Oceans of Time: The Musical Autobiography of Billy Hart (Cymbal Press)
Billy Hart
by Terrell K. Holmes
The revered drummer, bandleader and composer, Billy Hart, has time in his hands; he has not only synthesized the history and styles of other drummers, but has developed a singular technique and become a standard-bearer of what he likes to refer to as “America’s classical music.” Hart recounts his decades-long career to pianist and longtime bandmate Ethan Iverson on Oceans of Time, winner of the 2026 Jazz Journalists Association’s Jazz Book-Biography/Autobiography of the Year.
Hart’s journey began on a Christmas in Washington, DC, when he received “the absolute cheapest drum set ever made in the history of this planet.” The book has a kinetic energy, moving through time, exploring how Hart developed his chops by playing with a roster of all-time greats, including Jimmy Smith, Wes Montgomery, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner and Stan Getz as well as musicians who were out of the spotlight but who mentored him (and others), and helped move the music forward. There were challenging years for Hart, trying to find his voice while dealing with the mercuriality of the music business, balancing artistic integrity with financial reward (something he calls “the game”), all while raising a family. But he endured.
Hart, who turns 86 this November, recalls the countless people he’s played with, and his knowledge of the history and mechanics of drumming is vast; he discusses technical concepts with a minimum of explanation, which the reader will find either daunting or illuminating (some of the many footnotes could have been incorporated into the text to help the narrative flow). The most challenging aspect of the book is also its greatest strength. His stories about all of the people he’s worked with and admires, and the albums he’s recorded and loves, make it nearly impossible not to put the book down and run to one’s music collection, or streaming service of choice, to check out what he’s talking about. And his knowledge of drumming, and the pride he feels in continuing its great tradition, ensures that you will never hear a drummer at a show the same way again.
Hart reveals himself to be an esteemed teacher, self-effacing and proud, who continues to learn from his students, and whose generosity of spirit is as boundless as his talent. Oceans of Time is an instant classic, an engrossing look at the luminous life of Billy Hart.
For more info visit cymbalpress.com/billyhart. The Billy Hart Quartet is at 92NY’s “Jazz in July” Jul. 15. See Calendar.