Music does work like that, exactly like that. Because as you say, 'The Musician (Drummer) is human'.
Accelerando, Rallentando, Ritardando, A Tempo, Rubato?
Changes of tempo - Understanding musical terms
Maybe at the time, you should have recruited a Drummer who could keep time. You could have avoided all those wasted years.
In hindsight, maybe you should have got him "A Simple Metronome With A Big Flashing Light"
Yep, and most of this in the link below as well.
Please enter at your own risk - It's a dot com for Drummers.
This Is Why Drummers Are So Important In A Band
I remember getting this album when it first came out (I was 15). I still listen to it quite a bit these days.
Some really nice arranging from Don Sebesky and of course, produced by the late, great, Creed Taylor.
Both who were the team behind 'The Other Side of Abbey Road'.
Rick Beato for me as well...
Also, I like Media Music Composer, Guy Michelmore. His YouTube channel is updated regularly with composing and music theory tips, along with software demonstrations etc.
Also, there doesn't seem to be any credits on all the usual sites for that album....
Which I thought would have opened the door for Carol Kaye to claim it was her. **
It seems the track in question was recorded at 'Hitsville USA' in 1970. That's before Motown moved it's headquarters over to LA in 1972.
So the Bassist could be Bob Babbitt or Jamerson?