After watching this documentary and seeing incredible drummers struggle with either replicating songs or jamming or coming up with ideas under a riff, has your appreciation for Portnoy as a player grown?
I know mine sure has!
Yes, I had that same exact thought. It's easy to become a bit numb and/or indifferent to how complex DT's music is and how smooth the members of DT sound playing it. Seeing these world-class drummers struggle in places really underscores what incredible musicians all the members of DT are and how complex and difficult the music is. The fact that it is so difficult but doesn't
sound all that difficult is also a testiment to how well-written it is as well.
Adami is correct that Mike was in a different position. Given time to jam the stuff out more
with the band, a number of these guys could probably surpass Mike's playing on a lot of songs. Mike has said himself that he doesn't consider himself on the same level as a couple of these guys. Sure, part of that is him being humble and showing due respect. But the point is, Mike is indeed in a small, elite group of musicians. Without getting into a squabble about who might be the "better" drummer, this does indeed underscore that Mike is an incredible player. Good thread, TOX.