Charlie Watts, the jazz drummer in the rock-centric band The Rolling Stones, played a pivotal role in shaping their music with a distinctive swing and bouncy rhythm. His rock-steady, inventively playful backbeat contributed significantly to the enduring success of the band.
In the world of drummers, influences play a crucial role, and even a seasoned musician like Watts had his starting point. In an interview, he acknowledged Buddy Rich as a significant influence on his drumming career. Watts marveled at Rich’s incredible talent, citing his remarkable contributions to records, especially with Charlie Parker. Watts admired Rich’s ability to achieve staggering results using only two drums, emphasizing the impeccable placement and timing of his notes.
Reflecting on Rich’s music, Watts appreciated the sparsity and feel of the drumming, recognizing the drummer’s role as part of a larger ensemble of musicians. While Watts initially had little interest in rock and claimed he didn’t appreciate Elvis Presley until he met Keith Richards, it was this fusion of influences that lent elasticity and fluidity to The Rolling Stones’ early blues-rock recordings.
Despite not playing jazz with The Rolling Stones, Watts infused his drumming with a sense of jazz feeling, as noted by fellow percussionist Stewart Copeland. Watts prioritized groove, deriving power from relaxation, a characteristic often associated with jazz drummers. Unlike many rock drummers focused on frenzy and flair, Watts played to the song, emphasizing shadings, shapes, and contradictions that became the backbone of one of the greatest rock bands in history.
Similar to Buddy Rich, Watts prioritized tempo and feeling over excessive showmanship. His drumming, from the subtle beats in ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ to the thunderous presence in ‘Sticky Fingers,’ showcased his ability to play with feeling without overshadowing the other musicians. Despite claiming he couldn’t “copy” Rich, Watts brought a frenzy that was uniquely his own, characterized by a focus on cymbals, reverence for groove, and a tight, thorough approach to live performances. Watts, like Rich, was a masterful musician who contributed to the creation of a new form of attack and angular beauty in rock music.
