Rashied Ali was an innovator and a leading proponent of multidirectional rhythms/polytonal drumming. Ali, a student of Philly Joe Jones, and an admirer Art Blakey, developed “free jazz” drumming. This style frees the percussionist of the role of human metronome. Rashied Ali, a Philadelphia native, began his percussion career with the U.S Army. He then started playing in rhythm and blues bands and rock groups after he was discharged. Rashied Ali began his musical career with the Philly R.
