Big Fat Five: Allison Miller's (Drummer / Composer / Teacher) Top 5 Influential Records

Drummers on Drumming

This week’s guest is Allison Miller. Allison, based in New York City, is an American drummer, composer, and educator known for her versatile style. Fusing jazz with rock, funk, and global music elements, she has collaborated with notable artists including Dr. Lonnie Smith, Ani DiFranco, Natalie Merchant, Brandi Carlile, and others. A prolific solo artist, her latest album "Rivers in Our Veins" was released in 2023. Miller's dynamic drumming and dedication to musical innovation resonate with audiences across the globe. I hope you enjoy the 5 records that helped shape Allison Miller into the musician she is today. Cheers!

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Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit.

ALLISON’S BIG FAT FIVE:

Album - Around the World in a Day

Artist - Prince

Release Year - 1985

Key Track(s) - Tamborine, Condition of the Heart, Temptation

Drummer - Prince, Sheila E

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Album - Miles Smiles

Artist - Miles Davis

Release Year - 1967

Key Track(s) - Freedom Jazz Dance, Gingerbread Boy, Footprints, Dolores

Drummer - Tony Williams

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Album - The Avant-Garde

Artist - John Coltrane and Don Cherry

Release Year - 1966

Key Track(s) - The Invisible, The Blessing, Focus on Sanity

Drummer - Ed Blackwell

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Album - Plantation Lullabies

Artist - Meshell Ndegeocello

Release Year - 1993

Key Track(s) - I’m Diggin’ You, Step into the Projects, Call Me, Sit Outside Your Door

Drummer - David Gamson

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Album - Zoning

Artist - Mary Lou Williams

Release Year - 1974

Key Track(s) - Praise The Lord, Intermission, Rosa Mae

Drummer - Mickey Roker

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HONORABLE MENTIONS:

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Speak No Evil - Wayne Shorter

Black and Red - Live in Willisau

The Cure - Keith Jarrett Trio

Empyrean Isles - Herbie Hancock

Sounds of Joy - Joe Lovano

Unity - Larry Young

Special Edition - Jack Dejohnette

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