Straight-Ahead Jazz Drumming provides a step-by-step method devoted to unlocking the mysteries of the jazz drummer's role as an accompanist. Author Jeff Jerolamon has combined informative text, realistic musical examples, and audio tracks that clearly and methodically detail such topics as how to: develop a good, traditional cymbal beat; adorn the cymbal beat with comping figures; play and use basic tension figures; play the cymbal in a contemporary, post 1960, fashion; adorn the contemporary cymbal concept with the rest of the drumset; resolve tensions or resolution points; build excitement behind a soloist and more. Excellent for self-study, studio lessons, and college curriculum use!