You do an excellent job showing that reggae drumming is not just rhythmic support but structural, historical, and load-bearing in the deepest sense. I especially liked the way you frame it as architecture, where everything depends on weight, placement, and space. That feels exactly right for this music.
It's only right that a list like this should include only Jamaican drummers but I've always felt the most inventive non-Jamaican drummer was Jimmy Brown from UB40. And he was the primary songwriter on One In Ten, one of my favourite non-Jamaican reggae tracks.
Perhaps more of a 2nd generation, UK thing and depending where you stand on the pop-ification of reggae: Drummie Zeb and Steve Nisbett might deserve a passing mention here.
You do an excellent job showing that reggae drumming is not just rhythmic support but structural, historical, and load-bearing in the deepest sense. I especially liked the way you frame it as architecture, where everything depends on weight, placement, and space. That feels exactly right for this music.
Pure 🔥🔥🔥
Willie Stewart of Third World also worth a mention!
It's only right that a list like this should include only Jamaican drummers but I've always felt the most inventive non-Jamaican drummer was Jimmy Brown from UB40. And he was the primary songwriter on One In Ten, one of my favourite non-Jamaican reggae tracks.
Thanks Rob - I appreciate your selection. Great to expand to other drummers that have helped shaped the sound of reggae
Thank you for this!
You're most welcome Bruce
Perhaps more of a 2nd generation, UK thing and depending where you stand on the pop-ification of reggae: Drummie Zeb and Steve Nisbett might deserve a passing mention here.
Excellent additions to add to the list. Thanks Liam