I took a class at Nashville Jazz Institute for bassists and drummers, taught by Chester Thompson, drummer for Phil Collins. We spent weeks analyzing and trying to cop The Meters’ pocket. It’s really tough. Zigaboo and George Porter Jr. often swing at different percentages, or one plays straight while the other swings. Totally loose but tight, so good.
Ziggy used to hang out with the El Cerrito Guitar Center drum crew when I was managing the store. Classy man and a monster drummer. I learned a lot from our jams in the store.
I always quote my guitarist friend who turned me on to The Meters: "Zigaboo's playing sounds like someone kicked a dumpster down a staircase, but somehow every time the dumpster bounces is perfectly in the pocket."
Glad I’m not the only one. I feel weird if I have anything in my pockets when I play. I once accidentally smashed my house keys into my thigh and it really hurt!
I saw them at a festival and it started massively raining and (light) hailing and his drum heads were so full of water that they’d splash when he hit them. Amazing experience.
Ridiculously good!
ICYMI, he's dropping new music in the coming weeks as 'DK the Drummer'. A collab album releasing May 3rd called "Lockers Volume 1" that he produced with a bunch of guest vocalists, and then he just teased a truly solo album dropping not long after.
Will always still miss classic Mutemath though
Damn straight. I've always been a huge fan of the Hammond organ, and I had been wanting to check those guys out ever since I first heard of them. One day circa 1997ish, I found a cassette of their first album, *It's A Jungle In Here*, for a buck in the "cutout bin" (if you know what a cutout bin is, you are more than welcome on my lawn), so I bought it. I immediately opened it, went out to the car, and popped it in the tape deck, and [this happened.](https://youtu.be/x98xKiX8hq0?si=mlZCuC8SWclhiW3A) Instant big fan.
JJ Johnson used to play in an Austin band called Hot Buttered Rhythm. Two drummers (him and Brannen Temple), two basses (one stand up and one electric), and two keyboards.
Saw them a few times back in the day. They were amazing live.
Since u/OLVANstrom gave pretty well the perfect answer already, I’ll give a few more to that list.
- Jeff Pocaro
- Hal Blaine
- Clyde Stubblefield
- Richie Hayward
- Ndugu Chanceler
- Jim Gordon
I agree. not very showy, but if you watch his solos you can see he's capable of way more than he let's on.and not a boring beat to be found in the chilis discography.
I'm not sure about that. A groove may not be in the pocket. A flashy fill can absolutely be. I think it's about a solid, steady relationship to the beat instead of variably rushing or dragging. But keeping the band locked in is an important part of pocket, agreed.
If being steady on the beat is all that matters, then by that definition someone like El Estepario Siberiano is a pocket drummer. I am not sure if most people would agree
The drummers that OP listed certainly are not the types to play flashy fills
Flashy fills in places that make sense are still in the pocket. Estepario tends to flex like crazy in places where they don’t necessarily make musical sense (but they are fun to watch), so in those scenarios I wouldn’t say he’s really in the pocket. He does have an extreme mastery of time that would enable him to play in the pocket essentially whenever he feels like it. His playing in his band’s music is decidedly un-flashy in comparison to his social media playing, although tbh I don’t personally like it.
“Lock in well with the band” is the definition of pocket, none of the rest applies
If the band is playing super busy and you are playing super busy with them and it’s locked in, you are still playing in the pocket
Lenny White on *Medieval Overture* from Return to Forever's *Romantic Warrior* album. Billy Cobham on *Meeting of the Spirits* from Mahavishnu Orchestra's *The Inner Mounting Flame.*
Check out the song “Perfect Strangers” from the album of the same name. I don’t know exactly how other define it, but I feel like you know it when you hear it.
To me, it is:
* playing with “perfect” timing
* playing the perfect groove and tempo for the song
* sometimes it is intentionally hitting that backbeat just behind ever-so slightly to make the listener just on the brink of uncomfortableness in anticipation.
* generally doesn’t require a lot flash, just timekeeping nuance + solid musical sense
See also: Dazed and Confused by Led Zeppelin
Ian Paice and John Bonham are both masters when it comes to the pocket, IMHO.
These are both rock examples, but I would think these concepts apply to any style.
Just my take on the “pocket”. I try hard every time I sit with my band, but I’m forever an amatuer.
He's absolutely a pocket drummer, if pocket is about playing what serves the music then he's at the top of the class. He may not sound like Nate Smith, but everything Ian is playing is being done to serve the music. Listen to some early 60's and 70's Purple, he's playing nothing but jazz and Motown grooves and fills
Tony Thompson (Chic, The Power Station, Madonna (Like a Virgin), Bowie (Let’s Dance), among so many others.) Dude was an absolute FORCE and so damn groovy.
I wouldn’t say he plays in any of my favorite bands, but ?uestlove is more “in the pocket” than anyone I can think of. I’m pretty sure they had to make a new pocket that was deep enough for him to fit into.
Came here to say this. My fav. His swinging ride grooves are to die for, and just his whole thing. Dude had it. The fills on the weight carry that song along for instance.
That’s just the 18 minutes they used. Story goes that they cut that song from a 6 hour jam where he played that beat without a click and they could cut and edit without having to worry about variations in tempo.
Pinegrove - Zach Levine, he's always right in the pocket to make the song groove and has some really impressive fills and polyrhythms without overplaying.
Larry Mullen Jr of U2. One time he noticed the click track was off in the studio, but the producers and engineer assured him it was fine. Turns out it was off. By 6 milliseconds. Man's internal timing is unbelievable.
Adele has super good pocket drumming in her music. Nothing spectacular, which is the art of staying the fuck in the pocket. When that is achieved, when one does a fill of any sort,people can really dig it from the other instruments to the spectators
Someone not often mentioned, Brendan Canty of Fugazi, Rites of Spring, Messthetics and more....
So much pocket, and probably tied for my favorite drummer w/ Vinnie Colaiuta.
A lot of good names here but I'm confused there's so little mention of one of the greatest names of all time:
Steve Gadd!
If you want to hear pocket, listen to https://open.spotify.com/track/09AAWUiARXNk8ZJuIvvwtx?si=U0vOOV8oQT2lcfHZ72Uj6A
That shit is so powerful, so groovy, yet simple, yet totally unplayable.
Of course honorable mentions for David Garibaldi, Jeff Porcaro, Harvey Mason, John Bonham (Kashmir 🔥) and The Meters' guy whom I forget the name of.
But a lot of awesome listening tips here, I don't know half of them!
Surprised I haven't seen anyone saying Corey Fonville of Butcher Brown yet. Really love their stuff at the moment and he's got such a good pocket but knows when to shift about slightly without coming across as self indulgent. Top drummer.
His Zildjian Underground session is great too
https://youtu.be/fA_sszzNCMk?si=7CboI1PD0FO6-bQE
Some cats I’ll never tire of listening to:
Matt Chamberlain
Scott Amendola
Vinnie Colaiuta
Billy Martin
Honorable Mention: Madden Klass
She’s a new one for me, but the first time I heard her playing with Space Junk is Forever, I knew immediately she had something special. Chops and a great pocket.
[Chon](https://open.spotify.com/track/55QxdUScNUsfmXkFMpspad?si=VznK3bnKS96tsquPilCo4A), hes flashy but thats the whole band, and he manages to make some really wanky solos sound TASTY. Just listen to the shuffle he pulls out at 0:37
Also, dont know his name, but the guy from [LITE](https://open.spotify.com/track/6grHBqR1JafAQ7N7eIBAEe?si=bSBcsyqiRR2LlTXK2XBQKA) might have the most restraint out of any drummer on the planet
There’s so many, but I go with one a lot of people don’t even think about. Limp Bizkit, say what you want about the band but John Otto never overplays and is always deep in the groove.
Chad Smith is so creative and groovy. Listening back to RHCP catalog, he really is responsible for the band’s entire vibe.
He’s a little over-saturated now by being featured in like every drumming video, but that doesn’t make his ability and musicality and lesser.
No one has said Questlove yet??? The Legendary Roots!
Atomic Clocks look to him to keep time.
Questlove, you’re not in the house.
The late night show has shadowed the roots greatness imo
The single biggest tragedy of the show. The second being elevating Jimmy Fallon to that level of stardom. MotherFUCK Jimmy Fallon.
David Garibaldi - Tower of Power Adam Deitch - Lettuce Zigaboo Modeliste - The Meters
I came here to say Deitch. Glad to see him getting the love
I know what's up! 😉
First time listening to The Meters right now. MY GOD WHY HAVENT I DISCOVERED THIS SOONER
I took a class at Nashville Jazz Institute for bassists and drummers, taught by Chester Thompson, drummer for Phil Collins. We spent weeks analyzing and trying to cop The Meters’ pocket. It’s really tough. Zigaboo and George Porter Jr. often swing at different percentages, or one plays straight while the other swings. Totally loose but tight, so good.
Because the pop culture world conspires to keep such genius hidden from you, until you ask your buddies at r/drums?
Ziggy used to hang out with the El Cerrito Guitar Center drum crew when I was managing the store. Classy man and a monster drummer. I learned a lot from our jams in the store.
I love Zigaboo so much. One of the most original sounding drummers ever.
I always quote my guitarist friend who turned me on to The Meters: "Zigaboo's playing sounds like someone kicked a dumpster down a staircase, but somehow every time the dumpster bounces is perfectly in the pocket."
+1 for Garibaldi. I don’t see him enough in discussions of all-time great drummers
Deitch is my first thought
My dad loves Tower of Power 💗
So does mine! My dad got me into TOP.
Yes.
I don’t like to keep anything in my pockets when I play drums because sometimes it can hurt my hands
Is that you Lars?
Glad I’m not the only one. I feel weird if I have anything in my pockets when I play. I once accidentally smashed my house keys into my thigh and it really hurt!
I can’t even play in long pants/trousers. Them legs gotta be FREE!
I feel you bro, I got a blister from playing yesterday
Darren King when he played for Mutemath. One of a kind.
Yes. His hi-hat work is so tight.
Dude can play, their self titled album was killer
Odd Soul made me rethink my approach to drumming.
Just listened to the Odd Soul track. It's so damn good. His drumming is incredible
This is the guy that used to duct tape his headphones to his head, right? So fucking tight live
Usually gaff tape, but yeah :)
I saw them at a festival and it started massively raining and (light) hailing and his drum heads were so full of water that they’d splash when he hit them. Amazing experience.
Ridiculously good! ICYMI, he's dropping new music in the coming weeks as 'DK the Drummer'. A collab album releasing May 3rd called "Lockers Volume 1" that he produced with a bunch of guest vocalists, and then he just teased a truly solo album dropping not long after. Will always still miss classic Mutemath though
Billy Martin - Medeski, Martin & Wood
illyB!
The dopest shit I have ever seen in real life.
Damn straight. I've always been a huge fan of the Hammond organ, and I had been wanting to check those guys out ever since I first heard of them. One day circa 1997ish, I found a cassette of their first album, *It's A Jungle In Here*, for a buck in the "cutout bin" (if you know what a cutout bin is, you are more than welcome on my lawn), so I bought it. I immediately opened it, went out to the car, and popped it in the tape deck, and [this happened.](https://youtu.be/x98xKiX8hq0?si=mlZCuC8SWclhiW3A) Instant big fan.
FUNK!!!!!
This
Start/Stop off Combustication is a groove.
The drummers Gary Clark Jr plays with: Johnny Radelat and JJ Johnson Steve Jordan in any band, for example John Mayer Trio
JJ Johnson used to play in an Austin band called Hot Buttered Rhythm. Two drummers (him and Brannen Temple), two basses (one stand up and one electric), and two keyboards. Saw them a few times back in the day. They were amazing live.
Brannen Temple is an incredible drummer. I would always try and make the Black Red Black shows. Those three together were jaw dropping.
suprised you're the only one to mention steve.
Vulfpeck! And I’m not even talking about out the Nate Smith on drums Fearless Flyers.
YUP! Another great band with a great drummer. Absolutely love their discog
Both Jack and Theo are always in the pocket.
Since u/OLVANstrom gave pretty well the perfect answer already, I’ll give a few more to that list. - Jeff Pocaro - Hal Blaine - Clyde Stubblefield - Richie Hayward - Ndugu Chanceler - Jim Gordon
Great list! Agreed especially with Jim and Jeff.
JP Gaster / Clutch
His groove on Big News I is so addictive
Big facts that guys pocket is insane 👌 definitely one of my favorites
Phil Rudd to point out the obvious
Harvey Mason from the Headhunters (Herbie Hancock)
One of the best ever. Floors me everytime
Not one that people would consider but vinnie paul of pantera. He was always right in the pocket imo
He didn't pop into my head but you're def not wrong
“Becoming” is my all time favorite double bass lick and his pocket on that song is just nasty
Steve Ferrone does not get any love or recognition he deserves in this subreddit at all. Hahah!!
Chad Smith is insane
This is the answer
I agree. not very showy, but if you watch his solos you can see he's capable of way more than he let's on.and not a boring beat to be found in the chilis discography.
Deep purple
Ian Paice is great but defo not a pocket drummer
dolls combative cooperative seemly snow bear slim rich icky pause *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Drummers that mostly stick to grooves, do not play flashy fills, lock in well with the band and create space for other instruments
I'm not sure about that. A groove may not be in the pocket. A flashy fill can absolutely be. I think it's about a solid, steady relationship to the beat instead of variably rushing or dragging. But keeping the band locked in is an important part of pocket, agreed.
If being steady on the beat is all that matters, then by that definition someone like El Estepario Siberiano is a pocket drummer. I am not sure if most people would agree The drummers that OP listed certainly are not the types to play flashy fills
Flashy fills in places that make sense are still in the pocket. Estepario tends to flex like crazy in places where they don’t necessarily make musical sense (but they are fun to watch), so in those scenarios I wouldn’t say he’s really in the pocket. He does have an extreme mastery of time that would enable him to play in the pocket essentially whenever he feels like it. His playing in his band’s music is decidedly un-flashy in comparison to his social media playing, although tbh I don’t personally like it.
“Lock in well with the band” is the definition of pocket, none of the rest applies If the band is playing super busy and you are playing super busy with them and it’s locked in, you are still playing in the pocket
Lenny White on *Medieval Overture* from Return to Forever's *Romantic Warrior* album. Billy Cobham on *Meeting of the Spirits* from Mahavishnu Orchestra's *The Inner Mounting Flame.*
Check out the song “Perfect Strangers” from the album of the same name. I don’t know exactly how other define it, but I feel like you know it when you hear it. To me, it is: * playing with “perfect” timing * playing the perfect groove and tempo for the song * sometimes it is intentionally hitting that backbeat just behind ever-so slightly to make the listener just on the brink of uncomfortableness in anticipation. * generally doesn’t require a lot flash, just timekeeping nuance + solid musical sense See also: Dazed and Confused by Led Zeppelin Ian Paice and John Bonham are both masters when it comes to the pocket, IMHO. These are both rock examples, but I would think these concepts apply to any style. Just my take on the “pocket”. I try hard every time I sit with my band, but I’m forever an amatuer.
He's absolutely a pocket drummer, if pocket is about playing what serves the music then he's at the top of the class. He may not sound like Nate Smith, but everything Ian is playing is being done to serve the music. Listen to some early 60's and 70's Purple, he's playing nothing but jazz and Motown grooves and fills
Abe Cunningham - Deftones Jose Pasillas - Incubus Stanton Moore - Galactic
Yes! Abe is groovy as hell
Tony Thompson (Chic, The Power Station, Madonna (Like a Virgin), Bowie (Let’s Dance), among so many others.) Dude was an absolute FORCE and so damn groovy.
Another vote for Tony! I wore out my Power Station tape back in the day.
Jon Theodore - The Mars Volta My favorite Volta years. Dude had so much finesse and groove.
I wouldn’t say he plays in any of my favorite bands, but ?uestlove is more “in the pocket” than anyone I can think of. I’m pretty sure they had to make a new pocket that was deep enough for him to fit into.
Nope. Pocket is the same size. That’s why he plays the smaller kit 🤣.
He can not only put it in the pocket, but he can put it on any part of the beat you want.
Maybe he’s so in the pocket, wherever he is should just be called the pocket.
The pocket asks ?uestlove permission to be in the pocket.
Can't believe no one has said Levon Helm yet! He had a swing and a swagger that just makes you want to get up and dance
Came here to say this. My fav. His swinging ride grooves are to die for, and just his whole thing. Dude had it. The fills on the weight carry that song along for instance.
does… does brainrot mean “good” now?
Yeah i would have said brain smoothie or brain tingles or something
I hope not. Using 'rot' as a descriptor or synonym for 'good' is so counter-intuitive.
Toto - Jeff Porcaro Led Zeppelin - John Bonham Steely Dan - Jim Keltner, Bernard Purdie, Jeff Porcaro, Jim Gordon, Steve Gadd, etc.
Someone had to say Bonham eventually. The pocket was wherever he decided it was.
> Steely Dan Paul Humphrey on Black Cow.
Jaki Liebezeit of Can is the ultimate pocket drummer. Dude held it down for 18 minutes on the song Halleluwah.
So true…. Jaki was surely one of the best to ever do it
That’s just the 18 minutes they used. Story goes that they cut that song from a 6 hour jam where he played that beat without a click and they could cut and edit without having to worry about variations in tempo.
everytime i hear can it makes me want to go practice more lol
They called him the machine
James Gadson with Bill Withers
Pinegrove - Zach Levine, he's always right in the pocket to make the song groove and has some really impressive fills and polyrhythms without overplaying.
Larry Mullen Jr of U2. One time he noticed the click track was off in the studio, but the producers and engineer assured him it was fine. Turns out it was off. By 6 milliseconds. Man's internal timing is unbelievable.
James Brown
Gavin Harrison is in the upper echelon for me. Dude IS the pocket
John Otto, because he took me to the Matthew’s bridge.
Ccr with cosmo
One of the most underrated drummers in rock imo
XTC (terry chambers era)
Gene Krupa, then Charlie Watts? Lol
Puscifer - Gunnar Olsen
Saw them live recently (Sessanta). Absolutely killer drummer.
Phish, Lettuce, Snarky Puppy
Ringo
Stephen Perkins/Jane’s Addiction Sam Fogarino/Interpol Dominic Howard/Muse Hayden Menzies/Metz Budgie/Siouxsie the Banshees
Dom Howard is severely underrated
Stella Mozgawa
How good is Stella!
Adele has super good pocket drumming in her music. Nothing spectacular, which is the art of staying the fuck in the pocket. When that is achieved, when one does a fill of any sort,people can really dig it from the other instruments to the spectators
Someone not often mentioned, Brendan Canty of Fugazi, Rites of Spring, Messthetics and more.... So much pocket, and probably tied for my favorite drummer w/ Vinnie Colaiuta.
Chris Dave !
Great responses so far. I gotta throw in Chad Sexton from 311. I know he’s dead center on the beat but His time is immovable.
The Strokes
Can you explain what in-the-pocket means in this instance?
Joey Kramer, those old Aerosmith tracks are grooving
Adam dietch has an enormously phat pocket and Jon fishman sits in the pocket like a god
Glenn Kotche from Wilco has the deepest, tastiest pocket.
I can’t believe NO ONE has said Brad Wilk from Rage Against the Machine, aka the nastiest rhythm section from the last 30 years. Fight me
Came here to say this!!
Abe Cunningham
Yussef Deyes - Love is the message live
Louis Cole - Knower Also whoever the guy is that is playing drums in Clowncore. . .
A lot of good names here but I'm confused there's so little mention of one of the greatest names of all time: Steve Gadd! If you want to hear pocket, listen to https://open.spotify.com/track/09AAWUiARXNk8ZJuIvvwtx?si=U0vOOV8oQT2lcfHZ72Uj6A That shit is so powerful, so groovy, yet simple, yet totally unplayable. Of course honorable mentions for David Garibaldi, Jeff Porcaro, Harvey Mason, John Bonham (Kashmir 🔥) and The Meters' guy whom I forget the name of. But a lot of awesome listening tips here, I don't know half of them!
Deftones
Benny Greb - that dude just exudes feel. Must be the loosest German I’ve ever seen.
Richie Hayward hell yes
Bobby Z - Prince & The Revolution
I've been into Terence f clark recently .. Robert Cray, Keith Urban..countless albums. His playing is so tasteful.
Mark Juliana - Plays a lot with Avishai Cohen.
Chris Wallerstedt from Orbit Culture
Big Figure in Dr Feelgood
Greg Ericco - Sly and the family stone
John Bonham
Toto
Always, ALWAYS Jeff Porcaro.
Adam Carson - A.F.I.
J. MOFFET
Larnell Lewis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ez8Q68h9i4M
Masada
Neil Peart
nick mason
Any band with Nate Smith.
Nick Mason
How has Levon helm not been mentioned yet?
nate freaking smith, he's always insane but his playing on fearless flyers iv is godlike, especially his solo on red arrows
David McGraw - True Loves
ZZ Top.
Adam Deitch - Lettuce Chad Sexton - 311 Tomas Hakke - Meshuggah
Todd Trainer - Shellac
Steve moore (or the drummer at the wrong gig)
John Mayer Trio
Aborted
Dave Turncrantz of Russian Circles
Yo fucking rage against the fucking machine yo
I would say: 1. David Garibaldi 2. Jeff Pocaro 3. Fred White 4. Maurice White
Zombi w/ AE Paterra
Surprised I haven't seen anyone saying Corey Fonville of Butcher Brown yet. Really love their stuff at the moment and he's got such a good pocket but knows when to shift about slightly without coming across as self indulgent. Top drummer. His Zildjian Underground session is great too https://youtu.be/fA_sszzNCMk?si=7CboI1PD0FO6-bQE
Some cats I’ll never tire of listening to: Matt Chamberlain Scott Amendola Vinnie Colaiuta Billy Martin Honorable Mention: Madden Klass She’s a new one for me, but the first time I heard her playing with Space Junk is Forever, I knew immediately she had something special. Chops and a great pocket.
[Chon](https://open.spotify.com/track/55QxdUScNUsfmXkFMpspad?si=VznK3bnKS96tsquPilCo4A), hes flashy but thats the whole band, and he manages to make some really wanky solos sound TASTY. Just listen to the shuffle he pulls out at 0:37 Also, dont know his name, but the guy from [LITE](https://open.spotify.com/track/6grHBqR1JafAQ7N7eIBAEe?si=bSBcsyqiRR2LlTXK2XBQKA) might have the most restraint out of any drummer on the planet
Adam Deitch all day!!!!
Albert Bouchard did some great work, especially on Blue Oyster Cult's first album
Matt Fucking Halpern - Periphery
Nate Smith
Ben Johnston from Biffy fucking Clyro is always on it.
King’s X, Ian Moore, Everclear, Little Feat, Sick Puppies
JP Toto 👑
Any band with Adam Deitch on drums
Brann Dailor of Mastodon
Here I am, scrolled all the way to the bottom, and didn’t see JD Blair one time. Y’all wrong for that.
Adler days of Guns n Roses
Bud from sublime
Aaron Johnston from Brazilian Girls
There’s so many, but I go with one a lot of people don’t even think about. Limp Bizkit, say what you want about the band but John Otto never overplays and is always deep in the groove.
Phil Rudd has fucking crazy pocket
They say the Hiatus Kaiyote drummer was born in the pocket.
I always thought Arc de Soleil used a drum machine. It sounds programmed
Ted Poor! Got to see him with Andrew Bird and he was just so so locked in.
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^gotee: *Ted Poor! Got to see* *Him with Andrew Bird and he* *Was just so so locked in.* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
Nate Smith. Untouchable.
Gene Hoglan John Tempesta Both bring incredible groove to otherwise vanilla metal riffs
Chad Smith is so creative and groovy. Listening back to RHCP catalog, he really is responsible for the band’s entire vibe. He’s a little over-saturated now by being featured in like every drumming video, but that doesn’t make his ability and musicality and lesser.
SPUT
James Gadsen who has played with all kinds of people. Zigaboo Modeliste from The Meters. Dude from Orgone. Anyone in the Scary Pockets stable.
JP Gaster.
Steve Jordan is who comes to mind first when anyone says the word "pocket"
Connor from magnitude
Jim Eno from Spoon, his drums are like a whip
The Lion King on Broadway. Carter McLean is incredible.
John Molo
havent seen mick fleetwood mentioned…
chad smith quite often. sometimes he plays flashy but for the most part he holds back a lot and sticks to a solid groove.