With all the technology today, having to play along with all of today’s loops and sequenced drums demands a certain level of perfection. However, nowadays there are many software applications that can fix and clean up sloppy performances.

I wonder if all this attention to “playing to the grid” or “replacing the programmed drums” takes focus away from developing an original style. I am a fan of all the drummers over the years who had the capability to nail a studio drum take, but also maintained a distinct personal style. Steve Gadd, Jeff Porcaro, Hal Blaine, Al Jackson Jr, Bernard Purdie, and on and on.