Pure and simple, Rodney Elkins is a groove merchant. Like many southern drummers he plays a little behind the beat; creating a deep pocket, perfectly embellishing critical points in the song, but never playing more than the song needs. Considering his young age, his maturity on the instrument is impressive. Stylistically, his playing echoes rhythm masters like Booker T’s Al Jackson Jr. and The Band’s Levon Helm. At the same time, Rodney retains his own musical identity. Rodney’s use of dynamics is also notable, and the fact that his training on the kit is both formal and feel oriented, represents the best of both worlds.

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