The guys getting all the studio jobs these days in all genres have REAL CHOPS - MUSICAL CHOPS (MUSICAL FUNDAMENTALS)....
They listen!!!! they have solid meter and a great internal clock and can play with and even better AROUND THE CLICK. Whether it is Vinnie, Abe Laborial Jr., Josh Freese, Russ Miller, Kenny Aronoff, Simon Phillips, Horacio Hernandez, Chester Thompson, Paul Liem, Eddie Bayers, J.D. Blair, Derico Watson, Michael White, Steve Gadd, Benard Purdie, Billy Kilson, Jeremy Haynes or Calvin Rogers.
Problem is this list should be longer. It isn't because guys today worry more about being seen, getting a check and the latest lick instead of MAKING A TIMELESS HIT MUSIC RECORD which brings more gig opps, and points from record sells thereby more money and award opps. Most of us will never make a record like "Rock Steady" by Aretha Franklin featuring Bernard Purdie on drums or "The Electric Slide" with Steve Gadd on drums or 'I Keep Forgettin'" by Michael McDonald with Jeff Porcaro on drums or "Southern Girl" by Maze with Michael White on drums. These guys often go in with the mindset to "make history" as Vinnie told Michael White to do when they were work on the Steely Dan record "Two Against Nature". BTW, the record won a Grammy for record of the year.
Catch the vision of the producer and Serve the music.