"To be able to play as slow as Al Jackson is almost impossible"

Charlie Watts' quote, "To be able to play as slow as Al Jackson is almost impossible", speaks volumes about the art and technicality of drumming, where pacing is as essential as speed and style. While numerous might be tempted to relate impressive drumming with rapid paces or detailed fills, Watts highlights an often-overlooked element of musical mastery-- playing gradually and intentionally.

Al Jackson Jr., the famous drummer for Booker T. & the MG's and a prominent session drummer at Stax Records, was renowned for his precision, feel, and impeccable timing. His style epitomized the idea that restraint and control can be more challenging to perform than speed and complexity. Jackson's ability to keep a sluggish pace without losing groove or intensity needed remarkable ability and discipline. He had a remarkable ability to give each beat space and significance, accentuating the psychological depth of the music and producing a profound sense of groove that defined the soul and R&B tracks of the period.

Charlie Watts, himself an icon as the drummer for The Rolling Stones, admired Jackson's artistry, acknowledging that slowing down without sacrificing energy and expression obstacles even seasoned musicians. Playing slow demands a drummer's complete control over meter and characteristics. It needs accuracy in timing and an intense sense of how each beat communicates with the others to keep forward momentum. Additionally, the area between each note becomes important, as it defines the rhythm's psychological effect and the music's general feel.

This quote acknowledges that drumming isn't merely about strategy or speed however about conveying feeling and storytelling through rhythm. Watts' affection for Al Jackson Jr. shows an understanding that real mastery in music often depends on the subtle nuances that evoke powerful emotional reactions, a testament to the extensive effect of playing 'gradually' yet compellingly.