Here is a list of just some of the bands/musicians/artists who have influenced me in my musical studies. I could never possibly list all my influences (though you may think I tried!), for I learn something from someone all the time. So saying, there are admittedly many oversights. See also the Check This Stuff Out page, the Pics page, and the Links page for more stuff on some of these artists.
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Nick Barker
Back in the late 1990s when I was really into “extreme” metal, Nick Barker was very inspiring. The albums he recorded with Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, and Old Man’s Child are amongst my favorites in the genre. Beyond just sheer chops, Nick’s use of phrasing and creative fills set him apart from all the blast-beat clones.
Louie Bellson
Louie is one of my original “drum heroes”, so meeting him in the early 1990s was a life-altering experience to say the least. Louie’s talent and exuberance only got better age, and all metalheads must give praise for his popularization of double bass into the lexicon of drumming.
Art Blakey
Art is a member of my early influence triumvirate along with Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. The word that always comes to mind when I think of Art is “fiery”. He hit the instrument with such power, yet with such amazing finesse. For me, the nuances of his ride beat define bop. Also a great bandleader, Art fostered the development of such phenoms as Horace Silver, Freddie Hubbard, and Wayne Shorter. And then there’s that press roll…
John Bonham
Always tasteful, always solid, always slammin’, Bonzo’s widespread influence is no mystery. “Fool in the Rain” on Led Zeppelin’s In through the Out Door is one of my personal favorite Bonzo grooves.
Terry Bozzio
Terry’s musicality and trailblazing approach have revolutionized the world of drumming in a way only a handful of drummers have. Terry has been one of my biggest influences in the last 10 years and has inspired me to take new directions I never thought possible. Check out his entries on my Recommended Listening and Viewing pages, and the
Pics page.
Bill Bruford
Bill’s work with King Crimson, UK, Earthworks, and as a solo artist changed how many of us see drums as an instrument. His compositions are mind-boggling in complexity, yet always musical and never contrived.
Matt Cameron
One of my original “rock” influences. He has the rare combination of solid grooves and inspiring creativity. His work with Soundgarden served as my rock drumming foundation and later pursuance of progressive rock. Odd times and drum solos in mainstream radio tunes?!
Danny Carey
Tool’s phenomenal drummer was also an early rock influence for me. He throws in complex polyrhythms and crazy patterns effortlessly into the flow of Tool’s eclectic tunes. Such unique phrasing ideas…
Dennis Chambers
Jazz/fusion/funk master with some of the fastest chops around. He has influenced much of my ghosting technique, but one listen to John McLaughlin’s Live in Paris album always sends me back to the woodshed! I saw him live with Mike Stern in northern Virginia around 2001, and I haven’t seen anyone—including Dennis—play anything like that since.
John Coltrane
John is rightfully considered by many to be one of the greatest musicians to have lived. His forays into the avant-garde and his approach to melody and harmony revolutionized music.
Vinnie Colaiuta
There’s a reason he keeps winning the Modern Drummer Best All-Around award: Vinnie can convince you unequivocally of his mastery over any musical form. His nonchalant display of sheer virtuosity are almost depressing at times. Check out Frank Zappa’s Shut Up and Play Yer Guitar for—quite literally—some of the sickest stuff you’re ever likely to hear.
Cleo Cole
Great Chicago-area drummer with the most incredible pocket and feel. Awesome jazz/blues/funk player.
Rick Considine
My private instructor for 5 semesters at Berklee. Studio great, former Drummer’s Collective faculty member, and author of several books, including Rudiment Grooves. Rick is a no-B.S. groove player whose teaching has done wonders for my sound and feel.
Dave Matthews Band
An amazing ensemble of musicians. Carter Beauford has been a huge influence on my approach to drumming. Yes, if you look at his drumming on a statistical level, he plays a lot of notes. Yet, to me, it never sounds like he’s overplaying or out of place.
Miles Davis
Certainly one of music’s more colorful and volatile characters. Personality aside, Miles was a
groundbreaking artist in every sense, from the evolution of “cool” jazz to his bop development to the revolution with one of history’s greatest ensembles (Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams) to his way-out fusion explorations with players like Chick Corea, Dave Holland, Mike Stern, and JackDeJohnette.
Dave DiCenso
Berklee associate professor, one of my private instructors, and drummer with Two Ton Shoe, Duran Duran, Hiromi, and many others. Dave’s time and feel are absolutely incredible. His chops are amazingly clean yet not mechanical in the least. Perhaps the best compliment I can give him—or any drummer—is that he is able to generate the same sound and emotion from a crummy kit in a lousy room as he does on stage and in recordings. When I studied with him, he would play something, then I would sit at the same kit and play the same thing… and it didn’t sound half as good!
Virgil Donati
Seeing his first performance at the Modern Drummer Festival permanently changed my approach to double bass for sure (Doubles? With his feet?!), but also time in general. I’m pretty sure he just feels time differently than the rest of us. Check out the Planet X shots on the Pics page.
Dream Theater
There was a period in high school when I listened to nothing but DT. I know it’s almost become cliché to say so at this point, but Mike Portnoy is in my Top 5 greatest influences list. (The Liquid Tension Experiment side project is, of course, included here.) Check out the Pics page.
Peter Erskine
One of my favorite jazz drummers. Seeing him in clinic back in ’97 (see the Pics page) profoundly affected me. Check out his mind-blowing youthful performance on Weather Report’s live album, 8:30.
Faith No More
FNM had so many different “faces” and sounds. Mike Bordin’s power and groove were inspiring in my formative years. FNM’s capacity for atmospherics, bone-crunching noise, and silliness (sometimes within the same tune), combined with the talents of one of my favorite vocalists (Mike Patton), makes FNM a band I’m sorry to see gone.
Fear Factory
Damn you, Raymond Herrera, for beginning my obsession with double bass! From the opening seconds of Demanufacture, I knew he had a skill I wished I too could possess. There are so many poor imitators of their style and sound. And it goes without saying that Gene Hoglan playing on Mechanize made me giddy beyond belief.
Anton Fig
The drummer for David Letterman and session player for countless others. Sickeningly solid and versatile drummer comfortable in any setting. Seeing him in clinic in my formative years was very influential. Check out the Pics page.
Peter Gabriel
Astounding singer/songwriter/musician who has contributed volumes to music and the people of the world. His art has meant a great deal to me musically and personally.
Steve Gadd
One of the greatest contributors to the legacy of drumming. His sound and feel are unmistakably unique and inimitable. His work with Paul Simon and Steely Dan alone has inspired generations of drummers. Steve served as a bridge between the linear jazz styles of Tony Williams and Elvin Jones and the fusion stylings of Dave Weckl and Vinnie Colaiuta.
David Garibaldi
Tower of Power grooves… Awesome.
Genesis
From the early prog rock, Peter Gabriel era to their memorable ’80s pop tunes, they have influenced legions of prog rock nerds like me. Let there be no doubt: Phil Collins is an amazing drummer.
Jamey Haddad
I was lucky enough to study with Jamey at Berklee. His resume is prolific, though he’s best known for his work with Paul Simon. He is a true musician in every sense of the word, able to create the grooviest feels from the most bizarre and random of sound sources. His attitude and vibe are infectious.
Herbie Hancock
Herbie was 1/5 of one of history’s greatest jazz ensembles, the famed Miles Davis quintet in the early 1960s, with Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams. His revolutionary funk albums are among my favorites. He continues to push the envelope all these decades later. And you can’t forget “Rockit”—even if you want to!
Gavin Harrison
A profound influence on my brain, Gavin makes the list of drummers I deem otherworldly. Few have the mastery of polyrhythms and “rhythmic illusions” that he does. His books are a well-worn part of my library. Check him out with Porcupine Tree.
Jon Hazilla
Berklee associate professor, brush master, and all-around great player and teacher. Jon really broadened my playing with his comprehensive teaching style and his intensely musical approach to the instrument. Not only can he cook with brushes, but his versatility and musicality are one of a kind.
Frank Hensler
My first teacher, and the man responsible for fostering my love for jazz and the masters. He taught me volumes on finesse and the nuances of drumming I still hold so dear to this day. He is greatly missed.
Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez
It was after seeing Horacio’s jaw-dropping performance on the Modern Drummer Festival videos that I began my journey in the study of latin jazz, ethnic rhythms, and the ever-elusive left-foot clave.
Gene Hoglan
Gene has been on some of my favorite metal albums. Death’s Symbolic was profoundly influential on me when I discovered it in high school. Then there are the albums by Devin Townsend, Strapping Young Lad, Testament, Fear Factory, Dethklok… What a list! Gene’s more than just chops; his phrasing and use of sound sources is unique and always inspiring.
Dave Holland
The extraordinary bassist has been a big influence on my own musical sense and writing style. From his fusion exploits with Miles Davis in the ’70s to his many recordings with his own bands, he is an inspiration in the fields of jazz, funk, latin, and general odd-time craziness.
Akira Jimbo
Not only is Akira fluent in many different styles, but he has an extraordinary level of 4-way independence and has completely changed the concepts of solo drums and incorporating electronics. Check out the Pics page.
Elvin Jones
Along with Tony Williams, Elvin revolutionized drumming with a more linear approach. His work with John Coltrane (the Classic Quartet), to me, defines post-bop jazz. He was the “jazz machine” to the very end.
Papa Jo Jones
Count Basie’s drummer with picture-perfect technique and smile! His love for his craft was
visibly evident, especially in his awe-inspiring solos.
Philly Joe Jones
Supposedly Miles Davis’ favorite drummer, and his solos and amazing feel make it easy to see why.
Manu Katche
Manu has played with some of my favorite artists, including Peter Gabriel, Sting, Tears for Fears, and the Buddy Rich Big Band. He has an awesome groove sense and impeccable time. One of my favorite recordings: Peter Gabriel’s Secret World Live.
Gene Krupa
My very first influence. A friend of mine gave me a tape of Gene when we first started the school band program so many years ago. I truly believe it was my first listen to “Drummin’ Man” that sealed my drumming fate.
Ricky Malichi
Amazing latin jazz drummer I met while on tour in El Paso, TX. Great creativity, sense of time and groove, and—most important of all—a visible exuberance for his craft. I saw him do some incredible 4-way independence stuff with a shaker, a drumstick, and a cajon that planted the seed for getting more creative with sound sources. He was playing with Stefan Schyga, an amazing flamenco guitarist.
Mike Mangini
I was fortunate to study with Mike for several semesters at Berklee. He has the fastest chops (measurably so!), sickest time sense, and most unique approach I have ever “experienced”. Not
only that, but he has a great personality and sense of humor. He has completely revolutionized my technique and approach to the kit. Check out his entry on the Pics page.
Meshuggah
Swedish talents of the most technical metal around. Polyrhythms and just plain weird stuff abound, they need to be seen live to be believed. I was lucky to see them on their first US tour with Slayer. Thomas Haake is an incredible player whose talents extend past just metal.
Mr. Bungle
A side project of Faith No More frontman Mike Patton. An almost nonsensical mix of crazy styles, meters, and feels with one of my favorite vocalists.
Opeth
Another early metal influence. Great blend of metal and acoustic jams with my favorite vocals in the genre.
Pantera
My early double bass repertoire consisted almost entirely of licks I ripped off from Vinnie Paul. This is one of the few bands from early metal years that has stood the test of time. Thanks for fueling my high school rage, guys. Oh, and now in my 30s too…
The Police
The original vehicle of one of my favorite artists, Sting. Stewart Copeland’s unique phrasing will forever be inspirational.
Jeff Porcaro
Jeff is one of too many great talents lost too soon. His famous grooves all over Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs, Al Jarreau, and Toto albums (among countless others) are the absolute definition of groove and musicality.
Buddy Rich
No matter the talent of today’s drumming community, there were things Buddy did that no one can match. One of my first and greatest influences and motivations in the world of drumming.
Billy Rulapaugh
One of my best buds in the Marine Drum & Bugle Corps (he’s now the drumline section head) and always an inspiration. He played tenors, snare, and drum set in DCI. Awesome sense of time, groove, and just downright cool rhythms. It’s not uncommon for Billy to create spontaneous grooves between claps, finger snaps, foot taps, and—no joke—belches. This guy’s love for the art is second to none.
Rush
Very few bands have inspired more musicians than Rush. I feel the obligatory need to state the obvious in saying Neil Peart’s groundbreaking style has had a deep-seated influence on me.
Victor Salazar
With the great Chicago-area prog rock duo Big Electric, Victor (once the The Drum Pad‘s greatest asset, now owner of Vic’s Drum Shop) displays his inspiring fluidity, musicality, and clear Terry Bozzio influence behind his monster GMS kit—dubbed the SS Salazar. While with Marizen, Victor played a much smaller version of his big kit and showed his maturity in his tasteful and musical approach to the straight pop tunes. Victor is as much fun to watch as he is to hear, mostly because his creativity is so expressive and his love of music and drumming is so omnipresent. Check out him out on the Pics page.
Casey Scheuerell
Berklee associate professor and one of my private instructors. Casey’s a jack-of-all-trades as an international clinician and as a recording and touring artist with the likes of Gino Vanelli, Jean-Luc Ponty, Chaka Khan, Robben Ford, and countless others. Another guy with his own unique expression and incredible time and feel.
Seal
Great musician and inspiring songwriter with one of the world’s most distinctive voices.
Steve Smith
From his work with Journey to the Buddy Rich Big Band to Vital Information, few players have shown the exponential growth that Steve has. Check out the two VitalTech Tones albums with Scott Henderson and Victor Wooten for some great fusion.
Sting
From his early days with the Police to his prolific solo career, he has brought serious musicianship and undeniable talent to the pop stage. He has deservingly worked with the best musicians in the biz.
Clyde Stubblefield & John “Jabo” Starks
The drummers of James Brown created some of the hippest grooves ever. If you’re looking for the definition of “pocket”, here it is.
The Tea Party
Incredible Canadian rock band that never quite made it to the American mainstream. They had a really inventive sound that blended hard rock and world music influences. Super solid drumming by Jeff Burrows, and Jeff Martin is one of my favorite vocalists.
Devin Townsend
Devin’s projects are always very technical, very creative, and very nutty! They also usually feature one of my favorite metal drummers, Gene Hoglan. Devin’s talents are deep and varied, and every project leaves me wondering what he’ll do next.
Dave Weckl
One of today’s greatest and one of my biggest influences. He never ceases to present something new and inspirational with every new recording. Few can compare with his feel and sense of time. Some of the coolest licks recorded.
Tony Williams
One of the greatest, most influential phenoms on this list. From his linear approach to his
out-of-time solos to one of the most instantly identifiable ride beats, Tony left an indelible
fingerprint on the history of drumming. Just check out some of his teenage performances with Miles Davis.
Stevie Wonder
What can be said? One of the greatest artists past and present. And a kickin’ drummer to boot!
“Weird Al” Yankovic
Laugh if you will, but this band can cover nearly anything. Jim “Bermuda” Schwartz is the essence of versatility, and few can compete with Al’s creativity.
Frank Zappa
One of the most freakishly talented and prolific musician/artist/composers to have lived. Terry Bozzio, Vinnie Colaiuta, Chad Wackerman, Steve Vai, and Mike Keneally are just a few of the amazing talents who met Frank’s standard of excellence. His creativity and intellect are unmatched.