all those things are important.
but aren't we talking about the MOST IMPORTANT quality or trait in drumming? in other words, in your opinion, even if all those things (groove, timing, dynamics, techniques, soloing, etc.) are important, which one do you think is MOST IMPORTANT?
with good taste, everything else follows -- feel and the necessary technique to carry out whatever it is you hear in your head.
john jr robinson isn't exactly popular for his solos, speed or double bass chops, but his impeccable timing and groove made him one of the most recorded drummers in history. there's a reason why he's first on quincy jones' list.
i think most of you are familiar with michael jackson's 'rock with you'. that one bar fill that begins the song has become a part of the song that it's practically a mortal sin to change it. another thing to notice is, there are no drum fills in that song that takes away the attention from the singer, and if you tried to count how many times the crash cymbal was used, i'm betting you wouldn't even reach 5.
it seems that a lot of pinoy drummers spend too much time practicing drum solos, rather than groove. not a bad thing though. not good either. to prove this point, try to notice how our drummers seem to be better at soloing than maintaining a good groove. also, try to notice how, in drum clinics, more questions are being asked about how to make a kick-ass solo rather than how to get a great groove going. browse around this forum alone, and you'll find questions like, 'papano ba gumawa ng solo na maangas?' and it's been a very long time since the last time somebody asked how to come up with an effective rhythm or feel.
