Since posting my first item I realised that I left out one of the most influential drummers of all - Billy Cobham. If you don't know anything about him here's an excerpt from his biography:

Ever since his breakthrough in the early 1970s-as a founding member of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, and as a drummer/leader whose recordings (such as Spectrum) and powerful, complex style of play exerted a strong influence on the course of jazz and jazz-fusion-Billy Cobham has remained a tireless musical explorer.

It's that musical exploration that appealed to me as a kid and is every bit as appealing today. I wanted to be like Billy Cobham because he's nothing short of a genius who embraces every element of musical influence in his playing. Check his discography and see for yourself just how many different musicians playing every style of music you can think of that Billy has collaborated with. Miles Davis, Jack Bruce, Carlos Santana, James Brown, Quincy Jones, Roberta Flack, Marc Almond, Peter Gabriel and many more making him one of the most in-demand session drummers on the planet which is testimony to his talent.

"Stratus", from his debut album Spectrum was sampled by Massive Attack in their tune "Safe from Harm".

He was also one of the first drummers to play open handed lead which means he can lead (or ride) with either hand and begin or end a beat or fill with either hand (most drummers like me lead with one hand only). He was also one of the first drummers to play with 3 or more bass drums and multiple hi-hats which, although it's not my style has to be respected for it's experimental value and passion for pushing the boundaries of conventional drumming.

Rock on, William C. Cobham. Still playing with explosive power and exacting precision at 64 years of age!

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