Listening to a little Neal Morse this evening, I was reminded of what fabulous music a great drummer can make. My favourite, of course, is Neil Peart. (Check out this fabulous video of a dazzling visual and auditory array!) "The Professor" was instrumental (no pun intended) in moving drummers beyond the basic beat and into the realm of true musicianship. Hearing Neil play was my first hint of the kit as a "real instrument", and introduced me to the concept of Rock music beyond the basic 4/4 time. His work on YYZ, Superconductor and the Trees are three favourites.
Another much-loved drummer for me, and the inspiration for this blog post, is Mike Portnoy. Best known for his work with Dream Theatre, Portnoy's work is well known to drummers of all genres. I first met Mike Portnoy on Neal Morse's "?" album, where Mike's loud, firm beat provides a critical ingredient.
I particularly enjoy the opening track, which was in essence my first real intro to Prog Rock. I listened to this album loudly and often, cranked up in the car while driving to work and elsewhere, for nearly 6 months straight before growing weary of it, and recently, I re-discovered it. Truly a masterpiece!
I particularly enjoy the opening track, which was in essence my first real intro to Prog Rock. I listened to this album loudly and often, cranked up in the car while driving to work and elsewhere, for nearly 6 months straight before growing weary of it, and recently, I re-discovered it. Truly a masterpiece!
Several other drummers stand out to me... Paul Delong, for example, or Porcupine Tree's Gavin Harrison... but if I had to pick a third choice for my "top three drummers of all time", it would definately be ANIMAL, from the Muppet Show.
ANIMAL, who doesn't talk much, has a number of outstanding drum solos, but he is perhaps best known for his face-off with Buddy Rich, from Episode 552 of the Muppet Show. Imagine my surprise and delight when I recently glimpsed ANIMAL in person at Toronto's Gay Pride Parade!
ANIMAL, who doesn't talk much, has a number of outstanding drum solos, but he is perhaps best known for his face-off with Buddy Rich, from Episode 552 of the Muppet Show. Imagine my surprise and delight when I recently glimpsed ANIMAL in person at Toronto's Gay Pride Parade!
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