Dafnis Prieto blows my mind. I've seen this guy numerous times and he absolutely rips. I've mostly seen him in Michel Camilo's trio but I just recently saw him with his own sextet in support of his new album. His writing is absolutely crazy and the instrumentation of his bands is very unique. Everyone should check this guy out.
with his sextet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izLv5JnCfss
with Michel Camilo Trio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WlVakfjSR8&feature=related
I'll leave you with a quote from Dafnis' vic firth artist spotlight.
"This is Dafnis Prieto, I am gonna’ tell you something. Sticks are to make music. You have to make music on the drums, ok. That’s what we’re here for. Make it groovy, make it swingy, and music; it’s all about the music."
with his sextet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izLv5JnCfss
with Michel Camilo Trio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WlVakfjSR8&feature=related
I'll leave you with a quote from Dafnis' vic firth artist spotlight.
"This is Dafnis Prieto, I am gonna’ tell you something. Sticks are to make music. You have to make music on the drums, ok. That’s what we’re here for. Make it groovy, make it swingy, and music; it’s all about the music."