Which are the most versatile? Personally I like the Max Weinberg 7 but lately I’ve also found myself liking the Roots Crew.
I really do love The Roots, in terms of versatility and style. I’ve been a fan of theirs for years, and I loathe most rap/hip hop.
But the Max Weinberg 7 (there’s actually eight of them now and they’re now called The Tonight Show Band) seems to have more experience with participating in comedy bits and comic timing. Especially Max, Pender and LaBamba. Of course, they’ve been a late night band for 15 years now, and The Roots were not previously known for being comedians.
ETA: As for Letterman’s band, I find the head guy annoying. And poor Craig just has puppets. They even took away his sound effects machine. 