Idris Muhammad (born Leo Morris on 13 November 1939 in New Orleans, Louisiana) is an American jazz drummer who has recorded extensively with a host of artists including Ahmad Jamal, Grant Green, Grover Washington, Hank Crawford, Gene Ammons, and Houston Person.
He changed his name in the 1960s upon his conversion to Islam. He is known for his funky playing style. He has released a number of albums as leader, and has played with a number of jazz legends including Lou Donaldson, Johnny Griffin, Pharoah Sanders and Grover Washington, Jr. He has been touring and recording with pianist Ahmad Jamal since 1995. At 16 years old, one of Muhammad’s earliest recorded sessions as a drummer was on Fats Domino’s 1956 hit “Blueberry Hill”.
Below are some examples of Idris very tasteful playing. To start with there are three great sound clips and then a wonderful live concert from Spain with John Scofield and Idris Muhammad and finally a wonderful performance with Ahmad Jamal trio from Grenoble (2008). I will for sure write about both John Scofield and Amhad Jamal later on.
Enjoy!
Idris Muhammad – “Loran’s Dance” from the album “Power Of Soul” (1974)
Musicians are; Idris Muhammad (dr), Gary King (b), Bob James (p), Joe Beck (g), Randy Brecker (tr), Grover Washington Jr.
Idris Muhammad – Power of Soul” (1974)
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Idris Muhammad – “Crab Apple” (1977)
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBbTbVFQW9Y
Ahmad Jamal Trio – “The Aftermath” live at Grenoble (2008)
Musicians are; Ahmad Jamal (p), Idris Muhammad (dr), James Cammack (b)
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