This is a real down and dirty look at some of the greatest modern rock, punk, metal, funk, prog, and classic rock drummers. Roughly sixty players covering these various styles have been chosen and their styles analyzed in a two-page musical overview. A short paragraph introduces the player followed by a sampling of charts meant to highlight signature licks and fills and beats that the particular percussionist has made famous.

For Bill Bruford, drummer of Yes, King Crimson, Earthworks and various other jazz and prog bands, here is his paragraph:

Bill Bruford is the dean of progressive drummers. His work over the past forty years with Yes, King Crimson, Earthworks and many other projects has earned him the admiration of rock and jazz musicians alike. Yes's breakout fourth album, Fragile, was sa head-turning introduction to Bruford's ringing rimshot snare, complex rhythmic patterns, and rudimental mastery.

For a quick look at the styles of these various players - including Steve Gadd, Ringo Starr, Alex Van Halen, Travis Barker, and many others - this book is a sort of fast-food read. It won't fill you up too much and doesn't go real deep, but it will give you a sense of what these players play.

An MP3 CD accompanies the book and includes 175 examples of the styles outlined here.