Musical Style and Influences
Cameron was described by Greg Prato of Allmusic as "unquestionably one of rock's finest and most versatile drummers." Cameron's style is one that seeks not to dominate a song but rather tease out a groove that will complement and support its atmosphere. Despite a career in rock music, Cameron stated in a 1989 radio interview that growing up he "wasn't a big rock fan..." and that his musical tastes during his youth were "more into jazz." Cameron has professed that his primary musical interests lie in progressive rock and various jazz subgenres, including hard bop, both of which are characterized by a much busier playing style than Cameron exhibits. Cameron has cited Tony Williams, Keith Moon, Steve Gadd, Stewart Copeland, and Kiss as influences.
Cameron tends to revisit the paradiddle for effect. Examples include the spreading of the RLRR-LRLL pattern amongst the toms on Soundgarden's "Never the Machine Forever" (from Down on the Upside); between ride and snare on "Unemployable" (from Pearl Jam), creating a driving shuffle; and "You Are" (from Riot Act). This pattern can also be heard on the ride cymbal during the bridge of "Bleed Together" (from the "Burden in My Hand" single).
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