The Evolution of Jazz Drumming presents a complete historical overview and analysis of jazz drumming. Designed as a guide and workbook for the high school, college level, and professional drummer, it is designed to be studied based on a typical 16-week college semester. A legendary and influential jazz drummer is studied during each of these weeks. Upon completion of the book, the user will have a complete understanding of the influential contributions of these jazz masters, which is necessary for any musician to play this music authentically. The 31 drumming legends included are examined with musical analysis including practice exercises in the style of the subject's drumming, transcriptions of both solo and time playing, and etudes that examine the work in unprecedented detail. Each profile also includes a complete biography, personal anecdotes from the author, and dozens of exclusive and rare photos, many of which have never appeared in print before.

The set includes a DVD of classic video clips of many of the drummers, as well as an mp3 disc with over 300 tracks. Video clips on the DVD are analyzed and transcribed in the text, while the mp3s consist of exercises and etudes from the book recorded at various speeds that can be looped for analysis and practice. Drummers featured in this book include Chick Webb, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Louis Bellson, Kenny Clarke, Max Roach, Art Blakey, and many more.