having been a casual one myself and always wanting to learn. Dennis Chambers. Most of P's guys since the PR tour. Simon Phillips. Dave Weckl. Neil Peart about eight times. Jack Dejohnette. Manu Katche. Bill Bruford. Vinnie Colaiuta. Stewart Copeland. That newer dude with Brand X. Blah blah blah.

But damn John Blackwell showed some power during the MCI three-night stand that came from some secret, hidden reserve. His mounted toms are not turned up enough but his bass drum sure is. Man, can get around the kit. For someone who has gone through so much so recently, he leaves nothing in his clip. It's all there on the stage at the end of the night. Bravo, John, and we all hope you are finding peace in your art. It's something to behold!

my mom used to be a rock drummer when she was younger, and she's really hard to impress when we're watching bands on TV or whatnot....when we went to see the musicology tour in indianapolis, she was completely wowed at mr. blackwell's playing, so to me, anyway, that was really saying something. not that i didn't think he was amazing already. he should really be a lot more appreciated than he already is.