Every drummer has their unique language when they sit behind the kit. Although many grow up listening to the same records, each musician develops a distinct pulse.
Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones knew he couldn’t be replaced, but he acknowledged that Tony Williams possessed a magical touch that no one could replicate.
Watts never sought to showcase his strength in every performance, especially compared to other drummers of his time.
While some Rolling Stones tracks demanded fast-paced energy, he often focused on creating the perfect rhythm for Keith Richards’ guitar riffs.
This careful construction stemmed from Watts’s jazz background, which influenced his approach long before rock and roll entered his life. He aimed to complement the rest of the band rather than steal the spotlight.
That said, Watts could certainly show off when the occasion called for it. Tracks like “Paint It Black” highlight his chaotic fills that interact with the band’s energy.
However, Williams represented a different kind of artistry. While Buddy Rich reigned as a prominent jazz drummer, Williams deconstructed traditional perceptions of rhythm.
Many drummers focused solely on straight jazz, but Williams introduced the swing that was often lacking.
Renowned jazz figures like Miles Davis thrived on chord changes, but when Williams laid down his signature groove, it revitalized every song he touched.
Even at the peak of The Rolling Stones’ career, Watts believed no drummer could match Tony Williams’ groundbreaking style.
He noted that Williams revolutionized drumming in a way no one had before, especially at such a young age.
While most drummers of the time played steady, straight rhythms, Williams introduced a dynamic, unpredictable approach, using his left foot to alter the time signature in a way that was completely unique.
“Nobody played like Tony,” Watts reflected, emphasizing how Williams could break and halve time effortlessly, something rare in the drumming world.
This half-time groove became crucial for many Rolling Stones songs. While fans appreciate the powerful tracks, there’s a certain allure in simply sitting on a riff and subtly altering the rhythm.
Even as The Stones embodied danger during their prime, Watts understood that no amount of bravado could overshadow Williams’s shuffle.
It’s one thing to play precisely what’s written; making it swing transforms a traditional song into a timeless staple of music history.
