What do you look for in other drummers?

+1. Nailed it.

 

Great discussion! Yup, dynamics, feel, pocket are the obvious things. This got me thinking about how I like to feel when I see another drummer play. I like to see drums played with solid intention. It's a huge satisfaction to watch someone play accents between ghost notes in a way that tells a story. The player transmits to you that they know exactly what they are doing and are comfortable enough to share it with you unabashed. Most great players I've seen have an elegance to their body language. Some good players are hard for me to watch.They sound good enough, but I get the feeling that their lack of ergonomics somehow makes them sound less than optimal, if that makes any sense.

 

I played guitar the other night while someone else played drums for the first time in forever. It was a good experience. I get caught up sometimes in trying to expand the pocket a bit but not being behind the kit was humbling. The guy was a great drummer, had some chops. But he let everyone know. It felt like we were playing over a drum solo most of the night.

It’s a reminder, play to the song and pick your moments to shine. But what makes those shining moments special is the fact that you’re not doing it the whole set.

 

I haven't read all the posts, but my guess is most say the groove, feel, touch, pocket.
Besides the obvious I'll look for a few things
I look to see if the dancefloor is jumpin' if at gig. (If applicable music)
If the dancefloor is packed, they're doing their job.
I'll listen for grooves I don't know, nor can figure out, or execute on the fly.
I'll look to see where the sticks are splintering
Look how relaxed the drummer is.
I'll check out the gear
Quality of sound coming out of the kit.

 

Height.

 

Groove = pocket to me. If you are in the groove of a song, that's where you need to be.
I agree with dynamics - don't over or under play the room/venue or song. I do also look at equipment because I appreciate the little details. Mostly, since most drummers are better than me because I can't do rudiments or read music, so I just try to learn a technique, trick, or mannerism to hopefully help me be a better player!

 

Are they playing the music?

Are they igniting the band?

What do they bring that's new to me?

 

They gotta be having fun. If they sit back there and look like they have the "it's time to make the donuts" face, then they aren't enjoying themselves, the listeners won't enjoy it as much. I like a little flash. I grew up playing in the 80s, flashy drummers were definitely part of it. Just raw talent. Solid beats, groovy, not overdone, plays what is called for musically.

 

"Weaknesses so I can get his gig" . kidding/ sometimes/ maybe/

 

A spare couch ... I tend to overstay.

 

May I tag on here? Question about I know I stuck at drums but we are playing out already.
Some of you mentioned conviction, and I agree, but sometimes i have messed up conviction and it really pops out. Would it be terrible if i played with less feeling?
On Facebook look for Avery Drive Band. Choose a recent one or it won't be me on drums.
Thanks and PM me if I should delete and make my own question thread