Also, some newer guys, but great session players
Allen Mabson(Terry nephew)
Mike Reid(D.C.)
Diante Johnson(Chicago)
I was wondering if that Mike Reid on Jonathon Nelson's album was the same one I saw on some underground video footage a little while back. I guess it is. He did an excellent job on that project, but that's only a TASTE of what this dude can do. And he's young (to me, anyway). I saw him on a video hitting with Kim Burrell. It was DRUM-TASTIC!! 'Cause you know she seems to let her drummers be a little more free. But I like those kinds of artists.
Anyway, it's nice to see that he's getting work.
As for which drummer I'd use on a project. . . probably myself, 'cause I'm too cheap and I'd rather do it myself than teach somebody else everything I'm hearing in my head.
I will say this, though. If there's a project that I pick up and see the names Calvin (Rodgers or Napper), Doobie, Jeremy, Chris Coleman, or LaDell, I'm probably going to buy it.
I'm not too into Dave Weckl (just not, no reason). I have some of his albums and have been keeping up with him for years, so I'm not ignorant about him, just would rather listen to other drummers. So after hearing Chris play with Israel, I don't think I'd be wowed with Dave Weckl playing with him. I have never heard anything that Weckl has done that makes me think he has great hand speed. I'm not saying he's slow, but I've never seen him move around a kit like I've heard (and seen live) Chris do. It's just not the same thing.
