Vinnie Colaiuta

[radeq]

why don't we talk about some serious drummers :) like vinnie :D

www.houseofdrumming.com - check out some hot vinnie stuff :)

[DR.WHOO]

I admit i never tought about one of my favourites......

i must have been mad !!!!!

run to see the link


T.

[Superlow]

He is just one of those guys that you just can't argue about. I love his playing, but it depresse me to listen to him. He is just that good.

[NUTHA JASON]

i don't like him as a person as i have seen him live with sting and also in several interviews but then again as a drummer i love him. look at the drum battle beteween him, wekl and gadd on the videos section of drummerworld. he holds his own very well with those two giants. you got to hand it to him, he steals a show.


j

[Stu_Strib]

I got in a bit over my head when I purchased that Unreel book covering his playing.

oops...maybe in 10 years I'll be able to work out of that book.

stu

[Dr Drums]

u know what..? I know he's one of the greatest drummers today , but i just can't like him. I guess he's not my style. weird.

[radeq]

yeah that's allright I guess not everybody is able to understand his playing..

[Alk3fan]

i don't like him as a person .


My drum teacher told me the exact same thing. He met him and said 'he wasnt a very fun person to be around'. But I guess his great drumming makes up for that.

[Drumolator]

In my humble opinion, he is the greatest drummer to have ever walked to planet. He can play any style or genre and play it well. Peace.

[meshuggah1324]

Yeah, I'd have to say Vinnie is the best drummer of all time.

[Stu_Strib]

To be as good as Gadd, Weckl, or Vinnie, you gotta be just a bit different than most people. I've heard bad things about all three of these guys as people. I would bet its just their eccentricity, and not any real rudeness. Porcaro came across as rude too, but that was the New Yorker in him probably, heh.

Just think, to be as good as them, you can't quite possibly be a normal 8 to 5 schlubb working with other shlubbs all day (like most of us).

So Dr. Drum, you don't like Gadd or Coliauta? Do you not like drums ;-)

[eddrummer05]

vinnie haha is the best drummer in usa...

[radeq]

in the world..............

[Superlow]

To be as good as Gadd, Weckl, or Vinnie, you gotta be just a bit different than most people. I've heard bad things about all three of these guys as people. I would bet its just their eccentricity, and not any real rudeness. Porcaro came across as rude too, but that was the New Yorker in him probably, heh.

Just think, to be as good as them, you can't quite possibly be a normal 8 to 5 schlubb working with other shlubbs all day (like most of us).

So Dr. Drum, you don't like Gadd or Coliauta? Do you not like drums ;-)

It was the same way with Buddy Rich, if a lot people told you you were the best drummer in the world it would do something to your ego. I think I would be a prick too if I had to live up to that much pressure.

[Raymond Bloom]

I found somewhere an mp3 where Buddy Rich curses his big band for about 5 mins... I fealt really really sorry about them...
Yeah, he was an INSANE drummer, probably the best ever, but as a person...who knows...and actually it's not important, important is what he did as a drummer.

The same goes about Vinnie Colaiuta, let's just listen his drumming instead of arguing about whether he is a nice guy or not! :))

[Alesi]

i`m depressed when i listen to him... he`s so creative... .. (in pop tunes too!!!!!)

[darkcherryfade]

Another drummer that practically reduces me to tears like Dennis. This guy can play EVERYTHING. And he OWNED that 3 way battle with Gadd and Weckl (who were both still impressive, as expected).

[NUTHA JASON]

i'm sorry but he was no way the best in that battle. they were all great and different. to own a battle, as you put it, you have to be clearly above the other drummers league. besides gadd does less in that battle but he is solid ...SOLID. THAT BASS DRUMMING FIGURE HE DOES OVER THE CADET STUFF IS SOOOOOO COOL. and did you hear the audience when he goes onto his cowbell?

vinnie is a great drummer.... that is all.

j

[darkcherryfade]

Thank you, but I have my own opinion. I'm not even talking about who did the most of this or that, he just made me feel it the most. Well ok, to say he OWNED it was a bit much, but he shined the most to me. Although Gadd and Weckl were still incredible.

[Stu_Strib]

Thank you, but I have my own opinion. I'm not even talking about who did the most of this or that, he just made me feel it the most. Well ok, to say he OWNED it was a bit much, but he shined the most to me. Although Gadd and Weckl were still incredible.

Yeah Vinnie was strong. For that other post to say "he held his own" with Weckl and Gadd, as if they are legends, and he isn't yet was a bit odd.

I think Vinnie, because he's been drumming much longer, is probably one of Weckl's influences. I'd never be so egotistical to think I surpassed my heros, even if it were true. I bet Weckl feels this way.

[Milo]

Thank you, but I have my own opinion. I'm not even talking about who did the most of this or that, he just made me feel it the most. Well ok, to say he OWNED it was a bit much, but he shined the most to me. Although Gadd and Weckl were still incredible.

I have to agree with you on that. I think Vinnie stood out a bit more. Gadd was solid but didn't do it for me, the bass roll gets kinda old.

Anyone hear his Megadeth drumming? What a versatile guy.

[darkcherryfade]

Yeah Vinnie was strong. For that other post to say "he held his own" with Weckl and Gadd, as if they are legends, and he isn't yet was a bit odd.

I think Vinnie, because he's been drumming much longer, is probably one of Weckl's influences. I'd never be so egotistical to think I surpassed my heros, even if it were true. I bet Weckl feels this way.


True. He seems to be the humble type. He sounds like it when he talks at clinics and such.

[DR.WHOO]

Ok ok i admit....
love him with Sting (enormous)
love him with labouriel at backed potatoe
love him in joe's garage (zappa)
love him with pianist randy waldman
love him with chaka khan
but i can't stand him with karizma (dunno why but that is)


T

[ZeppelinJB]

Vinnie Colaiuta was the drummer that played on the "Nightwalker" album for Gino Vanelli. If you've never heard it, get it, find it, listen to it, the songs Nightwalker & Santa Rosa. This guy Vinnie Colaiuta is amazing in these songs. I really do recommend downloading them. Thanks for Finnhiggins [a member here] and Dogbreath[admin] I found out who this mystery man drummer was. After you listen to the songs, post what you think. I think this guy should've got some ounce of creditability for this album. It was great.

Ty

[aahznightsky]

Just wondering here ... why are you calling Coluita the unsung hero, the mystery man drummer? Hehe I think most people know who he is; he's one of the top drummers that have ever been on the planet!

[ak_]

Ummm, i'm going to agree with ahhznightsky here (haha btw ahh...i never realized what your name actually said until right now, and i have no clue why it took me this long to actually read your name, BUT ANYWAY!)...by no means is Vinnie an "unsung" hero.

Also: you're on the forums right now, go check out the actual Drummerworld page. It's very apparent that right now you are enthralled with Vinnie, (which is good), sooo there is PLENTY of stuff you can watch about Vinnie like videos, audio clips, articles, etc... that i'm sure you'll fall in love with. Go have some fun chasing down that mysterious, unknown, ever so elusive fella that Vinnie is. hehe..

[finnhiggins]

Indeed. If you want to see just how "Unsung" he is, I suggest reading back over the last decade of Modern Drummer reader polls.

Also, his list of CD credits over on AllMusic is literally thousands of albums long, featuring some of the biggest names in popular music.

OK, he's not widely known outside of the world of musicians. But still... He's pretty bloody known inside it!

[mlehnertz]

When you're referenced by simply your first name, I think it says it all.

[ZeppelinJB]

Ok jesus, i think i get the point. you guys are awfully pushy about it.

[ZeppelinJB]

mIhertz IMO led zeppelin is the greatest band ever. don't put me in a category of ignorance because I like led zeppelin. thanks buddy

[finnhiggins]

mIhertz IMO led zeppelin is the greatest band ever. don't put me in a category of ignorance because I like led zeppelin. thanks buddy

Mate, you've totally missed the point here. Vinnie Colaiuta is most commonly referenced as "Vinnie" in drumming circles. If you say "Hey, have you heard Vinnie on that new CD by ArtistXYZ?" then any well-read drummer is going to immediately assume you mean Vinnie Colaiuta, not Vinnie Paul or any other Vinnie.

He's such a legend you can reference him by his first name, like Buddy, Ringo or Elvin. There's very few musicians who ever get to that level. If you've not encountered Vinnie before I can assure you it's not because he's an unsung nobody, it's just because you're a bit new to this whole drumming thing...

[ZeppelinJB]

No finnhiggins, im not new to the "drumming thing" and i dont know why you quoted me because what you had had nothing to do with the quote, but w/e. You can think Im "new" or not, im not going to listen to you run your mouth and brag of your text book knowledge my friend. "Vinnie" wasnt on the nightwalker CD case, or anything. I looked into it and nothing told me about him. Just because I researched in wrong spots, doesnt mean I am "new" to "this drumming thing" buddy.

[NouveauCliche]

Settle down man! No one's attacking you! We just all respect Vinnie!

[ZeppelinJB]

Look buddy, lol I dont need to hear it from you either. respecting Vinnie by freaking out because I don't know him? Whats that do for respect man. If someone didnt know John Bonham Im sure I'd tell him about it, not yell at him for not knowin.

[finnhiggins]

No finnhiggins, im not new to the "drumming thing" and i dont know why you quoted me because what you had had nothing to do with the quote, but w/e.


Yes it did, but after two posts you're evidently still too dense to figure it out and instead want to have a go at me as well. You first had a go at mlehnertz for his comment:

"When you're referenced by simply your first name, I think it says it all.". He was talking about VINNIE, not about you. You then took offence because you somehow (I've no idea how) interpreted this as a slight against Led Zeppelin and thought he was calling you ignorant. I quoted you because I felt the need to tell you that he was talking about Vinnie. Clearly you haven't run into Mr Colaiuta before, which would explain why you didn't know. But the rest of us - and, indeed, most of the world of drumming - quite clearly have.

You can think Im "new" or not, im not going to listen to you run your mouth and brag of your text book knowledge my friend. "Vinnie" wasnt on the nightwalker CD case, or anything. I looked into it and nothing told me about him. Just because I researched in wrong spots, doesnt mean I am "new" to "this drumming thing" buddy.

No, not knowing who an uncredited drummer doesn't make you new to drumming, you're right. However, not having a clue who one of the most influential and well-known drum superstars of the last twenty years suggests that you probably haven't exactly picked up a copy of... well... any drum magazine on a regular basis since 1985. So either you're new or you've been away for a very, very long time.

Now, please. I helped you find out who the drummer you were after was. Cool down. People here are just a bit amused that you've started a "OMG, have you heard of this obscure guy I just found on an old Gino Vanelli CD!" thread about arguably the most prolific and well-known session drummer working anywhere in the world today, let alone one of the major pioneers of modern drumming from the late 1970s to now. He has his own signature stick. He was the driving force behind the A Custom series of cymbals, arguably one of the most popular series on cymbals on the planet. He's played with Zappa, Sting, Joni Mitchell, Megadeth, The Backstreet Boys, Barry Mannilowe... John McLaughlin... Allan Holdsworth... and just about everybody else on the planet who has any money or plays fusion.

It's a bit like going to a guitar forum and writing a post going "Hey, I just heard out this totally awesome obscure blues guitarist from the 60s. You guys should check him out - I think his name's Jimi or something...". You can't really do that and expect people not to laugh. Vinnie came first in Modern Drummer's "Best studio drummer" and "Best overall" poll categories for ... ooh... just about most years during the whole of the 90s? That's not exactly unsung. If you're not new to the whole drumming thing, I'd suggest you'd at least have had to have been hiding under a rock to miss him.

[CarterB_Junkie]

Thanx to Amazon, I finally got the Cd Live at Blue Note Tokyo (Chick Corea's Akoustik Band) where Vinnie took Weckl's chair and Oh My : one of the best drumming ever recorded IMO : virtuosity, musicality, energy, feel, fire, passion, pocket in one set ! Amazing !
The CD is very difficult to find because it was realeased only in Japan .
Check out also the drum battle on drummer world where Vinnie is doing at the end of the video a gesture with his head that says : I am Vinnie Colaiuta and I just owned the place, Weckl and Gadd can go on retirement I don't care!Priceless ! Just look at the end of the segment, his gesture is so cocky and arrogant I like it !!!


Vinnie who ???

[ZeppelinJB]

My dad is a huge drummer and fan of Gino. He looked it up a little didnt find anything. Dude, you can continue to drag this out by calling me new and then saying cool down, calling me ingnorant and saying cool down, well bud, i am fine now, i didnt know the mofo big deal, i anted to ask ppl around, big deal, but i thought this site and forum was a nice community. i didnt think i had to be scolded for simply not knowing a percussionist. My fault buddy, but plz, dont get all pushy and call me "new to this drumming thing." Dont tell me to cool down unless you're willing enough to grow up, and quit posting about how stupid i must be to not know who some drummer is Vinnie Colaiuta. Hes excellent, i just didnt know his name. Also, not every drum magazine since 1985 writes an article every issue about Vinnie Colaiuta.

[DogBreath]

Well guys, I think everyone has spoken their mind on this issue. Anyone want to talk about Vinnie?

[ZeppelinJB]

Dog Breath, Ive seen multiple posts of you saying things like " Well that was off topic, wanna talk about Bla bla." and "Well does anyone wanna talk bout Bla Bla or what."

Im sure we'll get back on topic. And when someone wants to say something about Vinnie, they will....ok?

[DogBreath]

Hey ZepJB, I've seen multiple posts of you posting off-topic and needing to be reminded to use the search function. When a forum moderator wants to ask you to stay on topic he will . . . OK?

[Sticktrick]

Hey I actually have a nice story about Vinne that everybody will certainly enjoy...

I was at one of his shows with Carizma in LA (that crazy fusion band you know...). They started playing and a minute into the first song the bass amp broke. No bass anymore. The whole band stops playing, Vinnie makes some silly jokes about bassplayers. After 5 or 10 minutes of waiting for a new amp the whole room seemed to become electrified. I don´t know if you know about Vinnie as a person, but I can tell you from 17 times that I saw him live (still have all the tickets and just counted them. Yes. I am a fan....lol) that he is OUT OF CONTROL. I mean as a person also - you know he just seems to be on fire all the time (making jokes, running from A to B on stage and back when he is doing clinics - freak! But in a very positive way!).
So after making jokes for a few minutes, he got a little stressed out and just started to play a solo. He was standing in front of his drums and played on cymbals only at first (he seemed to be wanting to entertain himself a little). But people yelled and applaused already so he just went for it and played a real solo until the amp was fixed (maybe 5 or 10 more minutes.). Then they went straight into the first song which was in 13/8. Later I found out that the whole freaking solo was also in 13/8 because I illegally taped it and listended back. Crazy guy.
But it is not the whole story: Another minute into the song Vinnie wanted to hit his huge China on his left side but missed it, because he was doing something else with his right hand and didn´t look to see where exactly it was. Now he became REALLY pissed: The next spot in the music that allowed for a big crash, he looked at the China as if he was going to kill it and then hit it so hard with his left hand (in traditional grip!!!) that the whole stand with cymbal attached to hit collapsed and fell to the floor with a big crash. The crowd went nuts, Vinnie smiled and everything was good. All while maintainig a 13/8 groove. Really crazy guy.

Man I just think that he is a natural talent and one of the very best drummers that this planet has ever seen. He is just into it very very deeply.


And the story goes on: Ralph Humphrey was in the audience (concert was at LAMA where Ralph teaches) and in the next class he asked everybody who was there: "Nice time signature that the first solo was in, right?" Ralph could recall that whole solo that Vinnie had made up and even remembered all tiny little Metric Shifts and little diddys that Vinnie had played. You might think that this is not that remarkable, but it is: There was a whole room full of drummers there (good ones) and everybody listened to that solo, but didn´t get it. Now Ralph walks into the room explaining everything about it and he had only heard it ONCE. We later on checked the things he said with my recording and it was all correct. Ralph just has BIG ears.... It was actually told me, that Vinnie once said, that the only person on this planet who truly can understand what Vinnie does in the exact same moment that he does it in, is Ralph Humphrey. Nice compliment I think.

[aahznightsky]

sticktrick thats an incredibly amazing story! I wish i was there

[mlehnertz]

I actually find this part of the story the most amazing... How does Vinnie, with his drum awareness, miss a cymbal?

Another minute into the song Vinnie wanted to hit his huge China on his left side but missed it, because he was doing something else with his right hand and didn´t look to see where exactly it was.

[Adam]

Watching this guy drum is so sick! He looks like he's about to throw up/burst into flames/explode sometimes and I just love it! A drummer who drums with guts if you ask me...and I'm sure there are countless threads about him but I don't see any on this first page so....tell me about a time you saw Vinnie, or perhaps a video of him that is just SICK!

This clip I have of Vinnie live in Tokyo (you can get it at house of drumming dot com) is a good start! Watch it if you haven't seen it yet.

[noVIce LegENd]

Vinnie has POWER hand-foot coordination... and I like his style of traditional grip. His FEEL for the music is POW!!!
How i wish U can teach me Vinnie...
Anyone who knows of his his contact?
Haha... jus asking... ( Maybe u can send me a private message)

[Laurent]

Try www.vinniecolaiuta.com even though I don't know how often the site is updated.

If there would be such thing as "a best drummer ever", then I think that Vinnie should be it. He mastered all styles of music from fusion to heavy metal. He's a great groove drummer AND a fantastic "chops guy". His musical concepts are extremely advanced and his is an extremely musical drummer.

I don't of any other guy who has such a resume. All of those I can think of did not record in at least one genre. Vinnie did them all ! He even recently recorded with Megadeth !

I know that drumming is no competition but I think that Vinnie is the best all-around drummer ever.

[toteman2]

There is not enough space in the universe for me to say everthing I love about Vinnie...One of my favorites ever...True master!

[Cuauhtemoc]

Vinnie is a great drummer and can definitely play in the moment (just ask Dave Weckl, BR concert '89) and has a great sense of how to make the music sound good. He has great time and as said before, play all styles and play them well. Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!

But for me, and crucify me for saying this, I've never cared for the sound of his kit, even the Gretsch. It's kind of thin to me. I think, God forbid, Weckl has a better sounding kit. But I would love to hear what Vinnie's kit sounded like with Megadeth.

[NouveauCliche]

Vinnie is a great drummer and can definitely play in the moment (just ask Dave Weckl, BR concert '89) and has a great sense of how to make the music sound good. He has great time and as said before, play all styles and play them well. Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!

But for me, and crucify me for saying this, I've never cared for the sound of his kit, even the Gretsch. It's kind of thin to me. I think, God forbid, Weckl has a better sounding kit. But I would love to hear what Vinnie's kit sounded like with Megadeth.

You say Weckl like it's a bad thing. Pretty much everyone agree that he has an incredible drum sound.

[Micky]

Hey guys you won`t believe this.
yesterday I heard on radio that vinnie colaiuta recorded the drums for the newest megadeth album, is that true? I guess is a mistake but who knows, colaiuta is a ver versatile drummer...
Anyway, is it true???

visit my page www.miguelyudelevich.cl

Bye

[Pedro]

That's true! And he recorded it in three days....

And BTW: it is a great sounding album!

And for drums: listen to the song "Kick the Chair"!

And yes....did you know he also recorded a cd for the Backstreet Boys!!??? What was he thinking???????

[OceanDirt]

That's true! And he recorded it in three days....

And BTW: it is a great sounding album!

And for drums: listen to the song "Kick the Chair"!

And yes....did you know he also recorded a cd for the Backstreet Boys!!??? What was he thinking???????

he was thinking how awesome the money would be from a gig like that, and how he's the only drummer cool enough to do backstreet boys, megadeth, faith hill, sting, chick corea, and all the other ridiculous amount of genre spanning stuff he's recorded on.

that would be my guess, anyway

[NouveauCliche]

That's true! And he recorded it in three days....

And BTW: it is a great sounding album!

And for drums: listen to the song "Kick the Chair"!

And yes....did you know he also recorded a cd for the Backstreet Boys!!??? What was he thinking???????

He was thinking that he needs to eat....I'd take the same oppurtunity if given the chance.

Vinnie's the man....no questions asked.

[mediocrefunkybeat]

Yes; he did indeed do the drums for The System Has Failed. He did an excellent job too, it must be said. He truly is probably the single most versatile drummer out there today, his abilities in all styles is unmatched.

[yakbutter]

That's true! And he recorded it in three days....

And BTW: it is a great sounding album!

And for drums: listen to the song "Kick the Chair"!

And yes....did you know he also recorded a cd for the Backstreet Boys!!??? What was he thinking???????

He's thinking "Damn this paycheck is sweet! I think those 20" rims will look good on the Lexus, or perhaps I should get a new flat screen TV?"

Would you rather be playing on a Backstreet Boys album or working a day job? Hell, the guy probably does mostly cheesy jingles for Doublemint gum. I'd love to be in his spot.

[finnhiggins]

That's true! And he recorded it in three days....

And BTW: it is a great sounding album!

And for drums: listen to the song "Kick the Chair"!

And yes....did you know he also recorded a cd for the Backstreet Boys!!??? What was he thinking???????

I want to know what he was thinking doing the Megadeth album! I mean, Vinnie's great. But... Megadeth? Ugh.

(Hoping you get my point, of course, not trying to start a flame war)

[Milo]

When I heard it from a friend I didn't believe it. After reading his discography I started downloading (legally of course(pfft!)). Such versatility makes his possiblities endless. He is indeed the man.

[Superlow]

I listened to a few 30 second previews on i-Tunes music store. The drumming sounds like that of any virtuoso metal drummer playing metal their whole life. More proof that Vinnie can play any style flawlessly.

[noVIce LegENd]

Indeed he is King of all drum kings as most ppl say!
I think his drum sound is good... the dynamic variation is obvious and cool!
But i still wanna comment on his left hand... looks kinda different! Most drummers play left traditional grip palms up but he plays it palm facing the sides, never ever he played palms up.
Is there a reason for this other than habit???

[Panos_from_greece!]

Above all these i just wanna add something..EVERYONE who watches vinnie playing, wants instantly to play just like him, by imitating his moves! :)
and i also want to say that he has the most gorgious and cool traditional grip i 've ever seen.He just grabs so nice the sticks!I am a great fan of him

[Kor Haven]

I think Vinnie is the Greatest drummer of all time

[CarterB_Junkie]

Bow down to the master of all things drums , Sir Vinnie Colaiuta !

He has done it all and he is playing better than ever , just chek out this tune called Soulgrass from the next Bill Evans album :

http://billevanssax.com/soulgrass/index.html

There is only one Vinnie !

[noVIce LegENd]

Mmmm...He has great chops but i wonder why his solos(on video) are always quite the same... either bass and toms alternate or snare and toms alternate... i seem to realise that he like to have his left hand single stroke( cannot be considered roll ) in all his playing. Can someone enlighten me? Is that his "style"?

[Cuauhtemoc]

Mmmm...He has great chops but i wonder why his solos(on video) are always quite the same... either bass and toms alternate or snare and toms alternate... i seem to realise that he like to have his left hand single stroke( cannot be considered roll ) in all his playing. Can someone enlighten me? Is that his "style"?

It's kind of like Steve Gadd, who also seems to do the same things over and over when he solos. Vinnie and Gadd make their living playing with other artists, spending most of that time in the studio. Drummers like Terry Bozzio spend a lot of time pushing the limits of the instrument in the exhibition circuit, which gives them the time to work on new ideas, set ups, etc.

To me it's like a rhythm guitarist. A lot of great lead players cannot play good rhythm guitar because they don't work on it as much as a rhythm guitarist. But both types of guitarists are important and very necessary to making good music.

Vinnie, like Gadd is more of a band player and because he's so good at it everyone wants to have him on their album. Is he the greatest ever? I don't know, some people think so. But you can't deny the impact he has had on the drumming world and at least in his case it's not just popularity, it's talent. But let's not forget that he was one of many drummer who studied Gadd carefully so one begins to wonder where Vinnie would've been if Gadd had not been the drummer he was. This, I think is why so many people call Steve Gadd the most influencial drummer in modern drumming today.

[NouveauCliche]

It's kind of like Steve Gadd, who also seems to do the same things over and over when he solos. Vinnie and Gadd make their living playing with other artists, spending most of that time in the studio. Drummers like Terry Bozzio spend a lot of time pushing the limits of the instrument in the exhibition circuit, which gives them the time to work on new ideas, set ups, etc.

To me it's like a rhythm guitarist. A lot of great lead players cannot play good rhythm guitar because they don't work on it as much as a rhythm guitarist. But both types of guitarists are important and very necessary to making good music.

Vinnie, like Gadd is more of a band player and because he's so good at it everyone wants to have him on their album. Is he the greatest ever? I don't know, some people think so. But you can't deny the impact he has had on the drumming world and at least in his case it's not just popularity, it's talent. But let's not forget that he was one of many drummer who studied Gadd carefully so one begins to wonder where Vinnie would've been if Gadd had not been the drummer he was. This, I think is why so many people call Steve Gadd the most influencial drummer in modern drumming today.

I 'm actually going to disagree here...Gadd does play the same solos a lot of the time at clinics and stuff like...but he plays literally the SAME solo. You could transcribe it and it would match up perfectly everytime you hear it...that marching/rudiment solo. He also plays a solo based around the 50 ways beat and the latin groove from Late in the Evening...and he pretty much always plays it with 4 sticks. His groove is incredible and when it comes to playing for a song, it really doesn't get much better than Gadd.

Colaiuta may have a signature style/voice...but most definetly does NOT play the same solo all the time. What makes Vinnie so great is his ability to play some the most technically challenging parts you can imagine with guys like Zappa or his own band, then turn around play a Faith Hill concert. He is both and AMAZING "lead" player AND a mindblowing "rhythm" player.

His solo over the end of Seven Days certainly sounds NOTHING like his solo at the Blue Note Tokoyo with Chic Corea or any solo from Karizma. My guess is that if you think all of his solos sound alike...you haven't listened to that many. With a body of work as incredibly large as his, you really have to spend the time to listen and appreciate his playing.

[Cuauhtemoc]

That's cool that you disagree with me but it seems like you disagree with Novice Legend more than me because I was responding to his statement, not so much as stating my observations of Vinnie's playing. I was suggesting that he may be interpreting Vinnie's playing a certain way because.... it's all about trying to understand one's point of view before offering comments.

Of course Vinnie is diverse and his track record shows that. But the same could be said of drummers like Terry Bozzio, Thomas Lang, Chester Thompson, Chad Wackerman, etc. It seems to me that you're taking it personal when other drummers don't have the same praises for a drummer that you adore. Subjectivity, my friend! Not everyone has the same pair of ears.

I like Vinnie's playing, he's awesome; one of the best of all time. I even had a chance to meet him. Frankly, he was kind of rude but what the hell, he's human. We all have our days. I guess I just don't hear what you hear but with all due respect, I'm entitled to my opinion, right?

What if I said that I preferred Thomas Lang's playing to Vinnie's? He's shown that he can handle any style. Sure, he hasn't played on as many albums but he also lives in Europe and plays in a different scene and in styles of music that are not common in Los Angeles. Would you say that Vinnie could do all the stuff Thomas Lang does on his DVD? Does Vinnie produce albums and write his own music like Thomas Lang? So you can argue that you like Vinnie's drumming over Lang's but I can argue that Lang is a better drummer and musician than Vinnie based on what he can do. BUT.... I won't because we have our subjective ears and types of drumming as well as musical approaches that appeal to us. But if you're into Vinnie, cool. He's a monster drummer.

As far as grooves..I guess I also have to disagree with you when you say it doesn't get much better than Gadd. I think he's very diverse and gets the job done but I think I'll take Jeff Watts' swing over his, Horacio Hernandez's Latin playing over his and Jabo Starts when it comes to funk. But again, trust your ears because that's what leads to your heart.

Good conversation! You're awesome!

[noVIce LegENd]

Hey! Thank U'all so much! I have a deeper understanding now. I really have to study more drummers to gain more experience... haha... drum is an interesting subject... how i wish i can study it in school.

[toteman2]

That's cool that you disagree with me but it seems like you disagree with Novice Legend more than me because I was responding to his statement, not so much as stating my observations of Vinnie's playing. I was suggesting that he may be interpreting Vinnie's playing a certain way because.... it's all about trying to understand one's point of view before offering comments.

Of course Vinnie is diverse and his track record shows that. But the same could be said of drummers like Terry Bozzio, Thomas Lang, Chester Thompson, Chad Wackerman, etc. It seems to me that you're taking it personal when other drummers don't have the same praises for a drummer that you adore. Subjectivity, my friend! Not everyone has the same pair of ears.

I like Vinnie's playing, he's awesome; one of the best of all time. I even had a chance to meet him. Frankly, he was kind of rude but what the hell, he's human. We all have our days. I guess I just don't hear what you hear but with all due respect, I'm entitled to my opinion, right?

What if I said that I preferred Thomas Lang's playing to Vinnie's? He's shown that he can handle any style. Sure, he hasn't played on as many albums but he also lives in Europe and plays in a different scene and in styles of music that are not common in Los Angeles. Would you say that Vinnie could do all the stuff Thomas Lang does on his DVD? Does Vinnie produce albums and write his own music like Thomas Lang? So you can argue that you like Vinnie's drumming over Lang's but I can argue that Lang is a better drummer and musician than Vinnie based on what he can do. BUT.... I won't because we have our subjective ears and types of drumming as well as musical approaches that appeal to us. But if you're into Vinnie, cool. He's a monster drummer.

As far as grooves..I guess I also have to disagree with you when you say it doesn't get much better than Gadd. I think he's very diverse and gets the job done but I think I'll take Jeff Watts' swing over his, Horacio Hernandez's Latin playing over his and Jabo Starts when it comes to funk. But again, trust your ears because that's what leads to your heart.

Good conversation! You're awesome!


Thats what it's all about...Well stated!

[Drummer_Boy]

It's as simple as this for me...

Vinnie Colaiuta=drum god

[Drummer Karl]

Vinnie Colaiuta? He is great! He can play heavy rock and 2 seconds later he could play the sweetest jazz...

[frankay]

this drummer is probably one the greatest drummers of all time, in my opinion. I no its a bold statement but he is just amazing his hand speed and some of his linear patterns are truly awesome. what is your veiw on this drummer? some of my other favourites are thomas lang, dennis chambers and i recently saw terry bozzio in one of his drum clinics, he blew me away he was superb. who are you favourite drummers?

thanks frank

[Rhythmic Disciple]

Speaking of Thomas Lang, he spent some time with Vinnie Colaiuta years before he was famous, practising and learning. And I believe he is one of Lang's heroes...

When I first saw Vinnie play on video with Sting in Oslo 1993, I was blown away. Watching his powerhouse performance changed the way I thought about drumming. What impressed me most was how he looked, how he moved and how he touched the drums - it made technical sense without any verbal explanation needed. It was the most valuable lesson I ever had!!!

People talk about Vinnie 'taking the easy gig' with Sting, but I don't agree. Watch the footage from the concert I mentioned above and think again...

[mlehnertz]

Sting's gig was no easy gig - Vinnie just makes it look easy. Granted, it wasn't flashy and he wasn't doing upside-down drum solos, but it's hard work to play with that much discipline. Go ahead and play "Seven Days" and try to play 4/4 in your right hand and 7/4 in your left. It's not easy.

Sting covered Purple Haze on one of the tours I saw and Vinnie tore it up. They played some old Police tunes as well and it rocked hard.

The thing I like about Vinnie is that it appears so effortless. There is no wasted movement.


When I first saw Vinnie play on video with Sting in Oslo 1993, I was blown away. Watching his powerhouse performance changed the way I thought about drumming. What impressed me most was how he looked, how he moved and how he touched the drums - it made technical sense without any verbal explanation needed. It was the most valuable lesson I ever had!!!

People talk about Vinnie 'taking the easy gig' with Sting, but I don't agree. Watch the footage from the concert I mentioned above and think again...

[Jarek Witkowski]

Vinnie Colaiuta is definitely one of the greatest drummers in the world.

[NUTHA JASON]

now that is refreshing. have you seen the battle between him, wekl and gadd on the DW videos page. superb all round.
j

[Jarek Witkowski]

I saw the battle between Steve Gadd, Vinnie Colaiuta and Dave Weckl. It is a very good concert and I think, that Vinnie Colaiuta was the best.

[mediocrefunkybeat]

I saw the battle between Steve Gadd, Vinnie Colaiuta and Dave Weckl. It is a very good concert and I think, that Vinnie Colaiuta was the best.

Jarek... what are you saying? Actually a very good video; I thought they all performed admirably. That last groove section sent shivers down my spine.

[Bernhard]

I saw the battle between Steve Gadd, Vinnie Colaiuta and Dave Weckl. It is a very good concert and I think, that Vinnie Colaiuta was the best.

This statement = FROM JAREK!!!!!!!!! Christmas must be very near....

Bernhard

[NUTHA JASON]

yeah with the two young guys it was a lot of flash. then gadd starts grooving and suddenly the whole thing takes a different level.
j

[rockitman]

If you all haven't yet, you guys may want to check out the DVD that honors Gadd and Arman Zildjian. It features Vinnie doing Night Sprite, and another duet, the title escapes me at this time, with Rick Marotta that is super cool too. The things that Vinnie says on behalf of Steve Gadd are awesome.
Gadd then does a tune with James Taylor, and then the old Duke # "Things aint what they used to be". That tune swings so nicely for him, I thought I actually saw a beat fly off the stage. LOL.
Yeah, it's the same type solo. but it's Gadd. I can't play it that way, can you ?

Hey what do you know. . . . ." Late in the evening" just hit the top of the rotation on my
Ipod. . . . later.

[mlehnertz]

I think that Vinnie does shine a bit brighter than Weckl or Gadd. You can also tell by the audience response who THEY fell "came out on top".

I'm listening to it now. I think my employees get tired of listening to drum solos. They don't get it. :D

Jarek... what are you saying? Actually a very good video; I thought they all performed admirably. That last groove section sent shivers down my spine.

[theduke86]

Haha, I think Gadd owns that video. I'm a big fan of all three drummers, but just as far as meaning every note you play and playing with complete flowing passion, Gadd wins. Everything he does is so convicted and awesome. With Weckl and even Vinnie a bit, I can't help but think they're playing patterns sometimes, although I love both. Gadd takes it to a new level.

[berlioz]

Haha, I think Gadd owns that video. I'm a big fan of all three drummers, but just as far as meaning every note you play and playing with complete flowing passion, Gadd wins. Everything he does is so convicted and awesome. With Weckl and even Vinnie a bit, I can't help but think they're playing patterns sometimes, although I love both. Gadd takes it to a new level.

Agreed, this is why they left Steve's solo for last, as to set the theme for all three to trade 4's around (part 2 of video). Starting his solo with his "crazy army" variation Steve sounds like a full drum corps. He always makes his marching snare beats sound like there is more then one guy playing. Then his bass drum kicks in and it sounds like he's dropping bombs, followed by the hi-hat splashes reminiscent of the cymbal players (brilliant) Next, Steve sets the "theme" in which all three will start to trade 4's around by playing his own adaptation of the Mozambique groove (pure genius)

[Henry II]

I checked out some clips from "The System Has Failed" and what I find most interesting is that Vinnie, a born-again, is playing on an album that seems to be bashint Bush. Very interesting.

[theduke86]

I checked out some clips from "The System Has Failed" and what I find most interesting is that Vinnie, a born-again, is playing on an album that seems to be bashint Bush. Very interesting.
I didn't know Christianity is a prerequisite for unrequited love towards the right wing. :)
I might add, a paycheck is also more rewarding than not selling out personal ideals which aren't even that worthwhile anyways.

[OceanDirt]

Sting's gig was no easy gig - Vinnie just makes it look easy. Granted, it wasn't flashy and he wasn't doing upside-down drum solos, but it's hard work to play with that much discipline. Go ahead and play "Seven Days" and try to play 4/4 in your right hand and 7/4 in your left. It's not easy.

Sting covered Purple Haze on one of the tours I saw and Vinnie tore it up. They played some old Police tunes as well and it rocked hard.

The thing I like about Vinnie is that it appears so effortless. There is no wasted movement.

hmm... i could have sworn that song was in 5/8?

but yes, his playing on that is monstrous. not only does he make it feel like a normal time signature, but he also is so comfortable in it that he can play it just like it was a normal time signature, with all his subtle (and not-so-subtle) vinnie tricks (modulation, displacement, hemiola accent patterns, etc.)

what a ridiculous monster he is.

[mlehnertz]

You're right. I'm wrong. I was thinking of St. Augstine in Hell - which is the 4/4 over 7/4. I get looped when I see the word "seven" in the title. "Oh yea, play on words and the tune is in 7."

You're also right in his playing. It's so frickin' subtle yet so amazing. Would I have ever thought of playing a 4/4 pattern in my right hand and a 5/4 or 7/4 pattern in my right? It's so unnatural but when he plays it, it's SO natural that you don't even notice it until someone points it out. And the groove is just so solid. I remember when I first figured it out and went "Duh, that's too easy." Then I sat down and tried to do it. Good God.

hmm... i could have sworn that song was in 5/8?

but yes, his playing on that is monstrous. not only does he make it feel like a normal time signature, but he also is so comfortable in it that he can play it just like it was a normal time signature, with all his subtle (and not-so-subtle) vinnie tricks (modulation, displacement, hemiola accent patterns, etc.)

what a ridiculous monster he is.

[OceanDirt]

You're right. I'm wrong. I was thinking of St. Augstine in Hell - which is the 4/4 over 7/4. I get looped when I see the word "seven" in the title. "Oh yea, play on words and the tune is in 7."

You're also right in his playing. It's so frickin' subtle yet so amazing. Would I have ever thought of playing a 4/4 pattern in my right hand and a 5/4 or 7/4 pattern in my right? It's so unnatural but when he plays it, it's SO natural that you don't even notice it until someone points it out. And the groove is just so solid. I remember when I first figured it out and went "Duh, that's too easy." Then I sat down and tried to do it. Good God.

exactly. that's the insanity of vinnie. hahahahaha i love it. just like gadd, he can be so loose and easy while doing the weirdest thing in the world. music never suffers even when he's pushing the limits of time and everything normal. he is absolutely amazing.

[Stu_Strib]

Lead Drumming and Rhythm Drumming.....I love it. I'm gonna use it.

For me, I've always been a rock steady rhythm drummer with a few Lead tricks (but not enough to constantly solo all night).

My ONLY complaint about Vinnie is that I've never been a big fan of his extremely difficult polyrhythms for difficulty sake. Seems like sometimes, he's just playing math games with the music (that song Tweaked and his commentary on it on a MD Festival DVD says it all).

The drumming for Megadeath was kinda boring, for metal drumming, but I agree about the Kick the Chair riff...cool.

I saw him on TV with Faith Hill. Perfect Rhythm drumming ;-)

[brittc89]

I LOVE Vinnie. Everything he plays just keeps you on your toes. he never holds anything back in his playing and it just sounds amazing. I love watching the old videos of him and then the new ones. Its so cool to be able to pick out his chops then see how hes progressed as a drummer and musician.

[mlehnertz]

Hahahahaha... I know what you're talking about. He explains what's going on with these tunes and the only thing that comes to mind is "WTF, where do you come up with this stuff?!?".

I remember the Zildjian Day in Boston from roughly 20 years ago and he's talking about Zappa's "Keep it Greasy". I'm not sure if he's even still talking about "Keep it Greasy" but he starts talking about polyrhythms and "how the tune is 19/16 and then you simply carry it over the bar line to the..." and the audience is silent because nobody gets it.

It's so natural to him that he expects us to understand it without a problem.

My ONLY complaint about Vinnie is that I've never been a big fan of his extremely difficult polyrhythms for difficulty sake. Seems like sometimes, he's just playing math games with the music (that song Tweaked and his commentary on it on a MD Festival DVD says it all).

[jonny]

Vinnie just thinks on different level. He has a different perception of groove, time, phrasing, subdivisions ... everything. I'll never understand all of what he's doing, and I don't think I'll ever understand a tiny fraction of it. Although it's rewarding and great fun trying to think like him. Most mortal drummers see a bar of 4/4 and play a fill. Something nice and simple, maybe a combination of sixteenth notes and eight notes, with some double kick thrown in. Vinnie will subdivide into 16th notes, and play the most sick, out there phrasing imaginable. Monster.

Lang was bought up earlier in the thread. I like him a lot, one of my favourites at the moment. Although he's only innovating on a physical level; exploring what can be done with the limbs. Vinnie explored on a much higher level than everyone else. The way he approaches the kit and a song is just completely out there. And he can play anything. He puts a lot (not all) of metal drummers to shame with Megadeth. It's amazing that he can just slip into playing that music that easily, and then slip out again into playing fusion or traditional jazz.

Vinnie's work with Zappa ...... end of thread!

[Womble]

Anyone seen this Vinnie solo? Looks like it's from the same concert as the clip they had over at HouseofDrumming, but this one's much better quality...and obviously totally insane.

http://media.putfile.com/vinniesolo

[mlehnertz]

He managed to hit that big china cymbal at least.

Yea. Classic Vinnie.

[Womble]

Yeah I've gotta say, that old Houseofdrumming site has really been smartened up recently, and there's some great stuff in the forum (that's where I got the link for that clip from). There's also some proper respect being paid to Jeff over there :)

[Stu_Strib]

Any Vinnie fans out there? You should take a listen to the new Brian Bromberg CD called "Wood II". He gives Vinnie plenty of chances to shred. "Bolivia" is a must listen fan for all Vinnie fans!

[nuppy the wombat]

He is the most creative drummer I have ever listened to.

Some people have said that he isn't a very fun guy, but neither were Bruce Lee, Buddy Rich, or Mohammed Ali, apparently. People like that are far more interested in the mastery of their skill than being nice people. But having said that, I'd prefer to be a nice person and an average musician than a God with an ego problem.

Actually... that's a lie, I'd give anything to play like Vinnie, including my personality!

He is unbelievable. A total genius IMO.

[intooder]

Check out this article from his site:
http://www.vinniecolaiuta.com/articles/drummagazine03.aspx
Especially Steve Vai's take on him and his on Tweaked are interesting.

Regarding the Gadd/Weckl/Colaiuta battle, every time I watch that video I think Gadd lays down the groove, Weckl adds his special effects, and Colaiuta provides the incomprehensible fills.

[cpdrumming]

I guess my only problem is the fact that some of the people that post here can comment about his personality. Do you guys know him personally or have you met him and had dinner or a drink with him.

If you guys play regularly don't you know what it's like to finish show and be tierd and have people come up to you and want to ask questions that you really don't want to answer. I am sure that I at times have come across as not being the best person, like anybody else would.


Who are you anyway
Cory

[intooder]

For those of you that haven't seen (or heard) Tweaked, it's a real treat. Just wait for the end:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=451YZMwYpQk

[mlehnertz]

Oh, the tune where he's in 15/16 or 19/20 or whatever it is.

[jonescrusher]

Just finished d/ling the Michael Landau Baked Potato dvd and got the Unreel Drumming book through the post - approaching Vinnie overload

[cagil]

I like her playing and i love her tunning.Gretsch is amazing and unique.Zildjian a is the best choice for fusion i think.

[aahznightsky]

I like her playing and i love her tunning.

Yes, I love her playing also!

But I'm thinking maybe her hair is too short...

[TheSteve]

Vinnie is the most amazing most versitle drummer I have ever seen. He can play anything with such great feel. That left hand is PERFECT! Not to mention the way he hits that left hand china. I'll never get over that.

[Lambo]

her playing? who? what's going on

[aahznightsky]

her playing? who? what's going on

Lol that was just a joke. At least I know my own post was. I don't know about Cagil.

[dragaN-au]

Listen to his drumming in the Sting song "Seven Days" awesom stuff :D

[Womble]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=EtkCLvJUB34&search=colaiuta%20

Oh man....Oh MAN. I've never seen Vinnie playing this kind of feel before. Very tasty. Paulinho da Costa's not bad either ;)

This is a great example of hand independence over foot ostinatos being used truly musically.

[Henry II]

i don't like him as a person as i have seen him live with sting and also in several interviews but then again as a drummer i love him. look at the drum battle beteween him, wekl and gadd on the videos section of drummerworld. he holds his own very well with those two giants. you got to hand it to him, he steals a show.
j

Vinnie, being an outspoken BAC, I would think you did like him as a person. I've seen him in clinic (not to get the ear full of Jesus that I got). In addition, he's highly educated and very intelligent and articulate.

PS: Can you fix the spelling of his name "Colaiuta" not Colauita.

[Womble]

he holds his own very well with those two giants.

J - is this is a serious comment?

[LinearDrummer]

First I'll be honest - although I know hes an incredible drummer I've never really been a big fan of the guy...not really into Zappa and how everyone says he stole the show on the BR tribute not really seein that....Just look at my sig and you know who I look up too...

Anywayz has anyone hear heard that clinic posted on houseofdrumming.com....
What the heck is he doing....I mean there's some serious chops goin on there....

Its sounds like a "Soul Vaccination" lick but is it in odd meter?
And his hand/foot fills especially at the 5 min mark? I can't recognize the change of speeds...is he doin 5's and 7's?

Anyone here that has broken him down please explain his specialties...

[brittc89]

Just look at my sig and you know who I look up too...
Wait, are you saying Vinnie doesnt sound good, just looks cool. I mean he does look totally awesome, check out those glasses on the BR tribute video. ha ha ha.

[LinearDrummer]

Wait, are you saying Vinnie doesnt sound good, just looks cool. I mean he does look totally awesome, check out those glasses on the BR tribute video. ha ha ha.

LOL....
Also did hear the comment he made like something about being from New York and he should get the most applause...

I don't know he just kind of comes across as real cocky...I know you have to be confident to be good but...either way it doesn't matter cause I just want to start breakin down some of his licks and since he doesn't have a DVD or book - I'm Lost!

[brittc89]

...either way it doesn't matter cause I just want to start breakin down some of his licks and since he doesn't have a DVD or book - I'm Lost!
You should check out the UnReel book, he has a whole bunch of licks transcribed in there. Crazy stuff. Also, the latest issue of Drum! has a whole bunch of transcriptions as well.

[LinearDrummer]

You should check out the UnReel book, he has a whole bunch of licks transcribed in there. Crazy stuff. Also, the latest issue of Drum! has a whole bunch of transcriptions as well.

Thanks for the info....

Someone PM-ed me a link about that book...I didn't know someone else had broken down some of his licks cause he certainly doesn't put out any info for some reason...

Kinda of wierd cause Weckl is not afraid to show you everything he does....from what I've heard the book ain't easy but I'll check it out......

[Bernhard]

There is a website DRUMMERWORLD - and there in the Clinic-Section:

Vinnie Colaiuta - Unreel book - sample - several speeds, notation:


http://www.drummerworld.com/Clinic/Vinnie_Colaiuta.html


Bernhard

[brittc89]

LOL....
Also did hear the comment he made like something about being from New York...
Isnt he from Pennsylvania? I had always thought that.

[aahznightsky]

Kinda of wierd cause Weckl is not afraid to show you everything he does....from what I've heard the book ain't easy but I'll check it out......

I think that's because Weckl seems to have a more definite vocabulary and knows what he can do. I think Vinnie is more the guy that just swings his arms and whatever he thinks pretty much comes out!

[Chip]

One of my fav. drummers! I love playing "Love is stronger than Justice". I'm pretty sure it's Vinnie. Weird thing is, my drum teacher has never heard of him, good teacher though.

[ajgdrums722]

I am fairly certain that Vinnie is somehow related to God.

[Chip]

Yeah, he's his second cousin. God created Jesus to try and make a better drummer, but failed.

[sowhat!]

does anyone know anything about vinnie's practicing methods / routines which he used in his formative years?
thanks.

[Lambo]

Well, I remember reading somewhere that he used to practise in 7 for hours sometimes...

[dawg]

aside from vinnie's monster chops, he's definitely loves the Lord. and he's not afraid to express his belief. that has impressed me as much as his talent.i hope he writes a book on his conversion to Christianity,that would be of interest to me.

[Buddha]

After watching the Vinnie, Dave and Steve battle and some of his other vids it made me realize how overrated Vinne is. All I watched him do in his solo's was roll variations all over the place, he had no creavitity, feel, groove or anything that showed me he thinks about what he's doing when he soloing. Also his solo's are allways the same thing....but in slightly different ways. On the other hand Dave's & Steve's solos were nicley put together and had some sort of feel to them that it was like they had an identity. That said I dont think Vinnie is a bad drummer by any means, obviously he knows how to play, but I think I could find a drummer from every town in the world that i'd enjoy listening to more than Vinnie.

PS- Somthing that pissed me off in the battle was that after everytime Vinnie did his little solo, the fans allways cheered, but when Dave or Steve did, they didn't. I'm pretty sure the reason for this is because ignorant people who dont play the drums can only appreciate speed and can't appreactate the works of art displayed by the other two drummers.

[brittc89]

After watching the Vinnie, Dave and Steve battle and some of his other vids it made me realize how overrated Vinne is. All I watched him do in his solo's was roll variations all over the place, he had no creavitity, feel, groove or anything that showed me he thinks about what he's doing when he soloing. Also his solo's are allways the same thing....but in slightly different ways. On the other hand Dave's & Steve's solos were nicley put together and had some sort of feel to them that it was like they had an identity. That said I dont think Vinnie is a bad drummer by any means, obviously he knows how to play, but I think I could find a drummer from every town in the world that i'd enjoy listening to more than Vinnie.

PS- Somthing that pissed me off in the battle was that after everytime Vinnie did his little solo, the fans allways cheered, but when Dave or Steve did, they didn't. I'm pretty sure the reason for this is because ignorant people who dont play the drums can only appreciate speed and can't appreactate the works of art displayed by the other two drummers.
Yeah man, well they cheered because VINNIE TOTALLY MURDERED! He knows what people want and they cheer when he does it. And o my god, you think vinnie plays the same thing all the time because you DO NOT understand rhythmic theory. He is so far out there, that I guarantee none of us are even comprehending 100% of what hes doing when hes even just bouncing a few quarter notes.

[Buddha]

Yeah man, well they cheered because VINNIE TOTALLY MURDERED! He knows what people want and they cheer when he does it. And o my god, you think vinnie plays the same thing all the time because you DO NOT understand rhythmic theory. He is so far out there, that I guarantee none of us are even comprehending 100% of what hes doing when hes even just bouncing a few quarter notes.

I doubt the majority of the people in the audience understands alot about drumming, which tells me the only reason why they cheered is becase vinnie was fast and exuded more energy.

[brittc89]

One question though, you say all Vinnies solos are the same thing, yet you say nothing when gadd starts crazy army? He might as well have just started laying down 50 ways while he was at it.

[toteman2]

I doubt the majority of the people in the audience understands alot about drumming, which tells me the only reason why they cheered is becase vinnie was fast and exuded more energy.


Yeah, I doubt the majority of the audience knew anything about drumming that night. I mean, why would a buch of drummers show up at that concert? Obviously they were only cheering because Vinnie is just all speed.

Vinnie and "lack of creativity"? I find it amazing that those would be words to describe him. What a wide world of drumming we live in.

[Buddha]

Yeah, I doubt the majority of the audience knew anything about drumming that night. I mean, why would a buch of drummers show up at that concert? Obviously they were only cheering because Vinnie is just all speed.

Vinnie and "lack of creativity"? I find it amazing that those would be words to describe him. What a wide world of drumming we live in.

If the audience was full of drumming guru's then they would've cheered all of the drummers just about equally.

When it comes to Vinnie's lack fo creativity I'm talking specifically about his solos. For the most part I hear a continuous pattern of quick rolls all over the place. I cant hear many note variations or a strong use of other rudiments in his solo's.....little diversity I guess is what i'm trying to say. Maybe you have a better ear than I do and there are subtleties in Vinnie's solo's that I dont notice, but I still don't like the way he plays.

The difference between Gadd's and Vinnie's solos are that Gadd solo's have a oddity to them while maintaining a sound "feel", they're actually somthing I can internalize and admire. With Vinnie, I just cant really admire his style of soloing like I can with most other drummers. So I guess we are arguing a difference of tastes. And i'll admit that like everyone els, I can be biased towards things I dont like:-)

[Buddha]

Take a look back at part 2 of the Gadd Weckl Colaiuta battle

http://drummerworld.com/Videos/gaddwecklcolaiuta2.html

If everyone thiks what Vinnie does in the video is more creative and clean than what Gadd and Weckl does then I guess i'm just from a different planet.

[brittc89]

Take a look back at part 2 of the Gadd Weckl Colaiuta battle

http://drummerworld.com/Videos/gaddwecklcolaiuta2.html

If everyone thiks what Vinnie does in the video is more creative and clean than what Gadd and Weckl do then I guess i'm just from a different planet.
Man, Gadds just playing what he always does. And dont get me wrong, he rocks at that, but by no means is that wildly more creative than vinnie.

[Sticktrick]

After watching the Vinnie, Dave and Steve battle and some of his other vids it made me realize how overrated Vinne is.

Wow - you seem to know a whole lot about Vinne. Actually, you sound like a Vinnie-professional! You've already checked out at least 5 Vids with Vinnie - thats amazing. I am blown away by the amount of research you've put into that one post. Great. Keep it up!


All I watched him do in his solo's was roll variations all over the place, he had no creavitity, feel, groove or anything that showed me he thinks about what he's doing when he soloing. Also his solo's are allways the same thing....but in slightly different ways.

Hey - you're not only a Vinnie-listening professional, but also a professional drummer! How else would you be able to analize Vinnies solos so deeply just by watching them a few times?? Maybe you should give Vinnie your number so that he will be able to take a lesson with you. I'm sure that you can tell him interesting things about Groove and Feel. But I have to warn you: You will not succeed in turning him into a creative person. He is just not it, but who am I telling this to? You knew about this already for sure!



PS- Somthing that pissed me off in the battle was that after everytime Vinnie did his little solo, the fans allways cheered, but when Dave or Steve did, they didn't. I'm pretty sure the reason for this is because ignorant people who dont play the drums can only appreciate speed and can't appreactate the works of art displayed by the other two drummers.

Yeah.... It is a real pitty that you were not there. You would have showed these ignorant fools in the audience!


I'm asking myself: Why the hell do I even bother about your post? It is just so amazingly wrong and plain arrogant.... wow! I've said this in a few other threads before, but it is actually people like you that make me hate this board and that make me want to leave it.

Look, this could be such a cool place: People sharing their knowledge and their passion for drumming and and for drummers. People sharing. People getting into positive discussions. But what happens way too often is, that people who have nothing to say or to add to threads just throw in their nonsense to start off discussions or to provoke other people. Why cannot everybody just accept it, when people - like Vinnie or any other great drummer - do great things on the drums?? Is your self-esteem really that low that your afraid to admit that other people are actually better than yourself or your personal heroes??

I just don't get it. There is so much greatness in this world. Why not just enjoy it, maybe - if you like - learn from it and be real happy about it?

Maybe some people just have to get a few years older.

[Buddha]

Wow - you seem to know a whole lot about Vinne. Actually, you sound like a Vinnie-professional! You've already checked out at least 5 Vids with Vinnie - thats amazing. I am blown away by the amount of research you've put into that one post. Great. Keep it up!

Hey - you're not only a Vinnie-listening professional, but also a professional drummer! How else would you be able to analize Vinnies solos so deeply just by watching them a few times?? Maybe you should give Vinnie your number so that he will be able to take a lesson with you. I'm sure that you can tell him interesting things about Groove and Feel. But I have to warn you: You will not succeed in turning him into a creative person. He is just not it, but who am I telling this to? You knew about this already for sure!

Yeah.... It is a real pitty that you were not there. You would have showed these ignorant fools in the audience!

I'm asking myself: Why the hell do I even bother about your post? It is just so amazingly wrong and plain arrogant.... wow! I've said this in a few other threads before, but it is actually people like you that make me hate this board and that make me want to leave it.

Look, this could be such a cool place: People sharing their knowledge and their passion for drumming and and for drummers. People sharing. People getting into positive discussions. But what happens way too often is, that people who have nothing to say or to add to threads just throw in their nonsense to start off discussions or to provoke other people. Why cannot everybody just accept it, when people - like Vinnie or any other great drummer - do great things on the drums?? Is your self-esteem really that low that your afraid to admit that other people are actually better than yourself or your personal heroes??

I just don't get it. There is so much greatness in this world. Why not just enjoy it, maybe - if you like - learn from it and be real happy about it?

Maybe some people just have to get a few years older.

First of all i'm not critisizing Vinnie drumming as a whole, I am critisizing his solo's which I find boring and uncreativive compared to the other great drummer in the world (Gadd, Weckl). And those videos that ive watched quite a few times now obviously represent how Vinnie solos, if I am missing somthing than please enlighten me.
I'm sure of Vinnie can lay down a variety of grooves, just like any drummer who been playing for so many years. In fact I have heard them with my own ears. Vinnie is a very good drummer, but I do not like his style of soloing...that's all i'm saying. If I sounded overly negative than thats my bad.

I'm sorry that you take other peoples opinions and critisisms as a personal attack, and I feel sorry for you that you can only respond with sarcastiuc comments without trying to refute my opinion with a debate. I'm not making an effort to piss people off, i'm just stating how and why i'm not fond of vinnie's style of playing. I still dont see how I am wrong and arrogant. Maybe I come across as very negative, but I am not a negative person at all, if you look outside this thread i've been nothing but positive sinse ive been here.

[Sticktrick]

Man.... We are talking about Vinnie here - there is no room whatsoever for any debate when it comes to his creativity and his Groove and Feel. And btw yes: You came on VERY negative - why should I bother enlightning you, when basically what you said was negative crap?

But do do it: If you really think that his solos are boring / rhythmically not interesting, then obviously you just didn't understand them. Of course - he is playing fast and it is very flashy, but inside all this fast stuff there are such deep rhythmic structures, little metic shifts, use of different note values and phrasings. Just check out some solo-transcriptions of him and you'll find out soon, just how much stuff is in there. All the things that other people are talking about and practising - Vinnie is just doing them.

Why do you think is he the No. 1 Session player in World? Why is every club in LA sold out months before the gig, when Vinnie plays? Why do you see drummers like Weckl, Donati, Phillips or Chmabers at these gigs (and you do see them there and they listen in awe)? Because he cannot solo???? Are these drummers also just ignorant and just want to see speed and flashiness like the audience of the mentioned drum-battle?

If you can say one thing about Vinnie, it is that rhythmically he is probably THE most creative drummer who ever touched the surface of this planet. In solos, in grooves in anything that is related to drumming.

I saw him play very very often and each time I was knocked out. I own dozens of records with him playing on them and I've transcribed tons of them and I still get knocked out when I listen to them again. You just sounded like a guy who watched some Vids and then thinks that he is mr. know-it-all.

Common man, you claimed, that the audience was ignorant (while they cheer the loudest, when Gadd plays the mozambique groove), that Vinnie only played rolls (just plain wrong), has no Feel, Groove and doesn't think about what he is playing.

And then you act surprised when people reply sarcastic and don't refute your points in a debate? Gimme a break.

BTW: You do not have to feel sorry for me. I'm fine, thank you. I'd do better though, if less BS was posted I have to admit.

BTW II: Yes, you are absolutely free to not like Vinnies Solos. You may hate them to death if you like. But it is another thing to claim things that are just wrong because then you are no longer talking about opinions.

BTW III: Just like you, I am a very positive person as you can see by my other posts. After all: Only positive persons around here. Lets chill for the moment.

[infernal drummer]

I doubt the majority of the people in the audience understands alot about drumming, which tells me the only reason why they cheered is becase vinnie was fast and exuded more energy.


lol.. i wonder why ppl would show up at a drum session if they dont understand drumming..
the reason why they cheered is probaly because it sounded damn good :)

[Buddha]

Common man, you claimed, that the audience was ignorant (while they cheer the loudest, when Gadd plays the mozambique groove), that Vinnie only played rolls (just plain wrong), has no Feel, Groove and doesn't think about what he is playing.

I know that Vinnie did'nt only play rolls, i'm not that stupid.
I think there's a certain randomness with his solo's in the battle as if he thinks "in what area can I throw my hand next" instead of thinking about what differences about his groove, timing, note variation etc he should integrate in the solo. But maybe you're right and i'm wrong, maybe he is a very creative soloist that I just don't understand yet, but I will still likely never be fond of Vinnie's style.

[dawg]

why does vinnie play fast?? BECAUSE HE CAN!

[Sticktrick]

Well.... If you know that he didn't play only rolls, then just don't write it:

After watching the Vinnie, Dave and Steve battle and some of his other vids it made me realize how overrated Vinne is. All I watched him do in his solo's was roll variations all over the place, he had no creavitity, feel, groove or anything that showed me he thinks about what he's doing when he soloing.

I don't want to be misunderstood here: It is fine not to like his style, but it is another thing to bash people. And that is what you did in your first sentence. If you would have thrown in gan "IMO" somewhere in that passage, everything would have been cool, but that way it sounded like you wanted to claim something like: "Vinnie sucks and everybody around here just doesn't get it, because they are all ignorant fools that only pay attention to speed."

And just for the record: I am a HUGE Vinnie fan, I know. But in this certain battle I like Gadd best. Don't forget: This battle was arranged in a certain way with Gadd beeing something like the Godfather or drumming and his "young and wild children" Weckl and Vinnie playing around Gadds stuff. Both Weckl and Vinnie have Gadd as one of their biggest idols (especially Weckl) and were supposed to be playing fast and flashy. That whole show was layed out that way: Gadd as the groovemaster, the rest playing over it with Weckl beeing the one for the flow and dynamics and Vinnie beeing the one for the crazyness and pure energy. And all of them do their job just right!

[intooder]

For those of you questioning Vinnie's versatility, in my opinion, the Gadd-Weckl-Vinnie battle highlights each drummer's trademark sound/approach, and not necessarily showing everything they're capable of. Keep in mind, they all have to sound good together. So in that sense, I think it was perfect. Vinnie has shown us in many other projects how diverse his playing can be.

[Superlow]

I can sort of understanding bashing on some of the more famous drummers who lack the some of the basics that make for jaw dropping drumming...Ie Meg White and Nicco from the Velvet Undergroud. But seriously... People have the gall to talk smack about Vinnie. The guy is a monster and his resume shows it. He was one of the lucky guys to have gotten the opportunity to play with Frank Zappa and Sting and although they are not my favorite artists, they happen to be some of the most demanding guys when it come to having a talented drummer backing the band. I know you are free to voice your opinion but it's very plain to see that Vinnie is an incredible drummer. He can adapt to any style of music seemlessly. He plays with an engery, power, and finesse that most professionals don't even come close to. It's OK to dislike someones drumming, but to put an argument against his drumming watching a 20 year old drum battle with your opinions is arrogant. You're reaching for straws at this point.

[Buddha]

I can sort of understanding bashing on some of the more famous drummers who lack the some of the basics that make for jaw dropping drumming...Ie Meg White and Nicco from the Velvet Undergroud. But seriously... People have the gall to talk smack about Vinnie. The guy is a monster and his resume shows it. He was one of the lucky guys to have gotten the opportunity to play with Frank Zappa and Sting and although they are not my favorite artists, they happen to be some of the most demanding guys when it come to having a talented drummer backing the band. I know you are free to voice your opinion but it's very plain to see that Vinnie is an incredible drummer. He can adapt to any style of music seemlessly. He plays with an engery, power, and finesse that most professionals don't even come close to. It's OK to dislike someones drumming, but to put an argument against his drumming watching a 20 year old drum battle with your opinions is arrogant. You're reaching for straws at this point.

I'm not arguing his resume, his ability to back a band or his ability to play with energy and power. I admit that I havent watched or listend to as much of Vinnie playing as most of you, but i've listened enough to get some kind of understanding of what his solo's are like, which I was critisizing.

"That whole show was layed out that way: Gadd as the groovemaster, the rest playing over it with Weckl beeing the one for the flow and dynamics and Vinnie beeing the one for the crazyness and pure energy. And all of them do their job just right!"

I wouldnt disagree with that.

[raymond90]

Vinnie is like a pure energy man, yes, but that wich impress me with that guy, is that he is a master at MANY music genres. He can almost play everething, because he has that sort of jazz feel, and a lot of energy and power to rock/heavy etc.

[the skin man]

Here's what the bassist in this band that I'm playing said after watching part three of the video:


That was the most boring, gay and retarded thing I've ever seen.

Though I do dig the use of the buddy rich grip.


What a weirdo.

[nrlang86]

Where to begin with Vinnie? Seriously, this guy's resume reads like a novelette!
The first time I heard Vinnie was when I saw tape 2 from the Buddy Rich Memorial Scholarship concert. The drum battle was indeed excellent. That video was one of the most important things in my development. The really compelling thing was the sound of Vinnie's drums; they were really tight. The toms almost had a wet, slap sound to them.
2 words: Joe's Garage. That's all that needs to be said, and drummers all over understand. But in the spirit of message boards, I'll kiss Vinnie's butt, but try to keep it brief.
Joe's garage, to me, was the epitome of a drummer's album. An equal amount of crazy soloing and sexy grooving cemented Vinnie's place in my list of favorites. I really loved the odd-time breakdown in "Catholic Girls", the drum/xylophone duet in "Fembot in a wet tshirt", the groove in "Token of my extreme", and of course the whole "Keep it Greasey".

Oh, the footage from the baked potato, on this website, is insane! but the cymbals are really piercing. Still, it rocked.

[jonescrusher]

Here's what the bassist in this band that I'm playing said after watching part three of the video:


That was the most boring, gay and retarded thing I've ever seen.

Though I do dig the use of the buddy rich grip.


What a weirdo.

LMAO -this is something i've come across with non drummers experiencing Vinnie; inevitably they don't dig it, whereas a performance by Buddy Rich, Keith Moon or (this smarts) Joey Jordison gets the eyes lighting up. This is an interesting thing - is it that the listener needs to have attained a level of rhythmic ability and drum technique to understaand and appreciate it, or is it simply that Vinnie's soloing is too esoteric and unmusical? ( sorely doubt the latter). Maybe it's that more often than not, those that love and appreciate vinnie's solos the most are those with more technical and musical understanding and experience; i remember thinking Chad Smith's playing was the donnest - years down the line i can't imagine anyone being able to put together a more dynamic slick and satisfying solo than Vinnie.
The Word just doesn't seem to be spreading like it should.

[TopCat]

Hey chaps, just a question about the Vinnie Baked Potato video, what ride is he using there? The site says he uses a 22" A Custom, looks like that might be it, but i'm not particularly knowledgeable when it comes to Zildjian.

Cheers

[darkcherryfade]

I'm not arguing his resume, his ability to back a band or his ability to play with energy and power. I admit that I havent watched or listend to as much of Vinnie playing as most of you, but i've listened enough to get some kind of understanding of what his solo's are like, which I was critisizing.

.



Regardless of your criticism of Vinnie's playing, you made yourself look like an ass by criticizing the people cheering for Vinnie in the video clip, assuming they must have no musical knowledge because they only cheered for Vinnie. Ignoring the obvious impossibility that you might know EVERYBODY who was cheering in that audience (and even, know them well enough to know how deep their understanding of music is), you still go so far as to impose your own assumptions as to why they were cheering. Taste is taste, and we all like and dislike things for our own reasons. Some people probably dug the speed, others may have liked his phrasing, who knows? You can't dismiss those cheering fans as ignorant because they didn't cheer OUT LOUD when YOU thought they should have. Also, you have no clue what was going on in their heads, so how could you possibly know whether or not they were appreciating Gadd's and Weckl's performances?

[HardRockDrummer]

shall i bother checking out his recent recordings like Backstreet Boys and Pussycat Dolls? i really hate artificial pop bands, but do you think it's worth getting just for Vinnie Colaiuta? or does he never do the good stuff on pop albums?

I'm planning on gettin Joe's Garage soon. are there any good albums you could recommend with Vinnie on it? (I might be seeing Jeff Beck soon just to see Vinnie)

[radeq]

Take a look back at part 2 of the Gadd Weckl Colaiuta battle

http://drummerworld.com/Videos/gaddwecklcolaiuta2.html

If everyone thiks what Vinnie does in the video is more creative and clean than what Gadd and Weckl does then I guess i'm just from a different planet.

Ok than I guess you are :)

[radeq]

lol.. i wonder why ppl would show up at a drum session if they dont understand drumming..
the reason why they cheered is probaly because it sounded damn good :)

you just took the words from my mouth

[Blue]

Vinnie is like a pure energy man, yes, but that wich impress me with that guy, is that he is a master at MANY music genres. He can almost play everething, because he has that sort of jazz feel, and a lot of energy and power to rock/heavy etc.


EXACTLLYY!! That's it right there. He's pure energy, and technique, and musicality, all in one! What a combination! He's got it all. Its insane!!!

[Vic_Rattledeth]

Vinnie is a monster on drums, he can do just about anything, and play in any time signature, in any style. Plus his playing is tight, powerful, groovy and has just about everything you'd want in a drummer.
P.S Has anybody heard Vinnies peformace on Megadeths The System Has Failed? It's just plain out awesome, one of my favorite megadeth albums as far as drums go.

[JStuart]

shall i bother checking out his recent recordings like Backstreet Boys and Pussycat Dolls? i really hate artificial pop bands, but do you think it's worth getting just for Vinnie Colaiuta? or does he never do the good stuff on pop albums?

I'm planning on gettin Joe's Garage soon. are there any good albums you could recommend with Vinnie on it? (I might be seeing Jeff Beck soon just to see Vinnie)

Thats not of importance. Vinnie is payed to play what the producer wants him to play. Yes hes fantastically talented but hes paid to play whatever suits those songs. The producer wants to sell as many records as he can. He cannot do that with say one of Vinnie's 7:8 time signatures which u can't dance to. things are simple with Pop and Dance acts because people need to be able to dance to them. Thats why most things are based in 4:4 because you can dance to the simple 1-2-3-4 rhythm.

Check out Vinnie's Solo albums for pure drumming talent as well as all his drum solo videos on drummerworld.com

He is still by far the best, most diverse and most rhythmically complex drummer on the planet!

[DiP]

i'm not impressed with his dumming.. i can't say he is the best! he is talented but i don't like him

[brittc89]

i'm not impressed with his dumming.. i can't say he is the best! he is talented but i don't like him
What have you heard him play on and who do you really is better than him?

[MarkyMark9000]

Hi there, I'm new to this long and frequently changing thread about Vinnie Colaiuta.

But to pick up the last point about not liking Vinnie, well that's fair enough. I remember once talking to a younger drummer about a tune Vinnie played on Eric Marienthal's CD: Crossroads. I think the track is called U"pside Down". I told the guy to listen to the solo and the phrasing etc, but also how it sits with the hi-hat rhythm being played throughout. Suffice to say he wasn't that interested. So I thought, we I liked it, he didn't.

So for me, Vinnie Colaiuta has always been a major inspiration. I'm certainly not frightened of what he does. You either love it or have to look away. Me - I want some of that ! I have Marc Atkinsons book "Unreel" and can do a lot of the stuff (am still working on the rest ! - long way to go yet). Te charts by the way are especially good.

Vinnie plays with fire on that track and also with great sensitivity on Joni Mitchell's "Two Grey Rooms" from Night Ride Home.

I suppose all the people he's played with can't be wrong. I've never met him and have heard through this thread that he might not be a fun guy. But maybe he is a nice guy, you never know. He seems to take his work very seriously and I have heard that he can be kind of "goofy", so maybe he is just one of those talented guys that doesn't realise how great he really is.

I also heard terrible things about Buddy Rich (one of my all time drumming faves) until I read something on his website by one of his writers who told a different side.

Anyway, I think Vinnie is as Neil Stubenhaus said on the Modern Drummer DVD, "the innovative drummer of our time". You either like his stuff or you don't. But I love him. I wish I could come up with som of the stuff he does. Phew.....

[brightman96797]

I love vinnies style of play. It is relaxed, yet on the nose, and very rhythmically accurate. I also love the fact that he is a christian. My favorite vinnie song is I'm Tweaked. IT is such a great song yet it kills me everytime i listen to it because I can never figur out how he does it. Eventually it will come...

[drumroll888]

Everytime I see that Rich Video , a LOL at Weckl's mullet .

If I can remember correctly , I think it was after that show that Weckl was considering chaging his technical approach , because of what he saw of Vinnie . If you take a close look and listen , Weckl seems to be taking ideas off Vinnie . Vinnie was the most impressive out of all three , because his idea's seemed to come out of nowhere . It seems like all Vinnie does is throw his hands anywhere around the kit , and magic just happens . It's pure creative bombast . Outside of Gadd's cowbell intro to cue in all 3 players , Vinnie got the biggest cheers from the audience , especially during his one-handed fills ( combined with the bass drum ) , which was musically impressive , as well as techincally impressive .

[LinearDrummer]

If I can remember correctly , I think it was after that show that Weckl was considering chaging his technical approach , because of what he saw of Vinnie .


Weckl changing his approach cause of Vinnie ...ahhhh - if you say so.....

Don't get me wrong - I respect Vinnie's abilities as a player but c'mon now....Weckl and Vinnie has two different styles and if there is anyone Dave looks up to its Gadd...

Its pretty funny how everyone can watch the same video and analyze chops entirely different than another...

[drumroll888]

Weckl changing his approach cause of Vinnie ...ahhhh - if you say so.....

Don't get me wrong - I respect Vinnie's abilities as a player but c'mon now....Weckl and Vinnie has two different styles and if there is anyone Dave looks up to its Gadd...

Its pretty funny how everyone can watch the same video and analyze chops entirely different than another...

From what I remember in a Weckl interview ( discussing his change to the Gruber method ) , he mentioned being impressed with Vinnie's looser technical approach after that show , and got Weckl thinking about his technique .

Take that for what it is ( you can do your own homework on it , and I don't throw this out there to just hear myself talk , or to impress you ) , but that's what I've read on it .

Gadd is to Weckl as is Tony Williams is to Vinnie . Again , do your own homework on it , before dismissing anything .

[LinearDrummer]

Fair enough - I've read alot of Weckl interviews and never saw that..but I'll take your word for it....

I think we'll both agree that they may share a very technical based approach but they are two entirely different players....each with their own unique voice.......

[Melvin]

I like to call Vinnie "The Alien". His so damn good aaahhh!!!

[Groove808]

Vinnie was in concert with Robin Ford in Maui a while back and I was able to catch him during sound check...AMAZING! He was more than willing to take pictures with my friend and I after his "warm up". I wouldnt say he wanted to hold a detailed conversation with us about paradiddles, triplets and his overall concept of drumming, but he was cool with some small talk and pics. overall a cool guy!

[Class A Drummer]

I like to call Vinnie "The Alien". His so damn good aaahhh!!!
or is it the fact that you cant pronounce his last name jk jk jk.

[tambian89]

I just listened to The System has Failed by Megadeth, on which Vinnie performed. He is like a chameleon; he can perform in so many different styles and genres. The drum work is not very technically demanding, but Vinnie did an excellent job. Also, his work with Frank Zappa is simply astounding. His name is in a song by Zappa called "Catholic Girls". The lines read:

"They're learning to blow
All the Catholic Boys
Warren Cuccurullo
Catholic Boys
Vinnie Colaiuta"
(pronounced Coh lee UT uh)
- Marc

[resqguy]

I went to a clinic that Vinnie gave a few years back. He and Steve Smith were roommates at Berklee. He talked about staying up late at night hitting ride cymbals (he and Steve) until the wee hours in the morning. He said that he thought Steve had a little better ride cymbal technique than he did. A very humble guy considering how good he is.

[SuperLozenge]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-OQHaNFkto Vinnie?! Nice shorts!

[KzSgDrummer]

He also is wearing a "Stuff" t-shirt (Steve gadd's NYC band back in the late 70s/early 80s)for that show. My friend got a copy of the whole thing (German TV special, "We Don't Mess Around") and it's, like anything Zappa, hilariously entertaining and seriously badass.

This is from that same show - Zappa wanted to exploit Vinnie's ability to make a seal/walrus sound and tells him to do a seal call drum solo. The keyboardist Tommy Mars joins in midway on storytelling and accordion.

"Seal Call Fusion Music" -- this should be required listening for all musicians -

[Korompay]

I transcribed this two fills: http://www.keithcronin.com/licks/vinnie_neon_moonlight.mp3
http://www.keithcronin.com/licks/kershaw_dont_ask_me.mp3
from here: http://www.keithcronin.com/fromhell.html
My transcriptions are here: http://www.korompayzsolt.hu/transcripts.htm (various licks).
I hope you'll like it!

[jmontroy]

Vinnie is indeed an awesome drum, but the solos I've seen him do are too over-the-top for my taste. I'd prefer a nice groove-oriented solo from Keith Carlock rather than Vinnie's ridiculous chops solos.

[Womble]

Vinnie is indeed an awesome drum, but the solos I've seen him do are too over-the-top for my taste. I'd prefer a nice groove-oriented solo from Keith Carlock rather than Vinnie's ridiculous chops solos.

I'd agree with this statement if it were said about nearly any other drummer, but I can never hold that against Vinnie. I don't need him to always play tastefully and appropriately for the style; his chops are just so damn entertaining that he's always a pleasure to watch. And note the 'watch'.

[Womble]

Hehe, have I really just seen Vinnie drop a stick, halfway through this video? http://youtube.com/watch?v=kE8fKhcU_ssI'm sure this vid has been posted before but I don't remember anyone noticing this...

[dawg]

hey,the cat is human! (but what a human,eh?) who among us that has played out live enough HASN'T at one time or another dropped a stick? but notice how cool his recovery was? no biggie just keep playing!

[Ian Ballard]

After seeing him with Sting ten years ago, I TRIED to pick out a misplayed note SOMEWHERE. Didn't happen.

The Randy Waldman album "Wigged Out" has one of the most amazing solos (with a piano vamp) I've ever heard on it.

The Zappa albums were perhaps his best... he was the only drummer Frank even mentioned in his book, even though Wackerman spent 12 years with his band. The reason he and Jeff Berlin were fired from Frank's band is legendary, too. Interesting note: Vinnie used Terry Bozzio's kit to try out for Zappa.... damn I wish that was video taped!!

The somewhat recent Megadeth album he cut and the Warren Cuccurullo "Thanks to Frank" records reaffirm his being king of the versitile, being able to play heavy rock as well as ANYbody.

If Tony Williams is God.. Vinnie is Jesus!

;)

[KzSgDrummer]

So... how DID Vinnie get fired from the band?

[Ian Ballard]

So... how DID Vinnie get fired from the band?

Jeff Berlin and Vinnie called Frank's management and tried to make a secret deal with the attitude of "don't tell the other guys" . Frank cancelled the use of the rock band with the orchestra and just finished the classical tour without them. And he never employed Vinnie's services again.

Oh, and after having just read that chapter in the "Real Frank Zappa Book", it appears as if Frank does mention Chad Wackerman.

[jmontroy]

Well, yea, Vinnie's chops are ridiculously fun to watch, but still, I've never seen him truly groove at all in a solo. Everyone does their solos diffierently, but a nonstop barrage of chops gives me a headache, no matter how impressive it is.

[cpdrumming1]

i'm sorry but he was no way the best in that battle. they were all great and different. to own a battle, as you put it, you have to be clearly above the other drummers league. besides gadd does less in that battle but he is solid ...SOLID. THAT BASS DRUMMING FIGURE HE DOES OVER THE CADET STUFF IS SOOOOOO COOL. and did you hear the audience when he goes onto his cowbell?

vinnie is a great drummer.... that is all.

j
You must not have seen the same vid that I saw. As much as I respect gadd and weckle they are just not as versatile or as talented. Gadd has had his time as a great innovater and weckle was just to close to vinnie in age to not stand in his shadow. I saw vinnie two nights ago in orlando with jeff beck and I have to say the he played with the vigor of a twenty year old. And the same goes for the 89 buddy vid, he possesed a command of the drums that I haven't seen before. He seemed to be in a competition with his self every he got a chance to solo outdoing the phrase before. The substance in his playing was so superior how could you not see it?

[jazzsnob]

If you guys are talking about the battle with gadd, weckl and vinnie., I just don't know how you could look at that and doubt steve gadd. Oh god, Steve just played so beautifully. I mean, Vinnie and Dave didn't do anything I hadn't seen them do before, but Steve completely owned that snare piece.

Vinnie's amazing of course, but that one time, I think he isn't the one that shines.

[jonescrusher]

If you guys are talking about the battle with gadd, weckl and vinnie., I just don't know how you could look at that and doubt steve gadd. Oh god, Steve just played so beautifully. I mean, Vinnie and Dave didn't do anything I hadn't seen them do before, but Steve completely owned that snare piece.

Vinnie's amazing of course, but that one time, I think he isn't the one that shines.

Well, from the perspective of discussing it within the Vinnie threaad - He is the one that shines.
This is a bit of a techy question, but it looks on some footage i've seen that Vinnie's sig. snare (the white one with black hware) has shortened rim hoops i.e. they rise up lower iver the surface of the batter. Does anyone know if drum companies do this? It seems like a credible custom idea as it might make rimshotting/clicking easier...

[brittc89]

I mean, Vinnie and Dave didn't do anything I hadn't seen them do before, but Steve completely owned that snare piece.
This is the only part of that statement that I really have trouble with. That snare piece is the SAME THING GADD ALWAYS PLAYS, weve all seen him do that before.

[jazzsnob]

Well, Britt, you are correct that that is one of Steve's pieces he's made his own, but I've only seen him do it on two different occassions really. I do agree that it's a go-to gadd piece and EVERYONE TRIES IT AND PUTS IT ON THE INTERNET and it is very annoying. I'm not saying what he did was unique, but it was so outstandingly musical compared to what Dave and Vinnie were doing. And as far as I know, that was the first time that approach had been taken to a solo at that concert. It's just so much more epic and developed than what Dave and Vinnie were doing. It showed that he had about 20 extra years of playing music more than Dave and Vinnie.

[helo700]

Hands down Vinnie is the Man, In my opinion the greatest drummer of all time. If you compare his whole body of work to all others, no one else compares. From the simplistic tasty grooves on Stings albums to Frank Zappa's rediculous arrangements.
He can out solo anyone and then lay down tracks for a simple country album. Buddy Rich was the man at jazz, but I truely do not think he could have measured Vinnie's versatility, thats the key. Usually most popular drummers are popular for a particular genre, but listen to Vinnie on Faith Hills albums and you think he is a veteran Nashville
studio cat, then you listen to him with Sting's pop stuff, then listen to his work with Zappa and Karizma. Then you listen to his solo at the Baked Potato (Rediculous). Nobody encompasses his vocabulary,technique,body of work, and last but not least my favorite aspect of Vinnie is his feeling and passion he gives to the drums when he plays.
He feels it. Sorry for the length, but i had to give my 2 Cents. I have studied Buddy, Vinnie, Gadd, taken private lessons with Weckl and Vinnie overall still shines. I do love Weckl though. Here is my last 2Cents--In my opinion these are the top 5 drummers of all time in order Vinnie,Buddy,Gadd,Tony Williams, Dave Weckl. Thanks

[Ian Ballard]

Hands down Vinnie is the Man, In my opinion the greatest drummer of all time. If you compare his whole body of work to all others, no one else compares. From the simplistic tasty grooves on Stings albums to Frank Zappa's rediculous arrangements.
He can out solo anyone and then lay down tracks for a simple country album. Buddy Rich was the man at jazz, but I truely do not think he could have measured Vinnie's versatility, thats the key. Usually most popular drummers are popular for a particular genre, but listen to Vinnie on Faith Hills albums and you think he is a veteran Nashville
studio cat, then you listen to him with Sting's pop stuff, then listen to his work with Zappa and Karizma. Then you listen to his solo at the Baked Potato (Rediculous). Nobody encompasses his vocabulary,technique,body of work, and last but not least my favorite aspect of Vinnie is his feeling and passion he gives to the drums when he plays.
He feels it. Sorry for the length, but i had to give my 2 Cents. I have studied Buddy, Vinnie, Gadd, taken private lessons with Weckl and Vinnie overall still shines. I do love Weckl though. Here is my last 2Cents--In my opinion these are the top 5 drummers of all time in order Vinnie,Buddy,Gadd,Tony Williams, Dave Weckl. Thanks

I have to say, Vinnie has done almost everything Gadd and Weckl did, but also did Zappa and a friggen Megadeth record.

I hate making such comparisons, but he just sticks out as the guy who takes people's jobs away, drum-wise.

And the scary thing is, there is no style he won't (can't) play.

[dawg]

i'd hate to ever say what drummer is" THE BEST", 'cause i think the older you get,you realize there really is no such thing. i'm sure some drummers can play one certain style better than vinnie,for instance maybe great brazilian born drummers growing up around sambas,mambos and such may play that style better,but all-around, but from interviews i've read even the great drummers pretty much say vinnie's the man right now. but i'm sure if we approached most of our drum heroes, and "said mr.----(fill in the blank) you're the best drummer in the world",most(if not all) would probably be embarrassed or just say thanks, because at their level it's probably whose style and feel you like(as well as the tunes they played on.)and everyone learns from everyone,right?

[mlehnertz]

You're correct up to a point. Yes, Vinnie and Jeff Berlin were looking for extra money. Yes, Zappa cancelled the electric portion of the recording. Yes, Vinnie never worked with Zappa again.

What you left out... At this time, Vinnie had become an in-demand studio player. It's what he wanted to become when moving from Boston to California in the first place. His decision to QUIT Zappa's band was based on the touring schedule of Zappa and him not being available to work in the studio.

Jeff Berlin and Vinnie called Frank's management and tried to make a secret deal with the attitude of "don't tell the other guys" . Frank cancelled the use of the rock band with the orchestra and just finished the classical tour without them. And he never employed Vinnie's services again.

Oh, and after having just read that chapter in the "Real Frank Zappa Book", it appears as if Frank does mention Chad Wackerman.

[michael drums]

[QUOTE=Ian Ballard]After seeing him with Sting ten years ago, I TRIED to pick out a misplayed note SOMEWHERE. Didn't happen.

The Randy Waldman album "Wigged Out" has one of the most amazing solos (with a piano vamp) I've ever heard on it.

The Zappa albums were perhaps his best... he was the only drummer Frank even mentioned in his book, even though Wackerman spent 12 years with his band. The reason he and Jeff Berlin were fired from Frank's band is legendary, too. Interesting note: Vinnie used Terry Bozzio's kit to try out for Zappa.... damn I wish that was video taped!!

The somewhat recent Megadeth album he cut and the Warren Cuccurullo "Thanks to Frank" records reaffirm his being king of the versitile, being able to play heavy rock as well as ANYbody.

If Tony Williams is God.. Vinnie is Jesus!

And Buddy Rich is the whole universe!

[mlehnertz]

Please don't start this again. The thread disappeared for a few weeks because of the Buddy Rich nonsense. Posting stuff like this is only going to get the Vinnie devotees up in arms, a verbal pissing contest will start and an admim will start deleting posts or threads again.

Keep the Buddy love in the Buddy thread please.

If Tony Williams is God.. Vinnie is Jesus!

And Buddy Rich is the whole universe!

[syoshii]

Please don't start this again. The thread disappeared for a few weeks because of the Buddy Rich nonsense. Posting stuff like this is only going to get the Vinnie devotees up in arms, a verbal pissing contest will start and an admim will start deleting posts or threads again.

Keep the Buddy love in the Buddy thread please.

I agree with you, that kind of talk will lead us nowhere but a unnecessary flaming.

[michael drums]

Please don't start this again. The thread disappeared for a few weeks because of the Buddy Rich nonsense. Posting stuff like this is only going to get the Vinnie devotees up in arms, a verbal pissing contest will start and an admim will start deleting posts or threads again.

Keep the Buddy love in the Buddy thread please.


Oh, Sorry 'bout that. Didn't realize that I couldn't bring up another drummer in this thread.
What was I thinking? Gulp.... Play On!

[syoshii]

Oh, Sorry 'bout that. Didn't realize that I couldn't bring up another drummer in this thread.
What was I thinking? Gulp.... Play On!
You are missing the point, michael drums. You can refer to Buddy Rich or whoever you want if needed to talk about Vinnie's musicianship, technical analysis, etc. But what you are saying is just "Buddy is the best! Buddy is the greatest!!." It has nothing to do with Vinnie. So if you want to talk that kind of thing, you can do it as much as you can at Buddy's thread. But not here.

[mlehnertz]

You can bring up other drummers in comparison - we do it all the time, but don't say that Buddy is the greatest without some facts to support your reasoning. Personally, I don't care if you guys want to argue the fact of who's better, but what really bothered me about what happened a few weeks ago was there were a bunch of posts that contained a great deal of good information about Vinnie and his playing that were deleted along with the garbage.

Oh, Sorry 'bout that. Didn't realize that I couldn't bring up another drummer in this thread.
What was I thinking? Gulp.... Play On!

[Ian Ballard]

I just noticed that Vinnie's name is spelled wrong in the title of the thread.

That's kinda crappy.

[michael drums]

You are missing the point, michael drums. You can refer to Buddy Rich or whoever you want if needed to talk about Vinnie's musicianship, technical analysis, etc. But what you are saying is just "Buddy is the best! Buddy is the greatest!!." It has nothing to do with Vinnie. So if you want to talk that kind of thing, you can do it as much as you can at Buddy's thread. But not here.

That's already been done. There is so much talk about Vinnie's this and Vinnie's that. Look, Vinnie's one of my influences. As much as anybodys', okay? No need to get angry and feel this is a personal attack. If you don't like what you see in a post, which I see ALL the time, don't read it. I see other drummers mentioned all the time in other drummers' threads, but I don't get offended by it. I don't disrespect someones' reply to a post and go on the attack because I disagree. I try to take the high road when I post. And if I "goof" up and start getting personal, it gets deleted. As they should. Take Care and Play On! ;-)

[michael drums]

I just noticed that Vinnie's name is spelled wrong in the title of the thread.

That's kinda crappy.

Good observation, Ian. Yea, I noticed that a little while back, but didn't have the "gumption" to point it out. I agree. Was it mis-spelled from the beginning of this thread? Just in case, it's spelled: C o l a i u t a Thanks Ian. Play On!

[mlehnertz]

Vinnie's "this and that" is the purpose of this thread. Many of us that participate in this thread do take it as a personal attack when someone posts what was posted previously. It's like wearing a Yankees jersey into the Cask & Flagon in Boston. It's just inappropriate.

Please stop defending your right to be pro-Buddy in a Vinnie thread and as you say, take care and play on.

That's already been done. There is so much talk about Vinnie's this and Vinnie's that. Look, Vinnie's one of my influences. As much as anybodys', okay? No need to get angry and feel this is a personal attack. If you don't like what you see in a post, which I see ALL the time, don't read it. I see other drummers mentioned all the time in other drummers' threads, but I don't get offended by it. I don't disrespect someones' reply to a post and go on the attack because I disagree. I try to take the high road when I post. And if I "goof" up and start getting personal, it gets deleted. As they should. Take Care and Play On! ;-)

[michael drums]

Vinnie's "this and that" is the purpose of this thread. Many of us that participate in this thread do take it as a personal attack when someone posts what was posted previously. It's like wearing a Yankees jersey into the Cask & Flagon in Boston. It's just inappropriate.

Please stop defending your right to be pro-Buddy in a Vinnie thread and as you say, take care and play on.


Umm...Don't think I tried to defend anyone but myself here, mlehnertz. And I didn't realize there was a "rule" about what drummers are aloud to be mentioned in each thread. Are you an administrator of this thread? Sure sounds like it. Looks like in every one of your posts you're talking down to another ones' posts as if you're the only credible person to comment. That is what's inappropriate, sir! Look, I got an idea. Let's take a deep breath and start over by getting back to actually "discussing" and get away from this finger pointing and bashing. There's never enough respectful, educational, and inspirational talk out here. Let's do that and see what we can come up with. Thanks and Play On!

[jonescrusher]

Just put this up, an amusing exerpt from 'We Don't Mess Around', a Zappa showcase which I presume was broadcast on German TV. Zappa's bodyguard giving an insight into the dynamics of the band, and Vinnie, at the time:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPuMnhRn4QQ

[foursticks]

This Sunday I'm going to see Herbie, and Vinnies on drums! I can't wait!

Should be damn good, though I really don't know what to expect.

[Womble]

This Sunday I'm going to see Herbie, and Vinnies on drums! I can't wait!

Should be damn good, though I really don't know what to expect.

Thanks for the info, man, I had no idea they were coming to England. I see they're playing in London on Saturday...very tempting. Nathan East on bass too. Nice.

Thanks, take care, and play on! :)

[syoshii]

Vinnie is coming to Japan w/ Herbie in December and sure I will be there!!!

[KzSgDrummer]

Just put this up, an amusing exerpt from 'We Don't Mess Around', a Zappa showcase which I presume was broadcast on German TV. Zappa's bodyguard giving an insight into the dynamics of the band, and Vinnie, at the time:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPuMnhRn4QQ

Ahhh awesome, thank you! On the last page I posted the MP3 of "Seal Call Fusion Music" haha. Please get that clip up next..?

[jonescrusher]

Ahhh awesome, thank you! On the last page I posted the MP3 of "Seal Call Fusion Music" haha. Please get that clip up next..?

No probs, was gonna do that next....

[KzSgDrummer]

Great, please let us know when it's up... like I said before, that two and a half minutes should be required viewing for everyone here. Vinnie shows his signature flare and brilliance, while engaging in some of the silliest and funniest of discourse with Zappa and the hilarious Tommy Mars.. LOVE IT!

[michael drums]

This Sunday I'm going to see Herbie, and Vinnies on drums! I can't wait!

Should be damn good, though I really don't know what to expect.

Now THAT'S gonna be a show! Have fun, foursticks....Play on!

[michael drums]

Just put this up, an amusing exerpt from 'We Don't Mess Around', a Zappa showcase which I presume was broadcast on German TV. Zappa's bodyguard giving an insight into the dynamics of the band, and Vinnie, at the time:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPuMnhRn4QQ

Hee...hee...Yea, sounds about right, jonescrusher. That was normal for those Zappa hounds...Thanks and Play On!

[jonescrusher]

For your viewing pleasure KzSg, a little Seal Call Fusion Music. That disco beat floors me, an early glimpse of the Vinnie Genius.

Apologies that it's a little out of sync, a bit annoying, hope it doesn't diminish the viewing enjoyment too much...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPobB_1kZao

Edit - to the Mods, any way we can get that spelling mistake in the name rectified, it's a bit of a shame if we can't spell the world's greatest living drummer's name correctly, no?

[KzSgDrummer]

"It's a Pendercki number"

"Actually, cryogenics is expanding... Day by -- Dayyeeeee!"


It's crazy how almost unrecognizable Vinnie is under all that hair and those glasses. My first viewing of Vinnie with Zappa was the 1978 SNL clips, and I didn't even realize it was him until I connected the dots and realized the guy playing Vinnie's yellow Gretchs was in fact Vinnie.

Also, the synching is quite fine..only a few points do you really notice it. Again, a big ol' THANKS.

[jonescrusher]

It's amazing too how his set up has evolved over the years - that snare angle is unrecognizable! And matched grip all the way!!

[foursticks]

Now THAT'S gonna be a show! Have fun, foursticks....Play on!

Thanks man, I'll post my thoughts of it on here.

[KzSgDrummer]

that snare angle is unrecognizable! And matched grip all the way!!

Right. And of course that snare was at that angle because of how rediculously low to the ground he sat back then. His knees were higher than his hop bones, and you could barely see his head over the toms!

[michael drums]

Thanks man, I'll post my thoughts of it on here.

You got it, fs. Thanks, I'll keep a look out for it. Play On!

Oh, yea...Love that "Buddy" quote. It speaks volumes...Peace

[mlehnertz]

Sitting that low was the trend in the late 70s and early 80s. We were all looking for the lowest thrones possible He probably still sits pretty low but it doesn't look as low because he's playing much smaller and lower drums. If you've seen the Zappa/SNL thing, you'll notice how big those Gretsch drums are and how high the toms are mounted.

Right. And of course that snare was at that angle because of how rediculously low to the ground he sat back then. His knees were higher than his hop bones, and you could barely see his head over the toms!

[KzSgDrummer]

Well, the toms might have been big and mounted pretty high, but that bass drum also helps with the overall illusion, since it's only a 20". But yeah, point taken on the whole sitting low trend back then. What was the appeal? Physically it doesn't make much sense (to me at least).

[mlehnertz]

Gary Chaffee influence perhaps? I say that because a friend of mine studied with Chaffee for many years and he sat that low. It could have been because Vinnie was doing at the time as well. I don't know.

Sitting that low may have something to do with weight distribution There's less weight on your legs sitting like that may help with your footwork. I tried it for a while and decided it wasn't for me. My thighs are nearly parallel with the floor again.

But yeah, point taken on the whole sitting low trend back then. What was the appeal? Physically it doesn't make much sense (to me at least).

[finnhiggins]

Well, the toms might have been big and mounted pretty high, but that bass drum also helps with the overall illusion, since it's only a 20". But yeah, point taken on the whole sitting low trend back then. What was the appeal? Physically it doesn't make much sense (to me at least).

Agreed. But then, lots of drummers' seat height doesn't make sense to me. Every time I go play on a kit here in NZ I have to drop the seat dramatically to get my legs parallel with the floor - every other drummer seems to sit much, much higher than I do and I honestly don't get it. It seems harder to balance, your legs have to work harder to lift, and so forth. Odd. I sat at a pretty normal height at Drumtech, didn't have to adjust things much, but coming over to New Zealand every single drummer seems to sit about as high as the one French guy at Drumtech who sat higher than everybody else in the entire year...

[SickRick]

Agreed. But then, lots of drummers' seat height doesn't make sense to me. Every time I go play on a kit here in NZ I have to drop the seat dramatically to get my legs parallel with the floor - every other drummer seems to sit much, much higher than I do and I honestly don't get it. It seems harder to balance, your legs have to work harder to lift, and so forth. Odd. I sat at a pretty normal height at Drumtech, didn't have to adjust things much, but coming over to New Zealand every single drummer seems to sit about as high as the one French guy at Drumtech who sat higher than everybody else in the entire year...

Thats because they are all Ringo Fans.

[syoshii]

Sitting too low is not good for your knees and lower back. When you sit low and kick the bass drum or high-hat pedal, more reaction force comes over to your knees, your hip bones and your back, and it will hurt them.
If you sit higher, the reaction force will not come up to your knees and back that much.

And I guess it depends on how you play the pedal...I mean heel-up or heel-down. If you play mainly heel-up, higher seat will help you to kick the pedal more easily because you can use the weight of your legs. If you play heel-down, maybe lower seat is more comfortable in kicking the bass drum.

[tomgadd]

colaiuta is a great drummer...he gets better and better..
saw him 20 years ago at frankfurter musikmesse doing clinics for
yamaha...his drumming was great, but as a person he spoiled and was
very unfriendly to the audience...
thought he "was really on"...
remember some interviews from the 80ies, i think one in drums-&percussion,
a german drummer-magazine, where he states gadd was no influence on him...and
some other obvisouly strange stuff...

nevertheless,
bought a cd "Chris Botti - 2005 - To Love Again" , very tasteful drumming with brushes..
great cd btw

[mlehnertz]

his drumming was great, but as a person he spoiled and was
very unfriendly to the audience... thought he "was really on"...

Remember, he's a non-spotlight musician put into an unfamiliar and uncomfortable situation and most of us would probably come across as unfriendly and/or spoiled. I remember the Zildjian Day in Boston he was very nervous with the audience.

remember some interviews from the 80ies, i think one in drums-&percussion,
a german drummer-magazine, where he states gadd was no influence on him...and
some other obvisouly strange stuff...

Tony Williams was his biggest influence and it's quite possible that Gadd wasn't. I don't see why he'd say something like that if it wasn't true. What other strange stuff did he say?

[mlehnertz]

A section from his 1987 Modern Drummer interview...

RF: What kind of bad habits?

VC: My left hand is kind of funky.

RF: How so?

VC: The posture of my left hand is not so good. My sitting posture is weird now. I was going through a little changing thing before. It was a period that had to do with my changing the way I approach the drums, and it changed the way I thought about playing.

RF: Attitude?

VC: Oh yeah, it was an attitude - a concept. It made me feel a certain way, and I just wanted to approach the drums from that angle when I played, which is part of the reason I sat so low.

RF: You're speaking in the past tense.

VC: I've raised my seat height.

RF: Why?

VC: First of all, because I was starting to develop some lower-back problems. One night, I made a move while I was playing, and I was frozen still. I screamed out, and it was horrible. So I've been gradually changing it; I'm still changing it, because I want to get better leverage. My right foot feels weird, which I think is partially because it's still healing since I fractured it.

Sitting too low is not good for your knees and lower back. When you sit low and kick the bass drum or high-hat pedal, more reaction force comes over to your knees, your hip bones and your back, and it will hurt them.
If you sit higher, the reaction force will not come up to your knees and back that much.

And I guess it depends on how you play the pedal...I mean heel-up or heel-down. If you play mainly heel-up, higher seat will help you to kick the pedal more easily because you can use the weight of your legs. If you play heel-down, maybe lower seat is more comfortable in kicking the bass drum.

[KzSgDrummer]

The "Gadd was no influence on me" comment seems more than a bit off. I've heard Vinnie do the Gadd fill (you know.. 16th note triplets foot snare snare snare hightom lowtom) a ton, and him and Zappa sorta made fun of Gadd's omnipresence back in the day at the end of Frank's (arguably) most famous album, Joe's Garage.

Maybe Vinnie didn't actively listen to and study Steve, but at the least he definitely did copy some things from him in the beginning of his career.

[mlehnertz]

I think I know what fill you're talking about. We associate it with Gadd, but HE may have ripped it off from someone but was the first to have it heard on a hit record. Vinnie may have stolen it from someone else as well. Gadd was influencing a lot of people. Musicians rip off everybody. Look at Rush and Tom Sawyer. Every drummer I knew in 1980 was ripping off Neil Peart thinking he came up with those fills. Then you go an listen to John Bonham and hear it played 10 years earlier. Heck, he could have stolen it from someone.

I can understand why he'd say that Gadd wasn't an influence. He really wasn't listening to anything Gadd was playing. He listened to Tony Williams and Elvin Jones and Buddy. They became his influences. Tony Williams was such an influence that he's got the same yellow Gretsch set.

I think part of the problem disassociating Vinnie and Gadd is right from Vinnie's page on this site. "A producer once told Vinnie Colaiuta that if you threw Tony Williams and Steve Gadd into a blender, Vinnie would be the tasteful concoction."

I'm still thinking about the Gadd/Zappa thing. Could he be making fun of studio musicians in general (i.e. Yo Cats)? Or Vinnie wanting to be studio player (clone) LIKE Gadd? I've heard different spins on that.

The "Gadd was no influence on me" comment seems more than a bit off. I've heard Vinnie do the Gadd fill (you know.. 16th note triplets foot snare snare snare hightom lowtom) a ton, and him and Zappa sorta made fun of Gadd's omnipresence back in the day at the end of Frank's (arguably) most famous album, Joe's Garage.

Maybe Vinnie didn't actively listen to and study Steve, but at the least he definitely did copy some things from him in the beginning of his career.

[syoshii]

Oh thank you, mlehnertz! I didn't know about this Vinnie interview! So he actually had a back problem...

As for his comment on Gadd, I guess just he was young :-)
He said "Steve Gadd changed my life" at the American Drummer Achievement Award and told the story about he and Steve Smith riding a bus to NY to hear Gadd playing.
Well, actually Vinnie said the same thing like "Buddy Rich changed my life" at the Buddy Rich Memorial Scholarship Concert, and Vinnie and Steve Smith also riding a bus to NY to hear Tony Williams (they went to hear Herbie's first VSOP concert in 1976).

Or maybe his unfriendliness came from his thought about those clinics. When I talked w/ Vinnie about 2 years ago he told me he didin't like a clinic with a large audience (just like Zildjian Days) because it's more like a show than a clinic. He said he wanted to do a real clinic, with a small group of serious students only. He was even thinking about doing a clinic at high school.

[finnhiggins]

Or maybe his unfriendliness came from his thought about those clinics. When I talked w/ Vinnie about 2 years ago he told me he didin't like a clinic with a large audience (just like Zildjian Days) because it's more like a show than a clinic. He said he wanted to do a real clinic, with a small group of serious students only. He was even thinking about doing a clinic at high school.

I can totally understand that. I've actually been discussing this exact point today with Jazzgregg, off-forum. I think in general there's only really three kinds of clinics:

1) Clinics given by people who can't speak in public, but try anyway. These usually suck, because while the drummer (or any other musician, for that matter) might have a lot to say they're really unsuccessful at saying it, and any time they spend off the kit is really just time wasted.

2) Clinics given by people who can speak in public, but different audience members are either bored (if they're any good) or completely lost (if they're not) depending on whether the clinic is being pitched at a simplistic or advanced level. These stand the best chance of being any good depending on who you are and what's being pitched, but even then you have to tolerate horrible, horrible Q&A sessions where audience members ask questions that make you want to cry tears of rage at their sheer pointlessness.

3) Clinics given by people who just shut up and play. These are fine in that they don't suffer the problems of the other two kinds of clinic, but generally speaking I'd rather hear most drummers play with a band anyway. It's not like I have trouble hearing drums, and there are very few drummers I can think of that I'd be willing to watch play unaccompanied for hours. And if somebody's just going to play to a backing track I'd rather have the band there anyway.

I can totally understand why Vinnie wouldn't enjoy the environment. He's either going to have to dumb down what he has to say to a stupendous degree (the number of people on the planet who can even figure out what the hell Vinnie is talking about when he gets going on a topic he finds interesting has to be pretty small), talk to 1% of the room about stuff that the other 99% are going to totally miss the point of or play things that he'd rather be playing in a musical situation. Why do it?

[KzSgDrummer]

I can understand why he'd say that Gadd wasn't an influence. He really wasn't listening to anything Gadd was playing...

I'm still thinking about the Gadd/Zappa thing. Could he be making fun of studio musicians in general (i.e. Yo Cats)? Or Vinnie wanting to be studio player (clone) LIKE Gadd? I've heard different spins on that.

On the first part, I know Vinnie was digging Gadd by 1978 (at the beginning of his time with Zappa), because if you watch the video clips jonescrusher posted above, you can see Vinnie is wearing a Stuff t-shirt, which was Gadd's defacto NYC club band back then. So he definitely knew of and was seriously checking out Gadd's work back then..

And as to what regard Zappa held Gadd in, who the heck knows... he makes no intonation one way or the other on Green Rosetta. My guess is that Frank had nothing against Steve musically or personally, except for the fact that he was literally all over the place at the time and thus was an easy target for any kind of jabs, good or bad.

But I haven't heard any spins on Frank's views on this topic either way, so please divulge--

[mlehnertz]

And the Zildjian Day in Boston this exact situation came up. He was describing something about polyrhythms and odd time and the audience was totally clueless.

I can totally understand why Vinnie wouldn't enjoy the environment. He's either going to have to dumb down what he has to say to a stupendous degree (the number of people on the planet who can even figure out what the hell Vinnie is talking about when he gets going on a topic he finds interesting has to be pretty small), talk to 1% of the room about stuff that the other 99% are going to totally miss the point of...

[mlehnertz]

The other idea is that Frank is busting Vinnie chops and that Vinnie is "Steve Gadd's clone flown in at triple scale no less" but can't find the beat. Also a jab at the studio guys (and audience?) in that "anybody that buys this album doesn't care if there are good musicians on it"?

It makes sense to a degree.


And as to what regard Zappa held Gadd in, who the heck knows... he makes no intonation one way or the other on Green Rosetta. My guess is that Frank had nothing against Steve musically or personally, except for the fact that he was literally all over the place at the time and thus was an easy target for any kind of jabs, good or bad.

But I haven't heard any spins on Frank's views on this topic either way, so please divulge--

But does this make Gadd an influence or is it simply someone that he went to see at a gig with Steve Smith? I'm not sure. I could go and see Virgil Donati, be impressed with his playing beyond belief, but he'll never be much of a drumming influence for me. Maybe he simply dug the band as a whole and not simply Gadd?

Everyone likes to compare Vinnie to Gadd and it often seems like Vinnie wants to distance himself from the comparison. Maybe that was the meaning in the original comment? Who knows.

On the first part, I know Vinnie was digging Gadd by 1978 (at the beginning of his time with Zappa), because if you watch the video clips jonescrusher posted above, you can see Vinnie is wearing a Stuff t-shirt, which was Gadd's defacto NYC club band back then. So he definitely knew of and was seriously checking out Gadd's work back then..

[kaseli]

I'm a bit surprised that you guys put Weckl in the same category as Gadd and Colaiuta. In my opinion Weckly doesn't play nearly as creatively as the other two.

Look at the achievements of each. I have to say that I liked what Weckl did with the Chick Corea Electric Band years back, but outside of that there isn't much to write home about.

Gadd and Colaiuta on the other hand have recorded some of the most creative and musically tastiest drumming you can find.


Sorry Weckly fans.
He's still better than me...

[Stitch Kaboodle]

Check out "live and very plugged in" by Dave Weckl. It's only fair.

[Womble]

Check out "live and very plugged in" by Dave Weckl. It's only fair.

I can absolutely guarantee that would make no difference to his opinion.

[syoshii]

I can totally understand that. I've actually been discussing this exact point today with Jazzgregg, off-forum. I think in general there's only really three kinds of clinics:

1) Clinics given by people who can't speak in public, but try anyway. These usually suck, because while the drummer (or any other musician, for that matter) might have a lot to say they're really unsuccessful at saying it, and any time they spend off the kit is really just time wasted.

2) Clinics given by people who can speak in public, but different audience members are either bored (if they're any good) or completely lost (if they're not) depending on whether the clinic is being pitched at a simplistic or advanced level. These stand the best chance of being any good depending on who you are and what's being pitched, but even then you have to tolerate horrible, horrible Q&A sessions where audience members ask questions that make you want to cry tears of rage at their sheer pointlessness.

3) Clinics given by people who just shut up and play. These are fine in that they don't suffer the problems of the other two kinds of clinic, but generally speaking I'd rather hear most drummers play with a band anyway. It's not like I have trouble hearing drums, and there are very few drummers I can think of that I'd be willing to watch play unaccompanied for hours. And if somebody's just going to play to a backing track I'd rather have the band there anyway.

I can totally understand why Vinnie wouldn't enjoy the environment. He's either going to have to dumb down what he has to say to a stupendous degree (the number of people on the planet who can even figure out what the hell Vinnie is talking about when he gets going on a topic he finds interesting has to be pretty small), talk to 1% of the room about stuff that the other 99% are going to totally miss the point of or play things that he'd rather be playing in a musical situation. Why do it?

Yeah, and probably most of the clinics today are 2), and in a sense it's a kind of publicity tour. But Vinnie doesn't need to do it and doesn't want to do it.
I guess Vinnie will be happy to do "master classes" for serious, advanced students only. Actually he told me he wanted to do it. Or just play music with a band like he did at 2000 Modern Drummer Festival...it's going to be ok.

[syoshii]

And the Zildjian Day in Boston this exact situation came up. He was describing something about polyrhythms and odd time and the audience was totally clueless.

Just the same situation happened in Tokyo, too in the late '80s (I wasn't there but I heard about it later). Vinnie demonstrated his "superimposed metric modulation" using a sequencer, very odd and sick stuff, but the audience couldn't understand at all what he was doing.

[Womble]

you have to tolerate horrible, horrible Q&A sessions where audience members ask questions that make you want to cry tears of rage at their sheer pointlessness.

My favourite example, asked by a middle-aged, hairy hippy chick at LAMA during a Marco Minnemann clinic:

"Do you ever have any trouble mounting things?"

[mlehnertz]

I'd be interested to see how many "serious, advanced students" would actually understand him. At least understand him to the point of being able to apply what he was telling them to the set.

I guess Vinnie will be happy to do "master classes" for serious, advanced students only. Actually he told me he wanted to do it.

[Ian Ballard]

u know what..? I know he's one of the greatest drummers today , but i just can't like him. I guess he's not my style. weird.

Funny thing, though... you've probably heard hundreds of soundtracks and pop songs that feature his drumming and you don't even realize it.

That's the genius of Vinnie. Not his crazy polyrhythmic chops, but his ability to play ANYTHING in any situation for any artist.

[mlehnertz]

And in one take. Now that's genius.

Funny thing, though... you've probably heard hundreds of soundtracks and pop songs that feature his drumming and you don't even realize it.

That's the genius of Vinnie. Not his crazy polyrhythmic chops, but his ability to play ANYTHING in any situation for any artist.

[Spence]

I tried desperately to get tickets to see Herbie Hancock with Vinnie on drums in London. I failed and the show has passed. Did anyone go to this or the previous shows? I know someone mentioned that they were going but they haven't said anything since.

I must know what it was like!

I am GUTTED that I didn't go. GUTTED!

[jonescrusher]

I tried desperately to get tickets to see Herbie Hancock with Vinnie on drums in London. I failed and the show has passed. Did anyone go to this or the previous shows? I know someone mentioned that they were going but they haven't said anything since.

I must know what it was like!

I am GUTTED that I didn't go. GUTTED!

I feel your pain, I missed it as well. All i've seen is a review in the Daily Telegraph, the reviewer seemed to be under the impression that Vinnie was in his twenties....

[Womble]

All i've seen is a review in the Daily Telegraph

Ahh now I get our disagreement: you hug young thugs rather than fighting with them!

Sorry Jones, jus' teasing :) I'm a Telegraph reader myself.

I phoned up everyday to see if there were any cancellations for the Herbie concert but I too was disappointed.

[jonescrusher]

Sleeping dogs, Womble, sleeping dogs;) Just to make clear, I am NOT a tory, hehe

[Spence]

I feel your pain, I missed it as well. All i've seen is a review in the Daily Telegraph, the reviewer seemed to be under the impression that Vinnie was in his twenties....

Ah, interesting. What did this article say? Trust the Telegraph to get Vinnie's age wrong. Bloody tories (no offence to you or Womble, haha).

[syoshii]

I'd be interested to see how many "serious, advanced students" would actually understand him. At least understand him to the point of being able to apply what he was telling them to the set.

I guess maybe he need to set some requirements for the students, if he really want to do master classes. Actually I heard that his teacher Alan Dawson had a small test (rudiments, singing aloud some standard songs, etc) to take his private lesson, because Alan was teaching advanced students only. For beginners or basic level students, he introduced another drummer who was his students.
Even so, not all students will be able to understand all Vinnie says. But it's quite normal, because we can see this situation in every level of lesson, from very basic to highly advanced. Or even in a classroom of a high school. No teacher can let all students fully understand what he/she teaches...teachers gotta try to do it, but the reality is that only some students who are more talented will be able to go forward.

[sshu]

I didn't see this Zappa one referenced above ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPobB_1kZao

Another dimension of Vinnie's technique ...

Steve

[KzSgDrummer]

Jonescrusher posted it on the previous page, and I commented quite a bit on it..

[jonescrusher]

Lol, yeah sshu keep up!

[sshu]

Lol, yeah sshu keep up!

Oops. I'll be feeling that one in the morning ... :) Sorry.

Steve

[syoshii]

Last week I went to Herbie Hancock concert in Tokyo and Vinnie was playing there. The band played songs from Herbie's latest album and also a couple of classics such as Chameleon, Watermelon Man and Cantaloupe Island. VINNIE PLAYED HIS ASS OFF!!!!!!!
He was playing with a big smile, with beautiful & powerful sound, tight & deep grooooooooove, and his soul! When he hit a note, it wasn't just a note...I could feel his soul and emotion there.
I guess he was very happy to play songs which were originally played by his "big brothers" in Alan Dawson family.