Yeah, Weinberg's book is great. "The Big Beat" is the title I think. It's an older book 1980's I think but worth seeking out.

"The Torment of Buddy Rich" is a good alternative to the Mel Torme book. Read them both.

Just bought a brand new book titled "Born to Drum" but haven't had a chance to read it yet.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062307851?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00"]Born to Drum: The Truth About the World's Greatest Drummers--from John Bonham and Keith Moon to Sheila E. and Dave Grohl: Tony Barrell: 9780062307859: Amazon.com: Books@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/511wI66%2BpqL.@@AMEPARAM@@511wI66%2BpqL[/ame]

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Life-Double-Time-Confessions-American/dp/0811823210"]Life in Double Time: Confessions of an American Drummer: Mike Lankford: 9780811823210: Amazon.com: Books@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PRPKFZV0L.@@AMEPARAM@@51PRPKFZV0L[/ame] by Mark Lankford is a pretty amazing autobiographical story by a musician whose career arc probably resembles that of many pro/am drummers.

He manages to make a living playing but never gets anywhere near the "big time."

Thanks Folks for the great gift ideas. My family always asks what I want for my birthday and Christmas. I never know what to reply; I do now :-)

I really like Nick Mason's book about Pink Floyd, though it's really about the band, not so much about his own drumming.

But I like to read it again and again. Great stories, great british humour, nice photos, really one of my favourite books.

Mad, Bad and Dangerous: The Book of Drummers' Tales haven't read it but I like the title.. :)D' Drummer

So glad that I started this topic-been incredibly fruitful. Thanks for all the suggestions!

No one's gonna mention Notes and Tones by Art Taylor?