Bill Bruford vs. Alan White for YES

richardh wrote: I think its like comparing apples and oranges.The best way to judge their respective skills is to listen to Rick Wakemans 'Six Wives Of Henry VIII' where they both contribute to different tracks (3 each).White is a powerhouse drummer while Bruford is more subtle.Both are excellent in their own right.That doesnt answer the question but I agree with kirklott that White has helped keep the band together over the years so that makes him more important to Yes.

You've nailed it there - Bruford is a jazz drummer, White is a rock drummer. I love Bruford's playing - he has a great touch - but I can't imagine Bruford playing Gates of Delirium or Ritual.

Proglover wrote: Bill's SILLY electro drumming???????????...Well I suppose we all have our opinions.

What was silly about it?

Plastic Man wrote: i believe squire was better with bruford in the group. its like his bass playing went way downhill when bruford left. im a bruford man myself.

I don't think that's accurate. Bruford reportedly said "the worst nightmare for a any drummer is to play with Chris Squire" or something like that.

In any case, while Bill is BY FAR better drummer than Alan White, I think Alan's playing fits much better the "Yes sound", his playing on the "Bruford songs" isn't that complex yet much more powerful, for example I love the way Alan plays on And you & I and Starship Trooper, he gives these songs a "rockier" yet very progressive feel. Bill is more of an experimental drummer and his style is more at home with King Crimson IMO.

Charles wrote: Like Peter Gabriel with Genesis, Bill's tenure with Yes was so many years ago, but it was within those short precious years that Bill made a name for himself, but yet he became a drumming god within King Crimson.... But yet I associate Yes more with Alan then I do Bill.....   Alan... Relayer was his shining moment as a drummer...   Charles

I agree. Alan nailed Relayer especially and did a damn good job for yes. I must say though, that while Bruford was in Yes he was excellent, I much prefer his stuff with KC which is amazing. Both good drummers. But overall, for Yes at least, Bruford wins it i think, although alan does appreciate the band more and fits better. Extremely close call, but bruford is very slightly ahead.

el böthy wrote: Well...Bruford is technically better and stuff...and I do like his work better...but Im happy he left Yes to join Crimson...because in Yes he did an amazing job, but in Crimson...specially in the 80!!!

Well. I prefer Bruford's playing in 70's with Wetton, in contrast to the 80's I think the Three of a perfect pair album is the weakest album that Bruford ever played. But Discipline album is an exception, just listen Indiscipline.