This week’s guest is Allison Miller. Allison, based in New York City, is an American drummer, composer, and educator known for her versatile style. Fusing jazz with rock, funk, and global music elements, she has collaborated with notable artists including Dr. Lonnie Smith, Ani DiFranco, Natalie Merchant, Brandi Carlile, and others. A prolific solo artist, her latest album "Rivers in Our Veins" was released in 2023. Miller's dynamic drumming and dedication to musical innovation resonate with audiences across the globe. I hope you enjoy the 5 records that helped shape Allison Miller into the musician she is today. Cheers!
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Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!
Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit.
ALLISON’S BIG FAT FIVE:
Album - Around the World in a Day
Artist - Prince
Release Year - 1985
Key Track(s) - Tamborine, Condition of the Heart, Temptation
Drummer - Prince, Sheila E
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Album - Miles Smiles
Artist - Miles Davis
Release Year - 1967
Key Track(s) - Freedom Jazz Dance, Gingerbread Boy, Footprints, Dolores
Drummer - Tony Williams
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Album - The Avant-Garde
Artist - John Coltrane and Don Cherry
Release Year - 1966
Key Track(s) - The Invisible, The Blessing, Focus on Sanity
Drummer - Ed Blackwell
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Album - Plantation Lullabies
Artist - Meshell Ndegeocello
Release Year - 1993
Key Track(s) - I’m Diggin’ You, Step into the Projects, Call Me, Sit Outside Your Door
Drummer - David Gamson
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Album - Zoning
Artist - Mary Lou Williams
Release Year - 1974
Key Track(s) - Praise The Lord, Intermission, Rosa Mae
Drummer - Mickey Roker
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HONORABLE MENTIONS:
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Speak No Evil - Wayne Shorter
Black and Red - Live in Willisau
The Cure - Keith Jarrett Trio
Empyrean Isles - Herbie Hancock
Sounds of Joy - Joe Lovano
Unity - Larry Young
Special Edition - Jack Dejohnette
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