Okee Dokee, yep, hard to put down Mr. Watts. You have to consider that we are there to provide the beat, play off the rhythm, and provide overall accents. I've listened to folks say that Watts, Starr, etc... were so lucky since they were so lacking talent. That is a load of poo. I was fortunate to see Mr. Mitchell twice during his tenure with 'Experience', Appice (Beck video, Cactus), Dunbar (Mothers), Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Baker (Blind Faith video, wore it out) among other greats. I saw Ringo drum in his solo shows, and Watts a number of times with the Stones. IMHO Appice, while clever, is the least of this group. That includes Starr and Watts. How tastefully you play is what makes the difference. Your just driving the vehicle, not the hood ornament.

YOu should check out Carmine's DVD.....Realistic Rock....you might think twice on that statement...also, check out the Beck, Bogart, Appice vids on youtube....

OK, it was early when I wrote that, I was still on my first cup of java... I should have expressed myself better. I have seen the BBA vids on youtube. Black Cat Moan is still one of my favorite tunes, as is their version of Superstition. Mr. Appice has no problem at all laying down a groove. Heck, with him it's not so much a groove but a plowed field. However, in my opinion, I would rather listen to Dunbar or Cobham than Appice. I just like their style better. More like Krupa -vs- Rich. I prefer Krupa, but that sure doesn't imply I don't think Buddy Rich was one of the best drummers of the 20th century. With me, it's the same with Mr. Appice -vs- the others I mentioned.

I have seen Buddy in video only...and what he does is great....but....I think he's what you would call a "noodler".....you know like a drummer version of Steve Vai or Yngwie Malmstein.....too many notes/beats....too busy....simple is better in my book....again...Al Jackson Jr...Uriel Jones, Benny Benjamin, etc.

I think Charlie's dropped high hat backbeats give him a swing that makes the Stones. Try playing a Stones tune with straight 8ths and then do the Charlie thing and see which feels better. God knows I've heard enough poor Stones covers and a major reason why is the drummer attempting to "improve" the drumming.

I'm not really a Charlie fan, though I can respect what he does. But I can't knock his hi-hat playing -- it's some of the tastiest in the business. And he's in good company when it comes to laying off the hats on the back beats: Levon Helm does it too, and Rolling Stone was dead on when they called him "the only drummer who can make you cry." Jim Keltner--another unmitigated genius when it comes to groove--sat in to watch some of The.Band's early recording sessions and was so knocked out by Levon's playing that he, too, started laying off the hats on the back beats.

That move isn't right for every song, but it's a great secret weapon to have in the arsenal when the song needs a slightly lazier, shiftier groove. Pure taste.

Interesting stuff Section 2. I knew Jim Keltner does same the thing, but didn't know the Levon Helm connection , and I agree laying off on the back beat can make for a "sleazier" feel.

Yes! KISS them toons! Keep it simple! Make 'em nasty sleazy. Makes the gals in the first few rows nuts...

Clearly going to have to try laying off on the 2 and 4......

Unfortunately, by the time you learn this lesson...your aged eyes can't quite see all the way to the audience to notice. Pity. Taste and age...translates to music, but not to clothing.