Percussionists! (AKA drummers)

I’m not looking at this as a “best of” list, but more of a list of drummers I really
enjoy. I limited my list, but there are so many more that could have been mentioned.

Drummer:

Hamid Drake (Jazz, various artist): When thinking about the top drummers in the
world past or present, Hamid is the first one that comes to mind. I’ve witnessed
Hamid play over a dozen times and his drumming abilities never cease to amaze me.
His style is effortless and something that really needs to be experienced first
hand. (photo below)

Paal Nilssen-Love (Jazz, various artists): Paal should be considered the Ironman of
drummers, he hits very hard but in contrast creates the most suitable melodies to
compliment the performers he’s playing with.

Dale Crover (Melvins, various side projects): Pure ability, pure power is the only
way to sum up Dale Crover. Sometimes he’s completely on key, sometimes timed off,
he is amazing.

Keith Moon (The Who): I can not kid myself to believe I was never in complete awe
of Keith Moon as a drummer and a rock and roll personality, but we’ll only need to
focus on drumming. The slap-happy, sloppy presence of Keith Moon was an element of
the Who that really made them that something special. The sound of his licks added
a complexity that made their sound completely unique. Just listen to the last
portion of Happy Jack.

Max Roach (Jazz): My first exposure to Max Roach was through my disc Rick vs.
Roach. With Rich coming through one channel and Max coming through the other, over
a little bit of time is was clearly distinctive who was who. Yes, Buddy Rich was
fast and accurate, but Max had soul. He hit the groove. Max Roach was one of the
greatest.

Earl Hudson – Bad Brains. Punk rock/reggae drummer with style. Earl cements the
songs together. He sounded like a free jazz drummer in many ways.

Han Bennink (Jazz): I was fortunate to see Han play live, although he played only a
snare that night. Han was an amazing contributor to the European Free Jazz movement
that changed the world of Jazz everywhere. His drumming was outside the box, and
within the box, and around the box and the box… etc. A true legend. (photo below)

Coady Willis (Melvins, Big Business): When Coady first started playing with the
Melvins alongside Dale Crover, my first thought as well as I’m sure everyone who
never heard of the guy) was WHYY??? would they need to add an additional drummer??
HOW??? can anyone play next to Dale Crover? Is this going to be a disaster? Not at
all. The combination of Coady and Dale playing the duel drumming kit creating what
I like to call the abyss… was a perfect combination of the drumming. Drumming
being recognized as a key element to every track and song. The Melvins were even
more complete. (photo below)

Joey Baron (Masada, John Zorn, additional projects) Joey’s drummer always came to
the forefront for me, his drumming stands out. He’s quick, he’s accurate, it makes a
statement. Solid.

Tony Williams (Jazz): Love his style and vibe as well as his music as a band leader. (photo below)

Jim Black! I absolutely adore the work he did with Tim Berne!

Oh, and the Incredible: Charlie Watts, the leader of the popular band, The Rolling Stones!

Honorable mentions:
Elvin Jones, Frank Rosaly, Chris Corsano, Tim Daisy, Guy Lombardo, Neil Peart, Jeff Nelson, Buddy Rich, Michael Zerang, Ginger Baker, Ronald Shannon Jackson, John Bonham, Neal Smith, the list could go on and on and on…. and I’m sure I’m missing a lot!