In general, when I play jazz (bebop or “straight ahead”) I like approaching the bass drum with the “felt rather than heard” approach. I play quarter notes very lightly on every beat when playing time. This technique is called “feathering” the bass drum. If the bass drum is not played at all, then the music sounds empty. If I play too loudly on the bass drum, it sounds… well, too loud and too heavy.

I’ll play this way even if it’s not a jazz gig, but the leader calls a jazz tune. The group immediately can feel the difference when I do this, and (usually) it’s appreciated. The feel is much lighter and the time tends to float.

This technique took me quite a while to master and to achieve a certain comfort level. Be patient with yourself and listen to the true masters of this music. Swing hard and quietly (especially that bass drum)!

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