He set the highest standards of technique and uncovered possibilities in multi-layered rhythms which are still being explored.

Elvin Jones, regarded by many (and by myself) as the most influential modern jazz drummer, has died in the US of heart failure. He was 76. Jones was a member of the John Coltrane Quintet and played, among others (500 recordings!), with:

• Duke Ellington
• Charles Mingus
• Miles Davis
• Charlie Parker

His health had deteriorated in recent months, but Jones only played his final show with his group last month, using an oxygen tank while on stage (!).

Like jazz drum greats Kenny Clarke and Max Roach before him, Mr. Jones de-emphasized the standard time-keeping role of jazz drumming. But he then went several steps beyond, constantly subdividing the beats he played and creating a free-flowing pulse that was a marvel of intricacy and invention. His stunning work earned him a broad array of admirers, including such top rock drummers as Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead and former San Diegan Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam.