any Rush would work,
Also listen to the album "3 Sides To Every Story" by Extreme. One of my favorites for bass and drums.
Danzo

The Police is also a MUST (appart from Rush). Sting and Stewart are one of the tighest rythmn section in the rock scene and they can provide foundation and groove effortlessly. Also, you may want to look at Booker T and the MG's they have it pretty tight too (what can you expect from the "Duckster"?). Another great band people keep on forgiving is "The Who", both Entwistle and Moon have gone straight into rock history as great musicians of their time. Moon is especially brilliant, if you can cut all the instruments and leave only vocals and drum on any Who tune, you'll notice he supports the vocals too, not only guitar and bass.

And by the way, Chic and The Wailers (Bob Marley's rythmic support) are to check too.

Perhapes for your project you want some examples of diferent rythem styles? If so, I would second the Bob Marley suggestion for reggae, some Santana for Latin rythems, and Paul Simon's Graceland album for African. You probably want ot check out some World Beat music too. The only sugestion I can think of off the top of my head for that would be Rusted Root.

Check out Stevie Ray's section "Double Trouble".
They've been together a long time and are currently with a group called Storyville.

Update on that Double Trouble thing, Rick. They're not with Storyville any more. They currently have an album out as Double Trouble. It's pne of those deals that features a different "guest vocalist" on each song.

right on, I got to see Double Trouble with Kenny Wayne Shepard awhile back. INCREDIBLE!! Tommy Shannon played a couple of old Jazz and Precision basses. He and Chris Layton are rock solid. I got to chat with them briefly after the gig too, and they are all complete gents. What a class act. I never even thought to get autographs, as I was too awestruck by them and old thoughts of SRV kept rolling through my head. I could barely hold still.
Danzo

Mike Gordon and Jon Fishman from PHISH are a really tight rhythm section. They really lay down some PHAT grooves.

matt.

amen...

James Brown, the godfather of soul.
check ouit some of the later stuff with Bootsy Collins on bass or some of his work with
Parliament. Anything scored by Bernie Edwards.
for a more rock feel any Led Zepplin album.
Early Genesis with Phil Collins on drums.
If you like it stompin' try the Black Crows.

Check out www.spys4darwin.com.... And there's a band that's been opening for Jerry Cantrell called Swarm, they've been playing around the west coast lately I think, so if your over there check 'em out they have a awesome rhythm section!!!
And of course there's Tool and Black Sabath!!!

Good luck on your project there brother! Let us know how you get along with it! Peace & love!!!

oh! Your a way's away from Cali I should think, lol. Nevermind!

Peace!

Me again =+P These days I think the best way to find good rhythm sections is to check out all the local bands in your area. Not too many good drummers and bassists in mainstream rock these days but strangely smaller underground bands are just great!