Philly-ISM (Paperback)

Philly-ISM by Tim Carman is a percussion instructional book with online video that explores legendary jazz drummer Philly Joe Jones and his distinctive rudimental approach to soloing. Created for drummers, percussionists, music educators, and musicians interested in jazz improvisation, the book examines how Philly Joe Jones transformed the paradiddle into a powerful and expressive musical vocabulary through focused practice and creative application.

The book combines detailed written instruction with more than one hour of online video lessons demonstrating the concepts and exercises presented throughout. Readers study eighteen Philly Joe Jones solos from legendary recordings, examine paradiddle stickings and their variations, analyze nine additional signature phrases, and explore methods for permutating, orchestrating, and subdividing the featured rhythmic concept. The material also demonstrates ways to sing and improvise using the ISM over real song forms while encouraging the development of original musical ideas.

Rather than presenting isolated exercises, Philly-ISM reveals how a foundational rudimental idea can become a versatile creative language for drum soloing. By connecting technical control with musical expression, the book offers valuable insight into the playing style of one of jazz drumming's most influential artists. The included video instruction reinforces key concepts through visual demonstrations, making it easier to follow the analytical approach presented throughout the text.

Whether used for personal practice, music study, drum instruction, or as a thoughtful gift for percussion enthusiasts and collectors of jazz education materials, Philly-ISM combines historical insight, musical analysis, and practical study into a comprehensive resource focused on one of jazz drumming's most enduring rhythmic concepts.