I was asked recently who I thought are (or were) the best blues drummers. My list included some of my favorites: Fred Below, Jim Keltner, Steve Gadd, and Al Jackson Jr. Jabo Starks, Stanton Moore and Steve Jordan are there, as well. There are many other greats and I try to keep learning from everyone. The shuffle rhythm, in particular, is so unique and every drummer plays it slightly differently. I like that.
It’s similar to the jazz ride cymbal pattern — the phrasing is different depending on the player. I try to really hear those differences and see if I can cop the feel that’s happening. That way throughout the gig, I can bring about totally different grooves depending on the song and the leader of the group. I try to give each song what it wants.
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