In the realm of rock music, few drummers could rival Neil Peart’s unmatched skill and precision. Some passionate individuals came before Peart, but the way he meticulously attacked every aspect of his drum set was akin to witnessing a harmonious collaboration between a wild animal and a precision instrument. Neil Peart possibly drew inspiration from the drumming styles of Keith Moon and John Bonham. However, he held Phil Gould in high regard for his tasteful approach to drumming.
Because if there’s one thing that artists often find challenging, it’s exercising self-control. There are plenty of opportunities to showcase your skills when it’s time for a drum fill, but the most skilled drummers understand the importance of playing what complements the song. That’s why many widely recognize Ringo Starr as one of the greatest rock drummers, especially for his contributions to The Beatles’ recordings.
Rush always had a unique approach to his work. Peart’s contribution to the band extended beyond just writing lyrics. His drum parts were like his own form of songwriting. He had a knack for maintaining a solid groove when he chose to, but it seemed that Alex Lifeson primarily laid the groundwork for a few songs, while Peart and Geddy Lee took on the most extravagant and imaginative lines.
So…what on earth would someone like Neil Peart find intriguing about Gould? Indeed, Gould possessed remarkable musical skills and maintained a solid sense of rhythm. However, when contributing to Level 42, he tended to adopt a more restrained approach. His songs exhibited minimal showiness. Even when he performs a fill, his focus is on maintaining a solid groove with the rest of the rhythm section, rather than using his drum set to showcase his ego.
Peart was always open to learning from every drummer he encountered, but he often found Gould’s drumming style perplexing. In an interview with Rhythm Magazine, Peart expressed his admiration for Phil Gould of Level 42. Simply for the way he maintains the rhythm. The backbeat is placed so far back that it’s almost unbelievable. Whenever I attempt to keep up with one of their songs, it feels like I’m straining my arm to catch up with the beat.
The prog epics’ intricate and complex nature presented Neil Peart with challenges. Peart’s mastery of playing with precise tempo and hitting every drum perfectly is undeniable. However, truly getting into a groove is an experience that can’t be taught – it’s something you have to feel. For most drummers, trying to learn this would be like having to relearn how to walk.
That’s the type of art that is created by artists such as Bernard Purdie. With his impressive musical skills, he effortlessly kept up with any Steely Dan session. He also added a touch of smoothness to the beat. Gould effortlessly communicates in a language of his own. He often prioritizes a mesmerizing rhythm over intricate fills that would captivate rhythm enthusiasts.
Peart seemed to have assimilated Gould’s teachings. Later, in the 1990s, he collaborated with Freddie Gruber after recognizing his playing was becoming somewhat rigid. Mastering the finest drum performances is essential, yet equally vital is the skill to execute dance-like movements, crafting intricate and captivating rhythms. This fusion elevates the performance, engaging both auditory and visual senses with dynamic flair.
