Think everything is better on this -- lighting, composition and focus == well done

Much more dynamic now!

It's a great improvement, the light, the background...
Just the angle change I do not really like. But that could be my western look.

Let me explain:
I'm from Europe and used to read from left to right and that's how I learned to 'read' a photo (matter of fact any image) too. Due to the change in the angle the hands (a focal point in this photo) are closed to me, in your original photo they are open and therefor, to me, a much more friendlier angle to look at.

Rob, that's a really interesting point of view, something I haven't considered, but will keep it in mind from now on and see how I actually look at a photo. Thanks.

Much nicer. Great job. Interesting perspective, Rob. But... the new way the face is also facing us more, becoming more "open" and inclusive (nonverbally)

I also like the new angle better, because it makes the visual movement much more fluid, where in the first image, it was somewhat "jerky," with the eye stopping at every angle of the elbows and knees. I also did not like the profile view of the head. The new angle provides a much more complete view of the face, as well as the drum, and the angles of the joints just "flow" better...

great improvement, the second image is great!