Where to start with VC...man...
It's not just that he was in another universe technically, musically, and rhythmically from the beginning of his professional career.
It's not just that he was a 22-year old (just a kid!) versatile virtuoso who could play anything that Frank Zappa threw at him, and then some.
It's not just that he managed to go from playing with Zappa and small-time fusion acts into a studio/session superstar rivaling the likes of Steve Gadd and Jeff Porcaro (RIP).
It's not just that he is always dynamic, always musical, always funky and groovy even when he's playing the most insane metric modulations and poly-rhythms in the world.
It's not just that he was part Tony Williams, part John Bonham, part Steve Gadd, part Billy Cobham, part Buddy Rich, part Elvin Jones, part Stewart Copeland, and 100 percent Vinnie Colaiuta!
It's not just that he can outplay most of us with his left hand while holding the groove with his right.
It's not just that he comes up with phrases that are out-of-this-galaxy in terms of their ridiculousness, bordering on ludicrous at times, making drummers around the world go, "COME ON!" (in a good way!)
It's not just that he has an appreciation for all styles of music, no matter how simple or complex-if it's good music, he will play it.
And it's not just that he has multiple interpretations of the beat, making him a true chameleon, virtuoso, and unique voice-all at once!
It's all of these things, and more. Don't believe me? Just listen to his work with Frank Zappa, Joni Mitchell, Allan Holdsworth, John Petittuci, Jeff Beck, Sting, Faith Hill, and Karizma, to name just a few.
I don't normally like the concept of "Best Drummer Alive", but if anyone deserves the title, Vinnie Colaiuta almost certainly has the greatest claim. And I know I'm far from alone with that opinion.......
It's not just that he was in another universe technically, musically, and rhythmically from the beginning of his professional career.
It's not just that he was a 22-year old (just a kid!) versatile virtuoso who could play anything that Frank Zappa threw at him, and then some.
It's not just that he managed to go from playing with Zappa and small-time fusion acts into a studio/session superstar rivaling the likes of Steve Gadd and Jeff Porcaro (RIP).
It's not just that he is always dynamic, always musical, always funky and groovy even when he's playing the most insane metric modulations and poly-rhythms in the world.
It's not just that he was part Tony Williams, part John Bonham, part Steve Gadd, part Billy Cobham, part Buddy Rich, part Elvin Jones, part Stewart Copeland, and 100 percent Vinnie Colaiuta!
It's not just that he can outplay most of us with his left hand while holding the groove with his right.
It's not just that he comes up with phrases that are out-of-this-galaxy in terms of their ridiculousness, bordering on ludicrous at times, making drummers around the world go, "COME ON!" (in a good way!)
It's not just that he has an appreciation for all styles of music, no matter how simple or complex-if it's good music, he will play it.
And it's not just that he has multiple interpretations of the beat, making him a true chameleon, virtuoso, and unique voice-all at once!
It's all of these things, and more. Don't believe me? Just listen to his work with Frank Zappa, Joni Mitchell, Allan Holdsworth, John Petittuci, Jeff Beck, Sting, Faith Hill, and Karizma, to name just a few.
I don't normally like the concept of "Best Drummer Alive", but if anyone deserves the title, Vinnie Colaiuta almost certainly has the greatest claim. And I know I'm far from alone with that opinion.......