Jazz Drum Solo Series Tony's Way

Here is Tony's Way, a written solo tribute to Tony Williams. This solo is from the book Jazz Drum Solos Volume 1 by Rich Thompson.
This is one of many published solos I use in my teaching curriculum.
The solo is based on the time playing and soloing of Tony Williams
I play the solo at the written tempo of quarter = 260 and show you two different camera views. I talk about the influence Tony Williams has had on the drumming world as well as my own exposure to his playing. Then I discuss some ways to practice this solo and demonstrate several sections of it.

According to the author, Rich Thompson this solo was inspired by the following recordings
Tony’s Way: Miles Davis 7 Steps to Heaven CD, also Chet Baker’s The Best Thing for You Is Me CD, title track.

The drums used in the video are Gretsch Centennial from 1983.
The sizes of these drums are: 18"x14" bass,10",12",14" toms and a 14"x 6.5" snare.
The cymbals in this video are all 1940's- 1960's K Zildjian except for a Paiste 22" swish/china.
Cymbal sizes
21" ride
18"crash/ride w/rivets
16" crash
15" Hi Hats
22" Paiste swish/china with rivets


The drum heads are all calf skin.
Microphones are a AKG C24 stereo overhead and an Shure Beta 52 on the Bass drum.