It isn't really possible to be a 'better' drummer than Tony. Different, maybe but not better. Speed won't do it complex time sigs won't do it. You don't really hear drummers who can convey meaning on a drumkit like Tony.
@generatrix999 Mr Williams seems quite comfortable with his sitting position here, as evidenced by this remarkable and highly sophisticated solo. Hearing seems OK too. What is it that "comes through" in the playing? Clearly, most of us can't pick it.
Maybe some of todays modern drummers might be kind of spoiled. With all the new Hi tech pedals, Hi hats & hardware,etc. That can assist the way a drummer plays & performs. It's all good though. However R. I. P. The great, Mr. Tony Williams. Who performed from the 60"s on 60's technology drum kits. And never used a double kick that I know of. Can you imagine if he played on all of the new 2011, Hi tech hardware etc that drummers use in 2011? Or maybe he doesn't need it.
What's up with him using those nasty Remo black dots, wow, those drums sound like crap and his using newer K's. Just dig out your old Turkish made K's Tony...
You listen to great drummers talk about influences like, cobham, gadd, weckl, coaliuta, the list just goes on and on and they all site tony williams as the main one. Even the brilliant but unimpressionable buddy rich loved big T W, this is anything but coincidence!. The DADDY. .... tink, newcastle. UK
Before I discovered jazz and famous jazz drummers I though that the best drummers in the world were people like Steve Gadd, Vinnie Coaliuta, Dave Weckl Neil Pearth, Buddy Rich, Chad Smith, Tony Royster Jr, Dennis Chambers, Mike Portnoy etc. in their own ways (different styles of music you know). But now that I've listened to Tony Williams solos. I realized that I've never heard a solo before that I actually liked listening to. Tony is interesting. The others are just good.
@sebz661 thanks for clarifying that I thought it was some sort of flam tap with drags... left me being wtf... but I realize now that it's a swiss where sometimes the second stroke is dragged, like as if it were a hybrid rudiment
I am afraid to admit this in person, so I will do it in anonymity; Tony seems like the Keith Moon of jazz, and I never have really liked that style. Both are very good; I like Tony on snare-and Keith was crazy, but kept it tight-but I don't see the " Best Ever " in them.
@TheHitez Wow you must be really good let's see a video of your tap beats and all of your best solos. You should be teaching the world what they need to know about drumming.
I pretty well owe everything I play to Tony and John.Check out some of Tony's last few recordings with Bill Laswell, Derek Bailey and Buckethead,named Arcana.Some of the most diverse music I have heard,from the highly ugly to the heavenly beautiful.Dig it at 3,30 on this vid.Melody,power,conviction,and imagination.
he's a damn good drummer don't get me wrong but i personally think there were a few things in this drum solo i didn't really like or thought he should've just stayed away from but other than that i give this man props
@Slayerplsko You do realize that the drummers you bag on, come from Tony Williams. I personally don't like metal drummers but i won't bag on them. It's ironic though that people like you who love trash those drummers but praise tony don't realize that their style came from the guy. blast beats, powerful fast playing, yeah that all came from tony. Do some research and really listen to everything and anything, regardless of opinion.
@Slayerplsko Wow! Nobody has come here to tell us something like ''this guy sucks! Lars Ulrich is the best''. Things are getting better?" ....sounds like you're bagging on lars ulrich to me...
@Slayerplsko Wow! Nobody has come here to tell us something like ''this guy sucks! Lars Ulrich is the best''. Things are getting better?" ....sounds like you're bagging on lars ulrich to me...
@Slayerplsko "Wow! Nobody has come here to tell us something like ''this guy sucks! Lars Ulrich is the best''. Things are getting better?" ....sounds like you're baggin on lars ulrich to me....
@Slayerplsko "Wow! Nobody has come here to tell us something like ''this guy sucks! Lars Ulrich is the best''. Things are getting better?" ....sounds like you're baggin on lars ulrich to me....
When it comes to the mighty Tony Williams words never seem to be enough. His music and drumming are an experience that registers on a level beyond words.
this was the first clip of tony i ever saw. a 12 year old drummer not having a damn clue how much greatness i was witnessing. that was 10 years ago and i still can't grasp his greatness...
disagree my friend - not sure how you'd define massive for a world class player - most of their mistakes aren't noticeable to the casual observer - i'm not suggesting he's not an excellent drummer - because he is - but a hesitation like that from a world class player is rarely seen - look at it again - he wasn't sure what to do for almost a beat and a half.
So you pointed out a mild hesitation from a world class player. And....??? Tell you the truth, it happens more often than not because that is what makes them "World class". They care constantly testing there limits in real time. I've seen Elvin drop sticks live, Buddy fuck up, it happens. They are human beings who happen to be brillitant drummers.
they're human beings?? come on man you're taking offence to it - when you shouldn't be - and that's not a mild hesitation - that's a mild hesitation for an intermediate player - for a guy who teaches master classes - that was massive - and yes - it does happen - my point - if you read it - was that the masters rarely make mistakes that are noticeable to the casual fan..i like this guy too-you're defending him like you manage him - not picking a fight here bro - it's saturday - go grab a brew
and there's no " And..??" to the comment bro - i'm not looking to write a thesis on it - it's not a dissertation - there's a hesitation at 1:41 - there's no more to the story - wasn't slagging him - i'm perfectly aware that drummers are human beings - but that's a really solid point. you forgot to add " and human beings make mistakes" - cuz i didn't know that either :)
Bonham though always seemed to keep his shit together onstage. Moon definitely brought his habits to the drum kit. Still, that is sort of what made him (and was his undoing to). I probably am at my best with three drinks in me (anything over is dangerous). Weed though sort of helps me "explore". To each his/her own though I suppose.
agreed on bonham and moon - it's long been known that weed can bring out the creative juices - not to mention dorito's and chocolate chip cookies. you obviously play - what's your kit look like?
we're obviously both drum geeks - who would say you're favorites are - top three - i'm not asking who's the best - cuz that's a gay question - that can never truly be answered - but personal favorites - for me it's Peart, Omar Hakim and JoJo Mayer - there's so many others - from so many genres and styles - we could both probly list 50 - but those 3 i love for different reasons - i can watch Omar Hakim play the drums all day long.
Top Three? That is such a tough question these days as I sort of break things down more by drum genre than overall "best". In other words, Jo Jones has to fit into the top three but since I am rock orientated, he doesn't necessarily make my "overall" cut. Still, I recognize so many of those greats from that era. That said....a top Three.
moon and bonham for sure - clear legends - can't say i really know elvin jones tho - i think i've heard of him - old school jazz dude i think ? you're right tho - i don't ever get into the who's " best' game - its so subjective - there's so many styles etc etc - dennis chambers, chester thompson, - i see all over youtube kids ( they have to be kids) claiming travis barker is the best drummer in the world - makes me giggle my tits off. - i'll give you good - best in the world?? come on man.
Travis barker.....to me he is a good drummer for sure but really more about selling merch and reality tv shows than drumming. The kids are delusional. The ones who stick with it (pun intended) will realize eventually that he is sort of just so-so in the grand scheme of things. Anyway, check out Elvin online. . There are some old clips of him that are less than stellar but that is because he may have been smacked out (like many jazz drummers).
checking him out as we speak - this is why i love talkng with other dudes that love the drums - cuz they always put you on to a dude you never heard of before - you check him out and are blown away - for you - if you haven't seen it - google Omar Hakim Buddy Rich -( search in "videos ") - there's a15min clip at dailymotion called " slo funk" - you're a rock guy - but i know you'll enjoy it.
I love John Bonham as well, but you can't compare Tony Williams with John Bonham. That's like trying to compare Coke, with Orange soda... They both are amazing, but they are different flavors. Bonham is rock and roll, Williams is jazz. You know what I mean?
that's not true. tony also played some rock. he was going to record a heavy metal album, but unfortunately passed away. one of his favorite bands was metallica.
@LilStripes7 They are closer than you think. Both had a philiosophy to really hit the drums. Bonzo took rock to a new level of hard hitting. Tony took jazz the same way. Tony was more refined and intellectual than Bonzo, but they both blazed a path into power drumming.
@LilStripes7 It's funny because they both revered each other. Bonham admired him since the 60's, but then after Zeppelin got big, Tony stated he got into Bonham's sound and style and was part of his re-tooling to a bigger kit and a more electric, rockin' sound.
I think they were both geniuses and you are right, they shouldn't be compared. Music is not a competition.
@LilStripes7 Tony could do a lot of what John Bonham did . He was more of hybrid drummer, with a heavier approach to jazz...especially in his career after Miles.
if you're 5 or 6 deep into yer beers and looking for a giggle ( although it's not really funny - cuz this kid's going to be scary good in 5 years) - search igor falecki -
I met Steve Turrett recently (trombone, SNL band 25 years) and asked him about Tony. His comment was "Are you kidding? The level of control he had over the instrument was sick."
Why do people always have to compare musicians against one another? Music is art and each artist has their own unique imprint. If you don't like the music just move on. Williams is a great drummer and musician. Miles Davis recruited him into his band at the age of 17. Enough said!
@durgaaa Yes and logical intellectual people go around calling others idiots. Talk to me logically, let's have an intellectual conversation about drumming, i'll start. Tony Williams, as we all know, joined Miles Davis at the age of 17. Tony was the center of the band, adding a lot of fuel to the fire. Out of Miles' Second Great Quintet though, I believe Tony started the decline of drumming. As Max Roach once said, "It's not about how fast or how hard you can play." Care to elaborate?
@Hoontasan Why do people always have to whine about people comparing musicians? If you don't like it, just move on and shut up. Seriously. Don't you think we must love the music if we've taken the time to put opinions aside and research the musician. So what if "each artist has their own unique imprint," let's face facts people, in some cases one is better than the other, regardless if they're different genres or not. There's nothing wrong with discussing such matters, helps you learn.
@Hoontasan 100% agree with you as to the absurdity of comparing musicians. It's so nice we have(or had) so many different drummers(and not only) with their strong and weak points. So why compare? Just enjoy what is closer to you.!
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I looked up this vid cause JoJo Meyer talks about him as an inspirational person. JoJo blows this guy out of the water. You guys are talking about this guy as if he's a great drummer. Not impressed, show me something to change my mind.
Nobody huh? So Buddy never crossed your mind? lolz. I said find something to change my mind and nobody has sent any vids or anything. Hell even his drummers world is has nothing special. And, if you're really think I don't "have ears to hear Tony", well I do have ears to hear Marco. If Tony invented the water, Marco would be walking on it, and Buddy would be soaring through the sky.
Did you just compare Marco Minnemann to Tony Williams? And say that Marco walks over Tony? Wow! Yeah, you *definitely* don't have the musical ears then. I think even Marco would get a kick out of your words. And the reason no one has sent you anything to "change your mind" is because they know it would be a waste of time... your lack of musically tuned ears being so evident and all.
I always like hear drummers that play hard, with energy. here you have an example, and i like the odd tempos in this solo too. And...you can recognize a good drummer if they constantly move they left foot to glue the hole thing (that's what i believe). Paulywhore...this guy isn't super fast...so?you should be able to recognize other variables beside the speed in the art of drumming.
check out miles davis' albums from the 60's like "mile smiles", "nefertiti" and others. also "out to lunch" by eric dolphy. the way he sounds and plays on those recordings is unique and brilliant, and MUCH more impressive than this video. in my opinion he played best in that period, when he was (very!) young.
C'mon stretch. You challenged I challenge back . One motherfucking thing Gadd could or did that Tony can't do. One thing. doesn't exist my friend. go worship your Modern drummer as the absolute truth since you don't know shit.
Royster has blinding chops my butt. he uses the same damn thing over and over again. Never heard a sustained buzz roll from the dude yet either. can;t do one is my bet.
hey w40318, I think his flat tom sound has to with him having thick 2 ply heads on the batter and resonant side of his toms, It's just his preference because there are videos from the early 1970s where we does the same thing with his heads,tony's sound was reallty different i think not only because of his playing but the fact that alot of jazz players use thinner 1 ply heads like remo ambassadors on batter and resonant side for increased resonance
Alan Dawson's FIRST drum student was Tony Williams when Tony was very young. (early 1960's) Later in Alan's career he said that if he (Alan) knew then what he knew in the 1990's it would have certainly influenced Tony in a different way and in fact Tony might have played differently. But then look at some of Alan's other student's (Steve Smith, Vinnie, Kenwood, Teri Lynn) and judge for yourself.
man...this is pretty much the forst time i've watched tony, but straight away i see his influence in the new ledgends like vinnie colaiuta, keith carlock and john blackwell
Muzical 126, I agree with you 100%. The drum and percussion industry puts far to much emphasis on showmanship, rather than musicianship. Although drumming has made progress in leaps and bounds in the last ten years, I notice many of the newer drummers are overplaying their parts by a long shot. Simple music should be kept simple, elaborate music should be played elaborately, but tastefully, but many can't seem to distinguish the difference. Maybe it's time to take a step back to the basics.
Royster jr is an amazing technician (blinding chops) but he hasn't come close to making the musical contribution that Tony made! Tony made more significant contributions to music while he was a teenager than Royster will likely make his whole career. They're both amazing players and they both practice(d) their butts off.
true master here, there's more to drums than speed to all the royster jr lovers out there who seem to be impressed by speed only, to be what buddy rich called a finished drummer, which is a drummer that can play any style or any feel, which Tony is takes MUSICIANSHIP, not technique, and that is what is lacking in todays drummers, not the ability to play fast or twirl drumsticks or play things no one else has played before, lot's of people are doing that, we need better musicianship.
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OMG. Tony Royster Jr. blows Williams out of the water. Williams just seems like he plays a swing pattern on the ride and adds in periodic spazms of elementary rock bursts. WTF?
I hope you are not serious. go do yourself a favor and grow up, stop comparing drummers and realize that there would be no tony royster or most of todays drummers without this man right here.
I'm sorry about the comment. I know I really shouldn't compare drummers. I've just heard so many people rate Tony Williams so highly and then when I heard him, I have to be honest, I was surprised. It's kind of like when you say something politically incorrect about The Beatles and suddenly you're getting anonymous death threats. Kidding, but you know what I mean?
inspiring
MrJarrid1987 5 days ago
Blast beats! Anybody know around when this was recorded?
Steve128967 1 month ago
Genius.
Tweekerhead 2 months ago
It isn't really possible to be a 'better' drummer than Tony. Different, maybe but not better. Speed won't do it complex time sigs won't do it. You don't really hear drummers who can convey meaning on a drumkit like Tony.
Asymmatrix 2 months ago
one of the most melodic drummers ever you can tell he hears the keyboard bbass and guitar in his head and jams and grooves
tuckerplowden 3 months ago
one of the most melodic drummers ever
tuckerplowden 3 months ago
Must've had hearing loss if he didn't use protection in his ears, he's taking some Db's
That's not a comfortable sitting position for the drums, you can generate power, but you can't relax and that comes through in the playing.
generatrix999 6 months ago
@generatrix999 Mr Williams seems quite comfortable with his sitting position here, as evidenced by this remarkable and highly sophisticated solo. Hearing seems OK too. What is it that "comes through" in the playing? Clearly, most of us can't pick it.
mjazz234 6 months ago
I can't think of many metal bashers with this kind of power.
No much finesse, sense of timing, love of risk, and raw power ever existed in another drummer.
decadyne 6 months ago
Maybe some of todays modern drummers might be kind of spoiled. With all the new Hi tech pedals, Hi hats & hardware,etc. That can assist the way a drummer plays & performs. It's all good though. However R. I. P. The great, Mr. Tony Williams. Who performed from the 60"s on 60's technology drum kits. And never used a double kick that I know of. Can you imagine if he played on all of the new 2011, Hi tech hardware etc that drummers use in 2011? Or maybe he doesn't need it.
LeopoldNunan 7 months ago
Your joking that you attempt to compare the mediocracy of Mr. Bonham to Tony Williams. Talent is talent no matter what type of music your into.
LeopoldNunan 7 months ago
I like how dynamic he is. He can play real soft and put accents on things. A real pro.
GITTZA 7 months ago
What's up with him using those nasty Remo black dots, wow, those drums sound like crap and his using newer K's. Just dig out your old Turkish made K's Tony...
zerekx 7 months ago
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@zerekx Obvious troll is obvious... or are you trying to make a point... confuzzled!
Paullove89 5 months ago
You listen to great drummers talk about influences like, cobham, gadd, weckl, coaliuta, the list just goes on and on and they all site tony williams as the main one. Even the brilliant but unimpressionable buddy rich loved big T W, this is anything but coincidence!. The DADDY. .... tink, newcastle. UK
TheCod4modzz 8 months ago
Before I discovered jazz and famous jazz drummers I though that the best drummers in the world were people like Steve Gadd, Vinnie Coaliuta, Dave Weckl Neil Pearth, Buddy Rich, Chad Smith, Tony Royster Jr, Dennis Chambers, Mike Portnoy etc. in their own ways (different styles of music you know). But now that I've listened to Tony Williams solos. I realized that I've never heard a solo before that I actually liked listening to. Tony is interesting. The others are just good.
TheMojoBeat 9 months ago 3
that swiss army around 1:09 is badass.
sebz661 9 months ago
@sebz661 thanks for clarifying that I thought it was some sort of flam tap with drags... left me being wtf... but I realize now that it's a swiss where sometimes the second stroke is dragged, like as if it were a hybrid rudiment
d36williams 8 months ago
@d36williams It sounds alot like a swiss but it could be a "blushda"
sebz661 8 months ago
My drum teacher has a good taste. XD
DiddyTheDuck2 10 months ago
ohh wow!!
JamesChapy 10 months ago
the new drum set from McDonalds i see..
27dedrummer 10 months ago
Tony will forever be one of the beautiful cats! RIP T.W.
999bleep 11 months ago
early blast beats!!..so dope...
thanks for the post.
guy who set the mics up this should have his ears checked
MrGziss 11 months ago
I am afraid to admit this in person, so I will do it in anonymity; Tony seems like the Keith Moon of jazz, and I never have really liked that style. Both are very good; I like Tony on snare-and Keith was crazy, but kept it tight-but I don't see the " Best Ever " in them.
MrBrentR 1 year ago
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TheHitez 1 year ago
@TheHitez Wow you must be really good let's see a video of your tap beats and all of your best solos. You should be teaching the world what they need to know about drumming.
jazdrum68 1 year ago
@TheHitez It's always funny to read comments from the musically illiterate.
thetopface 10 months ago
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TheHitez 10 months ago
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TheHitez 9 months ago
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thetopface 9 months ago
@TheHitez Nope, I'm not even going to dignify that ridiculously ignorant comment with a response. I'm just going to enjoy this beautiful music.
thetopface 9 months ago
@TheHitez is this a joke?
flipadiddle 8 months ago
what a sick beat if only there was a sick guitar and bass in the background there would most likely be a new #1 hit on the charts
gingerbasser1975 1 year ago
hes black right?
sxerDude 1 year ago
@sxerDude Of course,white men cant play like this!
Thomasgipsy 1 year ago
It's amazing how purposeful Tony was with what he played. An explosion of genius.
Asymmatrix 1 year ago
I pretty well owe everything I play to Tony and John.Check out some of Tony's last few recordings with Bill Laswell, Derek Bailey and Buckethead,named Arcana.Some of the most diverse music I have heard,from the highly ugly to the heavenly beautiful.Dig it at 3,30 on this vid.Melody,power,conviction,and imagination.
evets1968 1 year ago
he starts sucking at 5:25
mepwnubigtime1 1 year ago 6
@mepwnubigtime1 : )
fess04 1 year ago
Yeah. This and Max Roach gives me orgasms.
Kinda.
TheThepillows 1 year ago
he's a damn good drummer don't get me wrong but i personally think there were a few things in this drum solo i didn't really like or thought he should've just stayed away from but other than that i give this man props
mickeythebutcher 1 year ago
@mickeythebutcher "This man"?... you're an idoit!
tyronebiggimsh 1 year ago
Love the drums. Ronald McDonald signature series.
capncrunchalot 1 year ago 31
why would you even ise remo black dot batter heads on the resonant side?
108OneOhEight 1 year ago
@108OneOhEight Because he liked they way his drums sounded with them?
inimicalODDITY 1 year ago
@108OneOhEight He's Tony Williams. He does what he wants and gets away with it. When you're that good you can do whatever you want.
cavudog 1 year ago
@108OneOhEight
To get that exact sound - obviously.
Would you consider that he used CS skins on the bottom by by accident???
Vorskaath 1 year ago
kool
MegaCoocoocachoo 1 year ago
Who gives a fuck about blast beats! They're fucking gay!
HippieDrummer06 1 year ago
Wow! Nobody has come here to tell us something like ''this guy sucks! Lars Ulrich is the best''. Things are getting better?
Slayerplsko 1 year ago
@Slayerplsko You do realize that the drummers you bag on, come from Tony Williams. I personally don't like metal drummers but i won't bag on them. It's ironic though that people like you who love trash those drummers but praise tony don't realize that their style came from the guy. blast beats, powerful fast playing, yeah that all came from tony. Do some research and really listen to everything and anything, regardless of opinion.
slick82958 1 year ago
@slick82958 What are you talking about? It's not any drummer I'm bagging on here.
Slayerplsko 1 year ago
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@Slayerplsko Wow! Nobody has come here to tell us something like ''this guy sucks! Lars Ulrich is the best''. Things are getting better?" ....sounds like you're bagging on lars ulrich to me...
slick82958 1 year ago
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@Slayerplsko Wow! Nobody has come here to tell us something like ''this guy sucks! Lars Ulrich is the best''. Things are getting better?" ....sounds like you're bagging on lars ulrich to me...
slick82958 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@Slayerplsko "Wow! Nobody has come here to tell us something like ''this guy sucks! Lars Ulrich is the best''. Things are getting better?" ....sounds like you're baggin on lars ulrich to me....
slick82958 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@Slayerplsko "Wow! Nobody has come here to tell us something like ''this guy sucks! Lars Ulrich is the best''. Things are getting better?" ....sounds like you're baggin on lars ulrich to me....
slick82958 1 year ago
Tony was with Miles when was 17 years old. Something tells me Bonham couldn't do that.
spacitydrummer4JC 1 year ago
Yes Hoontasan !!! Just LISTEN to Tony and Shut up ! Nothing to compare with...
dvdkokoro 1 year ago
1:18 the first blast beat fucking ever!
mitzuzauru 1 year ago
@mitzuzauru the first blast beat fucking ever in triplets! :D
LazyBastard69 1 year ago
The reason he hesitates at 1:41 is because he had the guts to go into the unknown and it reminds him he is a man, not God.
owlcu 1 year ago
le copio el estilo al batero del grupo La Ritmoca, jajajajajja
castillopollomoreno 1 year ago
Nice, breaking up TIME like only Tony could, brilliant!
muscritiq80 1 year ago
Tony is just greatness. Gone too soon, much too soon.
Galactu5 1 year ago
Impeccable.
When it comes to the mighty Tony Williams words never seem to be enough. His music and drumming are an experience that registers on a level beyond words.
What a giant!
Vorskaath 1 year ago
its just a sound that is all his own.
he got himself down on the kit (as ive heard cats say)
doubts 1 year ago
TONY WILLIAMS!!!!!
tropicaljosiah 2 years ago 3
Love his pauses too...
bruceisjack 2 years ago
this was the first clip of tony i ever saw. a 12 year old drummer not having a damn clue how much greatness i was witnessing. that was 10 years ago and i still can't grasp his greatness...
KilikaDrums 2 years ago
snare sounds great
oregondrum 2 years ago
Was this from the 1995 clinic at Santa Clara University? It looks like it to me- Greg Bissonette came on after Tony.
Sadly, he would pass away a few months after this (he had a massive heart attack in the hospital, of all places).
R.I.P. Tony
rayjr62 2 years ago 2
has anyone mentioned yet that his kit looks like face from the front?
bea5ToloG 2 years ago 5
yeah, like Wall-E..
jhsung79 2 years ago 2
amazing drummer, a leggend !!
giosmrbig 2 years ago
nice kit man
stevorulzdaworld 2 years ago
ironic it is a "Ziljian" video and there are no overhead mics. Sounds atrocious / terrible except that TW is the Numbah 1..
Joeey 2 years ago
awesome blast beats and not in grindcore awesome guy
CyrillKR 2 years ago 2
always original, pushing the limits of his own technique.
keyrat87 2 years ago
massive brain fart causing a noticeable hesitation at 1:41 - this guy's the bomb tho still.
MrChiffy 2 years ago
Hardly "massive". He was a drumming genius not because he was a computer but because he had so much soul and artistic sensibility.
drummer78 2 years ago
disagree my friend - not sure how you'd define massive for a world class player - most of their mistakes aren't noticeable to the casual observer - i'm not suggesting he's not an excellent drummer - because he is - but a hesitation like that from a world class player is rarely seen - look at it again - he wasn't sure what to do for almost a beat and a half.
MrChiffy 2 years ago
So you pointed out a mild hesitation from a world class player. And....??? Tell you the truth, it happens more often than not because that is what makes them "World class". They care constantly testing there limits in real time. I've seen Elvin drop sticks live, Buddy fuck up, it happens. They are human beings who happen to be brillitant drummers.
drummer78 2 years ago
they're human beings?? come on man you're taking offence to it - when you shouldn't be - and that's not a mild hesitation - that's a mild hesitation for an intermediate player - for a guy who teaches master classes - that was massive - and yes - it does happen - my point - if you read it - was that the masters rarely make mistakes that are noticeable to the casual fan..i like this guy too-you're defending him like you manage him - not picking a fight here bro - it's saturday - go grab a brew
MrChiffy 2 years ago
and there's no " And..??" to the comment bro - i'm not looking to write a thesis on it - it's not a dissertation - there's a hesitation at 1:41 - there's no more to the story - wasn't slagging him - i'm perfectly aware that drummers are human beings - but that's a really solid point. you forgot to add " and human beings make mistakes" - cuz i didn't know that either :)
MrChiffy 2 years ago
I have several brews actually (Sierra Nevada to be precise). I actually think drum nerd wars are stupid. Tony' was a genius...enough said.
drummer78 2 years ago
no arguments here man - dude's a legend - don't drink and drum brother.
MrChiffy 2 years ago
Drinkin' and drummin' sometimes works. So long as you ride at the buzz level and don't get to the sloppy fucked up point.
drummer78 2 years ago
hey - sloppy and fucked up made John Bonham a multi-millionaire !
MrChiffy 2 years ago
Bonham though always seemed to keep his shit together onstage. Moon definitely brought his habits to the drum kit. Still, that is sort of what made him (and was his undoing to). I probably am at my best with three drinks in me (anything over is dangerous). Weed though sort of helps me "explore". To each his/her own though I suppose.
drummer78 2 years ago
agreed on bonham and moon - it's long been known that weed can bring out the creative juices - not to mention dorito's and chocolate chip cookies. you obviously play - what's your kit look like?
MrChiffy 2 years ago
we're obviously both drum geeks - who would say you're favorites are - top three - i'm not asking who's the best - cuz that's a gay question - that can never truly be answered - but personal favorites - for me it's Peart, Omar Hakim and JoJo Mayer - there's so many others - from so many genres and styles - we could both probly list 50 - but those 3 i love for different reasons - i can watch Omar Hakim play the drums all day long.
MrChiffy 2 years ago
Top Three? That is such a tough question these days as I sort of break things down more by drum genre than overall "best". In other words, Jo Jones has to fit into the top three but since I am rock orientated, he doesn't necessarily make my "overall" cut. Still, I recognize so many of those greats from that era. That said....a top Three.
Keith Moon
Elvin Jones
John Bonham
drummer78 2 years ago
moon and bonham for sure - clear legends - can't say i really know elvin jones tho - i think i've heard of him - old school jazz dude i think ? you're right tho - i don't ever get into the who's " best' game - its so subjective - there's so many styles etc etc - dennis chambers, chester thompson, - i see all over youtube kids ( they have to be kids) claiming travis barker is the best drummer in the world - makes me giggle my tits off. - i'll give you good - best in the world?? come on man.
MrChiffy 2 years ago
Travis barker.....to me he is a good drummer for sure but really more about selling merch and reality tv shows than drumming. The kids are delusional. The ones who stick with it (pun intended) will realize eventually that he is sort of just so-so in the grand scheme of things. Anyway, check out Elvin online. . There are some old clips of him that are less than stellar but that is because he may have been smacked out (like many jazz drummers).
drummer78 2 years ago
However, most Elvin clips are sublime. Don't miss out.
drummer78 2 years ago
checking him out as we speak - this is why i love talkng with other dudes that love the drums - cuz they always put you on to a dude you never heard of before - you check him out and are blown away - for you - if you haven't seen it - google Omar Hakim Buddy Rich -( search in "videos ") - there's a15min clip at dailymotion called " slo funk" - you're a rock guy - but i know you'll enjoy it.
MrChiffy 2 years ago
I love Omar's playing. Yeah, I've been a fan of his playing for a long time. Here are a few other old school jazz guys definitely worth checking out:
*If you don't already know them.
Jo Jones
Philly Joe Jones
Sam Woodyard (he is playing his solo in a rather slick white tux)
For rock guys, do you kow about Cozy Powell? If not, check out some his drumming. Also a modern guy wit crazy chops yo might like Rodney Holmes.
drummer78 2 years ago
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true, but i think john bonham deserves more credit,
just my opinion
stevorulzdaworld 2 years ago
more credit in what?
yeagemk 2 years ago 2
I love John Bonham as well, but you can't compare Tony Williams with John Bonham. That's like trying to compare Coke, with Orange soda... They both are amazing, but they are different flavors. Bonham is rock and roll, Williams is jazz. You know what I mean?
LilStripes7 2 years ago 51
that's not true. tony also played some rock. he was going to record a heavy metal album, but unfortunately passed away. one of his favorite bands was metallica.
drumfoomaster 2 years ago 7
Then Tony Williams and I have a MAJOR thing in common :)
LilStripes7 2 years ago
awesome. i was shocked to hear that myself. but hey, to each his own right?
drumfoomaster 2 years ago
@LilStripes7 They are closer than you think. Both had a philiosophy to really hit the drums. Bonzo took rock to a new level of hard hitting. Tony took jazz the same way. Tony was more refined and intellectual than Bonzo, but they both blazed a path into power drumming.
Acrylicdrums 1 year ago
@LilStripes7 It's funny because they both revered each other. Bonham admired him since the 60's, but then after Zeppelin got big, Tony stated he got into Bonham's sound and style and was part of his re-tooling to a bigger kit and a more electric, rockin' sound.
I think they were both geniuses and you are right, they shouldn't be compared. Music is not a competition.
DarthKazi 1 year ago 2
@LilStripes7 Tony could do a lot of what John Bonham did . He was more of hybrid drummer, with a heavier approach to jazz...especially in his career after Miles.
eddy71454 1 year ago
@LilStripes7 kick ass analogy man im not being sarcastic either
Kobeownzu81 1 year ago
@LilStripes7 exactly.
Volentry 1 year ago
@LilStripes7 so true dude
Guns8000 8 months ago
@LilStripes7 i agree but he also in corporates some rock beats into his jaz composition
hackysackdude120 5 months ago
@LilStripes7 orange soda sucks compared to coke
pwnography123 3 months ago in playlist music
if you're 5 or 6 deep into yer beers and looking for a giggle ( although it's not really funny - cuz this kid's going to be scary good in 5 years) - search igor falecki -
MrChiffy 2 years ago
Yeah, I'm 5 plus...Igor pisses me off...in a good way (I guess). Those damn child prodigies.
drummer78 2 years ago
he pisses me off too - dude's 7 and i'm analyzing some of his fills - he's the real deal tho - sabian signed him up - and he was 5 - frigging five.
MrChiffy 2 years ago
I met Steve Turrett recently (trombone, SNL band 25 years) and asked him about Tony. His comment was "Are you kidding? The level of control he had over the instrument was sick."
Asymmatrix 2 years ago 3
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PatrickBickel 2 years ago
Sorry for the last comment, but I do have to agree that Tony get his style so its okay!
birdsk83 2 years ago
Why do people always have to compare musicians against one another? Music is art and each artist has their own unique imprint. If you don't like the music just move on. Williams is a great drummer and musician. Miles Davis recruited him into his band at the age of 17. Enough said!
Hoontasan 2 years ago 53
@Hoontasan Why? .... because most people are idiots. I would say, 80% of them. You have to be an intellectual to talk logically about music.
durgaaa 1 year ago
@durgaaa Yes and logical intellectual people go around calling others idiots. Talk to me logically, let's have an intellectual conversation about drumming, i'll start. Tony Williams, as we all know, joined Miles Davis at the age of 17. Tony was the center of the band, adding a lot of fuel to the fire. Out of Miles' Second Great Quintet though, I believe Tony started the decline of drumming. As Max Roach once said, "It's not about how fast or how hard you can play." Care to elaborate?
slick82958 1 year ago
@slick82958 - I would say, consider the drumming of Frank Gant with Ahmad Jamal and the drumming of Terry Lynn Carrington.
durgaaa 1 year ago
@slick82958 damn, you really have a lot to say
Coppola63 1 year ago
@Coppola63 Gotta spread the word man
slick82958 1 year ago
@Hoontasan Why do people always have to whine about people comparing musicians? If you don't like it, just move on and shut up. Seriously. Don't you think we must love the music if we've taken the time to put opinions aside and research the musician. So what if "each artist has their own unique imprint," let's face facts people, in some cases one is better than the other, regardless if they're different genres or not. There's nothing wrong with discussing such matters, helps you learn.
slick82958 1 year ago
@Hoontasan 100% agree with you as to the absurdity of comparing musicians. It's so nice we have(or had) so many different drummers(and not only) with their strong and weak points. So why compare? Just enjoy what is closer to you.!
da19lila38 1 year ago
Yes, and it's Holy Water.
mlcoo17 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I looked up this vid cause JoJo Meyer talks about him as an inspirational person. JoJo blows this guy out of the water. You guys are talking about this guy as if he's a great drummer. Not impressed, show me something to change my mind.
Paulywhore 2 years ago
You're an idiot.
ultimtrawk 2 years ago
You must not have the ears to hear Tony.
isaacleedrums 2 years ago
Nobody blows this guy out of the water. Tony invented the water. Stop embarrassing yourself. Go buy some cd's and shutup.
strontiumBugLover 2 years ago 4
Nobody huh? So Buddy never crossed your mind? lolz. I said find something to change my mind and nobody has sent any vids or anything. Hell even his drummers world is has nothing special. And, if you're really think I don't "have ears to hear Tony", well I do have ears to hear Marco. If Tony invented the water, Marco would be walking on it, and Buddy would be soaring through the sky.
Paulywhore 2 years ago
Did you just compare Marco Minnemann to Tony Williams? And say that Marco walks over Tony? Wow! Yeah, you *definitely* don't have the musical ears then. I think even Marco would get a kick out of your words. And the reason no one has sent you anything to "change your mind" is because they know it would be a waste of time... your lack of musically tuned ears being so evident and all.
scottp118 2 years ago
I always like hear drummers that play hard, with energy. here you have an example, and i like the odd tempos in this solo too. And...you can recognize a good drummer if they constantly move they left foot to glue the hole thing (that's what i believe). Paulywhore...this guy isn't super fast...so?you should be able to recognize other variables beside the speed in the art of drumming.
JUANREVI 2 years ago
check out miles davis' albums from the 60's like "mile smiles", "nefertiti" and others. also "out to lunch" by eric dolphy. the way he sounds and plays on those recordings is unique and brilliant, and MUCH more impressive than this video. in my opinion he played best in that period, when he was (very!) young.
bertdockx 2 years ago 2
Comment removed
themoaspecial 2 years ago
And who is the moron on here pitching Dennis Chambers over Tony. Good God!!!
I'll agree that Chambers can wolf a burrito better. That's all jack!!
rrdrums110 2 years ago 3
Comment removed
birdsk83 2 years ago
this video proves two things:
tony williams > everybody else
gretsch > dw
winnerbaby44 2 years ago
listen dennis chamber. better
weightSndrumS 2 years ago
im feeling lots of thumbs down for you lol
winnerbaby44 2 years ago
then you look up dennis chamber then and see yourself!!!!!!!!!!!
weightSndrumS 2 years ago
i know dennis chambers..
but in my opinion.. do not compare.. tony is light years ahead as far as creativity on the instrument
winnerbaby44 2 years ago
light years
weightSndrumS 2 years ago
u r a fuckin bullshitter
weightSndrumS 2 years ago
wtf?
you gotta be retarded.. we were having a healthy discution about two drummers and you turned it into a tipical youtube fight
god youtube is full of jerks
winnerbaby44 2 years ago 3
a bullshitter
weightSndrumS 2 years ago
you are just making yourself look retarded.. its ok
winnerbaby44 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
i can play a solo better than this with my nuts. you dont know how to play drums
weightSndrumS 2 years ago
if you say so
winnerbaby44 2 years ago
Gar Samuelson was influenced by tony. RIP gar.
Novalogicss 2 years ago
C'mon stretch. You challenged I challenge back . One motherfucking thing Gadd could or did that Tony can't do. One thing. doesn't exist my friend. go worship your Modern drummer as the absolute truth since you don't know shit.
rrdrums110 2 years ago
if anyone knows what year this video was recorded, please tell me!
TSyoutubin 2 years ago
Royster has blinding chops my butt. he uses the same damn thing over and over again. Never heard a sustained buzz roll from the dude yet either. can;t do one is my bet.
rrdrums110 2 years ago
Name one damn thing Tony williams couldn'y play half asleep that Gadd on his best day could. One thing!!!
rrdrums110 2 years ago
seen and believed
MANOFNAR 2 years ago
It's amazing how he always kept his same drum tone throughout all of the modern drums
CS dots are great heads, really unique sound when you use them on both sides
JacqueShredo 2 years ago
I'm looking for to buying them. Whats better Emperor or these?
TheDirectorofFoo 2 years ago
Emperor is a great general head to use on the toms, the CS dot has a very speciifc sound just like tony has in this video.
If you like the tone he has in this vid its hard to get it without the CS dot, they just have a unique sound that no other head has.
Plus they look slick on the drums haha so id deffinetly go with the CS!
JacqueShredo 2 years ago
Yes they do look very awesome. Coated or clear?
TheDirectorofFoo 2 years ago
Clear for the classic sound
JacqueShredo 2 years ago
hey w40318, I think his flat tom sound has to with him having thick 2 ply heads on the batter and resonant side of his toms, It's just his preference because there are videos from the early 1970s where we does the same thing with his heads,tony's sound was reallty different i think not only because of his playing but the fact that alot of jazz players use thinner 1 ply heads like remo ambassadors on batter and resonant side for increased resonance
codmyster1992 2 years ago
Dw drums are amazing, but his drum sound flat. I wonder if its just the way he liked them tuned or the drums weren't as good as quality like now.
w40318 2 years ago
I personally liked the tone of his Gretsch kits better....
Oneness100 2 years ago
Alan Dawson's FIRST drum student was Tony Williams when Tony was very young. (early 1960's) Later in Alan's career he said that if he (Alan) knew then what he knew in the 1990's it would have certainly influenced Tony in a different way and in fact Tony might have played differently. But then look at some of Alan's other student's (Steve Smith, Vinnie, Kenwood, Teri Lynn) and judge for yourself.
SuperTUBERable 2 years ago
I believe Alan's first student was Clifford Jarvis.
DougDinsdale 2 years ago
also, lol it's like jazzy blastbeats
samm1809 2 years ago
man...this is pretty much the forst time i've watched tony, but straight away i see his influence in the new ledgends like vinnie colaiuta, keith carlock and john blackwell
samm1809 2 years ago
Muzical 126, I agree with you 100%. The drum and percussion industry puts far to much emphasis on showmanship, rather than musicianship. Although drumming has made progress in leaps and bounds in the last ten years, I notice many of the newer drummers are overplaying their parts by a long shot. Simple music should be kept simple, elaborate music should be played elaborately, but tastefully, but many can't seem to distinguish the difference. Maybe it's time to take a step back to the basics.
weldboy67 2 years ago
Royster jr is an amazing technician (blinding chops) but he hasn't come close to making the musical contribution that Tony made! Tony made more significant contributions to music while he was a teenager than Royster will likely make his whole career. They're both amazing players and they both practice(d) their butts off.
nicowgn 2 years ago 2
Amen on the musicianship comment
zingarelle7 2 years ago
true master here, there's more to drums than speed to all the royster jr lovers out there who seem to be impressed by speed only, to be what buddy rich called a finished drummer, which is a drummer that can play any style or any feel, which Tony is takes MUSICIANSHIP, not technique, and that is what is lacking in todays drummers, not the ability to play fast or twirl drumsticks or play things no one else has played before, lot's of people are doing that, we need better musicianship.
muzical26 2 years ago 4
Great drummer.
youkids123 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
OMG. Tony Royster Jr. blows Williams out of the water. Williams just seems like he plays a swing pattern on the ride and adds in periodic spazms of elementary rock bursts. WTF?
coopyfenderbeupus 2 years ago
Royster Jr. isn't that great.
Buddy Rich wins.
Hellsadvocate 2 years ago 2
I hope you are not serious. go do yourself a favor and grow up, stop comparing drummers and realize that there would be no tony royster or most of todays drummers without this man right here.
NDiesel31 2 years ago 4
I'm sorry about the comment. I know I really shouldn't compare drummers. I've just heard so many people rate Tony Williams so highly and then when I heard him, I have to be honest, I was surprised. It's kind of like when you say something politically incorrect about The Beatles and suddenly you're getting anonymous death threats. Kidding, but you know what I mean?
coopyfenderbeupus 2 years ago