If you could play like any one person…

[static0verdrive]

I don't know how I'm supposed to pick just one! I strive to be my own unique amalgam of my favourites, depending on the tune...

My drum DNA is roughly equal parts:
Stewart Copeland
Billy Cobham (style and power, but unfortunately not precision!)
Jimmy Chamberlain
Tim "Herb" Alexander
Dale Crover
Greg Saunier

But to choose just one, I suppose I'd have to go with Jimmy just based on the fact I play more modern rock type stuff than anything else. Cool thread but so hard to answer!!

 

[MrDrums2112]

I have enough trouble just playing like ME, let alone anyone else. But seriously, I find that I have been influenced in my playing style by Charlie Watts more than anyone, so I'll go with Charlie.

 

[LiveFreeorDie]

Jimmy Fox (think James Gang, Lost Woman, Live at Carnegie Hall, 12:15 - 13:45)

 

[Steech]

I don't know how I'm supposed to pick just one! I strive to be my own unique amalgam of my favourites, depending on the tune...

My drum DNA is roughly equal parts:
Stewart Copeland
Billy Cobham (style and power, but unfortunately not precision!)
Jimmy Chamberlain
Tim "Herb" Alexander
Dale Crover
Greg Saunier

But to choose just one, I suppose I'd have to go with Jimmy just based on the fact I play more modern rock type stuff than anything else. Cool thread but so hard to answer!!

Wow, very cool.

Given that the first four guys on your list have been major inspirations to me, I’m going to take a look at the last two, as I’ve never heard of them.

 

[Ericdrmz]

wouldn't want to play like '1' other drummer, cause you'd be a clone,
but i have a mean top 10 hanging on my wall of practice shack.. (pictures)
trying to absorb elements of them all .. outcome still unsure..

 

[backtodrum]

for me Jeff Porcaro or Steve Gadd... either one would be great!

 

[towndog]

Ian Paice

 

[static0verdrive]

Wow, very cool.

Given that the first four guys on your list have been major inspirations to me, I’m going to take a look at the last two, as I’ve never heard of them.

Dale Crover is the drummer for the Melvins (my favourite albums are Houdini, Stoner Witch, and the Maggot), and played many (most?) of the tracks on Nirvana's Incesticide.

Greg Saunier is the drummer for Deerhoof. They're out there! I recommend checking out their Live in Brooklyn gig on YouTube:

 

[Mapex Always]

Thank you, doc.

Houndog, someone started a thread on the “Becoming Led Zeppelin” documentary. I think, I’m not positive, you wrote that someone said you played like Bonham there.

My pleasure, you’re a good man, we are blessed to have you on this forum.

 

[Mcjnic]

 

[DamnSingerAlsoDrums]

Purdie: I've always wanted to know how it felt to play on all them Beatles recordings.

 

[pork]

I agree with whoever said, “I want to play like the best version of myself” earlier in this thread. There already is one of all my favorite drummers, but there’s also only one of me.

 

[somdog]

Michael Shrieve, particularly his work on Santana's Caravanserai!

 

[drums1225]

I read the subject as "If you could have anyone's ability", not necessarily that you'd be a clone of them or make all the same musical choices.

I've always had a similar question: If it were possible to purchase anyone's talent, ear, chops, feel, style, musicianship, etc. and you could instantly download it (like firmware into your personal "motherboard"), who would you pick? You would still have freewill and could make your own musical choices, but you'd have the mental and physical resources and facility of this one player.

Who knows? This might be possible some day. And maybe not that far into the future!

Limiting it to drums,

• All Time - Dennis Chambers
• Currently/Recently - Nate Smith

It's hard to be objective about drummers I've come to admire in recent years. Are they my all time favorites, or do I just like them more because they're current favorites and I'm still discovering them? Right now, Nate Smith is my favorite drummer, but that doesn't mean he's eclipsed Dennis. Time will tell.

 

[Taiko]

Larry Bunker. Beautiful brushwork and just a fantastic musician.

 

[lamartee]

Too many on the list….Off the top of my head, Carlos Vega.

 

[Skins_in_the_game]

For me it would be Danny Carey, I think his creative phrasing and raw power puts him at the top for metal plus he started with Jazz in College and can really do pretty much anything asked of him.

Second is Stanton Moore because funk is my favorite type of music to play and he always puts the right flavour in what he plays and he has really researched many of the early greats like Papa Joe for one and also the whole style of New Orleans beats.

 

[Drumaniac]

I just with I could play like I did 40 years ago and with the same passion. Although there are many drummers I admire, I've always listened to the players of all the other instruments in awe.

 

[MAJN]

If like to play now like myself 30 years from now.

 

[Frank Godiva]

This is distracting the hound from getting me a response from Mr Bowen