The legendary Steve Gadd.

[Womble]

NICE! What a "Class A" show this'll be! But, what are ya angry about, Class A? Seein' Gadd live is nothin' to get mad about, buddy! I'd love to go, if I could. But I got gigs that week. Hope you go and have a great time. Enjoy...Play on!

Oh, ok...I get it. You're not going to NY until the following week. You'll miss seein' Gadd.

And they say drummers are slow...

[michael drums]

And they say drummers are slow...


Hee...hee...Yea, sorry 'bout that Womble. You noticed that, huh? Sometimes us drummers can even mis-read a post. But I caught it, though a little late. Play On!

[Class A Drummer]

I'm gonna keep my eyes and ears open for a show I can go to, maybe Baltimore, Philly, A.C....We'll see....Play On!
Hey will you be sure to let me know if he comes to philly or baltimore or DC or anything like that? Or any other great drummers actually. Id deeply appreciate if you did because ive never been to a clinic, and rarley get to see great drummers perform.

[michael drums]

Hey will you be sure to let me know if he comes to philly or baltimore or DC or anything like that? Or any other great drummers actually. Id deeply appreciate if you did because ive never been to a clinic, and rarley get to see great drummers perform.

Will do, Class A. Clinics are great, concerts are too, when the drummer is highlighted. I'll let you know. Peace...Play On!

[da cheese walks]

I SAW THE MAN!!!


i saw Gadd!!!

wooooo!

Im sure its probably rare that Steve Gadd comes to Ireland....but he did!!

and he played 50 ways!!!

yeah...

Basically i went to see Paul Simon....hoping that Dr.Gadd would be drumming for him....an he was...the man is incredible....Paul Simon was incredible too...but Gadd blew me away.....it was such a brilliant night....he had another drummer with him as everyone knows Paul Simons stuff has an awful lot of percussion....it was class...he played 50 ways,late in the evening,he played all teh brilliant Simon tunes...an he did some solos...it was the best ever...wow!!


what a man!! :D

[marin_zhelezov]

GADD is the only drummer I know who doesnt make gymnastics on the set(Look how fast I can! Watch me, I can do 1200 single strokes in a minute!). Those things arent music-where is the music in 1200 strokes.

Why GADD is so good? OK, hear the solo of him, Vinnie and Dave but close your eyes. Dave and Vinnie are pleasant to watch but not to hear. GADD owns the show!!!

MUSIC is for the ears only!

If all people go blind, drummers like Virgil Donati or Assaf will get unemployed, Gadd will be the only one with a job.

DO YOU ALL NOW UNDERSTAND???!!!

[michael drums]

GADD is the only drummer I know who doesnt make gymnastics on the set(Look how fast I can! Watch me, I can do 1200 single strokes in a minute!). Those things arent music-where is the music in 1200 strokes.

Why GADD is so good? OK, hear the solo of him, Vinnie and Dave but close your eyes. Dave and Vinnie are pleasant to watch but not to hear. GADD owns the show!!!

MUSIC is for the ears only!

If all people go blind, drummers like Virgil Donati or Assaf will get unemployed, Gadd will be the only one with a job.

DO YOU ALL NOW UNDERSTAND???!!!

Whoa! Slow down there, cowpoke. Look, Gadd is a fantastic "odd-time" percussionist, but there's alot of these guys out there, buddy. Have you ever heard Weckl, Colaiuta, Steve Smith, Peart, Jo Jo Mayer, Copeland, Cobham, Greb., etc... Having Gadd as your favorite drummer is fine, he's probably alot of peoples' favorite, but to hold him "higher than thou" is a bit of a stretch. I LOVE Steve Gadd, don't get me wrong, but the only one I consider on a pedestal from all others is Buddy Rich, though not with us any longer. I may even get some flack for saying that here, but I can't waver from feeling that way about Rich!

Play On!

[marin_zhelezov]

Whoa! Slow down there, cowpoke. Look, Gadd is a fantastic "odd-time" percussionist, but there's alot of these guys out there, buddy. Have you ever heard Weckl, Colaiuta, Steve Smith, Peart, Jo Jo Mayer, Copeland, Cobham, Greb., etc... Having Gadd as your favorite drummer is fine, he's probably alot of peoples' favorite, but to hold him "higher than thou" is a bit of a stretch. I LOVE Steve Gadd, don't get me wrong, but the only one I consider on a pedestal from all others is Buddy Rich, though not with us any longer. I may even get some flack for saying that here, but I can't waver from feeling that way about Rich!

Play On!

OK you are right. But Gadd isnt my favorite drummer, it is just that we are talking about him here. There are many good drummers but some just dont know how to use their brain when playing.

Maybe I shoudn't write bad things about any musucian, I respect their hard work-I am still learning by the best drum teacher in Bulgaria-Nikolai Tonchev.

Cobham was here is Bulgaria one month ago and I was happy to see him play live because much of the methods I am learning from are his.

Hey have you seen Dave's 13 accents? And I do not want to boast mysef but at the moment Wekl is practicing from a paradiddle textbook which I am learning from.

Sorry I didn't mean to insult anyone.

Peace!

[marin_zhelezov]

Whoa! Slow down there, cowpoke. Look, Gadd is a fantastic "odd-time" percussionist, but there's alot of these guys out there, buddy. Have you ever heard Weckl, Colaiuta, Steve Smith, Peart, Jo Jo Mayer, Copeland, Cobham, Greb., etc... Having Gadd as your favorite drummer is fine, he's probably alot of peoples' favorite, but to hold him "higher than thou" is a bit of a stretch. I LOVE Steve Gadd, don't get me wrong, but the only one I consider on a pedestal from all others is Buddy Rich, though not with us any longer. I may even get some flack for saying that here, but I can't waver from feeling that way about Rich!

Play On!

Oh and another ting, I REALLY didnt want to say it loudly but you mentioned ODD-TIMES.

OK believe me or not the odd-time signatures originally come from the bulgarian folklore. IT IS TRUE. Modern bg folklore musician play odd-times the traditional old-facion way.

This has nothing to do with Gadd but still-listen to some great bands-"Stoyan Yankoulov and Elitsa Todorova"(friends of mine and the best drummers here is Bulgaria) and Bulgara(a jazz-folklore band-also friends of mine because of my father-he is the best kaval teacher in the world, really!!!)

I didnt mean to boast myself or my countrys musiciants, I just want to share some great learning material to the rest of you drummers!!!

See the two bands, you can learn much from them!!!

Have fun :) !!!

[mlehnertz]

Great to watch but not to hear? What am I doing with all these CDs then?!?

Unemployed though? That's interesting. I can listen to an MP3 of Virgil Donati (or Vinnie or Weckl or any drummer) and be completely blown away by some of the stuff he's doing. I don't need to see anything to realize and understand that's some crazy stuff happening with those hands and feet. Maybe I've been playing drums too long or you aren't listening...



Dave and Vinnie are pleasant to watch but not to hear.

If all people go blind, drummers like Virgil Donati or Assaf will get unemployed, Gadd will be the only one with a job.

[marin_zhelezov]

Great to watch but not to hear? What am I doing with all these CDs then?!?

Unemployed though? That's interesting. I can listen to an MP3 of Virgil Donati (or Vinnie or Weckl or any drummer) and be completely blown away by some of the stuff he's doing. I don't need to see anything to realize and understand that's some crazy stuff happening with those hands and feet. Maybe I've been playing drums too long or you aren't listening...

Maybe your right. You have much more experience than me.

I didnt want to insult anyone, sorry(Especially Wekl-his teaching material is very good-the 13,"Applied to snare" accents boost the tehnique heavilly!)

But still-Gadd's sweat playing touches my hearth. Chokes, speed, world records don't impress me.

[michael drums]

OK you are right. But Gadd isnt my favorite drummer, it is just that we are talking about him here. There are many good drummers but some just dont know how to use their brain when playing.

Maybe I shoudn't write bad things about any musucian, I respect their hard work-I am still learning by the best drum teacher in Bulgaria-Nikolai Tonchev.

Cobham was here is Bulgaria one month ago and I was happy to see him play live because much of the methods I am learning from are his.

Hey have you seen Dave's 13 accents? And I do not want to boast mysef but at the moment Wekl is practicing from a paradiddle textbook which I am learning from.

Sorry I didn't mean to insult anyone.

Peace!

It's ok, Marin. I don't think we were insulted. Just respectfully disagree. Some of us say that being "subjective"(using the words greatest or best ever) shouldn't happen on this forum. I agree and disagree with this but I don't want to get into a LONG discussion about it. It would serve no purpose. In this thread, anyway. But thanks for sharing your story. Take Care and Play On!

[michael drums]

Great to watch but not to hear? What am I doing with all these CDs then?!?

Unemployed though? That's interesting. I can listen to an MP3 of Virgil Donati (or Vinnie or Weckl or any drummer) and be completely blown away by some of the stuff he's doing. I don't need to see anything to realize and understand that's some crazy stuff happening with those hands and feet. Maybe I've been playing drums too long or you aren't listening...

Hey mlehnertz. Guess who? Hee...hee...I agree with you 100%. Those guys are impressive to "hear" as much as see! No doubt. Good to hear from you. Play On!

[mlehnertz]

Nor me, but I can appreciate Virgil's abilities as a player. I just happen to be one that will take a Gadd, Vinnie, Weckl or Garibaldi over the "stunt drummers".

Chokes, speed, world records don't impress me.

[h3r3tic]

Gadd´s licks did get a hell of attention from me! :)
Awesome drummer!

[Jarek]

Steve Gadd plays at the Blue Note New York.
Who was on his concerts at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City?
Please send some pictures.

[Wavelength]

Gadd was my first drumming idol, and anyone is yet to surpass him. Even though he uses his instantly recognizable signature grooves, fills and licks in almost every song, he always manages to sound fresh and exciting. It's sort of like listening to Grandpa's pleasant voice telling old, tens of times told stories over and over again, and you never get bored of them...

[vadrum]

GADD is the only drummer I know who doesnt make gymnastics on the set(Look how fast I can! Watch me, I can do 1200 single strokes in a minute!). Those things arent music-where is the music in 1200 strokes.

Why GADD is so good? OK, hear the solo of him, Vinnie and Dave but close your eyes. Dave and Vinnie are pleasant to watch but not to hear. GADD owns the show!!!

MUSIC is for the ears only!

If all people go blind, drummers like Virgil Donati or Assaf will get unemployed, Gadd will be the only one with a job.

DO YOU ALL NOW UNDERSTAND???!!!


that's funny.....i found vinnie to be a great extension of gadd's drumming. if i could sum his style up in 2 influences i would definitely say gadd and tony williams. vinnie will never be short of work.....

[KzSgDrummer]

Steve Gadd plays at the Blue Note New York.
Who was on his concerts at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City?
Please send some pictures.

Jarek, I'm going tomorrow night (eeeeeeeeek!) and trust me I'll be reporting whatever is worth reporting back here. And I'll take pictures, but I only have a cell phone camera. I'll try and get my buddy to bring his. Actually yeah I'm sure we'll both be taking tons of pictures. By Monday or Tuesday they'll be up!

Chick and Steve here I come YAHH!!

[KzSgDrummer]

WOW this was a night to remember. I got to shake Steve's hand! But yes, I've washed it since..

So my friend said he's never had any problems getting a reservation on the spot at the Blue Note before, so we didn't, and instead showed up two hours early to the first show (of two), only to find that everything was taken up and we'd be in the non-reservation standing-room-only area in the waay back of the place. So we decided "ok, we'll kill some time and go to the later one instead and make sure we're first in line for the non-res seats at the bar." But as it turned out, there was a party of 3 guys in the reservation line who had two friends back out last minute, and they offered us the spots. But the best part was that they were first in their line, so all of the sudden we go from our chances of a decent view being bleak to getting first pick at ANY table in the place. Needless to say, we got some darn good seats and views, although Gadd had music stands set up that blocked views of his hands and torso.

http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/8836/dscf0005rs1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Taking to the stage
http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/9730/dscf0018rt7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Chick introducing his wife and singer, Gayle Moran
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/6541/dscf0028sf7.jpg

Steve listening to Chick tell a somewhat funny joke
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/4444/dscf0035bu1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


About the show: Everybody was in top form, and there just isn't much else to say. Pretty much we got what we were expecting. Chick, Steve, Anthony, Frank and Ravi blended together incredibly well, almost to the point that it recreated on the spot the magic of the original recordings. My friend I went with commented midway through the night, "remember how we wanted to see a video of them recording this stuff?" The set list was:

Love Castle
Waltz for Dave
Soft and Gentle
Sicily
Hymn From the 7th Galaxy
--fake ending--
Nite Sprite
Leprechaun's Dream, parts 1 and 2
and Hymn again

Steve was in top form. In recent times he's been playing very very simple beats a lot of the time (granted he's not exactly playing much jazz fusion anymore), and although some of his parts were streamlined from what he did 30 years ago, he was just as much going all out and getting really loud! Man when he plays forte, he plays quadruple-forte! he played some slight variations off of what we've all heard before, which was nice because it shows that he's still finding new tricks within his vocabulary.

But then his solo came along near the end of Sicily, and holy cow.. both my friend (who is a bassist who's heard more Gadd than me!) and I agreed that it was one of his best solos.. EVER. It was very very very very goodness. Assuming that version of sicily makes it to the DVD (blue note's 25th anniversary), I will guarantee that it will become known as one of his best.

After the first playing of Hymn, the band made it seem like that was it, although of course we knew it wasn't. But they were talking amongst themselves as to what to play, to which I screamed "NITE SPRITE," which led to others shouting out in agreement, and sure enough they played it. Gadd got another long solo in that, which although I don't remember as well, I know it was very very good also.

After that Chick let us know that the band had been a bit unrefined in their execution of the next song, Leprechaun's Dream, and who can blame them? They were playing the full thing, fermadas and all (but no strings..that was done on a synth). Steve was late on one hit in the beginning of Pt 1 and Chick gave a big smile his way. Gadd also tuned his snare up in the middle of the song without moving the beat one bit. But then at the beginning of Pt 2, Steve got to go into another solo, which he played in a marching style. That was the longest of the night and was just as impressive as the first two. I don't remember much of what he played, other than he was doing some tom-double-bass fills I'd never seen/heard him do before.

So yeah.. stick a fork in me 'cause I'm done. The best show I've seen in my life.

[Class A Drummer]

Wow. Lucky. I would love to see Steve Gadd play live, but i doubt he is comin down to DC any time soon. If he is, i better not miss the oppurtunity. I wouldve loved to be in your shoes.

[michael drums]

Excellent KzSgDrummer! Thanks SO much for these pics! Wow! And a fantastic review to boot! Man, they did Nite Sprite? What a tune, huh? Well Done, and am glad you got to go to that show at the Blue Note. Musta' been mesmerizing. Yea, I'd have been hesitant to wash my hand after pressin' flesh with Sir Gadd! Thanks again and Play On!

[Bernhard]

Great report KZSG drummer!!!!

Bernhard

[GRUNTERSDAD]

I watched a Tribute to James Taylor on public TV last nite. Many big stars doing James Taylor from the past, and Steve Gadd was doing his usual great job on the tubs. The man will never cease to amaze me. Really in the pocket and plays effortlessly but sounds like he has four arms. Good Stuff.

[Synthetik]

Only he could make drums that dead sound musical.

People often whine about "that 70's sound" or single headed drums.

Steves drums are as dead as Joey Jordinsons, yet they serve perfectly without needing 6 seconds of sustain.

[Nick5]

That is why Steve is the Master.
What's in style will be out of style
What's out of style will be in style.
Muffled drums, open drums.
4 piece kits, 5 piece plus kits.
You get the picture.
Steve Gadd ALWAYS in style!

[murphinelli]

I watched a Tribute to James Taylor on public TV last nite. Many big stars doing James Taylor from the past, and Steve Gadd was doing his usual great job on the tubs. The man will never cease to amaze me. Really in the pocket and plays effortlessly but sounds like he has four arms. Good Stuff.

Probably only us drummers knew there was a drummer legend playing in that tribute. I only caught a few tunes. I loved what he did when Keith Urban played. Jammin'!!

[michael drums]

Yea, I'm gonna wanna see that JT tribute on PT. Bet it's pretty good. It's gotta be with Gadd on the skins. Thanks for the heads-up Gruntersdad! Play On! ;-)

[Nick5]

Just received another one...couldn't resist to put it up....

Bernhard
Which one is Steve?
Bernhard. You could pass for brothers.

[Jarek]

Hello,

Steve Gadd will be play with Joe Sample at the Blue Note New York in January 9-14.
Do you go on this concert?

Jarek

[Class A Drummer]

hey guys i just found this video of Steve with Chick Corea. He does a solo kinda thing with the key boards. Its amazing playing once again, but i dont think they put the camera on Steve enough.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpu47XENZAs

[vadrum]

Well Henry the second ,i dont like Gadd that much either,he is a good all around player,but so is a whole lot of drummers,i think his best thing is that latin beat thing he does?.Ive heard his playing and its good basic playing,i mean i would love to play that basic stuff like that :) but i dont consider him a legend or anything.............


once again, another statement that shows a lack of knowledge of the history of drums. if we didnt have gadd we would not have drummers like vinnie or dennis. he was, and remains, one of the MOST influential drummers on the planet. gadd was one of the last drummers to come up w/ an instantly recongnizable sound which is something that i see a lot of contemporary drummers struggling to do these days.

bottom line, if youre not into gadd (or at the very least willing to admit that there is much to be learned from him), then you dont know what youre missing.

[toteman2]

This is one of the best things I've ever heard. Great chemistry. Steve doing what he does best.

Clarke and Gadd...http://youtube.com/watch?v=Je_iqbgGXFw

[tomgadd]

Nice solo with ralph mc donald!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80JwT4NKC9s

[berlioz]

very nice find Tomgadd. Here is another very rare video of Steve and Ralph again.

This solo has it ALL groove and chops. The second half of this video Steve is just burning it up and showcases his strong right foot doubles (too bad the sound quality is poor the second half)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRAVnSo2twM

[Class A Drummer]

Wow this just blew me away completely.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3x_UtxM55JY&mode=related&search=

[NUTHA JASON]

nice one classA. the intro to which sounds like the intro to that coolalan parsons project song: robot. almost a backwards or insideout groove until it becomes the main groove against the guitar. nice trick.

j

[tomgadd]

upcoming dvd from the Leprechaun concerts....
from chick corea's webpage:

"The second exciting week featured a group of musicians Chick dubbed "The Leprechaun Band." This group featured Chick on keyboards, the great Steve Gadd on drums, bass legend Anthony Jackson, the amazing Ravi Coltrane on saxes and the Elektric Band's Frank Gambale.

This exclusive reunion focused on Chick's music from the 70's; revisiting tunes from the classic albums The Leprechaun, The Mad Hatter, My Spanish Heart and Friends. This group was really special because it was the first time Chick, Steve Gadd and Anthony Jackson--all musicians who were on the original recordings--had ever played the music live together!

To take things over the top, Chick and band played Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy from the first electric Return To Forever album. There's a special significance to this in that Steve Gadd was actually the original drummer for the electric Return To Forever band (a little known bit of fusion-lore) before Lenny White joined the group.

The gigs were documented with a very innovative video shoot using 15 miniature High Definition cameras placed around the stage at different interesting vantage points. The end result will make you feel like you're actually on stage and in the band!

Additionally, there are plans to make a special "instructional video" version of this film, where the viewer would be able to focus on a particular player in viewing the DVD. If you wanted to watch only Victor Wooten (or whoever your choice was) for the whole performance, from two or three camera angles, the viewer would have that flexibility. You could switch between all of the players individually or watch the show with the "conventional" edit.

It takes a lot of work to edit that many cameras and mix the audio in 5.1 Surround Sound, so you won’t likely see the release of this DVD until fall or winter of 2007.

You're going to love both of these DVDs which will most likely be packaged as a reasonably priced double DVD."

[Laurent]

bottom line, if youre not into gadd (or at the very least willing to admit that there is much to be learned from him), then you dont know what youre missing.

IAbsolutely ! And I even dare to say that you don't know what you are talking about if you disagree with the above comment ! Regardless of one's personal taste, there is no way to deny Gadd's influence and status not only in modern drumming but in modern music in general.

[Class A Drummer]

Ah another one I just found. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpu47XENZAs&mode=related&search= Definitley one of his greatest performances in my opinion.

[KzSgDrummer]

You're going to love both of these DVDs which will most likely be packaged as a reasonably priced double DVD."

Ahh I CAN'T WAIT for this DVD. I'm generally not someone to be the first in line for a new cd or whatever, but I was there for the last night and saw allll the cameras they had running.. this will be a very, very good piece of entertainment that I'll buy the day it comes out!

A teaser of what's to come:
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/6541/dscf0028sf7.jpg

[dawg]

great thread...just got done listening again to al di meola's live "tour de force" cd. one of my favs with gadd and a percussonist, anthony jackson on bass and jan hammer on keys. gadd is tremendous.

[berlioz]

great thread...just got done listening again to al di meola's live "tour de force" cd. one of my favs with gadd and a percussonist, anthony jackson on bass and jan hammer on keys. gadd is tremendous.

some concert video footage from that same tour
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6978057759330493108&q=al+dimeola&hl=en

[millersc]

I post this also in the General discussion thread.
Steve Gadd clinic April 10th in Quincy MA. Here is the link to the site for more info...

http://www.justplaymusic.com/os/

Later

[Bernhard]

I post this also in the General discussion thread.
Steve Gadd clinic April 10th in Quincy MA. Here is the link to the site for more info...

http://www.justplaymusic.com/os/

Later

Why not post this in the calendar?

Bernhard

[KzSgDrummer]

Steve Gadd clinic April 10th in Quincy MA.

AWESOME! Strange that Steve is from the northeast (he's an Upstate New Yorker like myself) and yet the northeast is the one area of the US that he hasn't done an official clinic-tour of. But no matter, Quincy is just a subway ride away from me..

puchasing ticket.. NOW.

Oh, and millersc, a big thanks for the heads up!

[millersc]

Why not post this in the calendar?

Bernhard

Sorry Bernhard, I didn't even know there was a calendar. I'll check and see if anyone has and if not I will.

[millersc]

AWESOME! Strange that Steve is from the northeast (he's an Upstate New Yorker like myself) and yet the northeast is the one area of the US that he hasn't done an official clinic-tour of. But no matter, Quincy is just a subway ride away from me..

puchasing ticket.. NOW.

Oh, and millersc, a big thanks for the heads up!

He actually did come to Portland Maine, New York city, Boston, etc. last July with the Mission from Gadd Tour. I saw him in Portland. I'm hoping to see him this time as well.

[KzSgDrummer]

Soooo mister Stevie Gadd was in town Tuesday, and well, uh, it was great. What a funny guy

here we were talking about the cymbal I brought for him to sign.. it's his Session line's top hihat - I love those hats!
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/3082/img5396ve5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

is it me or is he getting younger and younger?
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/9531/img5398dn5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/7103/img5399eh1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/4196/img5406pu4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

listening to the M.C. introduce himself
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/6093/img5410jn9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/3874/img5407ku5.jpg

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/296/img5413ls1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

et le coup de grace -- c'est tres beau!!

http://img453.imageshack.us/img453/2295/img5415bp9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

he's got such a great looking signature
http://img456.imageshack.us/img456/2100/img5417ty4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[macmarkus]

is it me or is he getting younger and younger?
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/7103/img5399eh1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

i think it's bernhard, not steve. ;-)

[Green and Mean]

Why I think that Steve Gadd is the most influential and best groovin' drummer? Because it's just amazing how much he can do with so less. He is SO musical. That blows my mind completely and 50 ways to leave your lover is the most "fit in" groove I've heard.

[Class A Drummer]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=hiK3LKhnK80

I think everyone will love this video with Eric Clapton. Some of Steve's more funky playin. I love it.

[Class A Drummer]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=M8Sbn6rpdeI&mode=related&search= Insane solo. Absolutley amazing.

[tot_fnky]

A LEGEND. One of the most influential drummers of all time. Underrated drummer for most of people. Is a different kind of drummer, he truly focuses on the groove before the "noise". I think he is great but he isnt one of my favourites.

[jonescrusher]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRAVnSo2twM

One of my favourite Gadd excerpts, absolutely prime grooving. The percussion is peerfect too.

[Paul Quin]

I just watched the clip recently posted by Bernhard of Steve Gadd playing Basically Blue with the BR Big Band. What a great performance. This song sums up some of the reasons why I love Gadd so much. So Simple, so effective, such groove and swing and so dynamic.

I think a lot of the criticism of Gadd on this forum - often from younger and/or less experienced players - is related to the fact that those posters don't yet know how hard it is to actually pull of a performance like that. Without a background full of experience the subtleties are harder to assess and appreciate. It is much harder to "judge" a performance like this than judging a performance based on a more objective criteria like double strokes on the bass drum at 230 bbm.

If, you want be a professional drummer then you just have to learn to appreciate playing like this - and you have to learn to LOVE the music. Not just the drums, not just the drum arrangement - but you have to love the song and the overall music which the band will produce. Without that love you just can't even get near to sounding like Gadd.

(I am now stepping off my soap box)

Paul

Here's the link:

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/stevegaddbasically.html

[King Of Drums]

When I first started drumming a while back I hadn't heard of many drummers. I was convinced Neil Peart was the world's best based on what friends had told me as I didn't listen to Rush. I Youtubed a couple of his solos and was impressed. When my dad, a professional guitar player said he knew the names of some "real" drummers to check out I was intrigued.

I looked one up named Steve Gadd and saw some video of him playing with some fusion band. I was not very impressed and didn't know what to think. He was playing in a strange time signature and I had no idea what he was doing. Months later after I had become a much better drummer I looked up Steve Gadd again. From that moment on I was sold he is now one of my favorite drummers of all time. Such taste, I couldn't believe it, he knew when not to play too. It was like every note he played was perfect. Plus he can go all out and pretty much destroy a kit aswell. He has a very unique groove oriented style and he has inspired me to play more musically at all times. I listen a lot more now to the music I am playing too since listening to Gadd's drumming. Truly a legend

[JeffIndyke]

My Review of Steve Gadd's Long Island Clinic

This is Part I and Part II of IV

let me know if you want me to put up Parts 3 and 4 if you like this


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HXlGlZLO-I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwIdic2qaZM

[That Guy]

My Review of Steve Gadd's Long Island Clinic

This is Part I and Part II of IV

let me know if you want me to put up Parts 3 and 4 if you like this


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HXlGlZLO-I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwIdic2qaZM

I never really paid attention to the tom press until now. I am going to try to apply that to my playing. You definately have a great approach to your teaching methods that helps people like me to build appreciation for technique that I would never consider. Thanks for the vids Dyke, you always inspire me.

[That Guy]

Sorry for the double post.. but I have to express my awe inspiring revelation.

I grew up listening to Al Jarreau and I never knew until just a few hours ago that Gadd backed him up. Thanks for the audio clip Bern! NEW FOUND RESPECT! I always liked Gadd, especially from the 1st time I heard 50 Ways, but now knowing that he backed Jarreau.... I am sooooo inspired and my fire for Gadd has been rekindled. I'm nearly speechless.

I need to go and dig up my Al Jarreau records! Man, how could I have never known this?

[KzSgDrummer]

^ Dude, Gadd and Jarreau together are one of my favorite duos of all time.

"This Time" .. "Breakin' Away" .. "Jarreau" ... besides a couple of tracks with Porcaro and the Toto band (Mornin', Step by Step, Breakin' Away) it was all Gadd and the NYC "Stuff" band. To this day I think of those albums as being not just templates for great pop/r&b drumming, but also templates for what great pop/r&b writing, production, playing, ect should be! It's easy, easy!

[Jarek]

Steve Gadd and his wife Carol are moving out West - Phoenix, Arizona.

[tomgadd]

Found really rare stuff with steve gadd!


Masahiko Sato Steve Gadd_Escape Velocity - with drumsolo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5B5i5-4xYs




Masahiko Sato Steve Gadd St. Thomas - with drumsolo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46D4Y-e71gI



STEVE GADD (1984) with SADAO WATANABE - drumsolo-hot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-94MFYFLXI


happy watching


tomgadd

[Derek]

Steve Gadd has been my hero since 1980. I was blown away by his performance on
" Humpty Dumpty " From Chick Coreas' " Mad Hatter album. Incredible .

As a side note, I'm curious as to why he isn't playing with Clapton these days.

[Deltadrummer]

^ Dude, Gadd and Jarreau together are one of my favorite duos of all time.

"This Time" .. "Breakin' Away" .. "Jarreau" ... besides a couple of tracks with Porcaro and the Toto band (Mornin', Step by Step, Breakin' Away) it was all Gadd and the NYC "Stuff" band. To this day I think of those albums as being not just templates for great pop/r&b drumming, but also templates for what great pop/r&b writing, production, playing, ect should be! It's easy, easy!

That was the stuff, no pun intended, that really turned me on to Gadd, along with Friends. I always loved Distracted and of course Spain from This Time. I think it is Jarreau's best album. It changed the whole way I looked at drumming. He could do a quarter note flam on the floor tom for a fill and it was earth shattering because he made you wait for it, just a little bit, you know, that Gadd lilt. That's why he is the greatest in my book and the nicest guy as well. I teased him last year at the clinic. He was saying that the drum stick click in Aja was a mistake; so when I came up to question him I asked "what am I to do now since that was my favorite drum solo because of the click; but now I find it was a mistake." He said it was still brilliant in defense, which of course I knew already. Gadd is everything that they told you growing up that in theory would make a great drummer, all rolled up in an actually breathing, beating, drumming human being.

[slingerland755]

That was the stuff, no pun intended, that really turned me on to Gadd, along with Friends. I always loved Distracted and of course Spain from This Time. I think it is Jarreau's best album. It changed the whole way I looked at drumming. He could do a quarter note flam on the floor tom for a fill and it was earth shattering because he made you wait for it, just a little bit, you know, that Gadd lilt. That's why he is the greatest in my book and the nicest guy as well. I teased him last year at the clinic. He was saying that the drum stick click in Aja was a mistake; so when I came up to question him I asked "what am I to do now since that was my favorite drum solo because of the click; but now I find it was a mistake." He said it was still brilliant in defense, which of course I knew already. Gadd is everything that they told you growing up that in theory would make a great drummer, all rolled up in an actually breathing, beating, drumming human being.

Enjoyed that....nicely done!

[KzSgDrummer]

That was the stuff, no pun intended, that really turned me on to Gadd, along with Friends. I always loved Distracted and of course Spain from This Time. I think it is Jarreau's best album. It changed the whole way I looked at drumming. He could do a quarter note flam on the floor tom for a fill and it was earth shattering because he made you wait for it, just a little bit, you know, that Gadd lilt.

I can't decide whether I like This Time or Breakin' Away better.. they're both cut from the same exact cloth. And I know what you mean about those simple fills that just makes the empty space cry out for its mommy (lol). One of my favorite moments is in Roof Garden, the first fill at 0:57.. those backbeats just burst out at you! Same idea at 3:13.

Never Givin Up, Love is Real, Alonzo, Spain, Your Sweet Love, Closer to your Love, My Old Friend, Easy, Blue Rondo... I could gush about this timeless music forever.

[Deltadrummer]

I can't decide whether I like This Time or Breakin' Away better.. they're both cut from the same exact cloth. And I know what you mean about those simple fills that just makes the empty space cry out for its mommy (lol). One of my favorite moments is in Roof Garden, the first fill at 0:57.. those backbeats just burst out at you! Same idea at 3:13.

Never Givin Up, Love is Real, Alonzo, Spain, Your Sweet Love, Closer to your Love, My Old Friend, Easy, Blue Rondo... I could gush about this timeless music forever.

Yes, I think we're talking about two different things; but you put your finger on it. It was the space between the notes that really got me to rethink my breaks, and also the placement of the notes, the sound of the notes, the pitch of the drums, the use of a dynamic and accent range in the fill, which gave it a sense of direction; it was music. When I play Gadd for my young students and say listen to this fill, they are always awed by it; it still sounds 'like' way cool man even to kids today. lol

[KzSgDrummer]

^ Amen. Space and dynamics are sorely missing in much of today's music, let alone today's drumming.

**

I just listened to "Lenore" and "Leprechaun's Dream Pt. 2" for the first time in a year or more. Lenore was the first song to say to me, "I NEED to hear more of this Gadd person", effectively starting my love for the guy, and listening back to this stuff now.... man I'm reduced to tears. So beautiful....

No other drummer pulls these emotions out of me like this.. ugh he's rediculous!

[freeds]

Friends,
The thing is this...you guys HAVE to stop thinking as DRUMMERS and think as musicians.
No one, and I mean NO ONE except other drummers care about all of those chops. The chops must serve the music. There are so so many guys who can play this roll or that combination and will never get called for a gig. Musicality is the most important thing. That means good sound, time, taste, communication and big ears.
Steve is a perfect example of the ultimate musical drummer- that is why he is on so many records for so many years. Even if he had never taken great solos he would go down in history as having THE defining groove of the 1970's.
Max Roach once told me that the most important thing that I can do is learn to play the piano. Everytime I would see him he would ask,"so, hows th epiano coming?"
Advice like this from a master is not to be taken lightly.
BTW in regards to the gadd vinnie dave thing.... I was just talking to a respected WORKING drummer here in nyc and we both commented on the fact that gadd blew them both away with his musicality. When he comes in at half the dynamic level that the other guys played you realize that he is about MUSIC and not sports.
Peace

[tomgadd]

Friends,
The thing is this...you guys HAVE to stop thinking as DRUMMERS and think as musicians.
No one, and I mean NO ONE except other drummers care about all of those chops. The chops must serve the music. There are so so many guys who can play this roll or that combination and will never get called for a gig. Musicality is the most important thing. That means good sound, time, taste, communication and big ears.
Steve is a perfect example of the ultimate musical drummer- that is why he is on so many records for so many years. Even if he had never taken great solos he would go down in history as having THE defining groove of the 1970's.
Max Roach once told me that the most important thing that I can do is learn to play the piano. Everytime I would see him he would ask,"so, hows th epiano coming?"
Advice like this from a master is not to be taken lightly.
BTW in regards to the gadd vinnie dave thing.... I was just talking to a respected WORKING drummer here in nyc and we both commented on the fact that gadd blew them both away with his musicality. When he comes in at half the dynamic level that the other guys played you realize that he is about MUSIC and not sports.
Peace


WELL SPOKEN!! That are my thoughts too

[aydee]

Have you guys seen the Zildjian ( Armand) tribute to Steve Gadd, featuring Vinnie, and Marotta, and Michael Landau, Tom Scott etc..?

If you havent, buy this DVD now, documenting Steve's musical journey. Great interviews, great performances.

Five stars !!!

[Derek]

upcoming dvd from the Leprechaun concerts....
from chick corea's webpage:

"The second exciting week featured a group of musicians Chick dubbed "The Leprechaun Band." This group featured Chick on keyboards, the great Steve Gadd on drums, bass legend Anthony Jackson, the amazing Ravi Coltrane on saxes and the Elektric Band's Frank Gambale.

This exclusive reunion focused on Chick's music from the 70's; revisiting tunes from the classic albums The Leprechaun, The Mad Hatter, My Spanish Heart and Friends. This group was really special because it was the first time Chick, Steve Gadd and Anthony Jackson--all musicians who were on the original recordings--had ever played the music live together!

To take things over the top, Chick and band played Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy from the first electric Return To Forever album. There's a special significance to this in that Steve Gadd was actually the original drummer for the electric Return To Forever band (a little known bit of fusion-lore) before Lenny White joined the group.

The gigs were documented with a very innovative video shoot using 15 miniature High Definition cameras placed around the stage at different interesting vantage points. The end result will make you feel like you're actually on stage and in the band!

Additionally, there are plans to make a special "instructional video" version of this film, where the viewer would be able to focus on a particular player in viewing the DVD. If you wanted to watch only Victor Wooten (or whoever your choice was) for the whole performance, from two or three camera angles, the viewer would have that flexibility. You could switch between all of the players individually or watch the show with the "conventional" edit.

It takes a lot of work to edit that many cameras and mix the audio in 5.1 Surround Sound, so you won’t likely see the release of this DVD until fall or winter of 2007.

You're going to love both of these DVDs which will most likely be packaged as a reasonably priced double DVD."

I've looked on Chicks' web page and haven't been able to find this. Am I missing something ?

[Deltadrummer]

I was at one of those shows, and stayed for both sets. Had I known that they were taping that weekend I would have waited. But needless to say, I have been long awaiting this DVD.

I got a chance to talk to Steve a little and was sitting with two guys who were in a band with him back in HS. There is a recording of Steve live with the electric band that was taped for a college radio station. It would be great if that ever surfaced.

[Derek]

OK, so I'm not looking in the wrong place. We're all doing the old " hurry up and wait ? '

[kire]

I don't know if this has been discussed before but I'd like to recommend some great Corea material with Steve Gadd.

First the "Super Trio" CD, (Corea, Gadd & McBride).
http://www.chickcorea.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/69

Second the DVD "Rendezvous in New York Three Quartets Band"
(Corea, Gadd, Brecker & Gomez performing the Three Quartets)
http://www.chickcorea.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/22/products_id/54

I find both these excellent!

Someone put these on YouTube:
Qt. No. 2 Pt. 2 (Pt. 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCMm5Wi_SSk
Qt. No. 2 Pt. 2 (Pt. 2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP6NMXpXshQ
Qt. No. 1 (Pt. 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wekQuBgry4Q

[KzSgDrummer]

^ Redunkulous that it took so long for Chick to distribute Super Trio in the US. It was on sale in Japan for at least half a year before we got it.

[figure_02]

I havent seen him play with this kind of power before:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=RYe075ilpl4&feature=related

He could step in for Lars Ulrich.

[Davidb59]

What about this for an awesome solo. It is just so musical. It doesn't need anyone else in it to make it listenable/watchable again and again.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=EekpcK32qQk&feature=related

[tomgadd]

What about this for an awesome solo. It is just so musical. It doesn't need anyone else in it to make it listenable/watchable again and again.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=EekpcK32qQk&feature=related

i have to whole clinic on dvd....just amazing...

a truly rare and long awaited release is out.
stuff live at montreux 1976

check it out here:
http://www.audiophileimports.com/cgi-bin/ai/cart.cgi/id=6616.p549f9ba4.dip0.t-ipconnect.de&command=listitems&pos=0&type=search?search=gadd

just alittle sign on a cd i've just received.

its a be-bop cd with:

Bob Mintzer tenor saxophone
bass clarinet
Steve Kuhn piano
Eddie Gomez bass
Steve Gadd drums

Recorded: Carriage House, Stanford, CT, USA, 24 & 25 February, 2002

was 2002 only released in japan.
now 2007 rereleased via /www.explorerecords.com

this cd blew out my mind. what a real and truly deep stuff jazzmusic.
steve gadd plays a hell be-bop...

check this great album out.

[Bernhard]

a Drummerworld exclusive new clip from the new DVD is here:

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/stevegaddmasterseries.html

Master at work!!

Bernhard

[Davidb59]

i have to whole clinic on dvd....just amazing....


Which DVD is it on?
20 characters

[Davidb59]

a Drummerworld exclusive new clip from the new DVD is here:

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/stevegaddmasterseries.html

Master at work!!

Bernhard

More great stuff.

I was surprised to see what looks like moongel on the toms. Why would that be? He doesn't normally use it does he ? - and his drums sound just great without

[Derek]

More great stuff.

I was surprised to see what looks like moongel on the toms. Why would that be? He doesn't normally use it does he ? - and his drums sound just great without

Probably because of the acoustics in the room and the clinic was being recorded. Maybe the toms were a bit too " lively " for what they were doing.

[Dr_Funky]

You would probably want to hit me after hearing this, but I can't seem to find something SO speacial about this guy. overrated imo.
Yes he's very original, and yes he's a real groovemaster, but i can't seem to like him that much.
I have a feeling that ill be convinced otherwise after this thread.
Give some opinions and thought about him, I wanna see if i'm really the only one to think like that.

http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Steve_Gadd.html

I agree with you there. He's a bit overrated compared to other drummers I'm hearing out there these days. But indeed, he's got the groove, and I can admire him for that.

I suppose the beautiful thing about Mr. Gadd's playing is the way he can make simple rudiments sound so good, but I wouldn't put him in the same category of chops as, say, Thomas Lang or Virgil Donati.

[jonescrusher]

I agree with you there. He's a bit overrated compared to other drummers I'm hearing out there these days. But indeed, he's got the groove, and I can admire him for that.

I suppose the beautiful thing about Mr. Gadd's playing is the way he can make simple rudiments sound so good, but I wouldn't put him in the same category of chops as, say, Thomas Lang or Virgil Donati.

That's the point; he's not a chops monster but a musical drummer, and therefore his reputation extends beyond drummers into the wider circle of musicians. His tone, groove and musicality is what makes him stand so far above.

Look at it from the point of view that drums are purely musical instruments (no technical workouts independence competitions etc.), then all the chopmeisters would have to be considered over-rated as they don't acheive the same level of tone or feel. It just depends on the angle you look at it from.

[aydee]

That's the point; he's not a chops monster but a musical drummer, and therefore his reputation extends beyond drummers into the wider circle of musicians. His tone, groove and musicality is what makes him stand so far above.

Look at it from the point of view that drums are purely musical instruments (no technical workouts independence competitions etc.), then all the chopmeisters would have to be considered over-rated as they don't acheive the same level of tone or feel. It just depends on the angle you look at it from.

JC, I have great admiration for your patience and your very even temperament. You really should be a teacher...

[Paul Quin]

I agree with you there. He's a bit overrated compared to other drummers I'm hearing out there these days. But indeed, he's got the groove, and I can admire him for that.

I suppose the beautiful thing about Mr. Gadd's playing is the way he can make simple rudiments sound so good, but I wouldn't put him in the same category of chops as, say, Thomas Lang or Virgil Donati.

If only I could be as tolerant as Jonescrusher - and as diplomatic as Aydee! While gritting my teeth and understanding that all opinions are valid (maybe) and by being as generous as I can be, I guess it all boils down to what you perceive are the important attributes to being a drummer. If you were a producer, hiring for a session who would you call? Thousands of producers agree - call Gadd. Whether or not Virgil or Lang have some chops that Gadd doesn't have is completely irrelevant and may or may not be true.

Very gracious of you, by the way, to reduce Gadd's legacy and contribution to music to his ability to play simple rudiments well.

You really should listen much more to his body of work before coming to such specious conclusions.

Paul

[Derek]

I admire all three of you ( Paul, JC and Aydee ) for your diplomacy and even temperament.

By the way, wasn't this very thing covered in this thread a couple of years ago ?

[jonescrusher]

JC, I have great admiration for your patience and your very even temperament. You really should be a teacher...

I'm feeling the love :D I have the sum total of 2 students, who probably hate me for nagging them about their hand technique....

[Bernhard]

I agree with you there. He's a bit overrated compared to other drummers I'm hearing out there these days. But indeed, he's got the groove, and I can admire him for that.

I suppose the beautiful thing about Mr. Gadd's playing is the way he can make simple rudiments sound so good, but I wouldn't put him in the same category of chops as, say, Thomas Lang or Virgil Donati.

What a arrogant bigheaded statement.

Bernhard

[Dr_Funky]

What a arrogant bigheaded statement.

Bernhard

Cheers, mate.

I'm sorry if I'm offending you guys, but that's my honest opinion of him; I honestly don't think he is the be-all-end-all of session drummers. There are other groovers out there in this drumming world that deserve a listen and some praise as well.

[aydee]

I agree with you there. He's a bit overrated compared to other drummers I'm hearing out there these days. But indeed, he's got the groove, and I can admire him for that.

I suppose the beautiful thing about Mr. Gadd's playing is the way he can make simple rudiments sound so good, but I wouldn't put him in the same category of chops as, say, Thomas Lang or Virgil Donati.

Mr.Gadd is right, considering Mr. Lang & Mr. Donati would also probably refer to him as Mr. Gadd.

Mr. Gadd was easily THE MOST 'in demand' session player in the history of the instrument. By a long, long,shot.The guy coming in second wasnt even close.

He was the Michael Jordan of drums

Everyone wanted him on their record, from folksy ol' Paul Simon, to Jazzy Chick Corea, to fusioneque Steely Dan, to name a few.

Now that should tell us something about about what people are looking for in a drummer.

Without getting into the groove v/s chops debate, which is the silliest thing drummers can possibly talk about IMO, may I recommend that you listen to Mr. Gadd's solo on Steely Dan's Aja, and his playing on Chick Corea's Leprechaun, to get a taste of what he can do when hes not plain grooving.

[mattsmith]

I agree with you there. He's a bit overrated compared to other drummers I'm hearing out there these days. But indeed, he's got the groove, and I can admire him for that.

I suppose the beautiful thing about Mr. Gadd's playing is the way he can make simple rudiments sound so good, but I wouldn't put him in the same category of chops as, say, Thomas Lang or Virgil Donati.

Well first of all man, if you can't hear Gadd's world class chops you neither have them yourself or even understand why people pursue them. You perfect major chops so you don't have to use them. Can you even imagine the discipline that has to take? That's what the beautiful thing about Gadd is. And its also why he can perfect that awesome groove that you wrongly think is something different from his chops.

I cringe when I read stuff like this because it just plays into the stereotype that people who are into the drummers with chops see only that at the expense of all things.

[KzSgDrummer]

Funny that someone who goes by the name of Dr Funky is putting down one of the grooviest and, yes, funkiest drummers of all time. Someone's got some learnin' to do!

[Class A Drummer]

Mr.Gadd is right, considering Mr. Lang & Mr. Donati would also probably refer to him as Mr. Gadd.

Mr. Gadd was easily THE MOST 'in demand' session player in the history of the instrument. By a long, long,shot.The guy coming in second wasnt even close.

He was the Michael Jordan of drums

Everyone wanted him on their record, from folksy ol' Paul Simon, to Jazzy Chick Corea, to fusioneque Steely Dan, to name a few.

Now that should tell us something about about what people are looking for in a drummer.

Without getting into the groove v/s chops debate, which is the silliest thing drummers can possibly talk about IMO, may I recommend that you listen to Mr. Gadd's solo on Steely Dan's Aja, and his playing on Chick Corea's Leprechaun, to get a taste of what he can do when hes not plain grooving.

You talked about the "guy coming in second."
You dont happen to know who he is by any chance do you? Im kinda interested in this.

[aydee]

You talked about the "guy coming in second."
You dont happen to know who he is by any chance do you? Im kinda interested in this.

Well, I was just using it as a figure of speech, but I would think Jim Keltner was a big session player at the time, on a ton of records. I guess Purdie would be up there too.

[aydee]

I honestly don't think he is the be-all-end-all of session drummers. There are other groovers out there in this drumming world that deserve a listen and some praise as well.

Chances are that the 'other groovers' that you talk of grew up listening to him, breaking down his licks, woodshedding them in practice.Thats is probably WHY they are groovers today.

Opinions aside,he was the benchmark..

[jonescrusher]

Well, I was just using it as a figure of speech, but I would think Jim Keltner was a big session player at the time, on a ton of records. I guess Purdie would be up there too.


Hell, let's include Marotta and Porcaro. It's not always so bad finishing second.

[Deltadrummer]

The difference between Gadd and Porcaro is that it takes twenty years to learn to play Fifty Ways to Leave Your Love, right, where as, you can do Rosanna in just about 19. Actually, I think Rosanna is the harder groove because he executes those ghost notes so fast, at about 160 QPM.

Like Aydee says, Gadd was the benchmark. I think he was the drummer of our generation. There were many others but when people look back they can see Gadd as this guy who took the rudiments of corp drumming and made them groove. He integrated that whole element of drumming into pop and jazz drumming in a Big Way, and we love him for it.

[aydee]

Hell, let's include Marotta and Porcaro. It's not always so bad finishing second.

Marotta is something of a Gadd protege', I think. Ken might know better, but my impression is that Gadd would give him ( recommend him ) a lot work that he couldn't handle himself.

Yes, Porcaro, was very wanted man too, indeed

[KzSgDrummer]

I believe the Gadd-Marotta link goes something like this:

By the time Steve got to NYC in 1972, Rick had already established himself there and had much more experience playing the newer groove-based styles, whereas Gadd had none, as his background was almost entirely in jazz, classical, or the corps.

So Rick showed Steve the ropes, he took to it VERY quickly, and the rest is history.

[Derek]

Guitarists sometimes ask me to explain the Steve Gadd influence on drums and music. When the occasion comes to make it short and sweet, I tell them " He's our Hendrix. "

[aydee]

Rick showed Steve the ropes, he took to it VERY quickly, and the rest is history.

I guess I had it backwards. Thanks for the correction. As an aside, the tribute to Gadd organized by the Armand Zildjian family has Rick playing on it and he talks about their long association & friendship.

[LinearDrummer]

I suppose the beautiful thing about Mr. Gadd's playing is the way he can make simple rudiments sound so good, but I wouldn't put him in the same category of chops as, say, Thomas Lang or Virgil Donati.

And thats a good thing....
Please don't put him in the same category as Lang and Virgil cause honestly not everyone wants to hear two hours of double bass- metric molecular- multi pedal ostinatos til your brain explodes!

Some people actually enjoy listening to tasty feel based playing with dynamics and musical subtlties where you can listen and actually tap your feet to the groove....

[tomgadd]

Cheers, mate.

I'm sorry if I'm offending you guys, but that's my honest opinion of him; I honestly don't think he is the be-all-end-all of session drummers. There are other groovers out there in this drumming world that deserve a listen and some praise as well.


thats typical for today. many folks tell us their "honest opinion", but they simply forget,
that to have an opinion means not to say its so and so, but means to have a deep impact on what they tell us their opinion.
Dr Funky nails this case! his deepest opinion talks about nothing.
to compare gadd with Thomas Lang or Virgil Donati shows
he is not knowing what he is talking about.
sad.


good stuff:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M1bEYHJJA8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiBQeTqEDZY

both from "stuff in montreux 1976"

tomgadd

[shuffzorz]

Hellow,
Haven't read all the posts so excuse me if this had already been noticed,
But I think there is something wrong on the Steve Gadd Info's page,
His set-up it says

Hardware

Yamaha, DFP-9310 Double Pedal

But if u look well at his Hi-hat pedal u see it dw5000 hardware hi-hat,,
Maybe something for the mods to change,, it might be a cnsidnce that he used it there but not as usual drumkit idno,, just wanted to say :P

Laterz !

[franklinj]

I was wondering if anyone else on this forum has ever heard "Last Breath of an MC" by Andre Nickatina? He takes the "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" groove and turns it into his own song. I usually hate when rappers take old songs and rap over them, but Nickatina actually pulls it off.

[Class A Drummer]

I was wondering if anyone else on this forum has ever heard "Last Breath of an MC" by Andre Nickatina? He takes the "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" groove and turns it into his own song. I usually hate when rappers take old songs and rap over them, but Nickatina actually pulls it off.

There was some parody song by Weird Al Called "50 ways so leave Osama" or something like that.

[oops]

Not sure if this has been posted already, but it's ridiculous.

Version of Spain (Chick Corea) by Al Jarreau with a fair massive drum solo by Gadd.

Quotes the melody during his solo. Roaringly awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt1ubSiAp1k

Also features lyrics written by Al.