Good percussion

I second Trilok Gurtu, the album he made with Bobby Miles is terrific and one of the best recordings I have heard. Gurtu plays percussion and Miles plays keyboard. The music is a mix of alternative and world with an emphasis on percussion and synth.

The name of the CD is: Miles Gurtu.

happy listening

Try anything by Brian Metcalf IF you are into esoteric, trance-inducing stuff. Zakir Hussain is superb as well, but it's more of traditional indian music.

Billy Cobham's "Spectrum". Great Tabla work on all of John McLaughlin's Shakti LP's. All the Steeley Dan and Donald Fagen LP's. Pat Methany uses various percussionists that are all over the place. Try out Brazilian like Milton Nascimento, Gal Costa, Gilberto Gil.

Richard's post reminded me of a CD with some of the best percussion and intricate, weaving rhythms that I've heard:
Youssou N'Dour "Immigres"

As he also mentioned, Brazilian music has some killer percussion. Along with the artists mentioned above, I'd definitely give a listen to Jorge Ben.