Drummers You Should Know (Part 6): Tony Williams
This is part 6 of a series of articles written by the tutors and learners at Elephant Drums about drummers that have been inspirational to them. A couple of our long-term students have added some more drummers to the list, so we asked them if they would like to contribute an article to the blog. It gives a personal perspective on influential drummers and may help you discover music to enhance your own drumming journey!
Tony Williams by Amelia Scott
An inspirational drummer for me is Tony Williams. I was never a “jazz person” growing up; I loved music but only dabbled here and there. It wasn’t until I started drumming lessons that I began to explore jazz more deeply. Tony Williams was like a revelation.
At just 17, he joined Miles Davis’ band. Imagine having that level of skill and artistry before you’re even out of your teens! It’s mind-blowing, but more than that, it’s inspiring to anyone who’s new to an instrument.
How Tony Williams Inspired Me
What struck me most about Tony’s playing was how expressive it is. On tracks like Footprints or Nefertiti, his drumming isn’t just accompaniment; it’s its own voice in the conversation. His ability to blend dynamics, rhythm, and melody makes every performance feel like storytelling.
Since discovering him, I’ve tried to incorporate more dynamic variation into my own playing - something my tutor keeps reminding me is a “work in progress,” but I love the challenge!
Want to dive into Tony’s genius? Start with Miles Davis’ Miles Smiles or his own album Lifetime. It’s a window into a world of creativity.
About Amelia:
I joined Elephant Drums three years ago after deciding to pick up drumming as a way to reconnect with my love of music. I'm a school teacher by day, so I'm an evening learner who has fully embraced improvisation as part of my practice. It's Elephant Drums’ relaxed and flexible teaching approach I think has most helped me to build the confidence to jam with other musicians.
About Elephant Drums
Drum Lessons in London
Elephant Drums is London's independent collective of drum teachers.
For information about drum lessons, workshops and events visit www.elephantdrums.co.uk/drum-tuition/
