My Top 5: Drummers
This is the first in an occasional blog series of top 5’s from me, starting with a rather obvious topic, so here’s my 5 favourite drummers, ranked from 5 to 1:
5. Brian Bennett
Brian Bennett is a quintessential British drummer for me. Incredible technique and musicality, as well as an approach with pulled from the jazz background into what became British Rock ’n’ Roll with Cliff Richard & The Shadows. His solo work, particularly on ‘Little B’ was always very expressive, and above all, musical, and continued to develop as the decades past. Outside of the drums, he’s an acclaimed composer for film and television, and even holds 3 Ivor Novello awards for his work. A true legend of the instrument, and one so often overlooked. Stand out tracks for me (aside from the aforementioned ‘Little B’) are ‘Shadoogie‘, ‘Apache‘ and ‘The Rise and Fall of Flingel Bunt‘.
4. Ringo Starr
Ringo is arguably the most popular drummer of all time, and with good reason. Not only did he play with the most famous band on the planet, The Beatles, but he was a songwriter, an innovator and the reason so many drummers started playing. I’ve long admired Ringo’s style, so individual, and mainly as a result of his left handed approach on a right handed kit, and instantly recognisable. Not only in style but in sound too, and always playing for the song, and making the music sound wonderful.
3. Simon Phillips
In my opinion, Simon is a master of the instrument. His technique and dexterity are far beyond most others, and with an ear for absolute perfection and a signature sound on the instrument (which on this list is becoming a theme). Not only that but the variety in his work and his ability to work perfectly in any context, from playing in a trio with Hiromi, a stadium with Toto or a sweaty jazz club with his Protocol solo project. His solos are something to behold, but he can equally sit in a band and groove comfortably. To follow the legendary Jeff Porcaro and record and tour with Toto for over 20 years was no mean feat, let alone when you consider he has worked on both sides of the glass in recording studios, producing for the likes of Mike Oldfield in his long and varied career.
2. Steve Gadd
The thing that gets me with Steve Gadd, is his touch and feel. Theres scarcely a drummer around who can groove as cleanly and consistently as Gadd, and have such a perfect touch on the kit. A prolific session player with a CV that is the envy of all others; Paul Simon, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Chick Corea, Paul McCartney, Joe Cocker etc. etc. Gadd always puts the music first, playing appropriately and with great taste, and creating interesting parts pulling in influence from the likes of latin rhythms or military drumming. Key tracks to listen to are Paul Simon’s ‘50 Ways To Leave Your Lover’ and ‘Late in the Evening’ as well as Rickie Lee Jones’ ‘Chuck E’s in Love‘ for some classic Gadd groove and fills. The thing with Steve Gadd, is he always knows what not to play, and how to let the music breathe.
1. Neil Peart
Neil Peart is simply a legendary drummer, lyricist and multi-percussionist. Hailing from Toronto, and joining Rush in 1974, he was already a skilled drummer, and continued to develop and push the boundaries throughout his career. The ability to play through multiple time signatures and complex rhythmic phrases without making it sound that way was sublime, and just listening through the likes of ‘Tom Sawyer’ and ‘Limelight‘ demonstrates this. Peart’s drum solos quickly became a mainstay of live performances, and were well orchestrated and meticulously planned, to make them musical and structured, rather than just a flurry of ideas, and his work outside of Rush with teachers like Freddie Gruber and Peter Erskine took his playing to another level. His passing in January of 2020 was an almighty shock to the music industry, and his loss is still felt to this day.
Notable mentions:
Billy Cobham
Neal Wilkinson
Jeff Porcaro
Hal Blaine
John ‘JR’ Robinson