&B greats like Beyoncé—whose two kit drummers grace this month’s cover.
One caveat: This group of tunes focuses on tracks where the presence of two drummers is absolutely essential to the power of the music, where it furthers a clear intent. In other words, don’t look for lots of cuts featuring two guys blowing impressively but not saying much. Rather, this hugely diverse list focuses on performances bursting with invention, synchronicity, emotion, and sometimes just plain fun. Technique freaks need not need worry anyway—there are plenty of head-spinning licks to be found here too.
So whip out your headphones, and let’s dig in...
https://www.moderndrummer.com/2012/01/25-great-double-drumming-tracks/_____________________________________
10 Top Acts With Dual Drummers
http://www.dallasobserver.com/music/10-top-acts-with-dual-drummers-7081557
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