Tony Williams. He is as powerful as Elvin, perhaps even more subtle. Of more or less the same time-period, evolving in an equally modern direction, yet utterly different in style. You can compare his drumming to Elvin's, when both are working with virtually the same musicians: Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock. Shorter's "Maiden Voyage" (Elvin), and Hancock's "Empyrean Isles" (Williams). "Miles Smiles" (Miles, with classic early-sixties group.

Williams' ride cymbal is incomparable. It sends shivers down my spine. He is extremely influential. Without him, there would be no Jack DeJohnette. He also pioneered jazz-rock fusion, but I'll forgive him for that.