Post #31: Let's talk DRUMMERS!




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Now playing: Frank Zappa - Stink-Foot
via FoxyTunes I just want to point out that I am not biased when it comes to the musicians I talk about. Where I am a guitarist, marginal at best (and I mean BAD marginal, not good marginal), I also love and appreciate the talents of the rhythm section. Drums AND bass. I will delve into bass in another post. With this one, we are going to talk drums. Now, before I get started, I just wanted to point out that I am now numbering the blog posts, as I am wanting to refer to earlier posts, and it will be much easier if I can just lay out a number for the reader to reference. And now... ON TO DRUMS!

So, if I were to ask you who your favorite drummer is, would you just spit out Neal Peart? I am going to do another survey, and Mr. Peart will definitely be on the list, but I want to point out a few others that really get my foot tapping. Literally!

MY personal favorite drummer is Gavin Harrison, the drummer for Porcupine Tree. Now, I know you are all getting sick and tired of the Porcupine Tree talk, but he must be mentioned. I was once told that Gavin was referred to as the "human metronome". For those of you who don't know, a metronome is the obnoxious little instrument that musicians use to keep a steady beat. Gavin apparently has one in his head, because he apparently has a reputation for how constant his playing is. The reason why Gavin tops my list, is because he is not only an exceptional Rock drummer, but an accomplished Jazz drummer, as well. I wish I could just post a video of him playing, but my best recommendation is searching the world wide web for some video footage. He is truly amazing, and I can't say any more.

My second favorite drummer would probably be Stewart Copeland. He is best known for his work with The Police, but he has done many other things. He is an accomplished film composer, and even did a two album stint with a band called "Animal Logic", which featured Stanley Clarke on bass. Look for his name when I get into my favorite bassists. I have tickets to see The Police concert this summer, and 80% of the reason why I am going, is to watch Stewart. Sting? Snooze. Andy Summers? Okay, he'll be cool. Stewart? Wow. I can't wait.

Third, would probably be Paul Wertico of Pat Metheny Group fame. I have only seen him perform once (live), and own a laser disc of the group (see post number 27), but he blows me away. Most of what he does includes a lot of cymbal work, but the way he does it is absolutely compelling to me. I think the cymbal work is one of the things that draws me to specific drummers. Stewart Copeland was also cymbalcentric. Yeah, I just made that word up... WHAT OF IT!?!

Fourth, the good ol', and very trusty, I might add... NEAL PEART. Everyone knows why. Oh, I guess if you don't know that he is the drummer for Rush, then you MAY NOT know why. But now that we have that clear, you also know why...

Fifth, I think I will cite Steve Gadd. Probably one of the most prolific studio (and live) musicians in the history of contemporary Pop music, this gentleman has lent his talents to countless musicians. Legendary musicians. People like Paul Simon, Eric Clapton, among others.

Some of the other people I need to mention are Steve Smith (of Journey fame), Phil Gould (of Level 42), Jeff "Tain" Watts (an incredible Jazz drummer) and.... WHOA! HOLD THE PRESSES!!

Steve Gadd? You're getting bumped. Number six. Sorry, pal! Number five needs to go to Manu Katche. Manu has played with Sting, Peter Gabriel... and himself! Well, in a solo musician sort of way! Check out Peter Gabriel's DVD from the "US" tour, in 1993. It is truly amazing, and Manu Katche is a big part of that.

So, I will list these guys, and we will do the same as we did the guitarists? Can you handle that? Please? Yes... Thanks, folks. Thanks for taking my silly surveys.

Comments

Mark C said…
A "poll" about great drummers is not valid without the mention of Bill Bruford, nor is a "poll" about guitarists without Frank Zappa!
What were you thinking, man?!
;-)
Sean Dahl said…
It's funny you mention that. I totally forgot about Bruford when I did the drummers, but unfortunately remembered Zappa just after putting the guitar poll up. And I was going to add him, but it will not allow me to do so, after a vote has been cast. Very good, though, and I totally concur! I was even watching a DVD of Frank the day before I put that post on, and thinking to myself how remarkable he was. Maybe I should do a post/poll about the forgotten musicians. NOT forgotten amongst the masses, only my aging mind.
April said…
ha...I actually expected Lars from Metallica to be on the drummer list.....
Sean Dahl said…
Hmmm... Mr. Ulrich. You know, I must admit that I haven't paid too much attention to Lars. Obviously he can play fast, as he's a drummer for Metallica. But technique. Do you think he holds up to the rest? And I actually forgot to list one that is fast, and is known for his technique. Mr. Josh Freese! He has played for The Vandals, NIN, A Perfect Circle, Daughtry, and the list keeps growing. The most sought after drummer in Alternative music. Maybe I had better edit my post, although that won't get him on the list. Once a vote has been cast. :-(
klark kent said…
Where is Pete Townsend, Andy Summers and George Harrison on the guitarist list?
klark kent said…
Do you mean living drummers? Must, no other explanation for no Bonzo John Bonham or Keith Moon.
Sean Dahl said…
I thought of putting Bonham on the list. Unfortunately it was after the fact, and once again, once a vote is cast, it is too late. But that's why we have the "none of the above" option. My forgetful mind gets a friendly (I hope) reminder.
April said…
Okay to be truthful, I don't think i have ever paid too much attention to drummers technique. I only pay attention to the fact that it's tight and in sync with the Bassist :) I was just impressed with Lars double kicking abilities...I voted for the Rush guy because an even drum fill isn't as easy as it looks! :)
Sean Dahl said…
It's all good! Except I was thinking about Klark Kent's comment, and I realized that some people just want the musicians from their favorite bands to be on the lists. Now, if i were listing the most INFLUENTIAL musicians, the old guys would definitely top the list. To me, it's more about the flexibility to move from one genre to another, and to be able to do it with complete precision. April, you need to see Gavin Harrison in action, then you would see what I mean.