Tony Williams. Just listen to Out to Lunch by Eric Dolphy. But I would say Elvin Jones or Buddy Rich were better overall.

edit: the !!!'s in the title are already annoying me when I look at the front page

I was gonna say Tony Williams.

Fine, I'll go with Paul Motian - just for his freaky drum break on Keith Jarrett's "Backhand".

Man, Tony is ridiculous. I'm not familiar with Paul Motian. I've got a lot to learn.

I just pulled his name from listening to Jarrett's '70s band a lot lately. Saw them live once back then.

Charlie Haden on bass. Pretty tight outfit.

Wow you're old! Ha. What do you think of Rashied Ali. I'd say his soloing on Interstellar Space is pretty much unsurpassed.

My dad was listening to a newish Paul Motian CD today. From the Village Vanguard.

Tony Williams is good. Elvin Jones, yeah. They're on all the good records.

Rashied Ali is the best, though, that shit is crazy. Milford Graves, too.

I'm starting to think that Ascension might be my favorite jazz album of all time. I don't know.

Philly Joe Jones could also do some amazing stuff with a small kit.

don't forget Max Roach.

This.

Elvin Jones is my most enjoyed, but that has a lot to do with him being the drummer in Coltrane's classic quartet. Ali's drumming on Interstellar Space is clearly the most impressive drumming. Williams fits nicely between the two.

Brian Blade is the best drummer i have ever seen, plays with Wayne Shorter.

Had tickets to see Elvin Jones in London, Sept 13 2001, show cancelled and then he died

Seamus

Tony Williams on "Freedom Jazz Dance" on Miles Smiles.

jazz if for queers and old people

And? What of it?

I was gonna bring up the same name. Two votes.

I don't know nothing about jazz drummers. Who was the drummer for Dave Brubeck? ....there was some tasty rhythms on Take 5.

Joe Morello is the drummer on Time Out.

edit: pretty decent album IMO

Throw these in the mix...
Art Blakey
Buddy Rich
Gene Krupa

I'm just starting to listen to more traditional jazz and some of the greats. The genius still isn't apparent and the whole implied 2 & 4 hasn't clicked. One guy I've really been digging is JoJo Mayer. He just floors me.

the best jazz drummer i've seen live is certainly Joey Baron. . .

that guy is unbelievable, and his joy and enthusiasm in playing is infectious.

Jack DeJonnette needs to bought up at this point in the conversation. A fantastic drummer and still at the top of his game.

Even Animals got nothin on Buddy Rich!