by Maple » Sat Jan 28, 2012 11:53 am
The top 5 drummers are hard to define. Music is unlike a sport, where we can compare averages. Music, being art, is all about interpretation on the part of the listener.
I play drums and percussion. I am mainly experienced in Brasilian, African, Afro Cuban and Western 20th century percussion. Including drumset.
Great drummers are everywhere. Giovanni Hidalgo, Zaker Hussain, Chanquito, these are people unknown to the majority. Indeed even drumset players may not know them. And yet these people are giants of percussion.
So how to answsr this question? Frankly I don't know. I am too educated to answer. A teacher of mine, Virgil Donati, is perhaps the greatest technician thus far on the drumset. Buddy Rich, who I never met or studied with, was a monster and virtually untouchable as a soloist of his time. Quite possibly the greatest soloist on any instrument of the 20th century.
But we don't get hired to play solos.
Tony Williams was perhaps the greatest time keeper. Miles Davis said Tony was the best instrumentalist with whom he worked. Hard to argue with Miles, who also worked with Buddy.
Vinnie Colaiuta is astounding. Tremendoes technique, able to play any style. Something Buddy could not do. Buddy always swung. Buddy hired Earl Palmer to play on his daughters pop album.
There is no top 5. Anyone who says there is, is in need of an education.
I am sorry if this post is not informative. There are too many drummers.
My favorite drummer is Bill Bruford. Mainly due to the integrity with which he conducted his career.