I just heard Louis Hayes playing with Sam Jones and Barry Harris on Pandora. He is the fastest, most articulate jazz brush player ever. Probably the fastest bebop drummer ever, too, including Roach. I heard Hayes in 1983, I never forgot those brushes, in person it is like you are connected to something extremely special and important. That's the purpose of the jazz drummer - to provide context and perspective for the audience as well as a frame for the vision of the horn soloist. He is so relaxed and confident at speed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XxjBfu3lxQI have been fortunate to see many great jazz drummers. Phillie Joe, Max, Buhaina, Alan Dawson, Charlie Persip, Krupa, Higgins, TL Carrington, John Riley, Joe Morello, Al Foster, Elvin, Connie Kay, Peter Erskine, Roy Haynes, Buddy Rich, Louis Bellson, Duffy Jackson and most of the new generation, Kenny Washington, Kilson, Peterson, etc. My fav living drummer is John Riley. My fav of all time is Blakey.
Who's your favorite jazz drummer? Who have you seen live?
