The legendary Steve Gadd. [Archive] - DRUMMERWORLD OFFICIAL DISCUSSION FORUM

mediocrefunkybeat

07-12-2005, 07:03 PM

He is amazing... what is 'special' about Steve Gadd is his ability to hold a crowd silent with the smallest of movements. He doesn't need to play fast (although he can) but instead his incredibly dexterity and imagination are what makes him stand out from ANY crowd of drummers.

He was basically there at the start when drumming became more than simply providing a groove. Granted, there were others before him, such as Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Louie Bellson etc, but Gadd's strength is his incredible virtuosity across ALL genres. His technical ability, combined with his ability to read and further combined with his imagination is what IMO makes him one of the most gifted drummers to grace us. He can solo, he can groove and he does what no-one else has done, or will do, before or since.

LDGuy

07-12-2005, 07:05 PM

I think this is hard. I wasn't massively impressed when i first saw videos of him, especially on drummerworld, but as a player and accompanist, Gadd is unique. Gadd has so much groove, it's just unbelievable. I think you really have to watch him play with others and what he does on his records to really understand the level he plays at. Not massive chops, but back in there, just playing what he needs to. Some of these drummers on drummerworld (in fact quite a lot of them) take really front end roles when playing with their various bands - Weckl, Gregg Bissonette, Donati, Steve Smith, Smitty, Dennis, etc etc the list goes on. Very very few just play a groove so perfect it just messes with your head. Gadd is one of them. Not massive on chops, doesn't need to be, but an amazing supporting musician - find some stuff and listen to it! Eric Clapton esp.

Paul Quin

07-12-2005, 08:42 PM

I truly disagree with several of these posts. Gadd has a better technique than just about anyone. He has better and more chops than just about anyone. He is more innovative and imaginative than just about anyone. And there is no-one more musical and more solid.

Remember, however, that just because you can do stuff, however, doesn't mean you should. That is what makes Gadd such a great drummer. He always does what is necessary for the song and no more. There are many musical cliches which have more than an essence of truth: One particularly appropriate for Gadd is "it's not what you put in its what you leave out."

For those who are unsure about his technique and chops listen to some of the stuff he has done with Chick Corea and Chuck Mangione as well as some of his solo work with the Gadd Gang. For his inventiveness and ability to stay within the pocket listen to some of his work with Rickie Lee Jones - even stuff like Chuck E's in Love is absolutely masterful. Most people are familiar with 50 Ways and with Aja (both of which are remarkable pieces) but there is so more.

He has playing at an incredibly high level for years and years. Even his work with James Taylor (check out "October Road") is truly an artist at work. And all this for a man whose first hit was playing on the Hustle!

I think he is a "deep" player and the more you listen to him the more you learn to appreciate his playing and his overwhelming musicality. Comparing Drummers is never a useful exercise but I believe there is no one better, more musical or more versatile.

Just my opinion, but one shared, I suspect, by many who are members of the "been playing more than 20 years club."

Paul

Bernhard

07-12-2005, 09:05 PM

Ok, now it starts - I saw it come. STEVE GADD!!!! There was a discussion at Pearl Forum at the time with tousands of posts. So happy posting....

One thing: To see what he do is possible, we have slowmotion and and and.....
Then learning it, ok. But then bring to Sound: There it lays....... .To bring this all to live, that it sounds really "gaddish" and then also putting in the right places - not so easy at all - well, let's say for me...

Bernhard

Stu_Strib

07-13-2005, 12:48 AM

The thing about Gadd is that the product is more important than the process. To disagree with another post, no he DOESN'T actually have perfect technique (look to his scary fulcrum point on his left hand traditional grip...way to far back), but he doesn't care. Its the sound that matters.

He plays amazingly thoughtful parts, that are both difficult to imagine or invent, yet still fit the music perfectly. Where someone would apt to play a simple boom-tap-crash, Steve Gadd invents a linear barrage of across-the-bar 32nd note double-stroked genius that just falls right in place.

I would say (as yet another drummer of the 20+ year playing category) if you don't get Gadd, then you need to listen to more modern music in comparison and just listen to how uncreative, boring, bland, dull and sometimes just plain bad the drummers are.

The other genius part about Gadd is he'll show you the notes, he'll show you how to play them, yet most of us STILL can't get it right.

Rick Wilkinson

07-13-2005, 01:39 AM

Gadd is some-what like Eric Clapton (slow hand) he only plays the right note(s) at the right time for the right reason. Nothing more and nothing less. They can realy play but never over play.

That beeing said in the three man showdown wekl, gadd and coulitta
Who would you vote OFF the Island?? I'd have to say Gadd.
But if I wanted someone to come up with a cool Groove it would be Gadd.

There all Incredible!!

Stu_Strib

07-13-2005, 03:20 AM

To further my point that Gadd plays it and we screw it up:

Rick Latham's Funk book has the 50 Ways intro, but he neglects to note that it;s not left hand hi-hat right hand snare lefthihat lefthihat .... one of those double lefts is actually played with the foot. It is a VERY subtle sound difference, but its what makes it groove, GADD-like.

Funkmaster O

07-13-2005, 11:49 PM

Hey Bernard...you look kinda Gadd'ish ;o)

I remember when I first heard a recording with Gadd back in the seventies...and it blew my mind right away.
I'm not a drummer...just love drummers...and especially those with great feel and an ear for making a recording memorable.

I just love to watch the old video he made...where he seems stoned out of his mind...but still performs incredibly.

Must say that I feel he has faded somewhat...his work with Clapton is a bit boring...and some of the latest live videos I have seen him on, don't excite me like the old stuff...oh well...he's still a living legend to me.

Durkin

07-14-2005, 12:38 AM

all i can say is "50 ways to leave your lover" and "Aja" ^_^

darkcherryfade

07-16-2005, 08:42 AM

I like Steve Gadd in the same way that I like Neil Peart. I don't find him to be as much an amazing DRUMMER as he is an amazing MUSICIAN. Although he is a great drummer.

LiquidSoul546

07-16-2005, 09:01 AM

I like Steve Gadd in the same way that I like Neil Peart. I don't find him to be as much an amazing DRUMMER as he is an amazing MUSICIAN. Although he is a great drummer.

you obviously don't know steve gadd, or neil peart. haha. the thing is with gadd, he CAN play ANYTHING he wants. alothough age has taken it's part slightly, i bet gadd could do an insane vinnie solo if wanted, or a technical out there weckl solo. that's what i think people neglect. gadd plays what gadd loves, and sure it may be simple in SOME points, but if you listen closely the stuff he plays makes him both an amazing musician and drummer. and besides about .1 percent of the drummin population can exactly replicate his style. and play what he can play, that's pretty amazing to me. with neil, that's a whole different forum to post.

michaeldangelo

07-16-2005, 09:10 AM

Like everyone's been saying...

He's not the biggest chop master in the world. But he doesn't need to be.

His groove is just outstanding, both about the "pocket" and about his originality in taking to songs. Hence "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover", "Aja", his stuff with James Taylor, outstanding.

I think if someone hears a musician and they can name that person every time... That's when you know when someone is great...

"Man, that's Steve Gadd..."

darkcherryfade

07-16-2005, 11:09 AM

you obviously don't know steve gadd, or neil peart. haha. the thing is with gadd, he CAN play ANYTHING he wants. alothough age has taken it's part slightly, i bet gadd could do an insane vinnie solo if wanted, or a technical out there weckl solo. that's what i think people neglect. gadd plays what gadd loves, and sure it may be simple in SOME points, but if you listen closely the stuff he plays makes him both an amazing musician and drummer. and besides about .1 percent of the drummin population can exactly replicate his style. and play what he can play, that's pretty amazing to me. with neil, that's a whole different forum to post.

Don't tell me what I know or don't know, because you don't know me. This isn't about how simple or complex his playing is. I know Gadd can play anything he wants, and that he doesn't want to play Vinnie or Marco Minneman=style solos with ridiculous chops over crazy polyrhythms at blazing speeds. He doesn't play that kind of stuff, and he can't. No drummer can play EVERYTHING. He hasn't needed to play that kind of stuff, and he doesn't need to, and he never will need to. What does that mean? He plays what he needs to play with amazing feel and flavor, which to me is the realization of a great MUSICIAN on any instrument. But his technique and chops don't amaze me, pardon me for not kissing his @ss like everyone says I'm supposed to. To me, an amazing drummer, guitarist, bassist, etc. not only plays with incredible feel and flavor and plays what is needed, but also possesses the technique, control, speed, chops, accuracy and innovation which push the limits of what is believed to be possible on their instrument.

Little Wing

07-16-2005, 07:36 PM

I've seen Gadd live twice, once with Paul Simon, the otherwise James Taylor. Neither time did he stand out, he just played the most perfectly understated grooves. James Taylor made the crowd give his at least 6 standing ovations, he was that good.

SheekLucci

07-16-2005, 08:21 PM

just listened to Al DiMeola - Casino and you'll understand..also that he did Egyption Danza on that cd on first take, while he was on cocaine. yes he as on drugs. also he did steely dan - aja first take also

LiquidSoul546

07-16-2005, 11:59 PM

Don't tell me what I know or don't know, because you don't know me. This isn't about how simple or complex his playing is. I know Gadd can play anything he wants, and that he doesn't want to play Vinnie or Marco Minneman=style solos with ridiculous chops over crazy polyrhythms at blazing speeds. He doesn't play that kind of stuff, and he can't. No drummer can play EVERYTHING. He hasn't needed to play that kind of stuff, and he doesn't need to, and he never will need to. What does that mean? He plays what he needs to play with amazing feel and flavor, which to me is the realization of a great MUSICIAN on any instrument. But his technique and chops don't amaze me, pardon me for not kissing his @ss like everyone says I'm supposed to. To me, an amazing drummer, guitarist, bassist, etc. not only plays with incredible feel and flavor and plays what is needed, but also possesses the technique, control, speed, chops, accuracy and innovation which push the limits of what is believed to be possible on their instrument.
well alright, i put my foot in my mouth with that last post, sorry, but in your last sentence of your last post, i believe gadd has all of this. i mean look at his drummerworld page, and check out all the unuiqe quick things that he does in his solos, and for speed and accuracy check out his single ratamacue.
peace
ps here is a shortcut to that page http://www.drummerworld.com/Clinic/Steve_Gaddramaque.html

Rick Wilkinson

07-17-2005, 12:10 AM

Did you notice in Gadd's Ramaque (from the last post) he leads with the Left hand.
Could he be a lefty that plays Right handed also??

darkcherryfade

07-17-2005, 12:26 AM

Cool, glad we could clear it up. Now, I've HEARD the man drum. I guess when I pick apart that last sentence, I can definitely say his accuracy and innovation are part of what I DO consider amazing. That's not to take anything away from his speed or chops, those just aren't the aspects of his playing that stand out to me, and they're not at the front of my mind when I hear him play. I don't care that he can play an amazing single ratamacue. Anyone can master rudiments. I care that he can use it musically, because being a good musician is more important to me than just playing an instrument well. I love speed and chops, and crazy intricate time signatures and all the crazy stuff. They're fun as hell, and I love hearing drummers use them because they sound cool, and it's a whole other world of drumming in itself. But musically speaking, it's mostly fluff, and most music doesn't require it. I happen to think that the drummers I consider my favorites incorporate their chops and speed and whatever crazy complexities into what they play with every bit as much soul and feel as Steve does into his playing.

Henry II

07-17-2005, 03:30 AM

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

Well, the other musicians and producers seem to think there's something very special about him. They all want him on their records. That's why he's been the top session drummer in the world for about 30 years.

darkcherryfade

07-17-2005, 03:47 AM

This thread reminds me of why I'm glad people don't need reasons to like or dislike things.

Placeboman

07-17-2005, 05:27 PM

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.............

mediocrefunkybeat

07-17-2005, 06:30 PM

Have you ever heard Aja? That's NOT basic.

bugoy_king

07-17-2005, 07:07 PM

Listen to "Nite Sprite" in the Leprechaun album of Chick Corea. Vinnie played it in the ADAA Tribute to Gadd DVD as well, but Gadd was the original.

Raymond Bloom

07-17-2005, 07:32 PM

Ok, a bit of offtopic, but I just found some really cool pictures from Steve Gadd's clinics!

Enjoy!

http://jmdi.smugmug.com/gallery/472795/1

Placeboman

07-17-2005, 10:53 PM

Have you ever heard Aja? That's NOT basic.
Yep,listened to Aja and in the end something starts to happen,the song in itself is really boring,nice guitars though.Good basic drumming,i mean in the world of Great players,not my world ,heheh.

mikkeydee

07-26-2005, 12:30 PM

Gadd was famous for his originality I think. He did open the drummers mind by his linear things in the 70s and 80s.
But it doesnt mean that he can play everything.
And it is really stupid to say that he can play everything but he just doesnt like it so he does not show off. This situation is anti-human-common-sense. If he can play virgil or marco things, he must have spent that amount of hours practicing these stuffs, this dedication of effort require a high level of self favor toward the thing being practiced. U cant imagine he wasted his time practicing what he dislikes and just hide these skills forever.

in the weckl-gadd-colaiuta drum off, yes, since this is only a "drum-off", not a musicality contest, i agree gadd is OFF. the least complexity and speed wise.

I would never say gadd sucks, he doesnt. He is an outstanding musician. But just please, do not everywhere everytime defend him as a superman. He can NOT do everything.

The boundaries of drumming has been pushed generation by generation. see the history, how is the complexity of drumming has reached in comparison to 1930?
Do NOT take modern-speedy-multilayered-oddtimed-monsters' effort as nonsense. They are heroes, no matter how gadd has been. Gadd is lengendary, but he doesnt rule everyone!

jamndrummer

08-03-2005, 05:42 PM

But then bring to Sound: There it lays....... .To bring this all to live, that it sounds really "gaddish" and then also putting in the right places - not so easy at all - well, let's say for me...

Bernhard

well well well, I have been playing drums for quite a long time.....and unfortunately for me, I just heard about Steve Gadd.....within the last year......where have I been??? In la la land I think.....all I can say is I heard about him and decided to check him out......now first let me say I love sooooooooooooooo many drummers out there for so many reasons................BUT NONE of them like Gadd......my body actually reacted to his playing like no other drummer made it feel.......and I cant explain why...............but it was like I fell in love with Steve instantly and could not get enough of him......

Steve is not just playing the drums.....watch him, listen....he is in the music so much...THATS what we are all missing when it comes to what Gadd does that is so different...........

If I could sit in and jam side by side with ANY drummer in the world....for me it would be STEVE GADD for sure.....and some day that IS going to happen.......and I will take with me a piece of Steve that I will cherish forever.

AurelienPK

08-03-2005, 05:54 PM

I appreciate his work with Franck Sinatra on his beautiful record " L.A is My Lady", but I don't really find mr Gadd to be such an AMAZING drummer, don't get me wrong, he's a great drummerbut I don't find him to be so amazing.

take care,

Anchein Vouivra

08-03-2005, 06:37 PM

Between everything I heard by the so-called best drummers Gadd is the only one that has something very special and fascinating without being demonstrative. His sound and original rythms are really inspiring and full of energy.
But I think there's too much things about him going on like Gadd honoring day and so, it's something I personnaly don't give a damn in the world of music.

theduke86

08-04-2005, 07:47 AM

I think he has great chops. Not Vinnie or Tony chops maybe, but great chops. I bet you makes a ton more money than Minneman does, doing that Clapton gig. He also has a very innovative approach, chops wise.
His groove is undeniably impressive, more than anyone's.... he lays it down with absolute conviction.

Bernhard

08-04-2005, 10:17 AM

he is a good all around player, but so is a whole lot of drummers,

and:

I've heard his playing and its good basic playing... but i dont consider him a legend or anything.............

Quote of the year.....what ignorance!!!!!!!!

Bernhard

finnhiggins

08-04-2005, 10:48 AM

Quote of the year.....what ignorance

Bernhard

Personally I'm dismayed. How can people watch that Gadd/Colaiuta/Weckl piece and not be impressed by him? I thought he was the best guy on there, musically. Vinnie had more fire and Weckl had a lot more chops, but in terms of just huge solid groove Gadd has it absolutely nailed in a way that neither of the others could touch. I watched that video with a guitarist friend and he yawned his way through Weckl, looked mildly interested at some of Vinnie and thought Gadd was excellent and wanted me to learn to play that marching lick with the blasts of kick drum underneath.

He's the kind of drummer other musicians care about. I think that means more than all the double kick and hand-crossing solos in the world ever could.

jamndrummer

08-04-2005, 11:03 AM

finnhiggins...

YOU GOT THAT RIGHT............................Glad someone noticed.....the GROOVE MASTER......................

silver_one_drummer127

08-04-2005, 08:22 PM

hes an inspiration in my opinion he always puts on a fantastic show and is an umbelieveable drummer i take my hat off to him.

Stu_Strib

08-04-2005, 09:44 PM

I can understand someone not liking a certain style, but Gadd encompasses so many styles, you can't NOT consider him a legend.

I personal don't understand why Mick Jagger is a legend, but I would never deny the fact that he is a legend.

MaxRoach

08-04-2005, 10:01 PM

Personally I'm dismayed. How can people watch that Gadd/Colaiuta/Weckl piece and not be impressed by him? I thought he was the best guy on there, musically. Vinnie had more fire and Weckl had a lot more chops, but in terms of just huge solid groove Gadd has it absolutely nailed in a way that neither of the others could touch. I watched that video with a guitarist friend and he yawned his way through Weckl, looked mildly interested at some of Vinnie and thought Gadd was excellent and wanted me to learn to play that marching lick with the blasts of kick drum underneath.

He's the kind of drummer other musicians care about. I think that means more than all the double kick and hand-crossing solos in the world ever could.
It's all relative. I don't think the idea of that whole battle was to be musical. I mean, battles are rarely musical. Now if it was a battle to see who could groove with a band the best, Gadd would rape all of them exponentially. But I mean, you can't disrespect the fact that Weckl and Vinnie are ..... flashy. It is very impressive what they can do.....but I mean, obviously a guitarist isn't gonna care how fast someone can play (even though he kind of should so that he knows what is possible within a band). I'd love to just see a battle with a backing band behind them and just hit some solid grooves with a few fills. That would be pretty funny.....because it would be no contest for Gadd. But let's get real here.....Gadd was kind of 'lagging' in that battle....for what the battle stood for at least. His style was respectable definitely.......and what he did was so solid that it still blew me away, but drum battles should show off chops, should they not? Or maybe they shouldn't.......=\ iuno.

finnhiggins

08-04-2005, 11:39 PM

It's all relative. I don't think the idea of that whole battle was to be musical. I mean, battles are rarely musical. Now if it was a battle to see who could groove with a band the best, Gadd would rape all of them exponentially. But I mean, you can't disrespect the fact that Weckl and Vinnie are ..... flashy. It is very impressive what they can do.....but I mean, obviously a guitarist isn't gonna care how fast someone can play (even though he kind of should so that he knows what is possible within a band). I'd love to just see a battle with a backing band behind them and just hit some solid grooves with a few fills. That would be pretty funny.....because it would be no contest for Gadd. But let's get real here.....Gadd was kind of 'lagging' in that battle....for what the battle stood for at least. His style was respectable definitely.......and what he did was so solid that it still blew me away, but drum battles should show off chops, should they not? Or maybe they shouldn't.......=\ iuno.

Why? If you take it like that then you turn it into WFD all over again. I think that 3-man battle would be a lot less interesting with Gadd replaced with another chops monster. It's a really well-balanced trio:

Weckl: Smooth pristine technique
Vinnie: Fire and aggression
Gadd: Groove coming out of your eyeballs.

Put those three together and you've got the best drummer on the planet!

Thinshells

08-19-2005, 11:26 AM

What can be said about the master that hasn't? Not much. No introduction necessary. One of the most recorded and influential drummers of all time. Even Buddy Rich praised him among drummers as "elevating the art" and having taste. That is a big thing from Buddy.

Maybe I can express how I feel watching his performances,... other than inadequate ;)

Watching Steve’s fluid pocket grooves is a very mesmerizing thing. Every note seems to serve the music, and have a life of it's own. He has more shades and details to punctuate his playing than anyone I have ever seen.

Neil Peart commented at how dead Steve’s drums sounded during a "Burning for buddy" sound check. Pin stripe heads (which many people hate) and loose tuning. Neal went on to say "But when Steve plays these things, he makes music!"

Steve’s soul is obvious as you watch his concentration and body language. It's like a Kung-fu form flowing from note to note. There just the right placement and emphasis on each component.

He is a rare cat. He is a singers drummer. He is a Musicians drummer. And he is a drummers drummer.

Listening to his playing moves you to the core. I can't even imaging having the range of skills he has from sight reading, to pocket playing and his always-in-demand musical innovation. And he has done all of this on a 6 piece kit with a few cymbals, and a lot of thought.

Go ahead...put on Paul Simons's "Late in the evening" and tell me that Steve Gadd didn't MAKE that tune work. It's all about the groove.

I hope I can see "Mission from Gadd 2."

Bernhard

08-19-2005, 12:01 PM

Thinshells - I see you love him...for good reasons....me too

Bernhard

Stu_Strib

08-19-2005, 02:27 PM

Very well said thinshells. I've always just not felt good about saying anything bad about Gadd's kit sound preference, its blasphemous to do so. BUT... I've never been a fan of the dead thuddy sounding tuning of his. Again though, as you stated, he makes them sing anyhow (not literaly, since they are dead sounding, but the music he evokes out of them).

Paul Quin

08-19-2005, 03:00 PM

great post - it is good to read posts from drummers/musicians that "get it." Without trying to sound too opinionated, if you don't get Gadd, you don't get it at all.

Stevis

08-19-2005, 08:47 PM

Thinshells

08-19-2005, 09:00 PM

What's not to like about the guy. He is an excellent and influencial drummer. He is one of my top idols. People who bash him, which there has been, not neccesarliy here on DW, but people that bash him either have no clue who he is(how can you not) or are insecure about theirselves as drummers and take out their frustration of drums on greats like Steve Gadd.

The really sad thing about the bashings that I have seen is this:

They want Steve Gadd to sound like Joey, or Travis. The bashings usually come from younger folks that aren't impressed by anything except faster, louder. Subtlety and musicianship along with groove are ideas that are undiscovered.

I am glad Steve doesn't do hard rock, punk, or death metal. There are plenty of people to do that stuff, and it's an entirely different realm. Steve does pocket, and epitomizes consummate musicianship. Not just a two-dimensional show of aggression.

Jim

08-19-2005, 09:11 PM

Steve Gadd is awesome, to see him play is inspiring, even for a metalhead like me. It's important not to be narrow minded in our approach to the music we play, taking influences from all style and genres. YET, I still have friends in other bands that have never heard him behind his kit, let alone know who he is.
Though I play in a metal band and don't get too many solo's. When I do, I always revert to a subtler style. I can beat my drums to death with the best of them but there's no craft in that, thats where Gadd comes into it. Watching "greats" like Gadd, Copeland, etc... Has opened my mind, ears and hands, to a far more challenging and rewarding way to play.
Many thanx to the drummer who changed the way I hear and play music, no matter what genre it may be.

jamndrummer

09-01-2005, 10:52 AM

by thinshells
The really sad thing about the bashings that I have seen is this:

They want Steve Gadd to sound like Joey, or Travis. The bashings usually come from younger folks that aren't impressed by anything except faster, louder. Subtlety and musicianship along with groove are ideas that are undiscovered.

I am glad Steve doesn't do hard rock, punk, or death metal. There are plenty of people to do that stuff, and it's an entirely different realm. Steve does pocket, and epitomizes consummate musicianship. Not just a two-dimensional show of aggression.

I wouldnt worry about what people think so much about Gadd, its their loss if they dont "find" what Steve offers. Its an art form and they just dont like his art work. Im just glad I do.

Dr. Gadd will be at PASIC and performing in the Buddy Rich Tribute..............AMAZING....I play over and over with his GADD ABOUT CD. One of my favorite songs is "My little Brother" its got a good Gadd groove happening. You would be so surprised to just site down and work some of his songs and the more you play them and listen, the more you hear more suddle things he is placing in the song that you just missed.

I must admit, I never heard of Steve through most of my drumming career, but ONCE I did hear him, I couldnt get enough. But all in all, I have listened to him play for years but just didnt know it was him. "Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover" Man I must of sang that song a million times and didnt know who the drummer was. LOL. Now its all about studying his playing.

ewanlaing

09-26-2005, 06:07 PM

in the weckl-gadd-colaiuta drum off, yes, since this is only a "drum-off", not a musicality contest, i agree gadd is OFF. the least complexity and speed wise.

i felt gadd was the best drummer there! beleive it or not. when i first saw it i thought "come on gadd, these guys are making you look bad". but when i just listened to it, i could hear his style above the other two. they sounded dead similar to me, vinnie and dave, but gadd was unique and made much smarter fills, and it seems like it was probably him that came up with that cowbell groove running through the background. i think that "lucky 13" clip shows gadd doing a lot of the things i think he is best at. it's my favourite clip on the site.

Cuauhtemoc

09-27-2005, 01:21 AM

Gadd is a real solid drummer and focuses on the groove very well. That's why he's such an in demand session player because he does the job he's paid to do. At the famous BR concert he was the best drummer that played with the band because he just played with the band/did his job while everyone else just showed off (sorry, except LB). As far as the trio with Vinne and Weckl, I don't think he did anything flashy but he was cool because he knew his place in the setting he was in. Vinnie and Weckl were the ones trying to outdo each other and in my opinion Weckl fell into the trap again and Vinne smoked him. Gadd on the other hand kept the groove together with his famous Mozambique groove.

As far as my views of his playing: Sure, he's the one that got us to play our rudiments between our hi-hat and snare, sure he showed us that you don't have to bash to be a good drummer and I think those are great qualities. I respect him a lot for what he's done/still doing but at the same time, I just never had my mind blown by him. Many of you have talked about his recorded performances and that's great of him to be so precise but rehearsal does do that for everyone. I once recorded a demo and some guy thought I used a sample because the rimshot was so consistent. I told him that I didn't and when he asked how that was possible I just shrugged and told him that the band rehearsed. And let's not forget, Gadd does this for a living. He's seasoned and he's readier than any of us.

I just don't hear any progress in Gadd's playing. One thing I noticed is that he does the same things, all the time! I've seen lots of video footage and heard lots of recordings he's on and it's always the same beats and that same lick between the snare and toms. I don't know about you guys but that's why I won't spend $40 for a DVD that he's on. This is why I respect Steve Smith (even though he's not even close to being my favorite drummer) because when you see him play over the years he's definitely exploring and consequently improving. I think it's so awesome that he's not working with Indian rhythms and it's so obvious in his playing; even his jazz playing!

Womble

09-27-2005, 02:09 AM

Cuauhtemoc, I couldn't agree more with your appraisal of the Vinnie/Gadd/Weckl trio. Gadd was really the only one of the three to make that band sound really good. I love how he sits back and gets that groove really cookin', just listening to the soloists. And you can tell how much they appreciate it: that 2nd Sax guy blows a ridiculous solo in "Keep the customer satisfied", you can see Steve Marcus look up at him with a big smile and seem to say "Yeeaaaahh!!". I love that bit.

As for the solos, again I agree. Poor Dave...it's just not fair to ask him to play against those two. Gadd's got the groove, funky-as-hell beats, dancing-behind-his-kit thing, Vinnie's got ideas coming out of his arse mixed with plently of attitude, Weckl...he just seems lost. And the audience knows it too: I'm not sure he gets a single shout from the crowd.

I certainly have had my mind blown by Gadd and I wouldn't be as disparaging as you about his studio chops, because talent like that does not come to anyone through rehearsal...the man's a legend for a reason. However, I'm pleased you brought up the fact he plays the same things all the time. This is something that does really bug me. Gadd could improvise quality playing all the time if he wanted, and yet he plays those bloody licks in every clip you ever see of him. I don't know how he isn't bored of them himself yet. Can't really blame a man that successful for resting on his laurels, I guess, but I just wish he wouldn't!

I can't resist a controversial question: anyone else ever thought that the 50 Ways beat just doesn't really fit the song?? Don't get me wrong, it's a GREAT groove, I've just never felt that it fits in that particular tune.

Also Finn, do you really think Weckl showed more chops on that video than Vinnie?? I can't see that. The stuff Vinnie executed there is in a different league of difficulty to what Weckl plays.

Womble

theduke86

09-27-2005, 04:24 AM

Vinnie's definetly got more chops than Weck... Weck beats everyone for consistency and precision though. As far as chops goes, Vinnie's got every polyrhythm and metric modulation concieved of by man. Not to mention everything he plays is so damned firey. Not that I don't love Weck- he's great. But he does fall into the "let's out chop Vinnie trap" and there's not one drummer in the world who can do that. Sorry, Dave. Love ya though.

ewanlaing

09-27-2005, 06:25 PM

poor dave. that solo gadd plays in " things aint what they used to be" seems a little strange. good, but strange. definately not what i expected.

Cuauhtemoc

09-27-2005, 09:27 PM

I can't resist a controversial question: anyone else ever thought that the 50 Ways beat just doesn't really fit the song?? Don't get me wrong, it's a GREAT groove, I've just never felt that it fits in that particular tune.

Womble[/QUOTE]

That's an interesting question. I think it's the perfect example of one's subjectivity. I don't have a problem with you making that statement.

fourstringdrums

09-27-2005, 09:29 PM

I love Gadd, from his groove right down to his drum tone.

Thinshells

09-27-2005, 09:38 PM

I can't resist a controversial question: anyone else ever thought that the 50 Ways beat just doesn't really fit the song?? Don't get me wrong, it's a GREAT groove, I've just never felt that it fits in that particular tune.

Womble

That's an interesting question. I think it's the perfect example of one's subjectivity. I don't have a problem with you making that statement.[/QUOTE]

Nope. It's perfect, and it makes the song. It's legendary and an immortal classic.

fourstringdrums

09-27-2005, 09:42 PM

Does anyone else find it alittle odd, Gadd's use of double bass in this clip? http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/SteveGaddCollective.html Atleast for what he's playing IMO it seems like he's cheating because from I'm seen of his right foot technique, he could do all that on one foot.

DogBreath

09-27-2005, 10:04 PM

I can't resist a controversial question: anyone else ever thought that the 50 Ways beat just doesn't really fit the song?? Don't get me wrong, it's a GREAT groove, I've just never felt that it fits in that particular tune.
Actually, no. In my mind the drum part of that song IS the song. The rest of the song works around the drums.

Womble

09-27-2005, 11:10 PM

Well thanks, Cuauhtemoc, but judging by your previous musings on Gadd it wasn't you I was expecting to upset with my 50 Ways question; some others on this forum tend to be a little, how shall we say...reactionary. I was pleased yesterday to see a post from Nutha J telling people they don't have to put IMO or even worse IMHO every time they write something, because that trend was getting out of hand. I've even seem some people rubbish their own opinion before they express it!

I'm also glad to see others having problems with getting quotations to work. Those damn things seem to have a mind of their own.

You're totally right, DogBreath. And I think that's my problem with it. If I'm completely honest, I think no matter how much I love drums, my priorities lie with the other components of music: melody, harmony, lyrics etc (I've been a pianist a lot longer than a drummer). There was a time I loved drum solos for drum solos' sake, now I prefer them short and sweet and to make sense within the music. Nor am I interested in the minutiae of drumming, you know, how someone sets up, how they tune their drums, what cymbals they use, all things like that...it just doesn't do it for me. And so I can't help wanting drum parts to fit around the song, not the song around the drum part. You've hit the nail on the head there.

Womble

DogBreath

09-28-2005, 12:31 AM

If I'm completely honest, I think no matter how much I love drums, my priorities lie with the other components of music: melody, harmony, lyrics etc. ... And so I can't help wanting drum parts to fit around the song, not the song around the drum part.
That's a perfectly valid point, and one that I hope no one finds offensive (referring to the occasionally over-sensitive types). It is a bit of a "gimmicky" song, mainly lyrically, and to a lesser extent percussively.

I remember years ago Paul Simon saying that the song was inspired by the goofy rhymes that his young son liked. I think it was just a silly song that they were all having fun with in various ways.*

*IMHO!

Thinshells

09-28-2005, 12:34 AM

My other hands down Gadd favorite is Simons "Late in the evening" Gadd makes that song!

Womble

09-28-2005, 01:40 AM

My other hands down Gadd favorite is Simons "Late in the evening" Gadd makes that song!

Yeah, Thinshells, that's a quality tune. Do you have the DVD of that band at the Tower Theatre, 1980 I think it is? It's great. Gadd just looks so damn cool when he plays. And he also looks a terrifying amount like an old British comedy character called Blackadder (played by Rowan Atkinson of Mr Bean fame). There's also a great moment in Late in the evening when some guy leaps to his feet to dance, then realises he can't dance, and looks so awkward...it's painful because it reminds me of me, haha.

Womble

Hanky12

09-28-2005, 03:56 AM

The Buddy Rich memorial video Gadd did with Vinnie and Weckl was really great drumming

TubbyDrummer18

09-28-2005, 05:51 AM

Has anyone here seen Steve Gadd in a clinic. Im going to one of his on Oct.10 and i would like to know what to expect.

Womble

09-29-2005, 07:49 PM

I just read in the paper today that Steve Marcus, the sax leader in that video, died on the 25th...

jamndrummer

09-29-2005, 09:16 PM

I believe he would of been at PASIC this year.

Steve Marcus, jazz saxophonist, dies

The Associated Press

NEW HOPE, Pa. - Steve Marcus, a jazz saxophonist who recorded and toured with Stan Kenton, Herbie Mann and Buddy Rich, has died. He was 66.

Marcus died in his sleep at his home in New Hope on Sunday, family members said.

He was a pioneer of the jazz fusion movement of the late 1960s, a musical movement that combined elements of rock 'n' roll and jazz.

Born in the Bronx, on Sept. 18, 1939, Marcus attended the Berklee School of Music in Boston, family members said.

"He was one of the players that was able to play main stream jazz and yet cross over into the rock idiom with a completely natural understanding of the music," said fellow saxophonist Andy Fusco, 57.

Marcus was currently touring with the quintet "Steve Smith and Buddy's Buddies," a tribute band to the music of Buddy Rich, said Fusco, a member of the group.

Jazz guitarist Larry Coryell attended the funeral, which was held Tuesday in Valhalla, N.Y.

"Steve Marcus was one of the greatest saxophonists in all of music," Coryell said. "He truly was able to unite jazz with the popular music of the time."

Several of Marcus' recordings have been recently reissued, including "The Count's Rock Band," and "Tomorrow Never Knows," which garnered five stars from Down Beat Magazine when it was released, Fusco said.

Marcus is survived by his wife, Eleanor, and a daughter, Holly.

Pedro

09-29-2005, 09:25 PM

andmoreagain

09-30-2005, 12:04 PM

Gadd can play the simplest thing with a feeling no one else can. He can make of a simple paraddidle a giant and geniouse groove.

Listen to the silence moments in the zildjian days video. He makes the silence "sing".

The more I hear him, solo and in band, the more I respect him and understand he's geniality.

In he's solo's he's able to make music with he's drums.

Gadd maybe can't play a hundred single beats a minute, but the way he creates groove and music with his drums is just increadible.

I hope you'll start liking him after some time.....

Try to listen to him playing with Paul Simon, Michel Patrucciani, etc....

Amazing!

Yep! I feel that's eactly what makes Gadd one of the greatest players of all time, making the silence inbetween the notes "sing", weither it be 32 notes or whole notes, there is that space, that makes the groove flow forward...

I think that's becasue Gadd plays the notes and God plays the silence.

DogBreath

09-30-2005, 08:33 PM

Because I am an atheist and a Buddhist, I hope that no one is offended by me commenting on this, but I just have to say that this was incredibly touching to me:

Gadd plays the notes and God plays the silence.
What a beautiful sentiment.

MECHT4NK

11-01-2005, 02:08 PM

I've seen people mention this solo but I thought I just should post a link to a video of it for the people that never seen it. it's one of my favorite steve gadd movies.

http://www.vicfirth.com/artists/video/gadd/gadd02HQ.mov

btw is http://www.drstevegadd.com/ a new website? a just ran into it and can't believe I would have never found it before.

jamndrummer

11-01-2005, 03:55 PM

btw is http://www.drstevegadd.com/ a new website?

Yep its fairly new. And very informative.

MECHT4NK

11-01-2005, 04:05 PM

yeah I like it. it's just that I'm missing one thing and that's a button to switch the audio off. I can't listen to music and visit the site at the same time this way.

DogBreath

11-08-2005, 10:12 PM

Here's Steve with one of his favorite DrummerWorld moderators:

finnhiggins

11-09-2005, 01:26 AM

Also Finn, do you really think Weckl showed more chops on that video than Vinnie?? I can't see that. The stuff Vinnie executed there is in a different league of difficulty to what Weckl plays.

Oops, just found this. No, I don't think Weckl had more chops on display than Vinnie. I just don't think he had as much fire - The thing that is most notable about Weckl on that video is his chops, while Vinnie has energy coming out of his ears which kind of distracts you from the fact that he's also playing some the trickiest stuff on the planet. Gadd has groove a mile deep, which I must admit I do slightly prefer to either of the other approaches - I like Vinnie better when he's a bit more groove-heavy rather than the constant explosive approach seen on that 3-way battle thing.

y0avz

11-09-2005, 08:08 PM

Its probably his movement and passion that makes him such a stand out...
pluse, his grooves are awsome (:

jamndrummer

11-18-2005, 11:09 PM

Does anyone know if Dr. Gadd has recorded with the great sax player 'Ernie Watts'? If you could let me know which CD's they both would be on it would be great. I'm pretty sure they have crossed paths as their discographys show very similar artists.

Thinshells

11-18-2005, 11:15 PM

Yeah, Thinshells, that's a quality tune. Do you have the DVD of that band at the Tower Theatre, 1980 I think it is? It's great. Gadd just looks so damn cool when he plays. And he also looks a terrifying amount like an old British comedy character called Blackadder (played by Rowan Atkinson of Mr Bean fame). There's also a great moment in Late in the evening when some guy leaps to his feet to dance, then realises he can't dance, and looks so awkward...it's painful because it reminds me of me, haha.

Womble

I have ordered it...now that I know it exists...thanks!

Thinshells

11-18-2005, 11:17 PM

Thinshells

11-18-2005, 11:21 PM

Here's Steve with one of his favorite DrummerWorld moderators:

I hope that's original and not a photoshopped event. How aware of Drummerworld is the almighty Gadd? Just to have him say a few words and grace this forum would brighten my YEAR.

Steve must know that he is royalty among drummers. His Yamaha kit is a temple of staggering proportion. The day that he leaves us, it is because God wants a personal drummer for himself.

jamndrummer

11-18-2005, 11:28 PM

I hope that's original and not a photoshopped event THINSHELLS
Originally Posted by DogBreath
Here's Steve with one of his favorite DrummerWorld moderators:

And Bernhard REALLY DID NOT go to PASIC-JKB, All those photos were done with Photoshop :) LOL It's all an illusion.

DogBreath

11-19-2005, 06:38 AM

I hope that's original and not a photoshopped event. How aware of Drummerworld is the almighty Gadd?
Yes it's a real picture of us, and yes Dr. Gadd is very aware of DrummerWorld. We may consider him to be royalty, but he is the most down-to-earth guy you'll ever meet.

Bernhard

11-19-2005, 10:09 AM

Steve Gadd is so aware of Drummerworld, that he even put a video and picture from Drummerworld on his own website...

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

Bernhard

Thinshells

11-19-2005, 10:43 AM

Steve Gadd is so aware of Drummerworld, that he even put a video and picture from Drummerworld on his own website...

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

Bernhard

That is so cool... I don't think that Steve Gadd is one hero that anyone regrets meeting.

FishyMonkey

11-24-2005, 07:08 AM

He's probably my favorite drummer right now. He just knows how to groove. Nevermind the technical stuff, great creative fills, subtleties everywhere, all that doesn't matter that much because you look at Gadd and say THAT is a drummer who just loves drumming. That is a drummer who is sitting there pouring his heart into a groove and is just perfectl in sync with his groove and knows exactly where he's going with it. You look at him and say...THAT is a drummer.

jamndrummer

12-01-2005, 04:52 PM

Hello,

My favorite drummer is Steve Gadd.
He is definitely one of the greatest drummers in the world.
What do you think about Steve Gadd?

Regards,

Jarek

Dont know Dr. Gadd personally, but have met him at clinics and PAS and all I can say is he is a very humble and respectable man. I never seen a drop of arrogance come from Mr. Gadd. and the man can groove.

Thinshells

12-01-2005, 05:04 PM

A few people here have had the honor to meet him. I wish I had. From the posts I have read, he is one hero that is approachable.

Considering his kit really hasn't changed significantly in 20 years from the sam basic Yamaha configuration, it's amazing the things he comes up with. He is 100% a musicians and a vocalists drummer. And a drummers drummer.

He is responsible for some powerful and influential, nay iconic or legendary drum parts on countless recordings.

Some people don't "get" Gadd. But he is not just a groover, it's as if every note that he plays is not only vital to the music, but never excessive. He is able to apply his cornucopia of styles and versatility in a way that makes you tap your feet and really feel the music.

I doubt there are many drummers before or now that are as universally respected as Steve Gadd.

jamndrummer

12-01-2005, 07:59 PM

Michel Petrucciani and Steve Gadd What do you think about Michel Petrucciani concerts with Steve Gadd on drums in 1997 and 1998?

Yes nice work together, Michael from what Ive seen was a great pianist with great potential to be a worlds great artist. Unfortunatly he died young. Gadd did a really nice brush solo at one of his concerts.

Thinshells

12-02-2005, 02:15 PM

Gadd fans MUST have the following dvd:

"Paul Simon, live at the tower theater oct 7, 1980"

I can't call it "Gadd at his prime" because he is always prime.

But this dvd is a spectacular showcase for Gadd's classic grooves and just terrific music.

Gadd just makes the music!

He is playing his yamaha kit with evans blue hydraulics.

Womble

12-02-2005, 02:39 PM

I second that. If you don't own that DVD, sort it out!! It's an all-round great concert.

Bernhard

12-02-2005, 03:29 PM

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

Bernhard

Thinshells

12-02-2005, 03:41 PM

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

Bernhard

If Steve ever feels down for some reason, all he need do is visit this thread!

jamndrummer

12-02-2005, 03:41 PM

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

Me either,
Dont the twins look handsome? hehe....no seriously you guys do look good together...and you both kick the kit....NICE!

ewanlaing

12-04-2005, 06:23 PM

wow, you look really happy there bernhard. and no wonder. i remember first time i went on this site and randomly watched a clip was steve gadds lucky 13 clip. it was my first indication that, as good as he is, maybe tre cool isn't the best in the world. i have never looked back, and that clip is still the fave.

Jarek Witkowski

12-14-2005, 12:41 PM

Hello,

I think, that Steve Gadd is definitely one of the greatest drummers in the world.

Bernhard

12-14-2005, 01:03 PM

Hello,

I think, that Steve Gadd is definitely one of the greatest drummers in the world.

Yes...thanks for the information

Bernhard

Jarek Witkowski

12-14-2005, 06:37 PM

I can not think of another percussionist today who has inspired more drummers than Steve Gadd.
His level of innovation, sheer technical mastery of the instrument, and dedication to the groove in every style of music he plays has delighted and instructed countless drummers in how good drumming can be.
I am grateful for every paradiddle, single, and double stroke the man has ever played.
I recommend Legends DVD "Live At Montreux 1997".
The line up is:

Eric Clapton - guitar
Joe Sample - keyboards
David Sanborn - alto saxophone
Marcus Miller - bass
Steve Gadd - drums

NUTHA JASON

12-14-2005, 07:01 PM

that's a better post than any you've made so far Jared. its in the right place and has a bit of information and motivation. what are your top five gadd songs?

j

mlehnertz

12-14-2005, 07:11 PM

I have two favorites.

Late in the Evening - Four sticks. Come on. That's hot.
Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover - We know that groove. We copied it. We sucked at it.

Yes, all of the Steely Dan stuff. There was a live thing I saw on tv with Eric Clapton that was pretty impressive.

that's a better post than any you've made so far Jared. its in the right place and has a bit of information and motivation. what are your top five gadd songs?

j

Jarek Witkowski

12-14-2005, 10:56 PM

Hello Nutha,

My top five Steve Gadd tunes:

> "Winelight" - Grover Washington Jr. CD "Winelight", 1980.
> "Round Midnight" - Manhattan Jazz Quintet CD "Live At Pit Inn", 1986.
> "More Than Friends" - Bob James & David Sanborn CD "Double Vision", 1986.
> "Mas Que Nada" - Al Jarreau CD "Tenderness", 1994.
> "Take The A Train" - Michel Petrucciani CD "Trio In Tokyo", 1999.

Jarek

Womble

12-14-2005, 11:03 PM

On the Performance Channel (English Cable channel) a couple of nights ago I came across one of those stomach-turning classical/pop hybrid concerts, called 'Pavarotti Does Pop' or something similarly awful. And yes, it featured Pavarotti singing popular hits, along with a whole host of European stars we've never heard of, plus Annie Lennox. And guess who I spied on drums?

finnhiggins

12-14-2005, 11:23 PM

Auger

12-15-2005, 12:56 AM

Hi everyone,

lurked here for a little while. Finally was able to put aside some minutes to read this whole thread tonight and thought I'd post.

I think Gadd is a great drummer/musician -but that's all been said by others here better than I could put it. So ...yeah ...what you guys said. Like him or not, it seems silly to dispute his skill, influence, and contributions to the artform we all love.

The thing I'm surprised no one has mentioned (very sorry if someone did and I just missed this) is that, I think, in line with all that creativity and all those innovative parts, one of Gadd's most important contributions has been his approach to not just the drumset, but the drumset + the microphones.

He was one of the first to realize and deliberatly take advantage of the fact that a well mixed, close-mic'd drumset will make things like that "chick" with the left foot cut through even rock guitars, letting him add a whole new level of dynamics to his playing and take a fresh approach the drumset -opening up a whole world of possible patterns that didn't work before because they woudln't really be completely audible. That, more or less, changed the way people use a drumset to create music. I mean, there were probably others that helped this cause too, but that's one of his biggest contributions, IMO. His often unpopular approach to tuning (I tend to favor a more 'open' sound myself) is also a very microphone conscious one and speaks towards his approach to the drumset viewed in the context of microphones.

so...yeah. He's a pretty significant fella. I'd venture to throw the word genius on the table.

P.S. Bernhard, this is a really, really great website. You're doing a great thing here -I've met young drummers who didn't know the name Steve Gadd ...not to mention the likes of Papa Joe and other greats who aren't on mainstream media every 2 seconds. I'll bet there are a lot of young players out there who've really had their eyes opened here! I think you're making a real contribution to Music!

Bernhard

12-15-2005, 01:41 AM

thanks Auger for the flowers - thank you so much.

As for Steve Gadd and micing and strange sound of drums: Yes, I fully agree, this is really the point.

Unbelievable this year at PASIC: I sat on his drums and tried out - and some other drumsets too from great players like Billy Kilson or John Blackwell or Virgil Donati.
Just unbelievable, how all sets sounded so well and Steve's Set sounded really crappy! then he started to regulate with the techs - the Snare - and it became even more crappier. Then he was happy and no wonder: at the clinic everything sounded PERFECT!!! It's really the micing. Or take his Award-celebration DVD: The rehearsal Sound and the performance Sound - what a big difference...

Bernhard

DogBreath

12-15-2005, 09:23 AM

I have to admit that I hadn't given the subject much consideration. Thanks Auger for bringing it up, and thanks Bernhard for backing it up with the personal information.

Jarek Witkowski

12-15-2005, 01:30 PM

In November 2005 was released "Chick Corea and Three Quartets Band" DVD, Region 1.
This DVD were recorded at the Blue Note jazz club in New York City.
The lineup is marvelous:

Chick Corea - piano
Michael Brecker - tenor saxophone
Eddie Gomez - double bass
Steve Gadd - drums

Also on ebay Italy - www.ebay.it is available Steps Ahead DVD "Live at the Mt.Fuji Jazz Festival 2004".
It is unofficial DVD.
I can not say much about the sound quality. That is important. I think the sound quality will be bad.
Someone has this DVD?
The lineup is:

Mike Mainieri - vibraphone
Michael Brecker - tenor saxophone
Mike Stern - guitar
Adam Holzman - keyboards
Darryl Jones - bass
Steve Gadd - drums

Auger

12-16-2005, 02:11 AM

Dogbreath and Bernhard,

Glad I had something to contribute!

That's really something that you got to play Steve Gadd's drumset, Bernhard! It's fun to hear about that sort of 'inside' perspective! I think I'd have been a little nervous! :)

Bernhard

12-16-2005, 03:17 AM

thanks Auger

No it was not a big thing and no time to get nervous - I didn't really play for the master. Just we all stand around - i had a media badge - taking pictures and joking and while Steve changed some cymbals i asked for permission to sit down and he laughed. So some taps here and some taps there - like a tech......

But then he really worked on the Snare, some screwing up and some down - for me it seemed: no special system - for some minutes sure - then he had to stop, because they openened the doors for the audience.

Bernhard

tomgadd

12-19-2005, 01:08 PM

www.ebay.it[/url] is available Steps Ahead DVD "Live at the Mt.Fuji Jazz Festival 2004".
It is unofficial DVD.
I can not say much about the sound quality. That is important. I think the sound quality will be bad.
Someone has this DVD?
The lineup is:

Mike Mainieri - vibraphone
Michael Brecker - tenor saxophone
Mike Stern - guitar
Adam Holzman - keyboards
Darryl Jones - bass
Steve Gadd - drums

i do have a dvd from this gig...coming from a dvb-s tv capture..very nice
video and sound quality...
do a search in emule for: Steps Ahead - 2004 Fuji Jazz Festival - a nice xvid rip
in perfect quality...

regards

tomgadd

12-21-2005, 02:53 PM

berlioz

12-22-2005, 07:05 PM

here is a clip from the Vic Firth site.

http://www.vicfirth.com/artists/video/gadd/gadd01HQ.mov

a short clip of a documentary on Steve's early career. and a VERY rare look at Steve performing on the Mickey Mouse Club (playing drums and tap dancing)

berlioz

12-22-2005, 09:34 PM

On another note, what ever happened to the unofficial Steve Gadd website that Stan Mulder ran for years (Bernhard even had a link for it on the Gadd page). That was the most informative website for a single drummer.
It seems that Stan shut the website down about a month after the Official Steve Gadd website opened up (which was not too long ago).
I remember reading on his website that it was news to him that an official Gadd website opened up. In my opinion this was a slap in the face to him. Here he was, the first person to run a Steve Gadd website for the last 7-8 years and showed great loyalty, only to find out that an official Gadd website opened up.
If they wanted an official site who better to run it then Stan? in my opinion i believe Stan should of been given that honor, especially for all the hard work he had put into that website for all those years.......... i guess i cant blame him for shutting it down..... no respect i tell you... no respect.

ewanlaing

12-23-2005, 09:39 PM

i was shocked to see that steve was singing a jazz song while playing on the vic firth pasic clips. thats crazy, where was a band? surely he deserves one. not that he doesn't have a lovely voice.

Bernhard

12-23-2005, 10:26 PM

Steve Gadd singing Bye Bye Blackbird is special. I think the purpose is, to show nice brushplaying and filling the gaps between the lines. It's just nice without a band.

Stan Mulder: very good and helpful friend. Just disappeared. Wrote some mails, but all adresses are dead. Just hope, it has nothing to do with the hurricaine....same time same place.

Yes, he was shocked, when the new Steve Gadd Site came up - but he had to take that into consideration earlier or later. Steve Kiener is also a nice guy and a family friend of Steve Gadd and finally they put up also a link to Stans Site.

Just wondering also, what happened.....

....Stan, if you read this....please: bernhard@drummerworld.com

Bernhard

Henry II

12-26-2005, 09:08 PM

In additon to being the most in demand session drummer of all time (check out the SG discography here: http://www.drstevegadd.com/discography.htm), Steve Gadd is also the most imitated drummer of all time, maybe with the exception of Buddy Rich. Further, Steve Gadd has had more influence on the art of drumming than any other drummer, ever, maybe with the exception of Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa.

Frankly, anyone who doesn't recongnize the genius of Steve Gadd is either just not listening, or is not able to hear.

PS: My favorite SG groove is from Chuck E's in love by Rickie Lee Jones. That groove will pull your heart right out of your chest.

Thinshells

12-26-2005, 09:10 PM

In additon to being the most in demand session drummer of all time (check out the SG discography here: http://www.drstevegadd.com/discography.htm), Steve Gadd is also the most imitated drummer of all time, maybe with the exception of Buddy Rich. Further, Steve Gadd has had more influence on the art of drumming than any other drummer, ever, maybe with the exception of Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa.

Frankly, anyone who doesn't recongnize the genius of Steve Gadd is either just not listening, or is not able to hear.
I think it was Akira Jimbo that stated how big an influence Gadd is in Japan. A great number of drummers emulate and try to sound like Gadd. Jimbo does a variation of a Gadd riff on one of his dvd's. Neil Peart does a Gadd riff he learned from his "Burning for Buddy" sessions with Gadd.

I have read Jazz and fusion is much more popular in Japan than other parts of the world.

ewanlaing

12-28-2005, 01:22 AM

of all the drummers on this site gadd stood out for me. he is imitated, yet still unique, and tasteful, yet impressive. he is the drummer i would most like to be.

franklinj

12-28-2005, 05:02 AM

What are some of Steve Gadds best CDs? I just ran into some of money and I really want to pick up some of his work.

berlioz

12-28-2005, 06:01 AM

What are some of Steve Gadds best CDs? I just ran into some of money and I really want to pick up some of his work.

3 Must have cd's (in no particular order) with great musicianship throughtout, with some of the best grooves and solos ive heard from Gadd (and ive heard ALOT)

-"smokin in the pit" by Steps Ahead
-"Jun Fukamachi- and the New York all stars
-"The Leprechaun" by Chick Corea

averypoordrummer

12-28-2005, 03:33 PM

iv only ever seen videos of steve gadd on drummerworld, but he has control and technique that make me wonder why im even drumming at all. he is amazing, i'll have to listen to all the songs everyone's talking about

Looking_For_A_Band

01-04-2006, 06:29 AM

gadd is one of my fav drummers. hes got chops and technique. i saw him with clapton on the crossroads guitar festival, and i just loved the way he played. i have seen him else where, but i liked him most on the guitar festival. check it out if you havent already

Jarek Witkowski

01-07-2006, 11:19 PM

Steve Gadd will be at the NAMM Show 2006 in Anaheim, California.

jpekarek

01-14-2006, 12:28 AM

Bobhead

01-14-2006, 12:34 AM

The drum solo on Chick Corea's Three Quartets album amazes me everytime. I think Modern Drummer had it transcriped once.

Southpaw

01-14-2006, 01:23 AM

IMO, Gadd would rank among the best drummers to ever have breathed even if he had never played a solo... or a fill for that matter.

Gadd is all about the GROOVE!

berlioz

01-14-2006, 06:31 AM

IMO, Steve Gadd is an excellent drummer and also very accomplished. But (IMO) if you take away that one lightning fast lick he does all the time, there isn't anything very impressive left. It seems like most of his stuff is based on it. He throws it in everywhere and it gets a little old.

Great drummer, great chops, I just can't find anything to get impressed about.

a quote from Buddy Rich
"Steve Gadd was and probably still is, the best at that particular kind of drumming. I think that's because he has a jazz background, so he's able to incorporate it when he plays. He was very interesting in the beginning. Out of all the drummers I've heard, Gadd would have to be the one who has the most class behind the drums."

well i guess he had Buddy fooled, if he could only have seen past "that one lightning fast lick".... Oh and btw Gadd has done thousands of recordings and most of his stuff is not based on this lick, maybe 1% of it. Thats not what Steve Gadd's drumming is about.

theduke86

01-14-2006, 07:04 AM

Gadd has his licks, about ten or eleven of them. He orchestrates them differently and can start and end them on any beat. He just doesn't have one.

KzSgDrummer

01-15-2006, 12:40 AM

something brand new from gadd....
http://www.sunlightsquare.co.uk/

you can listen to 4 tracks from the brand new cd and you can watch some quicktime videos
from the recording session...

line up is:

BASS - Will Lee -
DRUMS - Steve Gadd -
VOCALS: JOY MALCOLM (Moby, Incognito)
SHARLENE HECTOR (Basement Jaxx), Z-STAR (Slow Train)

cheers

THANK YOU for this notice. I promptly ordered a copy and it just came today. So far I really like it, always a treat to hear Gadd playing in a cutting-edge musical environment. The compositions start off really grooving and invigorating, but it seems as you get deeper into the album, the tracks languish a bit. But oh well, the first 4 tracks more than make up for it. Not to mention that anything - ANYTHING - Gadd plays on I will gleefully listen to.

And for those who think he has only a couple things he does over and over, you are not listening close enough. Maybe it's the same rhythm orchestrated around the kit the same way, but if you're hearing the same thing as before, you're not grasping that, for whatever reasons, it simply fits the mood being created right then and there (making technical issues pointless to think about - just feel what the song/Gadd is saying). Not to sound condescending, but you must dive deeper into his sonic spectrum and think about his playing on many levels, and especially listen to the SPACE in between his notes just as much as the actual notes. Context, musicality, groove, efficiency, touch -- he pretty much has full ownership of these concepts, and you'll be much better to keep listening until you understand how he rules these.

ewanlaing

01-15-2006, 01:33 AM

i admire how his solos don't go on and on and on. most studio drummers can go on for hours playing rythms not only confusing to play, but also to listen to. gadd gives us a minute or two of perfection, before the rest of the band joins in again.

Slayer_metal_head

01-15-2006, 02:03 AM

Damn that man has Groove!

Stu_Strib

01-15-2006, 01:49 PM

IMO, Steve Gadd is an excellent drummer and also very accomplished. But (IMO) if you take away that one lightning fast lick he does all the time, there isn't anything very impressive left. It seems like most of his stuff is based on it. He throws it in everywhere and it gets a little old.

Great drummer, great chops, I just can't find anything to get impressed about.

Wow, is this a joke post? Yes, you can have your opinion, but I think you probably haven't watched/studied/listened to or followed Gadd at all. There is so much more to his playing than the 32nd note Linear Riffs and the and the "50 ways" grove.

Watch him play with James Taylor. I assure you he doesn't play the linear riff at all, because IT DOESN'T FIT THE MUSIC.

Gadd is a master at playing for the music.

Just watch Clapton's Crossroads DVD and fast forward to the James Taylor/Joe Walsh bit with Gadd on drums.

The problem with Gadd is that he isn't always flash and chops all the time, so some more over-the-top type of drummers don't get him.

The man is a musical genius who defies classification.

Stu_Strib

01-15-2006, 01:58 PM

I don't care that he can play an amazing single ratamacue. Anyone can master rudiments. I care that he can use it musically,

But did you SEE how he applied it to the kit! (besides, it isn't that amazing of a ratamacue anyway)

Ahh, this is what most people don't get. Yes he plays a fast ratamaque, but who else would have figured out how to put that to a song on a drumset??? Have you HEARD how he plays this in songs? It goes beyond comprehension sometimes. Like I said before, he shows you the riff, but none of us can pull it off like him.

Stu_Strib

01-15-2006, 02:00 PM

but i dont consider him a legend or anything
he's a great drummerbut I don't find him to be so amazing.
I can't seem to find something SO speacial about this guy. overrated
I just don't hear any progress in Gadd's playing. One thing I noticed is that he does the same things, all the time! I've seen lots of video footage and heard lots of recordings he's on and it's always the same beats and that same lick between the snare and toms.
anyone else ever thought that the 50 Ways beat just doesn't really fit the song??

Ok now I'm really flustered. I guess some people just don't get it. Why is it that people can make really absurd claims (see above) that are made mostly out of ignorance then footnote it with IMO, or IMHO. Worse, when those of us who GET Gadd respond, we are somehow knee-jerk, and reactionary? Of COURSE I'm reactionary. When you know something you know something. When someone says something as fact, and they just don't know, then naturally those of us 'in-the-know' are going to speak out.

Call it old-age, maturity, smugness, whatever...

Most intelligent thing said in this entire thread (thinshells): They want Steve Gadd to sound like Joey, or Travis. The bashings usually come from younger folks that aren't impressed by anything except faster, louder. Subtlety and musicianship along with groove are ideas that are undiscovered.

(sorry for the triple post, but man I feel passionate about this one)

Bernhard

01-15-2006, 02:37 PM

Stu, I understand your pain.....

It's not easy to explain the beauty of a lovely girl to a motorcycle.

For me with Steve Gadd, there are some steps:

Step 1

What a great lick - what the hell he's doing

Step 2

Analysing slow motion and tabs: oh, looks very easy - much easier as it sounds....

Step 3

Trying to play it - just got it - must be this

Step 4

Shit, doesn't sound

Step 5

I give up - what a genius

Bernhard

NUTHA JASON

01-15-2006, 05:52 PM

brilliant. this little sequence is how i feel about a lot of drummers on DW...which is why the rule stands...don't bash the pros.

j

jpekarek

01-15-2006, 10:12 PM

Ok now I'm really flustered. I guess some people just don't get it. Why is it that people can make really absurd claims (see above) that are made mostly out of ignorance then footnote it with IMO, or IMHO. Worse, when those of us who GET Gadd respond, we are somehow knee-jerk, and reactionary?

Holly COW! Talk about forcing you opinions on other people! You said I am allowed to have my own opinion and then you spent the next 45 minutes taking it away from me. I REALLY do not appreciate being called “ignorant” by you simply because I have a different opinion than you! That is a very closed minded insult. You posted quotes from 5 different people (none of which were even from me BTW I never once bashed Steve Gadd, I said he is an excellent drummer), and then proceeded to imply that everyone is stupid for not feeling the same way as you. Just because I think differently than you doesn’t mean that my thoughts are to be thrown aside (I’m 40 by the way). Yes you feel very passionate about Steve Gadd and that’s great, but you don’t have to force everyone else to as well. Settle down and realize that everyone on this board is an individual person entitled to his own thoughts and opinions.

I happen to feel very passionate about Mopars, but I am not going to call everyone that drives a Ford or Chevy an idiot and spend my life trying to tell them that their wrong.

Stu_Strib

01-15-2006, 11:14 PM

"You can have your opinion" was a preemptive strike. Usually when people say things that make no sense, their rebuttal is, "well, that's my opinion". I am just saying that your opinion is probably based more in what you DON'T know than what you do. How else could you justify those comments about Steve Gadd?

Now if you said, "I don't like Steve Gadd's style or sound" or something, that's different. However, you chose to say, "that one fast lick", which is a completely rediculous statement. This is STEVE FREAKIN' GADD we are talking about. If the name alone doesn't inspire awe, then I guess you just don't get it.

Nothing personal. I'm not attacking you at all. I didn't take 45 minutes to make everyone feel the way I feel. I am not FORCING my opinions on anyone. STEVE FREAKIN' GADD is completely off limits for criticism, heh. I took a few minutes to tell everyone how misguided and ininformed these quotes were (yours included.)

Ok, so he doesn't excite you, but you can't say he only has one fast lick. That is simply wrong, and yes, sorry to say, ignorant. Again, nothing personal, but what other word fits?

If you say the sky is red, I'm going to tell you it is blue, that's all I'm saying.

ewanlaing

01-15-2006, 11:48 PM

this is getting a little heated. i can see why some people think gadd only has a few patterns, but i think that may be down to those being such great patterns, and therefore the ones you always see and hear on websites. listening to songs on the gadd page rather than watching the videos opened my eyes (*ears*) as to how varied he is, and the two new videos enforce this. this shouldn't be an argument. we are supposed to understand each other and learn. thats what the forum is for i think.

Womble

01-15-2006, 11:49 PM

NUTHA JASON

01-15-2006, 11:57 PM

he must get asked about them a lot tho.

i think some folks, not you, but others form quick opinions about guys like Gadd from a few videos and an album or two. the guy has milesof studio tape with allsorts of stuff going on. there are reasons why he is a legend its just that some people only see the most popular stuff and think that's all there is .

stu is getting passionate perhaps for that reason. it is fustrating sometimes knowing something and then seeing people who have had less or limited access to the same info give an opinion. stu is sort of trying to help them think twice about their ideas. its just that some people don't like to be told stuff but rather discover it for themselves - if the can be bothered.

OceanDirt

01-16-2006, 12:01 AM

Um, Stu....Please do not quote my question "Anyone else ever thought that the the 50 Ways beat just doesn't really fit the song" as a demonstation of a general 'misguidedness' and ignorance. I am an enormous fan of Gadd; I love his playing for all the reasons you have stated; I love countless grooves he's laid down, but I happen not to think that particular one fits that song - great pattern though it is!

However, I do agree with whoever expressed frustration at Gadd's endless repetition of his licks. There are obviously a hell of a lot of people who are happy to go to a Steve Gadd clinic, and watch him play his licks over and over again. Personally, I think it would be interesting to see the guy stretching his enormous talent, and continuing to innovate like he once did, rather than giving the crowds the quasi-drumming-pornography that Gadd playing his licks now is.
but gadd does not just "play his licks." does he have licks? yes. does he play them? yes he does. but that is perhaps the least important part of what he has done as an innovator on the drum set.

gadd redefined playing our intsrument. he grew to fame during the 70s when having perfect time was not a primary concern, and he had perfect time. he was precise and clean in his playing when precision was not important. and he maintained that precision and perfection of time while also playing openly (both in style and more importantly in technique) which had never really been heard mastered, especially in the musical context where he did most of his work. his concept of musicality was both incredibly simple and highly complex, giving him the ability to play next to nothing and yet do it in a way no one else would ever think of, but always first and foremost in the service of the song.

it's all about his feel. no one has a feel like he does. no one can play so perfectly and so innovatvely and yet still be so relaxed. it's like he's breathing into it, as though he played saxophone instead of drums.

there's a reason he's done more session work than nearly anybody else. and as much as i love it, it's not because of that cool paradiddle lick with the hi-hat.

Womble

01-16-2006, 12:12 AM

but gadd does not just "play his licks." does he have licks? yes. does he play them? yes he does. but that is perhaps the least important part of what he has done as an innovator on the drum set.

Yes. You don't say anything I disagree with. In fact, it's precisely because I agree that Gadd's licks are not the most important part of his playing that I get frustated when I see clinic clips, and all he seems to do is roll out his licks, again....and again....and again. Now as Nutha suggests, and I hinted at, maybe that's because the audience is always full of people who want to hear those licks. Maybe it's because Steve has assumed that's what people want to hear. Who knows....I just think it would be fascinating to see him come out of his comfort zone, don't you?

jpekarek

01-16-2006, 12:26 AM

This is STEVE FREAKIN' GADD we are talking about. If the name alone doesn't inspire awe, then I guess you just don't get it.

I guess I don't know what I'm talking about then, but give me a little credit. I've been playng since the 4th grade, nearly 30 years now, I have played with at least 10 bands, I have had 12 drumsets, I have 2 published albums to my credit, I have won Regional and State championships with my high-school and college jazz bands (1985 and 1988), took 3dr place in a National championship with the Spartan Drum & Bugle Corps, spent an entire evening talking and drinking wine with with Virgil Donatti in Boise '97, I know Deen Castronovo personally and I have never heard of Steve Gadd until a few months ago when I joined this forum.

So call me ignorant if you must, that's OK because I am done with this topic. I guess in my brief 40 years I have grown wise enough to know when an argument has become futile.

So you win, Steve Gadd is the finest drummer in the world. Now if you will excuse me, my 5 year old is trying to kill the cat!

Casper "DrPowerStroke" Paludan

01-16-2006, 12:27 AM

Yes. You don't say anything I disagree with. In fact, it's precisely because I agree that Gadd's licks are not the most important part of his playing that I get frustated when I see clinic clips, and all he seems to do is roll out his licks, again....and again....and again. Now as Nutha suggests, and I hinted at, maybe that's because the audience is always full of people who want to hear those licks. Maybe it's because Steve has assumed that's what people want to hear. Who knows....I just think it would be fascinating to see him come out of his comfort zone, don't you?
Most of the clinic videos I see make me zone out after a minute or so, and don't even get me started about non-drummers.... Gadd is a differnet story, though. He plays stuff that is both technically perfect and groovy like anything. It is just incredibly pleasing to listen to, and I admire him for holding his own against the onslaught of super chops that in my opinion have limited musical value. DPS

Stu_Strib

01-16-2006, 12:30 AM

YES GADD HAS HIS LICKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SHEEESH!

What irks me is that people think this is ALL he has. Just look at the long list of songs on here that people have posted that are specifically GADD lick free is all I'm saying. Just because Bernhard posted some of his more known licks, and there are several DVDs highlighting his licks, doesn't mean this is all he plays.

Nutha has it right. I'm trying to maybe open people's eyes to the fact there is more to Gadd than 32nd note doubles and linear snare-hi-hat-kick licks. We all have our individual styles. What makes Gadd great, is people know right away "That's Gadd". I have my own style. People don't go "That's Stu".

And Womble, you'll note I took your name out of the quote, so as not to make it personal. I was just highlighting some of the 'lowlight' comments; the ones that best demonstrate that people just don't get Gadd. 50 Ways has to be one of the most perfect and most identifiable riffs to a song ever. I think DogBreath said it best. 50 ways is a song that revolves around the drum riff. It is quite simply, the perfect part for that song. I would bet that every producer and song writer in that room nearly died when they heard Steve lay down that groove.

Even if you don't think it fits, you should still analyze the riff to see there are a lot of bad imitations of it. There are so many subtle things going on in a seemingly simple fill....it's vintage Gadd.

The cool thing about Gadd is he is one of the drummers I don't envy because of chops. Frankly, the stuff he plays isn't technically difficult. It is simply pure genius. Like Bernhard said, you can see the notes, he'll show you the notes, he'll show you how to play the notes, and you STILL can't play it right.

I could only WISH to have a lick someday that people immediately identify as being STU.

STU-isms would be cool.

But, I suck, so one can dream.

I have nothing left to say on this issue. This is like trying to convince Bud Light drinkers the virtues of fine wine, or comic book readers about nuances of fine art. You get it, or you don't.

Womble

01-16-2006, 12:35 AM

Most of the clinic videos I see make me zone out after a minute or so, and don't even get me started about non-drummers.... Gadd is a differnet story, though. He plays stuff that is both technically perfect and groovy like anything. It is just incredibly pleasing to listen to, and I admire him for holding his own against the onslaught of super chops that in my opinion have limited musical value. DPS

I know what you mean. In a way, though, I think it's cooler to see a really young groove-minded guy holding his own against the chops monsters (that 14 minute Keith Carlock clinic vid game me more pleasure than from any I have seen in a long time). It would certainly be more of a psychological challenge to a a younger, less famous drummer. Gadd knows by now that he could play whatever the hell he wanted and people would still worship him like a God. That's why I think it would be interesting to see him try new things.

Bernhard

01-16-2006, 12:43 AM

.......... I have had 12 drumsets, I have 2 published albums to my credit, I have won Regional and State championships with my high-school and college jazz bands (1985 and 1988), took 3dr place in a National championship with the Spartan Drum & Bugle Corps, spent an entire evening talking and drinking wine with with Virgil Donatti in Boise '97, I know Deen Castronovo personally and I have never heard of Steve Gadd ........
!

Ok - I understand: you are a formula 1 racer (not a go-car Racer beware!!!) and never heard the name Ferrari.

That's ok, but so perhabs better discussing about lawn-mowers , not race-cars - there lies the misunderstanding

( just a question: Buddy Rich - ever heard? - was also a quite good drummer -won no championships, never practiced, but anyway...)

Bernhard

Stu_Strib

01-16-2006, 12:44 AM

I guess I don't know what I'm talking about then, but give me a little credit. I've been playng since the 4th grade, nearly 30 years now, I have played with at least 10 bands, I have had 12 drumsets, I have 2 published albums to my credit, I have won Regional and State championships with my high-school and college jazz bands (1985 and 1988), took 3dr place in a National championship with the Spartan Drum & Bugle Corps, spent an entire evening talking and drinking wine with with Virgil Donatti in Boise '97, I know Deen Castronovo personally and I have never heard of Steve Gadd until a few months ago when I joined this forum.

So call me ignorant if you must, that's OK because I am done with this topic. I guess in my brief 40 years I have grown wise enough to know when an argument has become futile.

So you win, Steve Gadd is the finest drummer in the world. Now if you will excuse me, my 5 year old is trying to kill the cat!

Hi Jpekarek,

You make my point for me: ignorant simply means "unaware of". At LEAST you didn't come in here saying Steve Gadd only has one lick and is overrated.

I share your sentiments, and trust me, nothing I said was directed at you or your participation in this thread. We are the same age, have the same issues (namely children killing family pets), the same credentials (Oregon States here, vs. Washington for you, I gather). I knew people would get reactionary to the word ignorant. I have no problem with your comments because you quite frankly don't know of Gadd, so therefore you didn't say anything really really ignorant about it.

Another great thing about Gadd: you may have never heard of him, but there is no way you have never heard his playing, given how much he has recorded, and your extensive experience in drumming. I assure you, with your track record, you've played something that was recorded by Gadd.

Ask Deen. I'm sure he'll tell you all about Gadd. Deen is great, and should be talked about more on DW ;-) I worshiped Deen when I was a Freshman. I think he was running the snare line at the Salem Argonauts when I tried out....man that guy was intimidating.

Womble

01-16-2006, 12:50 AM

Lol Stu, how does removing my name from my quotation make it less personal to me, when you then label it a 'lowlight' comment that shows I don't 'get Gadd'!? Anyway, I'm not seriously getting up-tight about this, I'd just like the record to state, as I think it should, that my failing to worship one single but very popular Gadd groove does not cast doubt on my Gadd-loving (and 'getting'!) credentials.

Interesting how you say 50 Ways revolves around the drum part, but that the drum part is in turn the perfect part for the song. It makes me wonder which came first, the chicken or the egg? Seriously, does anyone know how that part came into existence? My gut feeling, and hence why I may be disparaging about the part, is that it was a groove Gadd had come up with in his own time and wanted to play in a song, and found one he could fit it into to.

jpekarek

01-16-2006, 12:51 AM

Hi Jpekarek,

You make my point for me: ignorant simply means "unaware of". At LEAST you didn't come in here saying Steve Gadd only has one lick and is overrated.

I share your sentiments, and trust me, nothing I said was directed at you or your participation in this thread. We are the same age, have the same issues (namely children killing family pets), the same credentials (Oregon States here, vs. Washington for you, I gather). I knew people would get reactionary to the word ignorant. I have no problem with your comments because you quite frankly don't know of Gadd, so therefore you didn't say anything really really ignorant about it.

Another great thing about Gadd: you may have never heard of him, but there is no way you have never heard his playing, given how much he has recorded, and your extensive experience in drumming. I assure you, with your track record, you've played something that was recorded by Gadd.

Ask Deen. I'm sure he'll tell you all about Gadd. Deen is great, and should be talked about more on DW ;-) I worshiped Deen when I was a Freshman. I think he was running the snare line at the Salem Argonauts when I tried out....man that guy was intimidating.

Well I'll tell you what I am doing. I am searching the internet for downloads of Steve Gadd's music and videos clips. Looking through old S&G recordings and listening to the "Clap". The passionate string of conversation here has intrigued me to say the least, the least I can do is learn more about the man!

berlioz

01-16-2006, 01:15 AM

Stu_Strib

01-16-2006, 01:49 AM

Interesting how you say 50 Ways revolves around the drum part, but that the drum part is in turn the perfect part for the song. It makes me wonder which came first, the chicken or the egg? Seriously, does anyone know how that part came into existence? My gut feeling, and hence why I may be disparaging about the part, is that it was a groove Gadd had come up with in his own time and wanted to play in a song, and found one he could fit it into to.

According to Paul Simon, the song was done, and Gadd made it up during the session. It blew everyone away, and then the song was retweaked to fit the pattern even better. So finally, a drummer other than Neil Peart, having a profound effect on song writing!

DogBreath stated it much better than I, as he probably didn't drink a bottle of wine while on night time cold medicine, like myself, ;-)

Edit: I found more:

According to Simon - The big discovery on this song was Steve Gadd's drum part. It's probably what made it a hit. When Steve used to be in the studio, he used to practice these little marching-band patterns. It was like a little exercise for him. So I guess that's what it was. It's tricky; I've watched a lot of drummers try to play that. They never quite get it. It's very tricky. The song has a real casualness to the verses and a sense of humor to it, and the choruses are funny and catchy. And everybody seemed to like that one, young people and old people. The choruses were from a rhyming game I used to play with my son Harper when he was about four. I think it came off unusually well as a record. I like the chords.

AND according to GADD -- Interviewer : Can you explain, did the song come first or did the groove come first, did he ( Paul Simon ) write the song around the groove or vice-versa ?

Steve Gadd : the song came first and we tried a few different ways and ended up with that feel.
I would just sit at the drums sometimes and instead of playing the hi-hat with my right hand, I would play with my left hand, and from playing be-bop, the hi-hat here is like if you play in 4 or you would play at different places. I was more free than just 2 and 4, so Fifty Ways is the result of using the hi-hat at different places : using the left hand and the hi-hat.

AND....

from anonymous post on the internet: It occurs to me Gadd's beat in (50 ways) is perhaps metaphorical but resonant with even a naive listener; that is, it's glib but very slightly drags—the glibness expressing the songs lyrics, but the slight drag expressing the hidden reluctance (or fear) to leave.

So this guy gets away with "naive" instead of "ignorant". So I change my post. You are all naive, hehe.

Stu_Strib

01-16-2006, 01:54 AM

Well I'll tell you what I am doing. I am searching the internet for downloads of Steve Gadd's music and videos clips. Looking through old S&G recordings and listening to the "Clap". The passionate string of conversation here has intrigued me to say the least, the least I can do is learn more about the man!

I spent probably an hour today on iTunes, sampling stuff from his discography. I'm 'only' 36, so a lot of his prime was when I was very young. I think I only got up to 1976 in an hour!

I particularly like the stuff with Bonnie Raitt, ca. 1974 (forget the album title and year, but it is in his discography).

I don't think you'll find any studio recordings of Simon & Garfunkel with Gadd on drums. He seems to only have drummed Live in Central Park for that duo.

Stu_Strib

01-16-2006, 02:26 AM

And I annoyingly post three in a row....

but this one is classic!

Did you notice, if you just type Steve Gadd in your browser window, it defaults to Bernhard's page on Steve Gadd!?? That's some influence, Bernie!

Stu

berlioz

01-16-2006, 02:29 AM

Ok i stand corrected, thanx Stu. I do remember that story from the Gadd video, i knew he was doing his independece exercise thing with the left hand and foot, but i forgot that it was the song first then the groove...got them mixed up... oops (its been a while since i seen that) this is quite embarrassing since i consider myself almost a Gadd historian :)

finnhiggins

01-16-2006, 02:31 AM

According to Paul Simon, the song was done, and Gadd made it up during the session. It blew everyone away, and then the song was retweaked to fit the pattern even better. So finally, a drummer other than Neil Peart, having a profound effect on song writing!

I think there's plenty who do. Danny Carey is clearly a big influence on Tool's songwriting, likewise most prog drummers. Similarly, "Take Five" was originally written as a solo showpiece for Joe Morello, and Tony Williams and Elvin Jones had clear and obvious influence on the ways that Miles and Trane approached relating to the rhythm section.... I think the list could be virtually endless. It would be hard to be in a band with somebody as amazing as most of the people on Drummerworld and fail to be influenced in some way by their playing, IMHO.