Evolution of Gospel Drumming?

[jlightfoot]

Hey, my name is Jody Lightfoot. I'm studying a bachelor of jazz at WAAPA and doing my final research paper on the evolution of the gospel drumming style.
Does anyone have information on the characteristics these drummers were creditted for incorporating in to the style?
I've heard lots of people mention Bill Maxwell, Joel Smith, Dana Davis, Kevin Brunson, Gerald Heyward, Joe Smith etc but I'm finding it difficult to understand what characteristics these these players contributed to the style.
Cheers
 

 

[fretai03]

Do your own homework.

Just kidding, there are some very knowledgeable people on this forum who can at least point you in the right direction. They'll pop up soon enough.

I wouldn't be surprised if some of the drummers you mentioned actually lurk on these forums...

[Hotsticks1]

Well as for Gerald Heyward...he really contributed a lot to gospel drumming. Gerald Heyward was one of the first cats to really bring big licks to gospel recording. He was playing with Hezekiah Walker and Natalie Wilson and the S.O.P. Choral...or something like that...Anyway he brought a lot of big fills and odd timings to gospel musc...check out the original I'll make it by Hezekiah Walker and you'll hear 2 crazy fills that gospel drummers are still studying during the 2 breaks of the song. As for Joel Smith, he was a heavy pockett drummer that later switched to bass and completely killed on the Kim Burrell album...strait beast...anyway I know I wasnt much help but I hope I was of some assistance...let us all know how that paper turns out

[jlightfoot]

Thanx "Hotsticks1", ur input will be helpful thanks for the specific CD's to check out.