Best Progressive Rock Drummer

I really want to say Peart, but in the end I chose Bruford.

I really wanted to vote Peart because... well he's NEIL PEART, GOD OF DRUMS! But Rush wasn't always progressive, so Peart hasn't always been a progressive drummer. And more people know of Yes rather than Rush (if I'm incorrect, sorry). And during their quasi new wave phase, the keyboard often drowned out the drums.

Bruford on the other hand, has always been a progressive drummer, except in his ventures in jazz fusion in Earthworks. He has worked with all the greats in the genre (Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, UK). He was the 'prog drummer for hire' back in the day.

In terms of skill, Peart is the clear victor, not saying that Bruford isn't bad, he's incredible. But in terms of progressiveness and overall work, I have to tip my proverbial hat to Bruford.

Reed Lover wrote: I think the "journeyman", Peart, is  the best Prog Rock drummer,followed by Bruford & Cobham, the rest nowhere. Some people on this site believe Peart is over-rated. Just listen to his work on TFE (a complete re-working of his style) and Vapor Trails. His performance on the 2nd Burning For Buddy album is excellent and a big improvemant on his earlier jazz outings, when he himself admitted he hadnt got the feel quite right. His full blown performances on such tracks as "Digital Man" and "The Weapon" on Signals and tracks such as "Bravado(Roll The Bones)" and "Test For Echo" (TFE) are sensational. His live drum solos are in a league of their own and I bet ever single person who believes Peart to be over-rated doesnt really rate Rush.

No doubt that Peart is in a league of his own. It's just in my opinion in true 'Progressiveness' that Bruford takes the cake.

Soulman wrote: What consitutes a drummer being the "best drummer" in terms of technique? Are there any drummers in the forum that could explain to me?

It depends, actually.  Some people look at talent.  For example, a person who looks at talent might say either Peart or Portney (ha!  an alliteration!)  for best prog drummer.  However, some people look at feel.  Then, some one like Bruford or White would be their choice.

Personally, I can't decide.  I love them all, but you forgot two:

Danny Carey: Tool

John Theodore: The Mars Volta

(While both are fairly new to the prog scene, I suspect that prog bands 20 or so years down the road will look at these two and place them among the prog greats.)