Talk about odd meters and drumming...
So in the late 70's, Robert Fripp had Bill Bruford join up in King Crimson. After a few sessions, Fripp liked Bill's skill, but became very frustrated. He wrote down the following guidelines for Bill, based on his dominant vision for things in the new KC:
"1. Any existing solution to a problem is the wrong one absolutum, obsoletum.
2. If you have an idea, don't play it.
3. When a change in the music needs emphasis, don't play it: the change in the music is emphasis enough.
4. Don't phrase with any other member of the band unless its in the part.
5. Phrasing in the part should include no more than two people.
6. If the tension in the music needs emphasizing, don't. The tension is there because of what you are playing, not what you are about to play.
7. If you really have to change your part to build tension, don't add - leave out.
8. The maximum amount of tension you can add is by stopping completely.
9. If there is space for a fill which is demanded by the music, don't play it; there are three other people who would like to use that opportunity.
10. If the part you are playing is boring, stop listening with your head.
11. If this still bores you, listen to the interaction between all the parts.
12. If this still bores you stop playing and wait until you are no longer bored.
13. Do not be dramatic.
14. Do not be afraid to repeat yourself.
15. Do not be afraid to take your time.
Boy, what a negative list. Let's be positive about this.
1. Repeat yourself.
2. Take your time.
3. Leave room.
4. Listen to everyone else.
5. Develop a new set of cliches.
6. Develop a new set of drum sounds.
7. Listen to the sound of what you play."
-- Robert Fripp.
Bruford once said:
"Usually I go for the lowest common denominator and make it appear not to be in 17/8 [for example]. That's the guitar's business, not mine. I'm in a cheerful 4/4, but I can play whatever I like in it. It's not terribly restricting, actually."