I just saw this thread, and noted that it was started way back in 2002!
Drum solos can be boring and irritating if the drummer doesn't have anything to say musically. On the other hand, some can be excellent. Somebody mentioned Steve Gadd. He's a monster musician! My acquaintance Stockton Helbing was Maynard Ferguson's Music Director and drummer, and for the past several years has been Doc Severinsen's drummer. He plays very interesting solos. Check out his recordings. I have a live recording of Buddy Rich doing a very lengthy solo back in 1971 which I've listened to many times. Very inventive and interesting.
Drum solos can be boring and irritating if the drummer doesn't have anything to say musically. On the other hand, some can be excellent. Somebody mentioned Steve Gadd. He's a monster musician! My acquaintance Stockton Helbing was Maynard Ferguson's Music Director and drummer, and for the past several years has been Doc Severinsen's drummer. He plays very interesting solos. Check out his recordings. I have a live recording of Buddy Rich doing a very lengthy solo back in 1971 which I've listened to many times. Very inventive and interesting.
All of those listed that I know are great, but an excellent solo is by Nesbert "Stix" Hooper on The Crusaders - Ongaku Kai album. Still have a sealed LP, the other gets played from on the odd occasion.
Not the biggest fan of drum solos but I like this one a lot:
Snarky Puppy - What About Me? (We Like It Here) - YouTube
(~ starting at 5:00)
Larnell Lewis plays a lot of tasteful stuff in that "gig".
Most of his playing is almost like a solo in itself.
Or check out Ronald Bruner going crazy in George Duke´s trio:
George Duke Trio "It's On" Live at Java Jazz Festival 2010 - YouTube
(~ starting at 5:30)
Snarky Puppy - What About Me? (We Like It Here) - YouTube
(~ starting at 5:00)
Larnell Lewis plays a lot of tasteful stuff in that "gig".
Most of his playing is almost like a solo in itself.
Or check out Ronald Bruner going crazy in George Duke´s trio:
George Duke Trio "It's On" Live at Java Jazz Festival 2010 - YouTube
(~ starting at 5:30)
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I love african rhythm.
Mamady Keita - Kuku - YouTube
or
Doudou N'Diaye Rose Orchestra - Diabote - YouTube
Mamady Keita - Kuku - YouTube
or
Doudou N'Diaye Rose Orchestra - Diabote - YouTube
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One of the best percussion records I own. Superb dynamics. Released by Clearaudio in 2011 / LP 83058
The incomparable Buddy Rich of course. I will never forget that quick 30sec solo on the Tonight Show in 1980 at the end of the show. He was the final guest ending the show. At 63 years old he came out with a technical display so perfectly executed it was beautiful music. Just mind boggling. Impossible to describe his talent in words.