My Absolute Favorite Drummers

I’m a self-taught groove drummer – playing since I was 12 or so. I had my Modern Drummer subscriptions and custom mix tapes of great drumming to practice to. I used to be focused on how to pull off certain things on the drums, but find myself now concerned more about why certain things are done on the drums to support the band and communicate the spirit of the music.

Certainly there are oodles of drummers out in the world with ridiculous chops who make the seemingly impossible, possible. To me, that cache wears off quickly and I find myself paying more respect to drummers who demonstrate a great understanding of dynamics, song structure, mood, deep pockets and tasteful fills. The following chaps are those that I model after…

Vinnie Colaiuta

Vinnie Colaiuta is the complete package: monster chops, spot-on sight-reading skills, natural feel, proven versatility, and tasteful, musical execution. Often cited as one of the greatest drummers of our time, Colaiuta’s blend of technical mastery and artful eloquence has boggled minds for decades, and his extensive drumming resume, ranging from Megadeth to Joni Mitchell to Herbie Hancock, shows he can do it all — and then some. credit: DrumMagazine.com

Stanley Randolph

Stanley Randolph is the 24 year old drummer for the legendary soul artist Stevie Wonder. When Stanley’s not touring with Stevie Wonder, he’s laying down the backbeat for his own band, NuJynisis. Stanley plays Pearl drums, Vic Firth sticks and Zildjian cymbals and currently resides in Los Angeles, California with his wife. credit: Zildjian.com

Harvey Mason

You will have only begun to scratch the surface by identifying the masterful Harvey Mason as just a drummer. Yes, his precision time keeping and versatility have placed him among THE most in-demand and most recorded session drummers of all-time. Yes, his tumbling tom-tom fills and the lickity slick synchronization between his hi-hat cymbals, snare and bass drums are instantly recognizable signatures. Yes, he’s been hired by everyone from Barbra Streisand to James Brown to Mary J to Herbie Hancock to Jennifer Hudson to Frank Sinatra to John Legend to the London Symphony Orchestra. Yes, he has won four 1st place plaques from Modern Drummer magazine’s annual studio poll and has been the first call drummer for the Academy Awards ceremonies on 25 occasions. credit: HarveyMason.net

Manu Katché

Manu Katché can be considered as one of today’s leading drummers. Contrary to other drummer’s drummers like Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta or Dennis Chambers he is not a virtuous drummer on first hearing. However, in his ability to lay down a basic groove and ornament it with short tom or cymbal strokes in a most peculiar, surprising, but very musical manner, he is practically inimitable and virtuous in his own way. This ‘ornamented groove’ is most typical of Manu Katché and it is what makes him recognizable on every album he plays on. credit: DrummerWorld.com

Tony Royster Jr.

Tony Royster Jr. is just 26 years old and already plays like someone twice his age! Starting at the age of 3, his prodigious talent helped him become proficient in the styles of Jazz, Rock, Latin, and Funk. He has already had the opportunity to share the stage with such notable drummers as Dennis Chambers, Billy Cobham, Frank Briggs, and has played with prestigious artists such as Jay Z., P. Diddy, T.I. Jay Holiday, and Envogue. credit: TonyRoysterJr.com

Neil Peart

Neil Peart is the most popular drummer today. When it comes to voting in Modern Drummer or Drummerworld – Neil Peart is always the No. 1.

Born September 12, 1952, near Hagersville, Ontario, Neil is the drummer and lyricist for the Canadian rock band Rush. Rush is the most successful band from Canada, having played together for over 30 years, and selling over 24.5 million records (U.S.). Over the years, Rush has developed their own style of Progressive Rock, weaving together heavy metal, art rock, reggae, new wave, pop, grunge, and classical styles with thoughtful lyrics. The result has been 23 diverse albums, successful tours, and a loyal fan base.

Peart is known for his creative and intricate drum parts and extensive drum solos that delight both drummers and non-drummers alike. He’s won many reader’s poll awards from Modern Drummer, including 12 consecutive “best recorded performance” awards. credit: DrummerWorld.com

John Blackwell

John Blackwell Jr., the sound, funk and fury behind Prince and the New Power Generation is a spectacle for the eyes and ears. Blackwell’s slamming tight grooves, popping snare and furiously flamboyant drumstick twirling and cross-arm strokes must be seen to be believed. credit: DrummerWorld.com