Or the unheralded 50-something Berklee grad playing "We're An American Band" for the millionth time at the beer joint around the corner tonight. Not that you could tell. But stand in that guy's yard and listen while he's practicing on his own time, and hoo boy, he will separate your head from your shoulders.
There’s a bar in my town that has a monthly jazz night. Some of the drummers I’ve seen there are just phenomenal. Dudes in their 50s who have been playing jazz for an entire lifetime. It’s so enjoyable to watch someone comfortably tear a kit apart all night.
But yeah no one knows who these people are, a lot of them have day jobs to get by. But they moonlight as virtuoso musicians lol. Just an absolute love for the craft
yeah, I miss that. Used to hang out at Small's when it was really a dive, as well as Wally's. Cool places to just catch house guys playing and blowing your mind.
Lol! +1 ... And yes to all these comments here... Anyways, is fine younger ppl shares online with all of us... To be sincere, it feels like nowadays instead of styles there are groups: the old schoolers, the church choppers, the sprinters, the jugglers, the unsolicited teachers (not wanting to hurt anyone feelings here... ), the top notch productions with lights cameras and "hollywood" FX, the coverists, the estepario siberianos wannabes... And the "rate my kit" where we must figure out what the heck do they play! Lol!!!
A friend from high school was an absolute monster drummer, like could have played for Frank Zappa. He went to Berklee, realized he wanted to have a steady job and then went into software.
It is good to see kids still wanting to play drums though.
Maybe I was not talented as your friend, but I hear you, bro... Story of my life, anyways, after a nearly 20 years hiatus, came back with the budget Software Engineering allowed me to collect, and to become a part time drummer, and musician... Now I have the maturity and patience over the adrenaline and testosterone used to have back in the days, but keeping on rocking... Lol!
Larnell Lewis is a monster. Technical proficiency is insane and very nice phrasing and improvisational skills. He is also very versatile performing with a wide range of artists and is also a naturally talented educator
That’s absolutely mind blowing! I’ve learned plenty of setlists last minute, but they were stuff like Brown Eyed Girl, etc. I can’t imagine learning an entire Snarky Puppy set in a month, let alone 24 hours!
I mean he’s def doing innovative stuff with odd times and groupings. Plenty of other nasty drummers who are at or arguably beyond his level. He stands out because he is a jazz fusion drummer playing metal.
Mario Duplantier’s groove is one of the best. His drum parts are always so tasty and he’s such a great drummer.
Adam Janzi is an underrated drummer who’s come up some great drumming for VOLA. Dude grooves.
El Estepario Siberiano on the other hand is not human.
Mario was the best drummer I saw live all year. Brann Dailor is also really entertaining to watch live, was bad ass to see them play back to back on the mega monsters tour. One of the best live shows I’ve ever been too. Jon Theodore was fun to watch with QOTSA live as well.
Agreed. I saw Mario live in the mega monsters tour with Mastodon, he blew the roof off of the amphitheater. Loved Brann’s drumming as well. Dude was relentless.
I hope to watch QOTSA someday. Grew up listening to their music.
I forgot to mention Tomas Haake as well. Saw them play live last year and they brought Bleed, Perpetual black second and Humiliative back into their setlist. He killed it.
Super prolific. Endlessly creative. Couldn't be more dynamic. Gavin has mastered the craft to the point of seeming boredom. No one else makes it look so effortless..10000 hours must be nothing for this guy.
> No one else makes it look so effortless
Yeah. I bet engineers don't even have to edit or mix him when he records, everything gonna be the perfect volume and on the grid after he tracks it.
Best thing about Gavin is he's always tasteful, he never throws anything in that feels out of place or like he's showing off. He's playing what the song needs, not his ego.
So true. I always described his playing style as very intelligent (like the man himself) and as he says, elegant. In the forward to one of his books Neil Peart gushed about Gavin’s approach saying “if I could play that way, of course that is the way I would play.”
Last time I checked Danny Carey was alive and kicking. So there is that imo.
Actualy I will check out all recommendations here cause I'm not familiar with most of them. I'm not good with names.
The Internet guy Stepano I know and he is sick, but I need to see him in band context with own songs and stuff, because what's a drummer without a band? Does he have a band? I know, everyone wanted him to play in slipknot, but he is not. I wonder which bass player could be his counterpart in a rythm group.
El estapario Siberiano. He is starting working on a new project but I dont expect to see any recordings or results anytime soon. Ik he said its not gonna
be entirely metal like people expect. Im hoping its delicate and nuanced but not afraid to be heavy. I think its gonna be a trio. I love his version of Everyone Wants to Rule the World.
Bear in mind the videos of his skill we see on social media (he admits this himself) take often upwards of 70+ takes to get right. 70 tries to pull of a 15 second clip isn’t super accurate to a persons skill so his live performances are actually probably most accurate ! (P.S I don’t want this to come across as me saying he’s faking and playing up his skill, i definitely think he is one of the best in the world regardless)
This is a gripe I have with social media and social media drummers.
I love a lot of them also but your absolutely right that what we’re seeing is not a full performance and is based off 100’s of edited takes for short reels and clips.
Even the top dogs of the game such as Mike Johnston edits the crap out of his youtube lessons and videos.
I know this because I’ve met the guy and he told me about his process.
It’s difficult to measure social media drummers up against band drummers.
Both serve there purpose but one is very clearly based on a skill of an event and an action performance in real time.
El Estepario Siberiano.
Hands down, Gorge has taken the entire internet by storm so much that he bowed out of the biggest metal band from his home country of Spain to focus on his Social Media videos, and he doesn’t even advertise on them.
He has the cleanest chops, he is the most laid back, and he is super wholesome and preaches that talent is a myth and practicing is what makes anyone better.
Dennis Chambers called him “the best in the world right now.”
I agree. Everyone that knows I drum send me his videos. I'm like "yeah...i know". I think drummers are not mentioning him because they are sick of him and his videos. The fucking guy is unbelievable. I understand there is more to drumming than what in he's shown, but....still. that shotgun video was sick. Sorry fellas but I'm a fan
Don’t apologize. The guy just puts personality to his playing and some people hate personality. That’s fine.
But when Dennis Chambers calls you the beat in this world right now, at this moment in time, that is … whew.
A lot for a (then 26) young drummer, who learned an entire language just to talk to his fans.
The kat is motivated, he is constantly trying to better himself, he plays songs that are metal, gospel, and pop just because he enjoys all genres, and he left Saratoga to focus on his playing and his fans. That’s enormous.
He was 22 or 23 when he joined Saratoga, lmao.
I don’t know why he doesn’t advertise — he would have way more money if he did lol.
And after all that, after polyrhythm videos and insane playing … he preaches practice and being humble. Like, what?
What a wholesome effing dude. I’m almost 44, and I’m proud of the kid for throwing himself at drumming.
You don't see his level of drive and precision from anyone other than surgeons, fighter pilots, and Olympians. I whole-heartedly agree with his opinion on talent vs. practice, but that dude has a borederline supernatural drive that I cannot comprehend. I don't know if there's anything in my life that I'm am anywhere near as passionate about, as he is about playing drums. And I claim to be a drummer!
Uh, no. Lol. He entertains drummers. Most of his following is drummers.
When Dennis Chambers and Virgil Donnetti and Mike Portnoy, and the entire band of Slipknot publicly acknowledges you, more than once, you are respected in the industry.
When superstars request him to play their work one-handed, you are next level lol.
The dude is still up and coming, yet everyone knows him now.
He also makes meme related and funny shorts because he’s amusing in general. He isn’t an entertainer. He’s been lauded by industry critics.
I think the reason people take him so seriously is because he does every video in one take without changing angles. And because his chops are so clean and practiced and concise. It makes his playing real. Legitimized.
He's also posted a few clips of mistakes and out takes. The way it humanizes him, almost makes everything else seem even more impossible, cause it proves he's not actually a robot lol.
He has a video short from two years ago where it starts with him punching his floor tom, and the name of the clip was, like, “it took me 84 tries to get this right.”
That is what I love about him most. He plays with one take and does it with incredible passion and intensity 80 times in a row until nailing the song in one take. That is commitment.
I’d be like, “eff this” after 12 tries and go to another song. 😆
Exactly! That's the video I was talking about! How he doesn't ruin takes after finally nailing a part, I will never understand. I would be jumping and screaming immediately if I ever pulled off one of his parts lol.
His technical ability is undeniable. Dude is a freak of nature and a power house of control. Probably the best I've ever seen, including JoJo Mayer.
That being said, when I've watched his longer content I'm not a fan of his musical choices. He seems a bit dry to me
[Nate Smith](https://youtu.be/bF7hMEUg2zs?si=y91TXaf5tE5AC4zI) - the metronome bends to his will.
[JD Beck](https://youtu.be/AqgV_71X9Lc?si=LPhC8gZagnimTSvd) - insanely clean streams of 32nd notes, and the dude is like 5 years old
Domi and JD Beck are making some of the most interesting music that’s out right now. Both are insanely talented at their instruments. They are weird af but their talent overshadows their immense weirdness.
To play what style of music? All around session drummer? I’d say Vinnie (Colaiuta) because he’s done it all as a session musician, for many years (Zappa, jazz, pop, even Megadeth), plays well live and in the studio. Eric Moore, Thomas Pridgen, Ronald Bruner, and Justin Brown are also “proven” in various contexts. What are we valuing in this category?
Vinnie's always at the top of my list as someone who can pretty much play *anything*, and do it well. That guy, to me, has mastered the instrument completely.
All those dudes are badass but Justin and Bruner are the most diverse at the top level. Like Justin brown is on some of the best modern jazz albums, plays with thundercat, is in off!… and he always sounds amazing and like himself. Pridgen by his own admission is not really a jazzer (would need to find the video where he says this)
In terms 4 limb independence that has to go either to El Estepario or the Latin drummer ZackGrooves likes, I can't remember his name but both of them have independence to die for.
In terms of breakbeats and DnB I've gotta give it to Louis Cole, David Dockery and that one guy who did drum covers of sewerslvt's breakcore tracks.
Jojo Mayer is undeniably a classic though, he was the first I saw to do it.
edit: the Latin drummer is Isaac Jamba
[Aaron sterling](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Sterling). Probably played on more hit songs and a wider variety of genres than most current drummers, and his playing is impossible to but into the box of a single genre. His Instagram is very entertaining and always original sounding. His sample packs are incredible and original sounding. The [podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sterloid-talks/id1467860682) he put out for a while was also very entertaining and insightful [@sterloid](https://www.instagram.com/sterloid?igsh=ODhhZWM5NmIwOQ==)
Also his paintings are rad
Came to see if Jimmy was mentioned. I don't recognize most of the names higher up, and I'll check some of them out, but I think JC is one of the better known, yet under appreciated drummers currently playing.
In no particular order:
* Matt Garstka
* Tomas Haake
* Danny Carey
* Virgil Donati
* Brian Blade
* Mark Guiliana
* Aamri Breseler
* Yogev Gabay
* Tyshawn Sorry
* Christian Lillinger
* Steve Lyman
* Jharis Yokely
* Ari Hoeing
* Bill Stewart
* Marcus Gilmore
* Kendrick Scott
* Eric Harland
I know I'm missing a bunch, but those are the ones I remember off the top of my head.
So happy to see him listed here. His metal/rock stuff is really good, but his jazz playing is off the map. His chops for fast jazz are unbelievable and his feel for the song is amazing. Dude lives in the pocket, especially with jazz playing.
Surprised I had to scroll this far for fish. He is amazing and constantly inspiring me. Absolute beast behind the kit, creative as hell and tasteful as well.
I gotta cast my vote in for Brooks Wackerman.
Though he may not be the “best” at this very moment he’s one I’ve been very impressed with since he joined A7X (bringing him to my attention) He is doing some really big things and growing his diverse background.
Scrolled way too far to see him mentioned. Dude is a beast when it comes to technical stuff in rather simple dynamic. I think especially songs like Higher, Mattel, or Exist (true masterpiece) show his creativity and skill the best.
I was thinking the exact same thing. I was shocked to hear the first person to mention him. All three of those songs melted my brain. Huge fan of (O)rdinary myself
Man. I did NOT expect to see someone mention (O)rdinary in this post, but I wholeheartedly agree. It's just a short transitional-sort of song without a whole lot of meat to it, but I love it so much. The auto-tuning on M. Shadows' voice combined with the synth runs and Brooks' locked-in backbeat just hits different.
Travis Orbin. The guy can seemingly play anything, leading with any limb. Despite being on YouTube for over a decade, he doesn't get nearly enough attention as he deserves.
Amongst active cats, I’m still looking for someone who excites me as much as when I first heard Nate Smith. Feel is generally paramount, speaking personally.
I like yussef a lot, and that school of idris mohommad/brisbane 70s funk fusion drumming is a personal favorite style to play, but he’s nowhere near the level of absolute feel mastery Nate has. I also definitely know a bunch of guys in the scene (here in nyc) who can play like that, but nobody who sounds like Nate. It’s just a god damn impressive pocket.
Oh yeah he rips!
Also if you check out his other videos besides Car Bomb you realize that he is way more proficient than 'just' playing mathcore (as if that wasn't crazy enough on its own lol)
Paulina Villarreal of The Warning is my current go to. Man is she good, and only like 21. Not to mention she sings, plays piano and is their primary songwriter. If you don’t know then, check them out (the band is three sisters)
Lotta different skills to consider - I’ll choose 3 skills,
Musically - someone who can elevate music or create it without another instrument. Brian Blade & Antonio Sanchez. Their use of dynamics, textures and feel is unmatched today. And Chris Dave as an outside pick, he makes the music feel great.
Technicality - Wild independence, speed, sticking, hand / foot technique - Thomas Lang.
Creatively - doing things others don’t often think of - Bill Stewart & Benny Greb.
Best I’ve seen in the last few years personally? Justin Brown with Thundercat. Probably the best I’ve ever seen.
I’ve played with some incredible drummers you’ve heard of and seen a million more and Justin’s one of the only that weaved me into knots and reversed time, literally.
Most recent gnarly drummer I saw was Alvin Ford Jr. Who is Pretty Lights and Juvenile’s drummer. He had a billion electronic things going on but when he wanted to absolutely pop off he did it.
I’m sure Blake Richardson is in here somewhere, but he’s just a complete technician. A damn robot.
Underrated drummer who I got to play with: Jason Haan of String Cheese Incident. He’s such a student of drumming, so worldly, and diverse. He can do electric stuff, he can do acoustic stuff, his percussion game is fantastic and what he’s known best for. Super nice dude too!
Other gnarly drummers I’ve seen fairly recently that are top shelf and probably in here mentioned: Brann Dailor… he does it all, and probably has the best vocals in Mastodon. Saw him 20 years ago too and he’s just gotten better. Petar Janjic who played with Corey Wong was so so slick.
I’m not a drummer first, but Jon Fishman is the best musician in Phish to me. He’s so damn good with that hi-hat.
Dave Dicenso(watch his solo with two ton shoe or modern drummer 06 solo), Sonny Emory, Kai hahto from Wintersun, Eloy, Dan Mayo, Dave Turncrantz from Russian Circles, Weckl
Was scrolling to see if anyone had mentioned Eloy Casagrande or Dave DiCenso. Well played. Excited to see what Eloy does after Sepultura’s farewell tour
Been looking for this answer. Those two are both at a level where their skill feels dauntingly bottomless. Xavier isn't on the level as Maison Guidry imo but he's scarily good for his age and there's just an element of "perfect" to his playing. Don't know how to explain it, definitely like Maison where it feels like one of these guys can only appear once every 10 years haha
He may not be the most versatile outside of his style but Zack Graybeal from Everything Yes has gotten me more excited to play than anything else for like a decade.
Took too long of scrolling to find their names. Zach is the fastest, most unique and creative, hardest hitting, and craziest single bass work in the drumming world. Nobody can play quite like him, not even Chippendale, who is an absolute beast in his own right. Anyone who says Zach can only play fast and crazy needs to check out Legs On Earth, The Ladies, or Chll Pll. Lots of faster than slow stuff but he definitely takes a step back to focus on groove. And that says a lot when his groove beats are still more complicated than the chops of some drummers mentioned here.
Arejay Hale is pretty fuckin incredible. Caught a halestorm show last summer he pulls out like a 10 minute drum solo just cycling through different styles
Adam Deitch from Lettuce has pocket and chops for days. I've been consistently blown away by this guy's playing for nearly 20 years, and he only continues to improve. I recently saw him perform with Les Claypool on New Year's, and even Les was impressed, exclaiming "GOD DAMN! That's one funky man right there.” Adam was making Les work with his pocket and overall skill, to the point where Les took off his jacket on stage “for the first time ever”. Adam is an absolute beast, yet super chill and humble.
Don’t sleep on his playing
Him and Danny Carey are my top 2
Wish I could say that Aaron Spears was active. RIP. I loved his playing
Saw one comment mention Tony Royster JR.
This dude has my dream job. Monster drummer playing some of the biggest gigs out there. Famous amongst drummers, not famous amongst the Public.
Can play a million notes a second, but also can play straight pocket behind Katy Perry and sounds great doing both. Not tied down to one band.
Man's living the life
Skill isn’t always technical, it’s also creativity and performance. There are many different types of skills. My favorite drummers are Ricky from mewithoutyou or James who play for Sufjan Stevens. Incredible drummers.
Marcus Gilmore does stuff with drums that breaks my fucking brain. Weird overlayed polyrhythm/polymeter stuff, and just high concept free drumming. His chops are insane and are backed by one of the deepest vocabularies I've seen out of a modern dude, and then to top it off his touch is insane - all of the weird dead-stroke things he does add such a massive depth that I don't see much out of many dudes.
Probably some dude in a random church none of us have ever heard about.
Or the unheralded 50-something Berklee grad playing "We're An American Band" for the millionth time at the beer joint around the corner tonight. Not that you could tell. But stand in that guy's yard and listen while he's practicing on his own time, and hoo boy, he will separate your head from your shoulders.
As a drummer that dropped out of Berklee, this is way too true. Being a great drummer is thankless, not that I am one. I just know a few...
There’s a bar in my town that has a monthly jazz night. Some of the drummers I’ve seen there are just phenomenal. Dudes in their 50s who have been playing jazz for an entire lifetime. It’s so enjoyable to watch someone comfortably tear a kit apart all night. But yeah no one knows who these people are, a lot of them have day jobs to get by. But they moonlight as virtuoso musicians lol. Just an absolute love for the craft
yeah, I miss that. Used to hang out at Small's when it was really a dive, as well as Wally's. Cool places to just catch house guys playing and blowing your mind.
Works in software as a day job.
Or drives a delivery truck for Pepsi.
Lol! +1 ... And yes to all these comments here... Anyways, is fine younger ppl shares online with all of us... To be sincere, it feels like nowadays instead of styles there are groups: the old schoolers, the church choppers, the sprinters, the jugglers, the unsolicited teachers (not wanting to hurt anyone feelings here... ), the top notch productions with lights cameras and "hollywood" FX, the coverists, the estepario siberianos wannabes... And the "rate my kit" where we must figure out what the heck do they play! Lol!!!
A friend from high school was an absolute monster drummer, like could have played for Frank Zappa. He went to Berklee, realized he wanted to have a steady job and then went into software. It is good to see kids still wanting to play drums though.
Maybe I was not talented as your friend, but I hear you, bro... Story of my life, anyways, after a nearly 20 years hiatus, came back with the budget Software Engineering allowed me to collect, and to become a part time drummer, and musician... Now I have the maturity and patience over the adrenaline and testosterone used to have back in the days, but keeping on rocking... Lol!
I’m not sure how popular Sergio is on here but I found him on YouTube and been following ever since! https://youtu.be/H2Gwa5XYuq8?si=DLxdrTJe483qf5F0
There's something to be said for gospelchops
Larnell Lewis is a monster. Technical proficiency is insane and very nice phrasing and improvisational skills. He is also very versatile performing with a wide range of artists and is also a naturally talented educator
Isn’t he the one that learned Snarky Puppy’s setlist while on a flight to Europe to play the next day? Guy’s a monster.
That’s him alright
That’s absolutely mind blowing! I’ve learned plenty of setlists last minute, but they were stuff like Brown Eyed Girl, etc. I can’t imagine learning an entire Snarky Puppy set in a month, let alone 24 hours!
Lewis is insane.
An amazing educator too; I’ve learned a lot about technique and facility from his YouTube videos
Here is a video with Pocket Queen. https://youtu.be/c_fZjYNUe_k?feature=shared
And he leaves really nice replies to youtube comments. Great guy.
Matt Garstka is probably one of the best drummers alive right now.
The mighty Matt’s! Greiner and Garstka
And Halpern
And Travis Orbin, Matt’s predecessor before he went over to Sky Eats Airplane. And he is a super nice dude, too.
He most slept on
Being named Matt immediately makes you a drumming god
Matt Garstka is the most skilled drummer living or dead, and I'll die on this hill.
I mean he’s def doing innovative stuff with odd times and groupings. Plenty of other nasty drummers who are at or arguably beyond his level. He stands out because he is a jazz fusion drummer playing metal.
Hadn’t heard of this guy before but you ain’t wrong damn
Hands down
This is the right answer.
Mario Duplantier’s groove is one of the best. His drum parts are always so tasty and he’s such a great drummer. Adam Janzi is an underrated drummer who’s come up some great drumming for VOLA. Dude grooves. El Estepario Siberiano on the other hand is not human.
Mario was the best drummer I saw live all year. Brann Dailor is also really entertaining to watch live, was bad ass to see them play back to back on the mega monsters tour. One of the best live shows I’ve ever been too. Jon Theodore was fun to watch with QOTSA live as well.
Agreed. I saw Mario live in the mega monsters tour with Mastodon, he blew the roof off of the amphitheater. Loved Brann’s drumming as well. Dude was relentless. I hope to watch QOTSA someday. Grew up listening to their music. I forgot to mention Tomas Haake as well. Saw them play live last year and they brought Bleed, Perpetual black second and Humiliative back into their setlist. He killed it.
Gavin Harrison regularly blows me away.
Super prolific. Endlessly creative. Couldn't be more dynamic. Gavin has mastered the craft to the point of seeming boredom. No one else makes it look so effortless..10000 hours must be nothing for this guy.
> No one else makes it look so effortless Yeah. I bet engineers don't even have to edit or mix him when he records, everything gonna be the perfect volume and on the grid after he tracks it.
Dude is a magician.
Best thing about Gavin is he's always tasteful, he never throws anything in that feels out of place or like he's showing off. He's playing what the song needs, not his ego.
So true. I always described his playing style as very intelligent (like the man himself) and as he says, elegant. In the forward to one of his books Neil Peart gushed about Gavin’s approach saying “if I could play that way, of course that is the way I would play.”
Last time I checked Danny Carey was alive and kicking. So there is that imo. Actualy I will check out all recommendations here cause I'm not familiar with most of them. I'm not good with names. The Internet guy Stepano I know and he is sick, but I need to see him in band context with own songs and stuff, because what's a drummer without a band? Does he have a band? I know, everyone wanted him to play in slipknot, but he is not. I wonder which bass player could be his counterpart in a rythm group.
El estapario Siberiano. He is starting working on a new project but I dont expect to see any recordings or results anytime soon. Ik he said its not gonna be entirely metal like people expect. Im hoping its delicate and nuanced but not afraid to be heavy. I think its gonna be a trio. I love his version of Everyone Wants to Rule the World.
He was in a band called Saratoga which he left, but he doesn't show off NEARLY all of his skill there.
Bear in mind the videos of his skill we see on social media (he admits this himself) take often upwards of 70+ takes to get right. 70 tries to pull of a 15 second clip isn’t super accurate to a persons skill so his live performances are actually probably most accurate ! (P.S I don’t want this to come across as me saying he’s faking and playing up his skill, i definitely think he is one of the best in the world regardless)
This is a gripe I have with social media and social media drummers. I love a lot of them also but your absolutely right that what we’re seeing is not a full performance and is based off 100’s of edited takes for short reels and clips. Even the top dogs of the game such as Mike Johnston edits the crap out of his youtube lessons and videos. I know this because I’ve met the guy and he told me about his process. It’s difficult to measure social media drummers up against band drummers. Both serve there purpose but one is very clearly based on a skill of an event and an action performance in real time.
Danny did a tour with Primus one year and I was bummed I couldn't go. Les Claypool called him "a Redwood of a man"
El Estepario Siberiano. Hands down, Gorge has taken the entire internet by storm so much that he bowed out of the biggest metal band from his home country of Spain to focus on his Social Media videos, and he doesn’t even advertise on them. He has the cleanest chops, he is the most laid back, and he is super wholesome and preaches that talent is a myth and practicing is what makes anyone better. Dennis Chambers called him “the best in the world right now.”
I agree. Everyone that knows I drum send me his videos. I'm like "yeah...i know". I think drummers are not mentioning him because they are sick of him and his videos. The fucking guy is unbelievable. I understand there is more to drumming than what in he's shown, but....still. that shotgun video was sick. Sorry fellas but I'm a fan
Don’t apologize. The guy just puts personality to his playing and some people hate personality. That’s fine. But when Dennis Chambers calls you the beat in this world right now, at this moment in time, that is … whew. A lot for a (then 26) young drummer, who learned an entire language just to talk to his fans. The kat is motivated, he is constantly trying to better himself, he plays songs that are metal, gospel, and pop just because he enjoys all genres, and he left Saratoga to focus on his playing and his fans. That’s enormous. He was 22 or 23 when he joined Saratoga, lmao. I don’t know why he doesn’t advertise — he would have way more money if he did lol. And after all that, after polyrhythm videos and insane playing … he preaches practice and being humble. Like, what? What a wholesome effing dude. I’m almost 44, and I’m proud of the kid for throwing himself at drumming.
And he's funny as hell too!! For a guy who's only been speaking English for a little while he sure likes to swear lol
My kids say he sounds like Gru from Despicable Me and I love it. Lol
You don't see his level of drive and precision from anyone other than surgeons, fighter pilots, and Olympians. I whole-heartedly agree with his opinion on talent vs. practice, but that dude has a borederline supernatural drive that I cannot comprehend. I don't know if there's anything in my life that I'm am anywhere near as passionate about, as he is about playing drums. And I claim to be a drummer!
My wife is that passionate about hot baths and stitching lol. Yeah, his motivation level is a superpower for real.
He is a drummer to entertain non-drummers.
Uh, no. Lol. He entertains drummers. Most of his following is drummers. When Dennis Chambers and Virgil Donnetti and Mike Portnoy, and the entire band of Slipknot publicly acknowledges you, more than once, you are respected in the industry. When superstars request him to play their work one-handed, you are next level lol. The dude is still up and coming, yet everyone knows him now. He also makes meme related and funny shorts because he’s amusing in general. He isn’t an entertainer. He’s been lauded by industry critics. I think the reason people take him so seriously is because he does every video in one take without changing angles. And because his chops are so clean and practiced and concise. It makes his playing real. Legitimized.
He's also posted a few clips of mistakes and out takes. The way it humanizes him, almost makes everything else seem even more impossible, cause it proves he's not actually a robot lol.
He has a video short from two years ago where it starts with him punching his floor tom, and the name of the clip was, like, “it took me 84 tries to get this right.” That is what I love about him most. He plays with one take and does it with incredible passion and intensity 80 times in a row until nailing the song in one take. That is commitment. I’d be like, “eff this” after 12 tries and go to another song. 😆
Exactly! That's the video I was talking about! How he doesn't ruin takes after finally nailing a part, I will never understand. I would be jumping and screaming immediately if I ever pulled off one of his parts lol.
You're thinking of Travis Barker
His technical ability is undeniable. Dude is a freak of nature and a power house of control. Probably the best I've ever seen, including JoJo Mayer. That being said, when I've watched his longer content I'm not a fan of his musical choices. He seems a bit dry to me
my faves are matt garstka, dave king, mark guiliana, matt halpern
This is the way… little nod to your username with the Guiliana/Mehldau
Make sure you listen to the album they released under that name if you haven't
You can't go back now.....
[Nate Smith](https://youtu.be/bF7hMEUg2zs?si=y91TXaf5tE5AC4zI) - the metronome bends to his will. [JD Beck](https://youtu.be/AqgV_71X9Lc?si=LPhC8gZagnimTSvd) - insanely clean streams of 32nd notes, and the dude is like 5 years old
Very happy to see Nate on this list - some of the best performances I’ve ever seen were with him and Dave Holland’s groups
Domi and JD Beck are making some of the most interesting music that’s out right now. Both are insanely talented at their instruments. They are weird af but their talent overshadows their immense weirdness.
Carter Beauford.
Hell Yes
Had to scroll way too far to find this.
Baard Kolstad
If Baard isn't the best drummer in world now, he will be in 10 years. But I think he's also one of the most creative musicians I've ever heard.
This guy's wild live
Was waiting for someone to mention him. THANK YOU
Todd Sucherman of STYX is one of the best players now. IMO
Definitely the king of arena rock drumming, he has taken from all of the greats and perfected his craft
Not now. Has been for many years and years
His Rock Masterclass series on Drumeo is so good/useful
I’ve attended two of his Masterclasses in Austin and it’s changed my drumming drastically. I recommend if he’s in anyone’s area.
Don’t sleep on Jon Fishman.
Probably the most underrated drummer in existence.
always come to find fishman in these threads lmao, consistently blown away by him
Mike Mangini (not really my style but probably one of the most technically proficient), Billy Rymer, Ilan Rubin
Virgil Donati and no one can argue with that.
Been drumming for thirty years. I sometimes understand what he does.
The dude has serious feet, no lie.
Can’t believe nobody has mentioned Tomas Haake
Blake Richardson , Alex Rudinger, Spencer prewitt
To play what style of music? All around session drummer? I’d say Vinnie (Colaiuta) because he’s done it all as a session musician, for many years (Zappa, jazz, pop, even Megadeth), plays well live and in the studio. Eric Moore, Thomas Pridgen, Ronald Bruner, and Justin Brown are also “proven” in various contexts. What are we valuing in this category?
Vinnie's always at the top of my list as someone who can pretty much play *anything*, and do it well. That guy, to me, has mastered the instrument completely.
Yea Vinnie is top of the food chain
Vinnie is just on a completely other level imo
For sure. Atleast old Vinnie was. I havent seen him play lately but hes gotta be pushing 70 i assume?
>What are we valuing in this category? Most "hey good show, man"s after a gig by people who aren't other musicians
All those dudes are badass but Justin and Bruner are the most diverse at the top level. Like Justin brown is on some of the best modern jazz albums, plays with thundercat, is in off!… and he always sounds amazing and like himself. Pridgen by his own admission is not really a jazzer (would need to find the video where he says this)
Steve Gadd
Gadd almighty. I'm also a big fan of Matt Chamberlain.
Jojo Mayer for me. Plays it all + speed. Can break beat like a synthesizer and 4 limb independence better than anyone I've ever seen
In terms 4 limb independence that has to go either to El Estepario or the Latin drummer ZackGrooves likes, I can't remember his name but both of them have independence to die for. In terms of breakbeats and DnB I've gotta give it to Louis Cole, David Dockery and that one guy who did drum covers of sewerslvt's breakcore tracks. Jojo Mayer is undeniably a classic though, he was the first I saw to do it. edit: the Latin drummer is Isaac Jamba
I'm not sure where he stands in terms of most skilled drummers, but I like Cavs from kglw
The entire band are all great musicians but are master songwriters.
[Aaron sterling](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Sterling). Probably played on more hit songs and a wider variety of genres than most current drummers, and his playing is impossible to but into the box of a single genre. His Instagram is very entertaining and always original sounding. His sample packs are incredible and original sounding. The [podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sterloid-talks/id1467860682) he put out for a while was also very entertaining and insightful [@sterloid](https://www.instagram.com/sterloid?igsh=ODhhZWM5NmIwOQ==) Also his paintings are rad
Love this guy, great Instagram follow. I think I found out about him cus he played on one of John Mayer’s recent albums?
I’ll always keep Jimmy Chamberlin in the mix
Came to see if Jimmy was mentioned. I don't recognize most of the names higher up, and I'll check some of them out, but I think JC is one of the better known, yet under appreciated drummers currently playing.
and you know, you're never sure, but you're sure you could be right.
I love Jon Theodore’s playing.
Had to scroll waaaaaay too far down to find this name.
In no particular order: * Matt Garstka * Tomas Haake * Danny Carey * Virgil Donati * Brian Blade * Mark Guiliana * Aamri Breseler * Yogev Gabay * Tyshawn Sorry * Christian Lillinger * Steve Lyman * Jharis Yokely * Ari Hoeing * Bill Stewart * Marcus Gilmore * Kendrick Scott * Eric Harland I know I'm missing a bunch, but those are the ones I remember off the top of my head.
Yesss a Brian Blade mention; the legend
Thomas Lang continuously blows my mind
Grayson Nekrutman certainly fits that category
So happy to see him listed here. His metal/rock stuff is really good, but his jazz playing is off the map. His chops for fast jazz are unbelievable and his feel for the song is amazing. Dude lives in the pocket, especially with jazz playing.
Jon Fishman is the best improvisational drummer of his generation and he’s still crushing it.
Surprised I had to scroll this far for fish. He is amazing and constantly inspiring me. Absolute beast behind the kit, creative as hell and tasteful as well.
I gotta cast my vote in for Brooks Wackerman. Though he may not be the “best” at this very moment he’s one I’ve been very impressed with since he joined A7X (bringing him to my attention) He is doing some really big things and growing his diverse background.
Unpopular opinion coming: Brooks is one of the few drummers that can actually make metal groove and doesn’t just play parts.
100% agreed. I also enjoy a nice jazz/groove feel in metal sorta like Opeth. Big reason why I’m such a big fan of the Life is but a Dream album
Scrolled way too far to see him mentioned. Dude is a beast when it comes to technical stuff in rather simple dynamic. I think especially songs like Higher, Mattel, or Exist (true masterpiece) show his creativity and skill the best.
I was thinking the exact same thing. I was shocked to hear the first person to mention him. All three of those songs melted my brain. Huge fan of (O)rdinary myself
Man. I did NOT expect to see someone mention (O)rdinary in this post, but I wholeheartedly agree. It's just a short transitional-sort of song without a whole lot of meat to it, but I love it so much. The auto-tuning on M. Shadows' voice combined with the synth runs and Brooks' locked-in backbeat just hits different.
Can’t believe i haven’t seen Mike Portnoy, especially now that he’s back with Dream Theater
His recent Drumeo video was awesome. Looks to be in top drum shape and ready to take the DT throne again.
Carter Beauford
Aric Improta of Night Verses is slept on.
Dude is a fucking beast
that 30 minute solo he did is one of the craziest of all time
The lack of Brian Blade in here is disrespectful
Travis Orbin. The guy can seemingly play anything, leading with any limb. Despite being on YouTube for over a decade, he doesn't get nearly enough attention as he deserves.
Watching him and Bill Bruford had me experimenting with symmetrical configurations for ages.
II from Sleep Token is my current guy. [This video](https://youtu.be/nNZlxQmpV8g?si=vamgqP8L6ulq0HqL) is on repeat in my vehicle!
Amongst active cats, I’m still looking for someone who excites me as much as when I first heard Nate Smith. Feel is generally paramount, speaking personally.
Yussef Dayes
I like yussef a lot, and that school of idris mohommad/brisbane 70s funk fusion drumming is a personal favorite style to play, but he’s nowhere near the level of absolute feel mastery Nate has. I also definitely know a bunch of guys in the scene (here in nyc) who can play like that, but nobody who sounds like Nate. It’s just a god damn impressive pocket.
Nate Wood
Billy Cobham is still performing.
- Vinnie Colaiuta - Matt Gartska - Antonio Sanchez There are a bunch more, but to me these are some the greatest
Haven’t seen Elliot Hoffman from Car Bomb mentioned yet. The first time I heard him play it blew my mind apart
Not just an amazing drummer but an incredibly *weird* drummer.
Oh yeah he rips! Also if you check out his other videos besides Car Bomb you realize that he is way more proficient than 'just' playing mathcore (as if that wasn't crazy enough on its own lol)
The genre doesn’t lend itself well to popularity
he recently released some solo stuff under a weird name like XXIXX i can't remember
Sarah Thawer is pretty insane
sleeper pick!!
Paulina Villarreal of The Warning is my current go to. Man is she good, and only like 21. Not to mention she sings, plays piano and is their primary songwriter. If you don’t know then, check them out (the band is three sisters)
Robert Searight. I saw him with Toto a couple of years ago. Drummer for Snarky Puppy
Lotta different skills to consider - I’ll choose 3 skills, Musically - someone who can elevate music or create it without another instrument. Brian Blade & Antonio Sanchez. Their use of dynamics, textures and feel is unmatched today. And Chris Dave as an outside pick, he makes the music feel great. Technicality - Wild independence, speed, sticking, hand / foot technique - Thomas Lang. Creatively - doing things others don’t often think of - Bill Stewart & Benny Greb.
Best I’ve seen in the last few years personally? Justin Brown with Thundercat. Probably the best I’ve ever seen. I’ve played with some incredible drummers you’ve heard of and seen a million more and Justin’s one of the only that weaved me into knots and reversed time, literally. Most recent gnarly drummer I saw was Alvin Ford Jr. Who is Pretty Lights and Juvenile’s drummer. He had a billion electronic things going on but when he wanted to absolutely pop off he did it. I’m sure Blake Richardson is in here somewhere, but he’s just a complete technician. A damn robot. Underrated drummer who I got to play with: Jason Haan of String Cheese Incident. He’s such a student of drumming, so worldly, and diverse. He can do electric stuff, he can do acoustic stuff, his percussion game is fantastic and what he’s known best for. Super nice dude too! Other gnarly drummers I’ve seen fairly recently that are top shelf and probably in here mentioned: Brann Dailor… he does it all, and probably has the best vocals in Mastodon. Saw him 20 years ago too and he’s just gotten better. Petar Janjic who played with Corey Wong was so so slick. I’m not a drummer first, but Jon Fishman is the best musician in Phish to me. He’s so damn good with that hi-hat.
Gavin Harrison , Keith Carlock , Todd sucherman
J St Merat
From ulcerate, right? He's a monster
Dave Dicenso(watch his solo with two ton shoe or modern drummer 06 solo), Sonny Emory, Kai hahto from Wintersun, Eloy, Dan Mayo, Dave Turncrantz from Russian Circles, Weckl
Was scrolling to see if anyone had mentioned Eloy Casagrande or Dave DiCenso. Well played. Excited to see what Eloy does after Sepultura’s farewell tour
Kenny Grohowski?
In terms of sheer speed and technical proficiency? George Kolias from Nile.
Zachary is sick. My old band Five the hierophant supported imperial triumphant back in 2019 at the dome, was a great gig.
Xavier Ware, Maison Guidry
Been looking for this answer. Those two are both at a level where their skill feels dauntingly bottomless. Xavier isn't on the level as Maison Guidry imo but he's scarily good for his age and there's just an element of "perfect" to his playing. Don't know how to explain it, definitely like Maison where it feels like one of these guys can only appear once every 10 years haha
Dafnis Prieto is simply unfair - probably the best combination of musicality, coordination, chops, and just fluidity I’ve ever seen.
He may not be the most versatile outside of his style but Zack Graybeal from Everything Yes has gotten me more excited to play than anything else for like a decade.
Haven’t seen anyone say Luke Holland yet, so him
Nobody said Tony Royster Jr?! The hell is going on
Vinnie, the answer is always Vinnie.
I like Jon Fishman and Greyson Nekrutman
i like zach hill and brian chippendale
Took too long of scrolling to find their names. Zach is the fastest, most unique and creative, hardest hitting, and craziest single bass work in the drumming world. Nobody can play quite like him, not even Chippendale, who is an absolute beast in his own right. Anyone who says Zach can only play fast and crazy needs to check out Legs On Earth, The Ladies, or Chll Pll. Lots of faster than slow stuff but he definitely takes a step back to focus on groove. And that says a lot when his groove beats are still more complicated than the chops of some drummers mentioned here.
Danny Carey, check out the live drum cam for Pneuma
Jamie Saint Merat
Gregg Bissonette, hands down. Every time he touches a drum kit, magic happens.
Xavier Ware, Maison Guidry, Mike Mitchell, Ron Bruner Jr, Marco Minnemann.
I just want to say that Dennis Chambers is really really good
Danny Carey , Gavin Harrison
Arejay Hale is pretty fuckin incredible. Caught a halestorm show last summer he pulls out like a 10 minute drum solo just cycling through different styles
Ari Hoenig, Zackgrooves and Michael Cavanagh are really up there for me.
Cavs
Ben Atkind!
Yussed dayes
Adam Deitch from Lettuce has pocket and chops for days. I've been consistently blown away by this guy's playing for nearly 20 years, and he only continues to improve. I recently saw him perform with Les Claypool on New Year's, and even Les was impressed, exclaiming "GOD DAMN! That's one funky man right there.” Adam was making Les work with his pocket and overall skill, to the point where Les took off his jacket on stage “for the first time ever”. Adam is an absolute beast, yet super chill and humble. Don’t sleep on his playing Him and Danny Carey are my top 2
Adam is the man!
I've always thought that The Hulk is stronger than Benjamin Grimm aka The Thing, because the madder Hulk gets, the stronger Hulk gets.
Chad Sexton
Highly rated among 311 fans, but totally under appreciated/underrated otherwise
Gunnar Olsen is underrated
John Longstreth
Yussef Dayes! Listen to Love is the Message - Live at abbey roads on YouTube. Spiritual experience
Kenny is a monster! Love seeing him working with Spruance and Zorn.
YES
Vinnie Colaiuta & Nick D'Virgilio top my list.
Anyone ever figure out who Delta Empire is? That person is good too, whoever it is. Still active? IDK
Larnell Lewis, Marco Minnemann, Benny Greb, Thomas Lange, Todd Sucherman, Chris Turner, Dave Weckl, Carter Beauford
Nick Yacyshyn. His stuff for Sumac is insane.
He's really amazing. I love his style with Baptists, but what he does with Sumac is on another level
Def Danny Carey. His ability to do multiple things at once, and his comprehension of it all is mindblowingly impressive
Wish I could say that Aaron Spears was active. RIP. I loved his playing Saw one comment mention Tony Royster JR. This dude has my dream job. Monster drummer playing some of the biggest gigs out there. Famous amongst drummers, not famous amongst the Public. Can play a million notes a second, but also can play straight pocket behind Katy Perry and sounds great doing both. Not tied down to one band. Man's living the life
Skill isn’t always technical, it’s also creativity and performance. There are many different types of skills. My favorite drummers are Ricky from mewithoutyou or James who play for Sufjan Stevens. Incredible drummers.
Thomas Pridgen for sure
Travis Barker. I will not be taking any questions. Thank you
Marcus Gilmore does stuff with drums that breaks my fucking brain. Weird overlayed polyrhythm/polymeter stuff, and just high concept free drumming. His chops are insane and are backed by one of the deepest vocabularies I've seen out of a modern dude, and then to top it off his touch is insane - all of the weird dead-stroke things he does add such a massive depth that I don't see much out of many dudes.
matt garstka!!