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

[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.

[KzSgDrummer]

How has this thread gone over half a year without any love?? Oye vey. Definitely time to update with some newish Youtube stuff.

First up is this quirky yet utterly clever mashup of Gadd with Jaco, Chick and B.B:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA472YwhHFo&NR=1

Gadd playing with Stanley Clarke and some German guys back in 1984. The whole concert is also up:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMLWsO2WZpg&feature=related

Outro to Paul Simon's "Ace in the Hole" from somewhere around '80 or '81:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuq2MWmAVZ8&feature=related

Gadd And Simon again, this time playing "50 Ways" back in 2000:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTiyLuZOs1A&feature=related

Commercial for Steely Dan's album Aja:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixlCaUJrG1g&feature=related

And last for now, a Gadd solo from 1984, playing with Sadao Watanabe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJHDJGEQyBw&feature=related

Savor 'em!

[tajtonic]

What I love about Gadd is the unbelievable musicality. It seems as though every note he plays is perfect for the tune. He can drive a band unlike anybody I've heard. He's the hippest drummer, in my opinion. He's hip to everything. He plays every style like it's his favorite. AND he has insane time and unbelievable chops. Chops are second to time in my opinion - the guy's a human metronome. He even tunes his drums better than everyone else, I think. He's found a niche in his sound that seems to fit everything while remaining unmistakably Steve Gadd. I could pick him out anywhere - I made All-State Jazz Band this year and we got CDs with recordings of the charts and, wouldn't you know, one of them was Basically Blues from the Burning for Buddy volume 2 session with none other than Gadd almighty.

[figure_02]

This is so swampy! And the four last bars is classic Gadd.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tX29t2i4D8I

[Baddstuff]

in my opinion you cannot teach what Gadd has. Yeah, you can practice all your rudiments and get your reading down and all that but you cannot teach his amazing feel and musicality. You either have it or you don't. Enjoy him because he's one of a kind.

[Wavelength]

in my opinion you cannot teach what Gadd has. Yeah, you can practice all your rudiments and get your reading down and all that but you cannot teach his amazing feel and musicality. You either have it or you don't.

Musicianship cannot be taught; everything must be learned. In my opinion, the idea that some people "just have it" and some don't is incorrect. Rather, some people have taken the time to learn it.

[Baddstuff]

Musicianship cannot be taught; everything must be learned. In my opinion, the idea that some people "just have it" and some don't is incorrect. Rather, some people have taken the time to learn it.

well, I hear what you're saying but I believe even if someone takes the time to learn something and puts in an honest effort they still may not grasp it or communicate it to the degree of someone like Gadd. Maybe that's where the saying "often imitated but never duplicated" comes from. :)

[Wavelength]

well, I hear what you're saying but I believe even if someone takes the time to learn something and puts in an honest effort they still may not grasp it or communicate it to the degree of someone like Gadd. Maybe that's where the saying "often imitated but never duplicated" comes from. :)

I agree, but I'm sure Steve wasn't born with his knack for divine drumming -- he worked his butt off and played, played and played with a whole bunch of great musicians. Sure, there may be a small genetic factor involved, but again, mastery and musicality are gained through hard work and experience. Nobody's going to sound like Gadd, and Gadd isn't going to sound like anyone else...

...and hooray for that!

[Baddstuff]

amen!
20 characters

[KzSgDrummer]

Posted a couple weeks ago, here's some real lively drumming with Joe Cocker and Stuff from their 1976 tour -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwUIvJglUiQ&feature=related
.

[Funky Crêpe]

i'm on this thread to ask a question, but first.....
i think that gadd is amazing at what he does because he can make something that is simple sound complicated...he himself believes this to be very important in drumming..'simplicity is not stupidity'.....(actually i believe that steve jordan said that but you get my point!)
he can do it all, but chooses not to show it......because it doesnt fit musically

my question is this......in Gadd's dvd 'steve gadd up close'...is it true that he was high for it??
because after watching it there is a compelling arguement for it!...he is much too laid back and in his head,and he gives off quite a strange vibe.....good example..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-jG1wCsZOo&feature=channel

cheers

[berlioz]

Yes, he was definitely on "something", this was nothing new to Gadd, as he was heavily into drugs in the 70's and early 80's. He's not proud of it, but thats just the way the scene was in those days.

[tomgadd]

Tonight on german/french TV ARTE at "one shot not", hosted by
Alice Tumler und Manu Katché: Randy Crawford & Joe Sample & Steva Gadd & Nick Sample....and in HD:-)

[Derek]

Yes, he was definitely on "something", this was nothing new to Gadd, as he was heavily into drugs in the 70's and early 80's. He's not proud of it, but thats just the way the scene was in those days.

True that. But the good part is that he's been clean and sober for going on nearly 20 years now.

[jonescrusher]

Yes, he was definitely on "something", this was nothing new to Gadd, as he was heavily into drugs in the 70's and early 80's. He's not proud of it, but thats just the way the scene was in those days.


I'm pretty sure that's how the scene is these days...

[KzSgDrummer]

True that. But the good part is that he's been clean and sober for going on nearly 20 years now.

I remember reading that he went into rehab around '86 or '87 and was completely sober by '88, so that would mean he's been clean and clear for OVER 20 years now.

[Derek]

I remember reading that he went into rehab around '86 or '87 and was completely sober by '88, so that would mean he's been clean and clear for OVER 20 years now.

Even better. I stand corrected.

[Jagr]

I miss the old "Baked out of his mind" Gadd. Somthing about him trying to explain the beats while high just makes me laugh so much. But on the other hand, I'm glad we didn't lose him to substance abuse.

[Basswood]

Steve Gadd is the reason why I sarted playing the drums. Nough said.

[drum.lad]

Im going to see him with Eric Clapton in may.

[Bernhard]

This Sunday Steve played with his Gang (Joey de Francesco - Ronnie Cuber....)
here in Basel Switzerland. Nice pictures from the lobby....no black sticks..

Bernhard

[superbatmat]

I was at this concert !

Steve play very well !

But I think he don't make new things since 30 years...

But he's groove is incredible...

[The Big Beat]

i love gadd's set, idk theres just something so simplicitly beautiful about that raven black yamaha

[Ardent15]

Gadd wrote the book on so much of what we admire in modern drumming.

A living legend and an amazing musician.

[kire]

Some nice reading here
http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jan09/articles/techthat.htm

[thiscocks]

A really good track I heard with Gadd on recently is "Distracted" by Al Jarreau on his album "This Time". Classic Gadd snare patterns and fills. When you hear it, it can be no one else playing.

[KzSgDrummer]

^ Classic Gadd r&b track there. I know every note of that song inside-out. Those early '80s Jarreau albums are just top notch pop.

[Illuminous_Grin]

I've been listening to and watching Steve Gadd on Youtube for quite a while now, and during that time he has become the embodiment of everything I want to achieve as a drummer.

My question is: Can someone please recommend an iconic Gadd album or two for me to buy and listen to over and over and over again?

[Meat the beat]

Steve is a legend...

But why does he look so damn miserable on his vids???

[KzSgDrummer]

My question is: Can someone please recommend an iconic Gadd album or two for me to buy and listen to over and over and over again?

Chick Corea - The Leprechaun or My Spanish Heart... ('70s jazz-fusion)
Al Jarreau - Breakin' Away... (early '80s R&B-pop)
Eric Clapton - Live at Hyde Park... ('90s rock)
Grover Washington Jr. - Winelight... (top-notch smooth jazz)
Steps - Smokin' in the Pit ('70s jazz-fusion)

[aydee]

Can someone please recommend an iconic Gadd album or two for me to buy and listen to over and over and over again?

Paul Simon- Graceland
Steely Dan- Aja

But why does he look so damn miserable..

Careful. He is also the spitting image and an identical twin to the founder of Drummerworld Bernhard Casteglioni.

[joshisaces]

This Sunday Steve played with his Gang (Joey de Francesco - Ronnie Cuber....)
here in Basel Switzerland. Nice pictures from the lobby....no black sticks..

Bernhard

Whoa. That's a weird bump on his right arm... haha

[drum.lad]

Going to see Gadd in a few hours he is playing with Eric Clapton needless to say im excited and my aunt just had a baby boy this morning and there naming it stephen which is weird in the best of ways.

[KzSgDrummer]

Careful. He is also the spitting image and an identical twin to the founder of Drummerworld Bernhard Casteglioni.

Meat the beat isn't talking about physical looks, he's talking about Gadd's pissed off expression on his face. I assume it was all the drugs at the time, as his moments of looking the most miserable was when he was at the pits of his substance dependency. And since he cleaned up circa 1987 he's been much more "normal" looking in his expressions.

For example, watch Grover Washington Jr's 1981 "In Concert"... Gadd smiles I think twice during the entire hour-long set.

[drum.lad]

Hey guys forgot to post here the concert was amazing my brother was in tears for claptons skill and i was drooling over gadd he was insane i even saw him smile at the end when the were bowing such a classy show

[Meat the beat]

Meat the beat isn't talking about physical looks, he's talking about Gadd's pissed off expression on his face. I assume it was all the drugs at the time, as his moments of looking the most miserable was when he was at the pits of his substance dependency. And since he cleaned up circa 1987 he's been much more "normal" looking in his expressions.

For example, watch Grover Washington Jr's 1981 "In Concert"... Gadd smiles I think twice during the entire hour-long set.

LOL! thats just what I was saying KzSg!!

[Derek]

I've been listening to and watching Steve Gadd on Youtube for quite a while now, and during that time he has become the embodiment of everything I want to achieve as a drummer.

My question is: Can someone please recommend an iconic Gadd album or two for me to buy and listen to over and over and over again?

There are some really good suggestions here. I'd add two by Chick Corea:

"The Mad Hatter" (very hard to find - if you do, pay particular attention to "Humpty Dumpty")
"Three Quartets"

Enjoy!

[thiscocks]

Saw Gadd playing with Eric Clapton the other week in London. Goes without saying he was really tastefull and had a lovely kit sound. Surprised to see him play the whole show with match grip though...

[KzSgDrummer]

Here's a real gem... Gadd playing in what must be L'image back in '77: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx6To4jBk6c&feature=related

[Xiwaka]

No doubt he´s a groovemaster and has got an almost perfect technique, like all of you said before. on my point of view i´ll try to explain you why everybody loves the way he plays the drums:
he innovated in tha groove area using a lot of PARADIDDLE variations, that´s what i think. Anybody had done that before, it was very original and pretty innovative. of course, that doesn´t mean that he is superman, but he was essential for the development of several kinds of music.

[tommorello]

Here's a real gem... Gadd playing in what must be L'image back in '77: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx6To4jBk6c&feature=related
I saw him perform with L'Image in Febuary this year, they were performing at the Iridium in NYC when I was visiting. What an opportunity to see this dude live!

[Basswood]

What about those new sticks? Anybody knows?

[Bernhard]

of course, that doesn´t mean that he is superman, but he was essential for the development of several kinds of music.

Yes - he IS superman - sure!!

Bernhard

[justjim]

I'm quite impressed with Gadd and his work is a constant go-to source for me when it's "hey, want to hear some very cool drumming?"

In some ways, I may be approaching it from "the other side" as I was a Classic[al] guitar major years ago.
So, for me, it's a bit of a "musician becoming a drummer" * as opposed to a "drummer becoming a musician" journey -- and I think that has colored my view.

* That isn't a "drummers aren't musicians" comment, I'm talking about the path of our development from 'operator' to 'artist' - it can apply (and oh how it does)to "guitarist" or "pipe organist" or "gambist" or "vocalist" just as easily

[Jarek]

James Taylor and Steve Gadd at the North Sea Jazz Festival 2009 in Rotterdam.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vt-VLFyyP8

[Funky Crêpe]

Steve is a legend...

But why does he look so damn miserable on his vids???

well, his drug problems aside, there are a lot of musicians who don't smile while they are playing....weckl, jojo, elvin!....i think the only exception is bernhard purdie, that man never stops smiling!!
if i try and smile when i play it puts me off and i lose the beat, facial expressions and grunting can help a player in my opinion.

[Jeremy Bender]

It's his groove that's so amazing. No wonder that James Taylor, Paul Simon and Eric Clapton hire him.

[Funky Crêpe]

I don't expect anybody to analyse it and then answer my question, just if you have already seen it and know how to play it. I'm not looking for anyone to go out of their way in this but....does anyone know the sticking to this steve gadd video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiBQeTqEDZY&feature=fvst

the part that i am wondering about starts at 1:53 an ends at 2:03
any help would be greatly apreciated, i think is is some hybrid paradiddle.

ps:the part just before this point in the video is insane!!

[Derek]

I was on cloud 9 last night. I saw Steve Gadd live at Catalina's Jazz Club in L.A. He and his band were in great form; each member of the quartet took several solos.

Steve's performance exceeded even the highest espectations. His legendary feel, deft brushwork and when theings reved up he was absolutely explosive.

The man was very engaging with the audience and very humble. It was a great evening watching this great (and my favorite) drummer in a small setting like this.

An additional treat was that sitting at the table next to us were JIm Keltner, J.R Robinson and Louis Conte, all of whom were really enjoying watching their friend play.

What a night.

[Davidb59]

I'd love to see SG on his own or with his own band. I saw him in May with Clapton and was not impressed. He did the bare minimum. I'm not saying that's wrong but I would have liked more from him.

It's his groove that's so amazing. No wonder that James Taylor, Paul Simon and Eric Clapton hire him.

[davidr]

He's the best for all of the reasons mentioned. Of course he can't do everything, but what a ridiculous criterion on which to judge him. Doing 4-way polyrhythms that resolve every thousand bars is science its not music. For me, showing what can be done on an instrument in terms of technicality belongs in a circus. The fact is, simplicity, or rather refrain, is in itself a tool for a pro and Gadd uses it masterfully. Finally, Gadd's drumming communicates through its phrasing and composition and these alone are enough that you can identify his drumming even before he so perfectly and personally executes it. That is why Gadd is the drumming superman.

Remember, it's just an opinion...

[percusmann]

I'd love to see SG on his own or with his own band. I saw him in May with Clapton and was not impressed. He did the bare minimum. I'm not saying that's wrong but I would have liked more from him.

The bare minimum is why he gets hired. Did you know Taylor MOVED an entire tour to accomodate Steve's schedule? Think about that...

[HelenaHell]

Hi!
Can smb tell me what concrete A custom cymbals Gadd uses with Clapton ?

[Derek]

Unless you saw him in a very unique situation, he always uses his Ks- regardless who he's playing for. His sound, you know?

[Terminator7t]

So, I have recently been watching some of Steve Gadd's performances and I can't for the life of me see why he is considered one of the best drummers of all time. I mean to be compared to people like Vinnie, Jojo Mayer and many more seems to be ridiculous to be me.

For example, I saw a performance of Vinnie, Dave Weckl, and Steve Gadd playing together, and he seemed to be totally outclassed by the others.

Is there something i'm missing? Or maybe I am unable to appreciate his drumming.

[Pollyanna]

So, I have recently been watching some of Steve Gadd's performances and I can't for the life of me see why he is considered one of the best drummers of all time. I mean to be compared to people like Vinnie, Jojo Mayer and many more seems to be ridiculous to be me.

For example, I saw a performance of Vinnie, Dave Weckl, and Steve Gadd playing together, and he seemed to be totally outclassed by the others.

Is there something i'm missing? Or maybe I am unable to appreciate his drumming.

I saw that video - great entertainment! Yep, Steve didn't even try to compete, instead doing what he does best - grooving. In a song context Steve's strengths are his timing, touch, groove and taste; his song interpretations are a marvel. He just so "gets it".

I was first turned onto his playing via Stanley Clarke's Journey to Love, for example:

Concerto for Jazz/Rock Orchestra (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syqpg5HS-uA)

Journey to Love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jv99pB3YyZE)

[Pat Petrillo]

Yes. Obviously there is. It seems your description of amazing, world class drummer includes a hearty dose of chops and licks..While it is true that the drummers you've mentioned, and others perhaps, can "out chop" Steve at this stage of his career, let me say this:

1) Steve Gadd influenced those drummers in major ways. Steve created, or conceptualized many of the fills and grooves those guys play.

2) Steve is a groove master who has played on thousands of records, not by flashing chops, but playing music, the song.

3) Steve has influenced probably millions of drummers thru these recordings and performances.

4) Steve is a WONDERFUL, beautiful human being. VERY humble, and down to earth for someone who has achieved SO MUCH....'nuff said on that one!

I suggest you listen to recordings of Steve with Chick Corea in the '70's. Listen to Aja by Steely Dan, just to start out. DOn't watch "dig me " clips on You Tube for comparisons.

I'll be peeking in on this thread, for sure..Should be interesting..

[diosdude]

Yeah, Gadd is pretty much one of the great "pocket" drummers of all time. I dig Gadd, Bernard Purdie, Carter Beauford and David Garibaldi for their groove. Against the Weckl's and Vinnies of the world, their style is totally different, Just because you're not pushing the envelope with chops doesn't mean you're not a great drummer. Lately I've seen a lot of Jojo clips on Youtube when he's just laid back chillin' and groovin' and I know for a fact the chops-wise he's a God among drummers and could wipe us all out with one hand and one foot if he chose to. Think of Gadd's style like driving a Ferrari five miles per hour UNDER the speed limit in a school zone. You're still turning heads even if you're not on the redline. Keep digging for more clips of Steve Gadd.

[stasz]

To the OP-- In the past, I probably would have agreed with you. And yes, it is definitely true that Vinnie or Dave may have played more technically difficult licks in that video with the three of them playing. But above all other things, Steve Gadd makes a song groove. He can play a drum part that makes you want to dance. Basically, that's the end of it. Of course I don't mean to say that Steve does not have technically ability or chops, because he most definitely has more than he needs, he just uses them with taste, which is #1. The way I see it, Steve Gadd has accomplished the incredibly difficult task of being a drummer who is totally detached from his playing, always merely a spectator to his own drumming, and always listening, no matter what he is playing.

I know what you might be thinking--and this is because I thought the same thing in the past--you watched the video of the three drummers soloing and you thought that Steve Gadd sounded bad. I think that's understandable, especially since I'm arguing that he is one of the best-sounding drummers in the world, but it doesn't matter if you personally think he sounds bad. I think on one hand you have to consider that everyone has different taste in music and maybe you just didn't dig his style in that video. But on the other hand--and no offense because I mean this in the best way possible--I think you have to consider if you are really just listening for pleasure. I have committed the drumming crime before of listening to a drummer with mad chops just thinking, "this guy is insane!! How did he play that lick?? Is he using double bass?? what's the sticking?? I need to be able to play that complicated!!" And it is nice to see a drummer who has really shed stuff and can play his butt off, but for any regular person who doesn't care how good a drummer is--and we shouldn't care either, we should just care if he sounds good--they will only listen to how groovy his or her playing is. I think it was Steve himself who was quoted as saying (I'm paraphrasing) "It's all about the groove. Nothing else matters."

Also, if you need any more proof, just look at what Pat has said above about Steve's enormous career. Lots of people really dig the sound of his drumming.

[aydee]

...


I'd agree with your assumption that you might be missing something here.

This may or may not change your views on Steve's chops of the lack of them http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hUGKu5WwrA , but history will tell you that Steve was the definitive drummer of his time, and like all greats do, he put his stamp on the music of that time, and influenced an entire generation of players.

As Pat says, Dave Weckl & Vinnie both, have cited Gadd as a major influence in their playing and Gadd had a lot to do with the way they play and sound, today.

So there's them apples : )


...

[Bernhard]

For example, I saw a performance of Vinnie, Dave Weckl, and Steve Gadd playing together, and he seemed to be totally outclassed by the others.

.

If you mean this (Showdown, Buddy Rich Memorial 1989):
http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/showdown.html

then in the opinion of most drummers, experts, forum discussions, Steve Gadd is delivering the "clearest message" just in this sample.

Great drumming also here:
http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/stevegaddsaudade.html
http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/stevegaddbackhome.html

[Thaard]

If you listen to Dave and Vinnie´s playing, you can clearly hear where they got most of their inspiration from. I see Steve Gadd as "the drumming dad" while Vinnie and Dave are his "drumming kids", evolving and carrying it on through a new generation(in the video too).

[JT1]

So, I have recently been watching some of Steve Gadd's performances and I can't for the life of me see why he is considered one of the best drummers of all time. I mean to be compared to people like Vinnie, Jojo Mayer and many more seems to be ridiculous to be me.

For example, I saw a performance of Vinnie, Dave Weckl, and Steve Gadd playing together, and he seemed to be totally outclassed by the others.

Is there something i'm missing? Or maybe I am unable to appreciate his drumming.

Vinnie is a king of chops and speed but man Gadd has the groove in that video. My favourite part is and always will be where Gadd brings the groove in i feel it so much. Not really a listener of his playing but i appreciate it most definately.

[aydee]

JT1- Please, please, please,please, please,please, please,please, please,please, please,please, please,please, please,please, please,please, please,..dont take this thread anywhere near the GROOVE v/s CHOPS cliff edge.

Steve Gadd has all the chops & all the groove he needs. He has played on more albums than Vinnie & Dave put together, ( please feel free to add a few more names of world class drummers here, and he'd still be more.. ), and thats the proof of the pudding, period. In eating it.

Playing music has never been a comparative analysis of certain body parts, its about how effectively they are used. If that were true, the entire world would collectively bow to Thomas Lang and not to Ringo Starr.

...

[gusty]

In the video with Vinnie and Dave, notice how in the first lot of solos Gadd just lays down a really solid Crazy Army groove. Not as technically impressive as the other two but it grooves really well. It might take a while to appriciate it, but after some more listening I'm sure you'll get it.

[Deltadrummer]

There are certain imitable features to Steve's playing and as others have cited he has influenced many players.

I think the most enjoyable aspect is the Gadd lilt. When you listen to his playing a placement of the notes that is unique.

Another thing is that Gadd was one of a handful of players who actually started to write drum grooves that were not only innovative but became an irreplaceable part of the song. When you look at a tune like Paul Simon's 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover or Late in the Evening, you can't imagine those tunes without Gadd's drum part. His work with Al Jarreau as well as the sambas he plays on Chick Corea's Friends are also first class. . He does this while at the same time playing very drummistic patters: with rudiments and Stone stickings.

Gadd plays in a way that inspires the others around him through his infectious groove and musical attitude towards playing. Regardless of what any one thinks about his playing, you don't become the most recorded drumming in history without doing something right.

[Muckster]

Is there something i'm missing? Or maybe I am unable to appreciate his drumming.

One word my friend: "Feel" and with an arsenal of chops. I don't know how old you are but
as your drumming matures you'll appreciate Gadd's talent.

[Swiss Matthias]

While I agree with everything being said - just for the record Dave Weckl and especially Vinnie got great groove too...!!

[Swiss Matthias]

This may or may not change your views on Steve's chops of the lack of them http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hUGKu5WwrA

He surely rips on that one!

[muckypops]

So, I have recently been watching some of Steve Gadd's performances and I can't for the life of me see why he is considered one of the best drummers of all time. I mean to be compared to people like Vinnie, Jojo Mayer and many more seems to be ridiculous to be me.


I just have to laugh. That's all... I'm out on this one.

[virfirjans]

I only can say:

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

[zambizzi]

Gadd is one of those guys you can sit and watch...and be instantly humbled at how great he makes the instrument sound. He could play a "money beat" and make you feel like you just picked up the sticks yesterday. It's that instantly recognizable mojo that the great drummers have.

[aydee]

...

From Tiger Bill Reviews
American Drummers Achievement Awards Honoring Steve Gadd : -

According to Steve's long time friend, bass player Anthony Jackson, Steve's approach to each recording session is unique among drummers.

Steve doesn't simply add a drum part, he literally orchestrates one for every song he records.

At one point Vinnie Colaiuta, no lightweight himself, proclaims Steve "One of the most important drummers who ever lived."

....

[Steady Freddy]

For example, I saw a performance of Vinnie, Dave Weckl, and Steve Gadd playing together, and he seemed to be totally outclassed by the others.

Different strokes for different folks I guess. I thought Gadd blew the other two out of the water. Vinnie seemed to just play single stoke rolls for most of the solo and that got really old for me. Weckl lacks soul and seems too mechanical.

Gadd played in the pocket and whenever I hear that drum battle I can't sit still when Gadds playing. Vinnies never done much for me.

That said the much talked about 50 ways geoove left me shaking my head when I first heard it. I thought it was kinda silly.

YMMV

[Eric]

This is really funny. I was talking to a bass player freind about this clip a year ago, and we thought Steve was the clear "winner" (ugh, need a better word) because he just layed down the fattest groove. It kind of speaks to the new era, where the drum stars are creating their own context-either as a soloist or with a "gospel chops" vamp going on- as opposed to the studio stars of yesterday, who made their name playing in a band or sideman context.

[DrumEatDrum]

So, I have recently been watching some of Steve Gadd's performances and I can't for the life of me see why he is considered one of the best drummers of all time. I mean to be compared to people like Vinnie, Jojo Mayer and many more seems to be ridiculous to be me.

For example, I saw a performance of Vinnie, Dave Weckl, and Steve Gadd playing together, and he seemed to be totally outclassed by the others.

Is there something i'm missing? Or maybe I am unable to appreciate his drumming.

I'd say you're missing context.

When looking back at a great, you have to consider where they were at the time and not compare them to who else is around now.

Much like football players of the 60's and 70's, the greatest back then seem average now because the "chops" bar has been raised so much higher.

When Gadd was at the highest point of his recording career and wowing people with solos that got him the reputation of greatest drummer, Weckl was still in Jr High school. Jojo Mayer had never been heard of. Vinnie was just getting started.

Weckl and Vinnie, among others, were very influenced by Gadd. Gadd was doing what they are doing before they were doing it.

So it's no surprise they took what Gadd did and improved upon it to the point that looking at them NOW, it appears Gadd is not quite on the same level.

Just because the student might surpassed the teacher doesn't mean the teacher is no longer deserving his credit.

There are 100's of drummer debates like this where one guy was innovate, but someone else took it to a new level. But the guy at the new level wouldn't be there without the predecessor.

I was never into Gadd when I was younger. I didn't much get it either. But as I've gotten older, I've been able to appreciate where he was coming from more, and appreciate what he does. I'd kill to have his feel and sense of groove.

[Drums&Beer]

All I can say is look at this discography

http://www.drstevegadd.com/discography.htm

To me this says it all. The diversity of the artists that Steve Gadd has worked with is off the charts. And we're not talking being hired to perform here, that's a side-bar. Gadd is hired to make music and stamp it in stone when the record button is pressed.

I would take Gadd's infinite musical wisdom, innovation, incredible grooves and sublime sense of rhythm over any amount of chops, any day of the week. When I hear Gadd play, I am hearing is a living, breathing rhythmic GPS device that knows where a song a going and how it's going to end. Yet at the same rate he is incredibly present and musically in the moment.

All of this is no knock on Vinnie or Dave. They are fantastic drummers, & I am sure they would be the first to tell anyone that what Steve Gadd has and what he has done is what matters most.

[Boomka]

So, I have recently been watching some of Steve Gadd's performances and I can't for the life of me see why he is considered one of the best drummers of all time. I mean to be compared to people like Vinnie, Jojo Mayer and many more seems to be ridiculous to be me.

If you don't get it, you don't get it. I hope you get it; but you may never get it. That's fine. I'm glad I got it. Because I didn't always get it. But since I got it, I want more of it.

[Boomka]

Much like football players of the 60's and 70's, the greatest back then seem average now because the bar has been raised so much higher.


Nah, the bar for what Steve has achieved hasn't moved an inch. How do you improve on the biggest, phattest, most inviting groove that begs everyone to come in and feel its embrace?

[Derek Roddy]

If you mean this (Showdown, Buddy Rich Memorial 1989):
http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/showdown.html

Well, the crowd definitely had more enthusiasm in applause.... when Gadd when into that groove....over what they gave Weckl and Vinnie.

Seems pretty cut and dry to me.

D.

[aydee]

Nah, the bar for what Steve has achieved hasn't moved an inch. How do you improve on the biggest, phattest, most inviting groove that begs everyone to come in and feel its embrace?

I had a feeling you'd find a way to say it, perfectly.


...

[Boomka]

I had a feeling you'd find a way to say it, perfectly.


...

Thanks. Though I should add that Steve wasn't the first or the last to aim at that bar...

[DrumEatDrum]

Nah, the bar for what Steve has achieved hasn't moved an inch. How do you improve on the biggest, phattest, most inviting groove that begs everyone to come in and feel its embrace?

I was only referring to the chops aspect as put forth in the context of the original post.

I do agree about Gadd's sense groove. If you read my entire post, I did say I'd kill to have it.

[Boomka]

I was only referring to the chops aspect as put forth in the context of the original post.

I do agree about Gadd's sense groove. If you read my entire post, I did say I'd kill to have it.

Yeah, sorry, I was just trying to make a rhetorical point.

But then again, I'm not sure I agree with you. Part of "feel" is when and where the strokes land - and that's a technical issue. I might agree that many have "elaborated" on what Steve said, but I wouldn't say they've improved the language.

Anyway, let's not get into a long debate. It doesn't really matter. We both dig Gadd's groove. That's enough for me. That's what he he's trying to say.

What would Steve do? :)

[aydee]

I was only referring to the chops aspect as put forth in the context of the original post.

I do agree about Gadd's sense groove. If you read my entire post, I did say I'd kill to have it.

uh-o.. I can sniff the groove/chop thing coming on...

[Boomka]

uh-o.. I can sniff the groove/chop thing coming on...

Shhhh...don't wake it.

[DrumEatDrum]

Yeah, sorry, I was just trying to make a rhetorical point.

But then again, I'm not sure you're correct. Part of "feel" is when and where the strokes land - and that's a technical issue. I might agree that many have "elaborated" on what Steve said, but I wouldn't say they've improved the language...

I agree "Elaborated" is a much better term than "improve". I'll use that one next time.

But this debate has been played about a million times over different drummers, and it comes down to the same things: one guy laid the foundation, and someone else took it and went somewhere else with it, leaving kids to think the 1st guy isn't as deserving.

In Prog:
Kids like to say Mike Portnoy tops Neil Peart, but most of what Portnoy plays he took from Neil, and then added to.

In Metal:
Lars Ulrich gets slammed for not being as good as modern metal masters, but 25 years ago, Lars was playing innovative stuff no one else was really doing, that then everyone and their brother copied and took to a new level.

In big band:
People love to debate Buddy over Gene, but Gene was a huge influence on Buddy.

In jazz:
People go on and on about Tony and Elvin, but not as much about Papa Jo Jones who set up many of the concepts that Tony and Elvin took to a new level.

In overall drum history:
People love to discuss Buddy, Krupa, Tony, Ringo, Peart, but not so much guys like Zutty Singleton and Sonny Greer who were among the first guys to even play what we now consider a modern drum set on a recording.

And even drum historians still can't figure out who actually came up with the concept a drum set over individual drums, that poor person's name has been lost to history. We only know that Bill Ludwig took the concept and improved it to make a better and more practical bass drum pedal that allowed everyone else the chance to become drum set players.

[Pollyanna]

Just goes to show that groove and feel are more important than chops MWUHAHAHAHA


Who can forget the joy those little "debates" (aka firestorms) brought us? Those threads were like a microcosm of public discourse today, where hardly anyone lands their point right in the sane middle ground - right in the pocket. Instead, debates are almost always full of people whose stance is basically "this is My Side and those on the Other Side are of bad intent".

Make no mistake, Steve has absolutely brilliant chops and without those tools he wouldn't be able to do all those marvellous things he does with groove, feel, and interpretation. But his chops aren't mind-blowing like those of Vinnie and Dave - they're "merely" brilliant. Poor old Steve :)

[MikeM]

uh-o.. I can sniff the groove/chop thing coming on...You seem to be gunning for it.

===========

Only thing I don't like about Steve Gadd is the color of his sticks. I wish I could see them. I hate watching him waving his fists around and seeing the occasional cymbal wiggle.

Seriously, that's the only thing I can ding him on. There's nothing about his technique, style, taste, or sense of appropriateness that I have ever been able to take issue with. He's a dream to listen to.

I can't say that about any other drummer that comes to mind, including Dave or Vinnie...

[aydee]

You seem to be gunning for it.

===========

Right. And thats the conclusion you came to after reading my posts in this thread? Arent you the perceptive one!

[druid]

the thing that Vinnie did starting at around 6:53 I think...? Still sickening really...I was floored when I first saw that...in 1990.

I think what Gadd did here was fantastic also....nothing wrong also with having some contrast with the players...none of these guys seemed to be trying to "cut" each other....but Vinnie and Dave did focus on chops more. I've heard other BR mem. Shows did not have this type of friendly back n forth with the drum features. *cough* Calhoon/Peart.

I'd never put down Steve Gadd....but to reply to an earlier post is it possible Vinnie may have just as many recordings these days? I know he has been hired for a ton of stuff...much you would not even think of him being on.

[toddbishop]

Is there something i'm missing?

No, that about covers it: stature of artist == how you think they fared in a drum battle.

[aydee]

I know he has been hired for a ton of stuff...much you would not even think of him being on.

I doubt it, though you could be right...

Vinnie certainly is a first call drummer to a lot of the A-list artists while doing a whole bunch of other stuff as well.

[arthurk1]

One day you will appreciate his playing much more. Once again, he is a master of the song and makes it look simple. When he plays, the drums just lay where they should without standing out, but certainly perfect for the song, and that is a very LONG list of songs!

[theindian]

Out of the 3 Weckl definetly has the best mullet!

[Pollyanna]

Out of the 3 Weckl definetly has the best mullet!

Oh yes. The best I've seen since the 80s. I heard that he had it cut. A tragic loss to drummerdom.

Hey Ken, would you be able to tell more about the "Gadd lilt"?

[DrumEatDrum]

Out of the 3 Weckl definetly has the best mullet!


LOL...... oh yes he did.


Oh yes. The best I've seen since the 80s. I heard that he had it cut. A tragic loss to drummerdom.

Hey Ken, would you be able to tell more about the "Gadd lilt"?

Polly, you crack me up more than anyone.

And because you're not afraid to say what's really on your mind.

[Drums101]

So, I have recently been watching some of Steve Gadd's performances and I can't for the life of me see why he is considered one of the best drummers of all time. I mean to be compared to people like Vinnie, Jojo Mayer and many more seems to be ridiculous to be me.

For example, I saw a performance of Vinnie, Dave Weckl, and Steve Gadd playing together, and he seemed to be totally outclassed by the others.

Is there something i'm missing? Or maybe I am unable to appreciate his drumming.

I saw that video. I don't know how you could think he wasn't as good. When he played his solos actually sounded good. They were easy to listen to compared to Vinnie and Dave Weckl's solos.

[druid]

the best part of the mullet is the "bounce" that occurs....it has a life and mind of it's own ....the drummer moves the mullet bounces...it even has it's own phrasing.

[funk49]

The great ones make it look easy.

[JT1]

JT1- Please, please, please,please, please,please, please,please, please,please, please,please, please,please, please,please, please,please, please,..dont take this thread anywhere near the GROOVE v/s CHOPS cliff edge.

Steve Gadd has all the chops & all the groove he needs. He has played on more albums than Vinnie & Dave put together, ( please feel free to add a few more names of world class drummers here, and he'd still be more.. ), and thats the proof of the pudding, period. In eating it.

Playing music has never been a comparative analysis of certain body parts, its about how effectively they are used. If that were true, the entire world would collectively bow to Thomas Lang and not to Ringo Starr.

...

No no no no no i didn't mean to do anything of the sort that was not my intention at all. I was merely stating that i connected with the groove that Gadd played more than anything else in that video, it is my favourite part. I love Vinnie and Weckl and they get the same respect and admiratrion from me that Gadd does as i know they all have the groove and chops necessary to express themselves fully. There i hope that clears things up.

[JT1]

[QUOTE=Gadd plays in a way that inspires the others around him through his infectious groove and musical attitude towards playing. Regardless of what any one thinks about his playing, you don't become the most recorded drumming in history without doing something right.[/QUOTE]

Sorry to nitpick mate but that title belongs to Mr Purdie =D

[Swiss Matthias]

They were easy to listen to compared to Vinnie and Dave Weckl's solos.

Hm hm, does that count for comparison? Is something easier to listen to better?

[paradiddler]

Gadd is in the details.

[jordanz]

It will be interesting to look back 20 years from now and see how the amazing technicians compare to Weckl and Vinnie.

As another poster said, context is everything.

[bigd]

To even say JoJo Mayers name in the same sentence with Vinnie, Weckl, and Gadd is absolutely ridiculous. You can find better players on any serious music campus in the US.

[Hedon]

To even say JoJo Mayers name in the same sentence with Vinnie, Weckl, and Gadd is absolutely ridiculous. You can find better players on any serious music campus in the US.

man jojo is an awesome drummer dont underestimate

[Boomka]

To even say JoJo Mayers name in the same sentence with Vinnie, Weckl, and Gadd is absolutely ridiculous. You can find better players on any serious music campus in the US.

That's a pretty serious claim... Not borne out by my experience, but there you go...

[Funky Crêpe]

To even say JoJo Mayers name in the same sentence with Vinnie, Weckl, and Gadd is absolutely ridiculous. You can find better players on any serious music campus in the US.

really? not a chance, jut because his name isn't as big as the others, or that he hasn't played with ALL the best guys.
seriously he is one of the best around today, although gadd is great, and IS one of the best, you would have a better chance at spoting a guy as good as gadd than mayer in my opinion, he can do things i have never seen anyone replicate

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9iqqSMiQUU

this piece alone is a great musical, technical piece.....no groove, but man he can groove aswell. I'm am not getting into a chops debate, but this guy is leaps and bounds neyond the frey when it comes to both. nobody alive today imo has a left hand like him

[MikeM]

To even say JoJo Mayers name in the same sentence with Vinnie, Weckl, and Gadd is absolutely ridiculous. That's just crazy talk. :D

[Pollyanna]

Are we allowed to mention Lionel Fingleton in the same sentence as Vinnie, Dave Weckl and Steve? Look, ok, he lost his mullet after the lobotomy but I'm sure it's still there in spirit.

Let's try it out. "Vinnie, Dave Weckl, Steve Gadd and Lionel Fingleton are all unreal drummers". That works for me.

[bobdadruma]

There have been some whacky threads here on DW, But this one wins the gold!
What's Up with Gadd!!! I LMAO when I read the first post!
The only thing that is, and has ever been up with Gadd, is his playing ability!

[MikeM]

There have been some whacky threads here on DW, But this one wins the gold!
What's Up with Gadd!!! I LMAO when I read the first post!
The only thing that is, and has ever been up with Gadd, is his playing ability!
I know! Might as well have said "So, what is it with God" but they don't allow that religious stuff around here... I'd say this comes pretty close, though! :D

[con struct]

This is truly one strange thread. Steve Gadd is a world-class drummer possessing technique that the rest of us can only envy. He's my idea of what a drummer is: music first, drums second.

His ear for what makes a song happen, just that all by itself puts him up there in the realm of greatness. Steve Gadd is a songwriter and producer's dream drummer. He can play anything and he'll do it with impeccable taste.

That's what it is with Steve Gadd. He's a pro's pro, and every drummer that goes into the recording studio these days is under his shadow. Is there any higher standard to aspire to?

[DrumEatDrum]

To even say JoJo Mayers name in the same sentence with Vinnie, Weckl, and Gadd is absolutely ridiculous. You can find better players on any serious music campus in the US.

That is absurd as the original post that started this thread.

[con struct]

That is absurd as the original post that started this thread.

That is as absurd. And you don't need the "that started this thread." It's redundant. Original post means the same thing. It's like saying "the mother who gave birth to me."

And Steve Gadd set the modern standard for how to play while the tape is rolling, a standard that has yet to be surpassed.

[cathartic_j]

Gadd is in the details.

Admittedly, I haven't been on this forum long, but that's definitely the best combination of truth and humor I've seen here thus far!

It's redundant. Original post means the same thing. It's like saying "the mother who gave birth to me."

My internet sarcasm detector isn't always the most accurate, but this is funny whether you meant it to be or not. It's reminiscent of this (http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Redundancy).

[con struct]

My internet sarcasm detector isn't always the most accurate, but this is funny whether you meant it to be or not.

I did indeed mean it to be funny. Being taken seriously frightens the hell out of me.

[DrumEatDrum]

That is as absurd. And you don't need the "that started this thread." It's redundant. Original post means the same thing. It's like saying "the mother who gave birth to me."
.

True, but then again, I know mothers who didn't give birth, and woman who did give birth, but aren't mothers.

But that's getting wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy off topic. :-P

In other news: The only time I saw Gadd live was during a Simon and Garfunkel acoustic thing at a benefit concert. They brought him out for one song. And I thought, wow, he doesn't come cheap, I can't imagine they flew him up, paid him his fee, flight, hotel, etc, just for ONE song. But apparently they did.

[con struct]

In other news: The only time I saw Gadd live was during a Simon and Garfunkel acoustic thing at a benefit concert. They brought him out for one song. And I thought, wow, he doesn't come cheap, I can't imagine they flew him up, paid him his fee, flight, hotel, etc, just for ONE song. But apparently they did.

Yep. We all wanted that. But Gadd, he brought it and he got it.

[smacks11]

Steve Gadd = God

that is all

[Derek]

With all that's been said here let me just add this. Chick Corea once referred to Steve Gadd as "The finest musician I've ever played with."

Speaks volumns when we consider all the musicians Chick has played with in his career.

[Jeff Gordon #24]

Yes. Obviously there is. It seems your description of amazing, world class drummer includes a hearty dose of chops and licks..While it is true that the drummers you've mentioned, and others perhaps, can "out chop" Steve at this stage of his career, let me say this:

1) Steve Gadd influenced those drummers in major ways. Steve created, or conceptualized many of the fills and grooves those guys play.

2) Steve is a groove master who has played on thousands of records, not by flashing chops, but playing music, the song.

3) Steve has influenced probably millions of drummers thru these recordings and performances.

4) Steve is a WONDERFUL, beautiful human being. VERY humble, and down to earth for someone who has achieved SO MUCH....'nuff said on that one!

I suggest you listen to recordings of Steve with Chick Corea in the '70's. Listen to Aja by Steely Dan, just to start out. DOn't watch "dig me " clips on You Tube for comparisons.

I'll be peeking in on this thread, for sure..Should be interesting..

Oh Wow! Well said there Pat. There is absolutely no mis-understanding about Steve Gadd after reading this post, sir. Excellently worded and couldn't agree more.

You've humbled ME, Mr Petrillo. And I Thank You.

[Pollyanna]

Terminator, the opening poster, saw a drum battle and Steve was the least spectacular one in it. I think it's reasonable for a relatively inexperienced drummer to ask the question. I don't think it's good to discourage people from asking questions lest they worry about it being a "dumb question".

He asked why and we told him why, which all seems fair enough to me. So good onya Terminator for asking the question and hopefully the info is useful, ie. what constitutes great drumming as opposed to spectacular drumming.

Imagine there's a band with an empty drum stool. You have to decide which drummer will make the song sound best. Steve Gadd has a proven track record as someone who can reliably walk in and make a song more effective than a composer would ever imagine it could be. What's played doesn't need to be fancy or spectacular; it just needs to help the music actualise to its fullest potential on the day.

That not only involves the drum track itself but also its effect on how the other musicians play because drums are the foundation of most popular music forms on which other musicians and lead voices build their parts.

As someone else said, he's apparently a humble, decent and pleasant man. That helps put others at ease so they can produce their best.

[Swiss Matthias]

Terminator, the opening poster, saw a drum battle and Steve was the least spectacular one in it. I think it's reasonable for a relatively inexperienced drummer to ask the question. I don't think it's good to discourage people from asking questions lest they worry about it being a "dumb question".

Great thought, Polly!

[MikeM]

Great thought, Polly!
+1 on that.

I remember when I first saw that video. It was right when it came out and Dave and Vinnie were two of my favorite drummers at the time. My exposure to Steve Gadd was limited to Al Dimeola and Steely Dan, and of course 50 Ways.

I thought he out-classed the other two to be honest. He struck me as almost a savant - like it just wasn't in his DNA to do something of questionable coolness. Just a lot of very well placed accents and especially flams was all it took and it didn't really seem like he was really thinking about it - or that perhaps he really was thinking about it and just wasn't aware anyone else was even in the room!

[mrchattr]

Watch that video again, and ask yourself which drummer sounds the most like he is playing a song.

THAT is what makes Steve Gadd so amazing.

Literally anyone could learn how to do what the other two do in that battle...with enough time and practice. That's not to take away from their performances, which are all incredible...but it's just really amazingly fast complex techniques being executed perfectly. Only Gadd manages to include amazing technique, etc, but still make it sound like a song. That's something that you just have or you don't...you can't train a muscle to make yourself hear songs better.

[Boomka]

I've heard it said that Gadd "plays the music of the rudiments."

[aydee]

And here is a ready-reckoner of some of the 'rudiments' he has played since 1968: ( from his website)

2009 L'Image 2.0

(about 1,000 albums here)

1968 Gap Mangione Diana In The Autumn Wind

[Terminator7t]

There have been some whacky threads here on DW, But this one wins the gold!
What's Up with Gadd!!! I LMAO when I read the first post!
The only thing that is, and has ever been up with Gadd, is his playing ability!

Glad I made you laugh :).

So anyway, I have been watching some of Gadd's videos on Youtube, and I am starting to understand why people respect him so much, and why he is considered one of the greatest drummers of our time.

After watching the video with Vinnie, Weckl, and Gadd, I noticed that it was him playing that awesome cowbell groove throughout with amazing feel and skill, and he did have enough chops of his own which, after watching a few times is more friendly to the ears than Vinnie, and Weckl's technical mastery. I mean considering he was playing things like this 30+ years ago must of been mind-blowing for the time.

I have also been watching videos of him playing along to music, and as a poster said previously, it does seem irreplaceable because it sounds so good!

Anyway, I do regret making this thread, but thanks to your posts I now can finally appreciate Steve Gadd, so cheers for that.

[Swiss Matthias]

Literally anyone could learn how to do what the other two do in that battle...with enough time and practice.
I know what you mean, but don't forget that someone has to come up with the patterns Vinnie and Dave did, too!! Plus I don't think this level of command over time and rhythm can just be learned with enough practice.
On the other hand you can as well say everyone can play the figures Steve played. Just because Vinnie's and Dave's solos are more "technical" outstanding doesn't mean everyone can a) invent and develop them and b) even play them.

Also, as amazing Gadd's grooves sound in the video, it's not really something invented on the spot either. Those are his signature Crazy Army and Mozambique patterns and variations. Not wanting to take anything away from Gadd (!!), he just went another path in the battle than the other two.

[aydee]

Glad I made you laugh :).

So anyway, I have been watching some of Gadd's videos on Youtube, and I am starting to understand why people respect him so much, and why he is considered one of the greatest drummers of our time.

After watching the video with Vinnie, Weckl, and Gadd, I noticed that it was him playing that awesome cowbell groove throughout with amazing feel and skill, and he did have enough chops of his own which, after watching a few times is more friendly to the ears than Vinnie, and Weckl's technical mastery. I mean considering he was playing things like this 30+ years ago must of been mind-blowing for the time.

I have also been watching videos of him playing along to music, and as a poster said previously, it does seem irreplaceable because it sounds so good!

Anyway, I do regret making this thread, but thanks to your posts I now can finally appreciate Steve Gadd, so cheers for that.

Please dont regret it. Thanks to this thread, we all got a chance to relive and re-celebrate the career of a drumming 'great'. And as Polly implied, there is no such thing as an ignorant question...

...

[JPW]

Since when didn't Gadd have chops? Two words: microtiming and dynamics. He's one of those guys who knows how to fill the rythmic space with notes for sure, but instead of filling it all, he decides to just play couple of the most tastiest notes he could play. I could listen to his "brushes on a cardboard box"-youtube clip for ages.

Chops are first, then there's taste and then there's Gadd.

[wickydeviking]

I'd say you're missing context.

When looking back at a great, you have to consider where they were at the time and not compare them to who else is around now.

Much like football players of the 60's and 70's, the greatest back then seem average now because the "chops" bar has been raised so much higher.

When Gadd was at the highest point of his recording career and wowing people with solos that got him the reputation of greatest drummer, Weckl was still in Jr High school. Jojo Mayer had never been heard of. Vinnie was just getting started.

Weckl and Vinnie, among others, were very influenced by Gadd. Gadd was doing what they are doing before they were doing it.

So it's no surprise they took what Gadd did and improved upon it to the point that looking at them NOW, it appears Gadd is not quite on the same level.

Just because the student might surpassed the teacher doesn't mean the teacher is no longer deserving his credit.

There are 100's of drummer debates like this where one guy was innovate, but someone else took it to a new level. But the guy at the new level wouldn't be there without the predecessor.

I was never into Gadd when I was younger. I didn't much get it either. But as I've gotten older, I've been able to appreciate where he was coming from more, and appreciate what he does. I'd kill to have his feel and sense of groove.

Well, Steve Gadd is the Johan Cruijff of drums ;)

[Pollyanna]

Also, I don't want to knock those who essentially said to Terminator "Whaaaat?? Are you mad??" because that reaction is understandable too (and these are people I respect). It's so easy to forget how thrilling maniacal drumming could be when you first start up. It's surprising that I remember given that I probably have about two memory cells left after a misspent life.

But times move on, we change, and reality tells us that those "flash" things we played were too sloppy to be workable and we start looking at music rather than just drumming.

Mike, you reminded me of how awestruck by Steve's work on Al DiMeola's The Wizard (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzttzQyUD5o) with Mingo Lewis. An Aja-esque performance.

Mr Chattr, with all due respect, I'm with Matthias in that I could practice 24 hours a day for another 30 years and not be able to play what Dave and Vinnie did in the drum duel clip. Those guys are freaks IMO. And so is Steve, but in a different way, although as has been said he has major chops.

Terminator, yep, that cowbell groove he did was classic Gadd. He gets those syncopated things to groove like crazy. Magic! And I agree with Aydee that you have no reason to regret starting the thread. Hey, it got us going, didn't it? Keep up the good work! *grin*

[Flam_Taps]

Dave and Vinnie sell huge drum sets to the parents of teenagers. Steve sells music to the parents of teenagers. An ounce of musical taste is worth a pound of technique.

[Swiss Matthias]

You obviously don't know much about Vinnie.
Edit: except if you were only talking about the drumbattle video, then your point is valid, of course.

[mrchattr]

Mr Chattr, with all due respect, I'm with Matthias in that I could practice 24 hours a day for another 30 years and not be able to play what Dave and Vinnie did in the drum duel clip. Those guys are freaks IMO. And so is Steve, but in a different way, although as has been said he has major chops.


Here's the thing though: you actually could. You are right that it MIGHT take that long, and both of you are right to say that coming up with parts like that, and doing so on the spot, takes more than just technical talent. But you would be amazed at how far you can come even just sitting practicing for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, for a few years. You could get a transcription of what they played and nail it over time, with a huge amount of work. That's kind of the definition of technique. Natural talent helps with it all, of course, but any technique can be taught and learned. Feel can't really be learned, although it can be developed. And that's why I think the whole "feel/technique" battle is so silly. They are two totally different things.

[jonescrusher]

Feel can't really be learned, although it can be developed.

And that's why a drummer could never replicate the playing of Vinnie or Weckl; their sound is based as much on a combination of chops and feel as Gadd's is. Vinnie's sound, for example, is so unmistakable, not because of the chops he plays but for the time feel he has.
That said, putting in many hours a day for years may well put your playing in the same kind of esteem as Vinnie's - you're playing would develop it's own feel.

[mrchattr]

And that's why a drummer could never replicate the playing of Vinnie or Weckl; their sound is based as much on a combination of chops and feel as Gadd's is. Vinnie's sound, for example, is so unmistakable, not because of the chops he plays but for the time feel he has.
That said, putting in many hours a day for years may well put your playing in the same kind of esteem as Vinnie's - you're playing would develop it's own feel.

Very true, and well said. I guess my point was more that Gadd's feel is the more impressive of the three (in my, and from the sound of it, most of our, opinion)...but you are absolutely right, all those drummers have their own well developed unique feel.

[imispgh]

I would bet that Mr. Gadd himself would say that he is not even in the top 10 of drummers chops wise. That's not his gig. Ever watch his solos? He does some of his standard stuff and them usually says his database of moves is tapped out a couple minutes in and apologizes for not doing more. Steve is fundamentally sound as hell and I would imagine one of the most available and one of the lowest maintenance drummers there is to play with. Most people will take someone who is easy to work with, is dependable and not only knows they are in the rhythm section but prefer it that way over someone who is higher maintenance and worries about their solo time etc. (Jim Keltner is another one - only his limits his range even more than Steve.)

[Skitch]

So, I have recently been watching some of Steve Gadd's performances and I can't for the life of me see why he is considered one of the best drummers of all time. I mean to be compared to people like Vinnie, Jojo Mayer and many more seems to be ridiculous to be me.

For example, I saw a performance of Vinnie, Dave Weckl, and Steve Gadd playing together, and he seemed to be totally outclassed by the others.

Is there something i'm missing? Or maybe I am unable to appreciate his drumming.

I am very familiar with the video you are referencing here......

Without Steve, you wouldn't have either one of those drummers just as without Ringo, you wouldn't have John Bonham!

In this video, while the other two are shredding, Steve plays the most obvious ideas and makes them sound great!

And while Vinnie is from Mars (as I stated to my nephew - "meanwhile back on Mars" when Vinnie plays his last four bar solo), it is sometimes more difficult to come up with something really simple and make it sound and feel good.

It's like a duel between Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock.

Have you ever listen to anything else Steve has done? Aja - I transcribed this entire song out, solos and all because I was on a a Country tour and listened to that tune and thought "I'm going to play that song one day!" There is quite a bit of interesting things in those solos.

In all honesty, this sounds like the Neil Peart is the greatest ever debate of decades ago....Neil gets to play the way he does because of the band he's in. Speaking of which check out Steve on the Burning for Buddy track, Love for Sale. Steve is the swingingest quarter note ride cymbal ever!

I mean, I used to be just like you when I got my Steve Gadd modern drummerback in 1983 - "Who is this Steve Gadd goobernuts guy? What's the big deal? I also thought the same thing of Vinnie Colaiuta, then I heard the Joni Mitchell album "wild Thing Run Fast" and it WAS on!

Do some more exploring of Steve and don't study just "chops" players!


Mike

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