Jeff Porcaro

[oliverlawford]

I really been into listening to the great jeff porcaro playing with Toto and have been really inspired by his amazing playing...

I was wondering if anyone could tell of other albums, bands, etc of which jeff has played with so i can further check him out and study his playing and hear the legend in action...

thx

Oli

[Aja]

Here's a link to his page at Drummerworld--lists who else he's played with:



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

[Paul Quin]

The list is endless: Check out early Boz Scaggs ("Silk Degrees" I think - sometimes referred to as Toto's first album!). JP also played with Steely Dan on some great stuff. In particular, listen to the title track from "Gaucho." JP also played with Michael Mcdonald on some of his early solo albums. The groove on "I Keep Forgettin'" is about as in the pocket as you can get. I am sure you can fins a discography out there on the web somewhere. I am at work or I would do it for you!

Good luck hunting for the playing of quite simply one of the best ever!

Paul

[Dr Drums]

His half time shuffle is like the funnest beat i could ever play. he ownz.

[humndrumn]

Dirty Laundry by Don Henley has some tasty Porcaro playing too.

[Stu_Strib]

Dirty Laundry???!!!! Wow, I thought I was the biggest Pocaro fan ever, and I didn't know that (maybe because its the most commercially succesful tune of his I can think of).

The thing about Porcaro is you know IMMEDIATELY its him playing, or somebody who really idolizes his style. I didn't think of "I keep forgettin'", but now that I hear it in my head, yeah, definately Porcaro!

He plays on all the Toto albums up to the greatest hits cd (and his untimely death).

Many Bozz Skaggs cuts (Lito, being a great forgotten tune, and that definitive Porcaro shuffle sound).

He is on James Newton Howard and Friends (ca. 1985) considered one of the best sound engineering accomplishments of the time. The 'and Friends' part just refers to the guys from Toto, minus singing. If you watch movies you'll know James Newton Howard, he's one of the busiest Hollywood soundtrack guys ever.

Man, he's awesome. I got to play on his kit an 17 year old wannabee fledgling drummer in 1987 in a clinic in Seattle, WA.

I found this site too...tons of stuff, presumably everything he ever recorded:

Jeff Porcaro Discography (http://home.swipnet.se/ml/jeff.html)


oops: EDIT...I guess Michael Jackson's Thriller would be the biggest commercial success...man so much good stuff his discography Bonnie Raitt Luck of the Draw..just awesome!

[Lars]

Check out Totos official website: www.toto99.com
Jeffs complete (if it exsits) is there. At: Memories of Jeff

[Mike T.]

He played on Jackson Browne's Pretender. I also believe Pocaro and his drum tech are credited with developing the modern drum rack for Pearl.

[cactusman]

what are some of your favorites of jeff porcaro's (r.i.p) works? i enjoy few of the Toto albums but i wanna hear some more stuff.

[cactusman]

i see that my failed attempt at a thread got moved to this one.

[Womble]

Whoa I don't know how I've only just seen this thread! Ok, some albums Jeff lovers should definitely own:

1) Randy Crawford, Secret Combination: a pretty cheesy album in places but has Jeff and Abe Laboriel throughout - 'You might need somebody' has an incredibly 'phat' shuffle groove.

2) Larry Carlton, Friends: again, Abe and Jeff. Bass and drums don't come much tighter. A very listenable 80's guitar album.

3) Dire Straits, On Every Street: 'Calling Elvis' features absolutely perfect rock drumming. You must hear this track!! The big single off the album was 'Heavy fuel'; crap song, great drumming, with a massive Jeff snare fill at the end.

4) TOTO, The Seventh One: features what I think is Jeff's best ever shuffle on the track 'These chains'. And a great Lukather solo at the end, but then every solo that guy plays is amazing.

5) TOTO, Kingdom of Desire: bad album, but the track 'How many times' has one of the greatest Jeff fills ever. You can hear it on Keith Kronin's 'Drum licks from hell' site - http://www.keithcronin.com/fromhell.html

6) It's already been mentioned but the Michael McDonald track 'I keep forgettin' is probably Jeff's finest moment.

And let's not forget Michael Jackson's 'Heal the world'...lmao :)

If you really want to see Jeff at his best though you've got to get the TOTO Live DVD, filmed in Paris in '92. Every time I watch it I'm flawed by his time; he never ever drags or speeds up, except for the odd deliberate moment in a fill. I've never heard a drummer who had such control over the tempo...possibly Jim Keltner, but he did it in a different way. I've always been a massive Jeff fan but my respect for him was brought to new levels when it was pointed out to me, or at least opined, when I was at LAMA that Jeff was the only drummer who never once dragged or sped up. Not even JR could claim that.

[mlehnertz]

4) Word on both comments. That's a wonderful tune. As for Lukather, he's a mofo live. I've seen Toto a half dozen times now and I never leave disappointed.

5) Gypsy Train is a nice tune as well. It shows Porcaro's ability to play it heavy when need be.

Toto is one of those bands that is under-appreciated because the tunes that everyone hears on the radio (or in the elevator) are the commercial sell-out tunes that a band needs to write to get album sales (i.e. radio play). I get tired of the "Toto? You mean Africa? What a gay band." comments. Then you pull out a tune like "Dave's Gone Skiing" or "Jake to the Bone" and you get to hear the harder side of Toto.

Lukather to guitarists is Porcaro to drummers. Never overstated, always just the right playing for the song but when they let loose, look the F out.


4) TOTO, The Seventh One: features what I think is Jeff's best ever shuffle on the track 'These chains'. And a great Lukather solo at the end, but then every solo that guy plays is amazing.

5) TOTO, Kingdom of Desire: bad album, but the track 'How many times' has one of the greatest Jeff fills ever. You can hear it on Keith Kronin's 'Drum licks from hell' site -

[Womble]

Right on! I'm always surprised and disappointed when I come across 'Who's your favourite guitarist?' type threads/surveys, because Lukather is never mentioned. The guy's a monster. I'm pretty sure he was also on 'I keep forgettin'', right? Ridiculous rhythm playing.

Mlehnertz, have you seen the Los Lobotomys DVD with Simon Phillips and David Garfield? It's most amusing, Philips obviously plays his arse off, Garfield seems to be completely whacked out on coke, but Luke holds it all down...his ability to play with taste, balls, and yet also restraint is very impressive. And on the TOTO live DVD I mentioned, Lukather does Little Wing as a tribute to Hendrix and Vaughn....for me it's the best guitar solo ever.

[mlehnertz]

It's all because of Toto and the nasty reputation Toto has among mainstream music listeners.

What I love best about Lukather is that he's probably on a recording that everyone on here owns and doesn't realize it. His discography is absolutely huge. I think I'll put on "The Tubes" and listen to the tunes that Lukather wrote that got them on the map.

Hahaha, funny. The Lido Shuffle just came on. Oooooo, freaky!

(I have to get the recordings you recommend. I want the Larry Carlton thing he did too.)

Right on! I'm always surprised and disappointed when I come across 'Who's your favourite guitarist?' type threads/surveys, because Lukather is never mentioned. The guy's a monster. I'm pretty sure he was also on 'I keep forgettin'', right? Ridiculous rhythm playing.

Mlehnertz, have you seen the Los Lobotomys DVD with Simon Phillips and David Garfield? It's most amusing, Philips obviously plays his arse off, Garfield seems to be completely whacked out on coke, but Luke holds it all down...his ability to play with taste, balls, and yet also restraint is very impressive. And on the TOTO live DVD I mentioned, Lukather does Little Wing as a tribute to Hendrix and Vaughn....for me it's the best guitar solo ever.

[Womble]

Great Jeff fan site:

http://jeffporcaro.blogspot.com/

[Stu_Strib]

3) Dire Straits, On Every Street: 'Calling Elvis' features absolutely perfect rock drumming. You must hear this track!!


Wow, one of my favorite drumming tracks ever and one of my favorite drummers, and I never even knew it was Jeff on that track!!!!!!!!!!

That's the thing about great session drummers...they always astound you when you find out another song they've been on! This happens all the time to me with Steve Gadd and Jeff Porcaro.

[Womble]

Tut-tut Stu, do you not digest every word of my posts at the time I write them?

Calling Elvis is one of Jeff's all-time greatest performances. The first backbeat is one of the fattest things I've ever heard - just slightly delayed. It's moments like that that keep Jeff at the top of my list. I've never heard anyone else play with time to such effect, not even the other greatest groove players.

[T.Underhill]

I had no idea that was him on the Dire Straits tunes. I've always dug the drumwork and though I'm pretty amazed to learn this I'm not suprised its him because he's good like that.

[Womble]

Yes, and just in case you didn't see, it was him on Heavy Fuel as well.

[Stu_Strib]

Tut-tut Stu, do you not digest every word of my posts at the time I write them?

I was busy moving from Texas to England at the time ;-)

[Robin]

Jeff rules! Definitely one of the best groovedrummers ever!

[shuffle]

3) Dire Straits, On Every Street: 'Calling Elvis' features absolutely perfect rock drumming. You must hear this track!! The big single off the album was 'Heavy fuel'; crap song, great drumming, with a massive Jeff snare fill at the end.


Wow.. I own this record, and it's been years since I've listened to it. I just listened to "Calling Elvis". Thanks for openning my eyes on the drum part.

[Womble]

Thanks for openning my eyes on the drum part.

That's my pleasure. I bang on about Jeff so much that I figure I probably bore people to death, so it's nice to get some positive feedback.

[shuffle]

I've noticed that Manu Katche also plays on the "On every street" album

However, there are no indications in my booklet regarding which songs are played by Porcaro and which ones by Katche.

From previous posts in this thread, I see that Porcaro plays "Calling Elvis" and "Heavy Fuel"... Anybody knows about the other songs ?

[Stu_Strib]

Calling Elvis is very Jeff Porcaro, and not very Manu sounding for sure!

[Womble]

there are no indications in my booklet regarding which songs are played by Porcaro and which ones by Katche.

Yes, don't you just hate when they do that? It's the same with Madonna's Like a Prayer, it just tells you that JR, Jeff, and Jonathon Moffet played on the album. Thankfully, telling those 3 apart is very easy.

I'll have to listen to the other tracks on On Every Street and give you my best guesses.

[Stu_Strib]

Yes, don't you just hate when they do that? It's the same with Madonna's Like a Prayer, it just tells you that JR, Jeff, and Jonathon Moffet played on the album. Thankfully, telling those 3 apart is very easy.

I'll have to listen to the other tracks on On Every Street and give you my best guesses.

I also hate when you buy downloaded music and get EVEN LESS in the lines of liner notes. Some bands are starting to include digital booklets, but I just wish they'd make an mp3 tag or whatever for band credits!

[Kevind]

Also might add that Jeff Porcaro played on Pink Floyd's The Wall including Pt. 2. If you listen to it you can definitley hear his sound. Apparently Nick Mason was off racing cars or something and was somewhat relieved that they had someone come in and do the album tracks for him.

Also played on Tommy Bolin's "Teaser" which is a great track.

[shuffle]

Also might add that Jeff Porcaro played on Pink Floyd's The Wall including Pt. 2.

You're sure about that ? I thought he only played on the song "Mother".

[Kevind]

You're sure about that ? I thought he only played on the song "Mother".

Yeah I'm pretty sure because I was pretty surprised by it at the time. I *think* it was in the MD issue from a few years but I did read a more detailed account as related by his drum tech but i'm trying to think where I read it. To correct myself though, I'm not sure he played on the full album, I thought he did a number of tracks, and I do believe it was he who was on "Another Brick in the Wall." "Mother" sounds about right too.

[intooder]

I couldn't agree more about Calling Elvis. One of the catchiest grooves ever. Some very tasteful ghost notes on that as well.

[RaincloudMusic]

Jeff also shows up BIGTIME for "Chicago" .... on "17", the first tune is all Jeff.

I thought for years that was Seraphine, but it was Porcaro on "Stay the Night".

Jeff also played for Contemporary Christian artist Sandi Patti on her record, "Another Time Another Place".

I've gotten the video that's posted up here... I'm NOT a drummer; my main thing is keyboards/vocals/flute ...but I'm learning from watching Jeff's segments on that tape.
I didn't complete MUS482 on kit; or even on concert snare. Arm injuries will do that.
But now that it's completely better; I'm gonna try again.

One of the things Jeff said is key. PHRASING. I was taught that on a rediculous level by my piano instructors --- anyway. He was an amazing musician; not just a time keeper. There was more than "metronome" to his playing. Just watching the video ---during the opening Jam, the smile never leaves his face. That's true joy there.
Loving what you do.

PS: "Creature Stomp" kicks; but they rolled credit and I couldn't SEE what he was doin'.
That sucked. ANYBODY got the title of the Opening jam those guys do on that thing?
It's my favorite thing on the entire video; he's all over EVERYWHERE> The guy had the lightest hands of anybody I've ever heard or seen. Phenominal.

Saturday he'd have been 52. Has it been that long since he left??? Good NIGHT.

Anywho; drummers aren't the only people affected by guys like Jeff. the influence was MUCh broader. I am one of those "non drummers" who absolutely LOVED hearing "Lido Shuffle" and the things he did on Bonnie Raitt's "Luck of the Draw" caused my jaw to drop.

I was sunbathing and filling out housing request forms on 9/05/02. I heard the news guy say "Porcaro" and "heart attack" and it didn't sink in until about two hours later that he'd gone. Shock. Like when I heard of Anthony Berger (Gospel pianist) passing away at the keyboard in February of this year. Absolute denial for a few hours.

Sheer, unadulteraed, God-Given "Groove". How else to explain what Gift??

I don't know if the hole he left in the industry has been filled...YET!

It's gonna take awhile.............


Theresa
B.M. Music Business 1996
Southern Mississippi

[RaincloudMusic]

He had a jazz background but could kick the crap outta the bass drum's batter side.
"Kingdom Of Desire" ranks as my #2 favorite record of TOTO stuff he ever did, "Wings of Time"....amazing. "Gypsy Train" just HAULS.....and "Kick down the Walls" ---sounds like Jeff might have tried it, ha ha.

I'm listening to the opening groove on the instructional video and amazed STILL at the way the guy's just FLYIN' around the kit. "Jake to the Bone" (from K.O.D.) is an amazing little thing.

"How Many Times" also on KOD is another smokin' thing.
"Look the F out" is correct. I told my sister tonight, "all OVER the place, this guy was---when he got a chance to really stretch out---LOOK out 'cause you never knew where he'd go next." His Hat work is STILL blowin' my mind.

Porcaro could go all finesse one minute and tear the top of your head off the next. I loved hearing him on KOD because this was not "typical" for TOTO and they'd really stretched things.
"Never Enough" REMAINS my favorite from the album (all time). I'm sitting here writing this, watching the instructional DVD and singing the groove for "How Many Times" all at once.
He and Mike had the FATTEST pocket groove on that record.
I sing with my family; all the time. (It's a Gospel thang). NOTHING like that.
You don't have to SAY a word----it just happens. Hungate/Porcaro rocked; but when Mike and Jeff got into ANYTHING; it just plain smoldered. KOD is prime example of that.


-just my observations/musician's opinions..... (everybody's got 'em. LOL).

T

4) Word on both comments. That's a wonderful tune. As for Lukather, he's a mofo live. I've seen Toto a half dozen times now and I never leave disappointed.

5) Gypsy Train is a nice tune as well. It shows Porcaro's ability to play it heavy when need be.

Toto is one of those bands that is under-appreciated because the tunes that everyone hears on the radio (or in the elevator) are the commercial sell-out tunes that a band needs to write to get album sales (i.e. radio play). I get tired of the "Toto? You mean Africa? What a gay band." comments. Then you pull out a tune like "Dave's Gone Skiing" or "Jake to the Bone" and you get to hear the harder side of Toto.

Lukather to guitarists is Porcaro to drummers. Never overstated, always just the right playing for the song but when they let loose, look the F out.

[doublestrokeroll]

Jeff was one of the best and most innovative drummers of his time, he was taken way too soon. His playing looked so effortless. Eric Clapton gained the reputation as "slowhand" because he would seemingly make notes you never saw his hands produce. Jeff was the same way.

[RaincloudMusic]

Jeff was one of the best and most innovative drummers of his time, he was taken way too soon. His playing looked so effortless. Eric Clapton gained the reputation as "slowhand" because he would seemingly make notes you never saw his hands produce. Jeff was the same way.

on the Hal Leonard thing, Jeff talked about how he ripped off Bonham for "Rosanna".

Listening to "Rosanna" as I type--- the ghost notes tha Bonham did....Jeff took to an entirely new and frightening level of "cool". I'll never 'get' that... I found out the title track/opening jam is "Corbit Van Brauer" and is a David Garfield composition (much as is Creature Stomp" at the end.

Once Porcaro got going on "Corbit..." the rack toms never stopped moving. Somewhere (I think in the Liner Notes for "Tribute to Jeff"), Keltner mentions this instructional and makes the statement that he (Keltner) could barely contain himself watching that--that Jeff's right wrist just floored him. If KELTNER said that about his best friend.... where's that leave the rest of us (beginners or otherwise?).

And the most hilarious thing on the entire DVD for me--is the Shuffle Example (the 2nd one); I fault MIKE PORCARO for that down-and-dirty, slinky groove that Jeff just ran with.
Quiet 601's for the first couple bars of that, and then Porcaro goes from all over the Ride --reaching over and just smacks the hats like "Wake up!!!!" And, man DID they.

He was known for the Shuffle groove he couldn't RUN from....but two other things about Jeff that will always be what I listen for as identifiers: That silky/sexy hi hat and a right foot from the Nether Regions..... all on his toes; I guess that came from (as he put it on the vid) "not being able to reach (Dad's) pedals". That 18x22" took the brunt of some classy footwork. It's a joy to watch that.... just to sit and say to myself, "Just remember, he played for a LONG. TIME goin' to get that good....this won't happen over night....Be patient!"

Jeff had decades of playing kit.... I'm just starting. I have to remember the difference is I've had 30 years on KEYS. Phrasing is still Phrasing and he makes that plainly evident
with the work on those toms during "Corbit Van Brauer" and a couple other things in the video. A blast to watch....and learn...and remember just what sort of Giant that guy was.

(And still is).
Thank GOD tape doesn't lie.

T

[Womble]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pr3TynkVYh4&search=jeff%20porcaro

It's fun to see a young Jeff, before his technique became so beautifully refined and precise. He looks more like a rock drummer here than the studio master we all know so well.

[jorn]

The most musical drummer of all times. I cried the day he died.

[KR3]

JP is my favorite drummer of all time. I still play his video and still get plenty of ideas of of it.
Did you guys notice that he was using K's in the Stop Loving you video?

[beatsMcGee]

i love this guy's grooves!! he so fluid and smooth behind the kit

[samthebeat]

No one else makes me feel what I feel when I listen to him play. The thing is I dont even know what im feeling, i cant explain it, but I like it.

[infernal drummer]

a song he plays on the rambo soundtrack.. "its a long road" also shows some very very great drumming from him.. its incredible how his toms and rhytm just seem to flow with the music.. none like him anymore...

[Robin]

Here's a question that asked to Steve Lukather and his answer kinda explain what made Jeff so great!


"Hey Luke! What makes a good drummer?"


Luke: Well, groove, TIME, FEEL and taste. Chops are great and a plus, but that does NOT make a great drummer!!! I have been blessed to play with the best there is on the planet at one time or another. I don't know why but I guess "right place right time". I was raised sitting and playing with Jeff Porcaro when I was 15. Not too many cats are that lucky. From there I was turned on to all the greats, young and old. Hell, Ringo was my first drum hero and his work still holds up!

[RaincloudMusic]

Here's a question that asked to Steve Lukather and his answer kinda explain what made Jeff so great!


My best friend has taught for 27 years. He was heavily influenced by Gadd, Seraphine and Jeff Porcaro. Dave told me:

"I've seen TOO many drummers RUIN a solid groove with too many notes. Get a basic
1/2/3/4 pattern going just snare and kick---and lock that down FIRST; the rest will follow."

The man is correct.
LUKE hit the nail SQUARELY on the head. I've said this before and I'll type it again just because. Two words in the English Language describe Jeff Porcaro's playing.

"Impeccably Elegant".

WHY?
MASSIVE chops.....reigned in....for the sake of the groove---not that the chops never showed up-they DID--just quietly sometimes. Then there are times when his playing just rips the top of your head right off. ("Calling Elvis".... "I don't Hear You" (Boz), "How Many Times" -that fill 4:06 into it....). There's a Jazz Shuffle example on the Hal Leonard DVD----he demos that and then turns right around and applies it to a contemporary tune.
A JAZZ shuffle turned inside out! But THE best example of him turning things upside down?

"Jake to the Bone"..........COUNTING that is a pain in the @$$! It was all "feel".
There was a rockin' cat that NEVER once betrayed his Jazz roots, and those of us who remain are better for it.

Theresa B.

[Emanuel]

I really been into listening to the great jeff porcaro playing with Toto and have been really inspired by his amazing playing...

I was wondering if anyone could tell of other albums, bands, etc of which jeff has played with so i can further check him out and study his playing and hear the legend in action...

thx

Oli

Hi!
I'm also very exited about Jeff's wonderful playing and have some records he've done with several artist (among them all). I highly recomend that you check out the stuf he did in the mid-70's with Steely Dan, that's really colourful and musical playing. Another record is "Take It To Heart" with the vocalist Michael McDonald, wonderful musicmanship with (offcourse) Jeff on drums and Abe Laboriel on bass and guitarist Michael Landau. He've also done some great work with Larry Carlton that i like. Check out Michael Jackson's "Thriller", too. Though this is a real best-seller and what you hear is simply the pure and wonderful voice of Jeff Porcaro.

But try to check out this by your own, a great site is http://www.povlab.org/jeff.porcaro/. Here you can find a complete list av all studio gigs he've done; what tunes he plays on, the release year and so on. Great site! I guess you've looked on this site and at the same time have downloaded the short film clips. They're tooken from his drum instruction video (released in 1989) and it's teriffic.

God luck and God bless!
//Emanuel

[groovemaster_flex]

i luv playing to lido shuffle! =) playing along to any song on the "silk degrees" album is so much fun =D.

[RaincloudMusic]

i luv playing to lido shuffle! =) playing along to any song on the "silk degrees" album is so much fun =D.


Some of my favorite Jeff Porcaro grooves ever:

"Calling Elvis" (Dire Straits)
"The Bug" (Dire Straits)
"That's Why", "I keep forgettin'" (Michael McDonald)
"Gaucho" (Steely Dan)
"Another Time; Another Place" (Sandi Patti)

These are just a few of my favorite grooves Jeff ever played.
But the one lately that's become an earworm ("stuck in my head for the entire day") is "Mushanga".

That groove----is just monsterous!
Never will there be another guy exactly like him. Is there any wonder he's missed, still?
T

[Robin]

yeah, Mushanga is a great one!

And I also LOVE the sweet groove he puts out on the Michael jackson song "The Girl Is Mine" ( with Steve Lukather & David Paich from Toto on guitar and keys ) It's so groovy!

[Ashton Drum's]

My fave Jeff drumming would have to be Toto hold the line I love that song and his fast single kicks towards the end

[KzSgDrummer]

I'm sure those of us who love Jeff have searched Youtube for every Toto clip there is, but this one I keep coming back to time after time.

Georgy Porgy live 1979

http://youtube.com/watch?v=xWj4iHx6EIY


Towards the end (around 4 minutes), after the piano solo when the bassist starts doing those funky octaves and jeff opens the hi hat (disco beat) is so darn smoooooth ahh! And Jeff's brother Steve on the synth to stage right is a riot to watch!!

[Pocketman]

So many good examples. With a resume as long as his was, it's almost impossible to pick out a few favorites. He plays every track on the 'Katy Lied' album by Steely Dan with the exception of 'Any World' which Hal Blaine tracked. 'Lowdown by Boz Scaggs of course. Toto's 'Pamela' isn't as well known but worth finding.

If you can find his Star Licks video (I think it's finally on DVD as well) it's really worth it. You get to see his playing up close. His right hand has perfect technique. Those one-hand 16th note grooves are killer!

[infernal drummer]

I'm sure those of us who love Jeff have searched Youtube for every Toto clip there is, but this one I keep coming back to time after time.

Georgy Porgy live 1979

http://youtube.com/watch?v=xWj4iHx6EIY


Towards the end (around 4 minutes), after the piano solo when the bassist starts doing those funky octaves and jeff opens the hi hat (disco beat) is so darn smoooooth ahh! And Jeff's brother Steve on the synth to stage right is a riot to watch!!


Wonderful stuff !!! thz for the pointer :)

[Nergretty]

Jeff was the greatest! Endless inspiration.

Here's to you, Jeff!

Cheers

Nerg

[Womble]

Where the hell did this come from?? Jeff fans must see: Boz Scaggs with Jeff in 76, performing Lowdown!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=afBdFyE7PeE

[Womble]

Yes! YES!!! YYEEEEESS!! Someone's finally started uploading songs from the TOTO Live 1990 concert that I've been banging on about ever since I joined Drummerworld.

Are you ready for a GROOVE? http://youtube.com/watch?v=Wbex2usXl8k

Also check out the awesome fill here at 1:12 http://youtube.com/watch?v=BZD2BU-JG_A , and the outrageous Lukather guitar solo later on.

[mlehnertz]

Looks like Mike Porcaro holding the bass at the very end of the clip. Oh, and a very hairy David Paich next to him. I also think I see Steve Porcaro on the other side of Jeff.

Where the hell did this come from?? Jeff fans must see: Boz Scaggs with Jeff in 76, performing Lowdown!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=afBdFyE7PeE

[mlehnertz]

Womble! Get yourself a room already!

I hate the studio version of this tune but damn, this groove is frickin' tight. This is why Porcaro is the man. That's just great.

Lukather needs to do something about that hair. Nice guitar solo though.


Are you ready for a GROOVE? http://youtube.com/watch?v=Wbex2usXl8k

[Womble]

I hate the studio version of this tune but damn, this groove is frickin' tight. This is why Porcaro is the man. That's just great.

My first introduction to TOTO was this concert. I was pretty disappointed when I eventually heard the studio versions - so weedy in comparison.

[mlehnertz]

Listening to Georgy Porgy again Womble. Damn, good find.

[Womble]

Do you......not have the DVD?

[mlehnertz]

I do not. Someone was supposed to make it available. Toto "Live" is not available in the US.

Do you......not have the DVD?

[Robin]

That Georgy Porgy version is problaby my favorite ever. Jeff's groove with Paich's fanastic solo at the end makes for an incredible song!

[Womble]

I do not. Someone was supposed to make it available. Toto "Live" is not available in the US.

Man, that totally sucks spherical bouncy things. I really can't quite believe that. I haven't checked but presumably the guy's uploaded all the songs by now.

[Womble]

That Georgy Porgy version is problaby my favorite ever

Yeah man. The opening bar is scary. How tight is that?

[mlehnertz]

Listening to it again. So Womble, you don't have a DVD burner?

On a side note - do you think Lukather wished he had thought twice about that outfit and hair style?

Yeah man. The opening bar is scary. How tight is that?

[mlehnertz]

I gotta stop listening to Georgy Porgy live. I wonder how many of the forum members don't get it.

Womble, burn me a copy. I'll send you my address.

[Womble]

I gotta stop listening to Georgy Porgy live. I wonder how many of the forum members don't get it.

Womble, burn me a copy. I'll send you my address.

76.4% don't get it.

Do you have a multi-region player? Clearly I'd never dream of copying it because that's ILLEGAL, but it's Christmas soon and I'll be feeling generous. PM me your address.

[mlehnertz]

And God, that's a great snare sound too.

[nickg]

Toto's 'Pamela' isn't as well known but worth finding.

another lesser known tremendous groove is "Till The End" from Farenheit!! great!!!!!

[Womble]

I don't get that youtube guy's selection of cuts from the DVD. Why no Rosanna? Why no Africa? Why no Hold The Line? The version of Africa in particular is absolutely sick, I personally believe Jeff grooves harder on it than on any other song at any other time...and that's saying something.

Still waiting for your address, Mograth. Don't worry, I'm not gonna come and stalk your wife.

[mlehnertz]

Still working on figuring out if I can convert the DVD format.

Bloody Brits can't do anything the way the rest of the world does it. Drive on the wrong side of the road, DVD formats all screwed up, potato chips are potato crisps...

[Laurent]

Right on! I'm always surprised and disappointed when I come across 'Who's your favourite guitarist?' type threads/surveys, because Lukather is never mentioned. The guy's a monster. I'm pretty sure he was also on 'I keep forgettin'', right? Ridiculous rhythm playing.

Mlehnertz, have you seen the Los Lobotomys DVD with Simon Phillips and David Garfield? It's most amusing, Philips obviously plays his arse off, Garfield seems to be completely whacked out on coke, but Luke holds it all down...his ability to play with taste, balls, and yet also restraint is very impressive. And on the TOTO live DVD I mentioned, Lukather does Little Wing as a tribute to Hendrix and Vaughn....for me it's the best guitar solo ever.

David Garfield is one of my best friends and he's been COMPLETELY sober since 1990. At the time LL toured with Luke and Philips, i.e. 1994, he had been 4 years sober. Just to set the record straight as there is no way that he could have been whacked out on coke. But David has a "strange" look in his eyes when he plays, that's sure :-)

[Womble]

Well I only said he 'seemed' to be whacked off his head on gack, and that's a statement I'll stand by ;) But thanks for the info, that's good to hear, and I mean no disrespect to your friend.

[Laurent]

Well I only said he 'seemed' to be whacked off his head on gack, and that's a statement I'll stand by ;) But thanks for the info, that's good to hear, and I mean no disrespect to your friend.

No problem ! I just wanted to set the record straight.

Speaking of Garfield and Porcaro, I can only recommend everyone to check out David's "Tribute To Jeff" album. It features 75 of the most famous studio musicians playing stuff ranging from Hendrix to bebop. There is a great drumming piece with 21 drummers/percussionist.... some names : Laboriel Jr., Ferrone, Gadd, Vega, Colaiuta, Weckl, Erskine, Conte, Castro, Purdie...

The album comes in two versions : a) the original released in 1997 and b) "Revisited" released in 2006. The newest version features two songs (Boz Scaggs's "Lowdown" and Steely Dan's "Babylon Sisters") with vocals from Santana's Alex Ligertwood + bonus tracks. The above two songs are featured as instrumental on the original recording.

It is a wonderful tribute to one of the greatest drummers of all time. Check out www.creatchy.com if you're interested.

David Garfield has always featured outstanding musicians on all his recordings (solo, Karizma, Los Lobotomys). His most recent solo album, "Giving Back", features a song called "Tune For Tony" that has Gregg Bissonnette and Vinnie Colaiuta double drumming.

[Robin]

I don't get that youtube guy's selection of cuts from the DVD. Why no Rosanna? Why no Africa? Why no Hold The Line? The version of Africa in particular is absolutely sick,.

I'm glad there are stuff like Georgy and English Eyes rather than those so beaten-to-death songs. :)

Speaking of English Eyes, that version of just SMOKING! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZD2BU-JG_A

[Womble]

I don't get that youtube guy's selection of cuts from the DVD...Why no Africa?...The version of Africa in particular is absolutely sick, I personally believe Jeff grooves harder on it than on any other song at any other time...

At last, here's Africa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2esgAwd9VY.

Bits to check out: the fill into the first chorus, the fill at the end of the keyboard solo, and the entire percussion solo at the end; I think Jeff's groove beneath that solo is the most perfect time playing I've ever heard.

EDIT: I'm talking about the percussion solo that finishes the song, not the separate percussion solo that follows it!

[RaincloudMusic]

One of my favorite clips from the "Le Zenith" DVD.


Paich's vocal is SWEET, I've always loved his voice. He had a rock-solid groove to lay that down on.

As for Jeff's playing?
Why does this groove smoke like it does?

It's all about the hats on the intro---("& one")those hats don't bark; they hiss.
That's a slinky, snake-like little thing. Having read Greg Rule's DRUM! article (1991), I remember Jeff's quote that he still hadn't gotten his hi-hat foot technique where he wanted it.....but, to my ear, he was flawless.
**WATCH MIKE: He's just so locked into his brother's playing he can't help but move......!

The colours Jeff got with just the hat.............WOW, folks.
He'd tell Robyn Flans he had no chops. HIs playing proved him wrong on so many levels.
We could all learn from that modesty and humility.

What a loss.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/raincloudmusic/jpgroovin.jpg
T

[NUTHA JASON]

i got to agree womble. i also love the work he did with steely dan.

j

[Womble]

The only Steely album I've got with Jeff is Katy Lied, and I gotta say it sounded pretty weak to me. I only listened to it a couple of times. A friend said Gaucho is much better...

[Womble]

Hey Raincloud, I love your Jeff posts, couldn't agree more. Where did you get that picture from??

[KzSgDrummer]

The only Steely album I've got with Jeff is Katy Lied, and I gotta say it sounded pretty weak to me. I only listened to it a couple of times. A friend said Gaucho is much better...

Give it at least a couple more listens, you won't be disappointed (unless SD music isn't your bag to begin with). The mix is a bit flat overall, but the songs are great and Jeff acts as the perfect accompanist as always. Check out the slow blues groove on "Chain Lightning."

[Womble]

Give it at least a couple more listens, you won't be disappointed

Ok mate, will do. I absolutely love Aja (but then who doesn't?), but Katy Lied...well anyway. I own a number of albums which are probably good but which I just haven't devoted enough listening time to.

Would you also recommend Gaucho then?

[dawg]

anything with jeff porcaro on it is worth at least one listen.

[KzSgDrummer]

I own a number of albums which are probably good but which I just haven't devoted enough listening time to.

Would you also recommend Gaucho then?

I have stuff a friend gave me 6 years go I have yet to get to.. so it goes.

Gaucho, what I've heard is good, but I don't own it. However, by that point Becker and Fagen were starting to quantize the drums, and when that happens my ears start to shut down, be it great music or otherwise. So I guess I'd say I'm towards Gaucho how you are towards Katy Lied.

However, I can't say enough good things about The Royal Scam.. you?

[Class A Drummer]

Hey guys i just watched this video http://youtube.com/watch?v=L713JWGKMHU and wow!

I never really listened to much of Jeff's playing but... wow.

I was really amazing at how much of a feel he had with ghost notes and stuff after hearing example number 2.

It sounds like 1 +a 2e+a 3 +a 4e+a 1. But when i realized it was because of his snare hits i was shocked.

He is a true groove master.

Good stuff.

[dannypenalver]

check him with al jarreau!
amazing.

[drummer wannabe]

In the movie "Urban Cowboy" in a few scenes Boz Scaggs's "Look What You Have Done To Me" plays. After a little searching around I found out Porcaro was the drummer. From what bits I heard of the song, it sounds good, especially the drumming parts.

[PHIL2007]

Jeff Porcaro........This is the one man that has made an impact on more drummers than most care to realize! I,for one have been MASSIVELY impacted by this man's influence!
I find my self using the groove that he played on "Africa" on a lot of the stuff that i play, and i love the blues groove that he played on Toto's "All Out Of Love",you know, that triplet feel he had going that sounded like a little of Burnard Purdie's Shuffle going,kinda finesse!

[TonyAKA]

If you wanna hear Jeff drive the tempo, check out...

"Taking It Back" on the album "Toto"

Right before the end. Oh, and check out the ride cymbal!

And...

"Tale Of A Man" on "Xx"

He plays with the Hi-Hats open, and still manages to accent the beat by opening the Hats some more.

[Alexdrum75]

Check Jeff on David Roberts "All dressed up".
Track no.2 "Too good to last": playing drums can't get better than this.

One word only: IN-THE-POCKET.

[PHIL2007]

Jeff Porcaro is the single most greatest influence on my playing,
Heres to the memory of Jeff!

[drummer wannabe]

Found this video of him from 1976, he's playing with Boz Scaggs. Hard to believe he's only 22 here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afBdFyE7PeE

[dannypenalver]

Well he's a very good drummer to hear, and boy can he to beauty rythms!! his single foot is so independent it's scary!.
Rest in peace Jeff, you deserve it.

[LeDucHuy.VietNam]

I need listen the one best drum solo of him. Help me...

[boomboomda]

That's the album I was looking for a while now, but I did not remember the name of the artist anymore. Thanks, "Alexdrum75"
Great album, I go and look for it right now.




Check Jeff on David Roberts "All dressed up".
Track no.2 "Too good to last": playing drums can't get better than this.

One word only: IN-THE-POCKET.

[gepisani]

Jeff Porcaro Tribute site
http://www.gennaropisani.com

Mushanga in The Seventh One is exceptional

[drummer wannabe]

Here's him doing the Lido Shuffle with Boz Scaggs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjjJV5pMNX8

[TonyAKA]

Alexdrum75

Good choice.

I think track number 3 (Someone Like You) beats it though.

[paragon1]

He was truly a gift to all of us.One of the best shuffles of all time,and his hi-hat work was and still is amazing.I miss him so much.R.I.P brother.

[TonyAKA]

paragon1...

...Amen

[Miron]

Jeff Porcaro...he is a really a one-of-a-kind drum master!!! I am so sorry that he is not with us anymore...One fill performed by him that make me his big fan is one on africa live...well I don't remeber, but I think that this is dvd made in 1990 or 1991...after solo before last refrein...that fill was so cool...and among others the groove on Jake to the Bone...wow...
RIP Jeff!!!

[TonyAKA]

Originally stated by RainCloudMusic earlier in the thread...

"Jeff also shows up BIGTIME for "Chicago" .... on "17", the first tune is all Jeff.

I thought for years that was Seraphine, but it was Porcaro on "Stay the Night"."

Is this true?

I've checked out the cd and only Seraphine is credited. There is an additional musicians part to the credits, and he's not in there either.

[bonzolead]

when I first heard "Hold the Line" by Toto I was totally blown away I like all his stuff with Toto,Steely-Dan,etc.

a total devistating loss

Bonzolead

[trumvirvel]

Jeff was one of the GREATEST drummers EVER.

Probably the drummer that inspired and influenced me the most - and keeps doing so...

/M

[Mark Hewer]

Jeff also played on Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' album. Jeff and Steve Lukather are my fav musicians of all time. They are way under-appreciated i think.

Mark

[drummer wannabe]

Looks like Mike Porcaro holding the bass at the very end of the clip. Oh, and a very hairy David Paich next to him. I also think I see Steve Porcaro on the other side of Jeff.

That's actually Fred Tackett. The guy to Mike's left is Les Dudek.

[jonescrusher]

Jeff also played on Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' album.

Mark


More details please, never heard of this.

[TonyAKA]

Jeff plays on "Mother" just the one track.

[AllTheCoolNamesAreTaken]

I only just found out that Porcaro was the drummer on 'The Lowdown' by Bozz Scaggs and I haven't heard that song in ages, so I checked it out. Forgot how tight the drumming is on that song ... but does anybody know what the heck is up with the hats? They have to be double-tracked ... right? I just don't see how someone could keep that constant pulse you hear on the left channel while doing all those splashes on the right.

[slingerland755]

I miss him. I'm thankful his replacement is worthy (VERY WORTHY), but nobody grooves and nobody will EVER groove like Porcaro.

[KzSgDrummer]

but does anybody know what the heck is up with the hats? They have to be double-tracked ... right? I just don't see how someone could keep that constant pulse you hear on the left channel while doing all those splashes on the right.

Yes, the 8th note hihat part is part of the original drum track, while the 16ths are an overdub. There's an old article from Modern Drummer where he talks about the Silk Degrees sessions and how he had fun improvising with himself for that overdub.

[Alexdrum75]

Whoa I don't know how I've only just seen this thread! Ok, some albums Jeff lovers should definitely own:

1) Randy Crawford, Secret Combination: a pretty cheesy album in places but has Jeff and Abe Laboriel throughout - 'You might need somebody' has an incredibly 'phat' shuffle groove.

2) Larry Carlton, Friends: again, Abe and Jeff. Bass and drums don't come much tighter. A very listenable 80's guitar album.

3) Dire Straits, On Every Street: 'Calling Elvis' features absolutely perfect rock drumming. You must hear this track!! The big single off the album was 'Heavy fuel'; crap song, great drumming, with a massive Jeff snare fill at the end.

4) TOTO, The Seventh One: features what I think is Jeff's best ever shuffle on the track 'These chains'. And a great Lukather solo at the end, but then every solo that guy plays is amazing.

5) TOTO, Kingdom of Desire: bad album, but the track 'How many times' has one of the greatest Jeff fills ever. You can hear it on Keith Kronin's 'Drum licks from hell' site - http://www.keithcronin.com/fromhell.html

6) It's already been mentioned but the Michael McDonald track 'I keep forgettin' is probably Jeff's finest moment.

And let's not forget Michael Jackson's 'Heal the world'...lmao :)

If you really want to see Jeff at his best though you've got to get the TOTO Live DVD, filmed in Paris in '92. Every time I watch it I'm flawed by his time; he never ever drags or speeds up, except for the odd deliberate moment in a fill. I've never heard a drummer who had such control over the tempo...possibly Jim Keltner, but he did it in a different way. I've always been a massive Jeff fan but my respect for him was brought to new levels when it was pointed out to me, or at least opined, when I was at LAMA that Jeff was the only drummer who never once dragged or sped up. Not even JR could claim that.

Not to mention his works with 10cc ("Woman in love"), Les Dudek, Triumvirat, Radioactive...

[Alexdrum75]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UL1_Xv_5_Q

[Paul Quin]

Thanks for posting - I can't beleive it has been so long. A great player and a great guy. Truly missed.

Paul

[Drummer Karl]

An outstanding tribute video for an outstanding musician and person.
Yes, I miss him.

He was one besides Phil Collins and Vinnie Colaiuta who made want to pick up the sticks seriously.

Thanks for sharing,

Karl

[slingerland755]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UL1_Xv_5_Q

Thanks for the memories. Great stuff!

[gretschgal1]

It's been a long time and I had to re-register....oh well.
In answer to the question (Re: Jeff on "Chicago's" "Stay the Night").
Yeah. That's him. I was one of 4 people doing his credits list at Toto Network last year. Some good-natured nut asked me to manage that project! Anyway. Yeah; Jeff's the guy.
When a player shows up on a record uncredited, it's called a "ghost credit".

It was Foster's decision to use Jeff for "Stay the Night"
CARLOS VEGA is the groove behind "You're the Inspiration" as well.... two of the absolute best on the same record------three, if you count Seraphine, whose work I've always admired.


T





Originally stated by RainCloudMusic earlier in the thread...

"Jeff also shows up BIGTIME for "Chicago" .... on "17", the first tune is all Jeff.

I thought for years that was Seraphine, but it was Porcaro on "Stay the Night"."

Is this true?

I've checked out the cd and only Seraphine is credited. There is an additional musicians part to the credits, and he's not in there either.

[gretschgal1]

In researching Jeff's credits list for Toto Network, I found a Gary Katz interview someplace (I'll have to look it up and post the link----gimme a couple days, please....).

The interview detailed the tracking session for "Gaucho".
Porcaro and Katz did 46 seperate takes and pieced that track together bar-by-bar. Jeff's efforts kept the tune from being trashed.

""When Jeff was working, especially with Donald and Walter, his sense of devotion was unmatched. If he'd feel he wasn't doing exactly what Donald wanted, Jeff -- being the huge fan and the man that he was -- would throw his sticks at the wall in frustration and say, 'Get someone who knows how to play a shuffle! Call Purdie!' A few minutes would pass, he'd collect himself and do another take, and on those occasions he always brought to my face another smile.' Jeff's formidable efforts on behalf of "Gaucho" rescued the track from being scrapped."

"We were recording tracks for Steely Dan's "Gaucho" album at A&R. It was Jeffrey and three other musicians. In those days, we would record tracks forty, fifty, sixty times until Donald felt he had a track that was steady enough. In those days ('79), we didn't use click tracks, and the kind of click track that was available, Jeffrey hated. We played the track for quite a long time that night, and at about 11:00 or so, Donald said it wasn't working for him. When that happened, it was usually the kiss of death; we never tried the track again and the song would be lost. So at 11:00 he and Walter felt they had exhausted that track and were going to call it a night. Jeffrey and I were upset about that, because it was definitely going to hit the can, and we loved the song. Donald said, 'Okay, you guys stay, and if you cut a track that you like, call us and we'll come back.'

"We stayed there most of the night. I had a chart, and Jeffrey would play a take, and I would hear eight good bars -- not that all the bars weren't good -- but I tried to think like Donald. But I would mark those bars, and then the next four good bars... we did about seventy takes. We finally left at about 5:00 in the morning, and the next day I went to the studio with Roger Nichols and Jeff, and we literally edited this track bar by bar. I had all these markings on my chart... it was a fluke that I made a track that felt good. We called Donald, and they came over late in the afternoon and couldn't find anything wrong with it. And as nonchalantly as he had left the night before, he said, `There's another track.' "

http://www.granatino.com/sdresource/20katz.htm

[rmandelbaum]

What a great video, OMG, I love Jeff's playing. I remember exactly what I was doing when I heard he died. I regret never seeing him live.

[Alexdrum75]

What a great video, OMG, I love Jeff's playing. I remember exactly what I was doing when I heard he died. I regret never seeing him live.

'nother great video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pvi5La-fXU

[gretschgal1]

'nother great video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pvi5La-fXU


That's a riot to watch.
What's funny about the gig is that one minute, you see JP in glasses and the next, the specs are .....gone. My guess (having worn glasses for 32 years) is that they had gotten in his way at one point......

That's a great live gig -tight group.


As I type, "Mushanga" is playing. I'm starting over after several years of not playing....I've seen the DVD and Jeff's demo of the Mushanga pattern. IT's gonna be a few years before I nail that one down.
YIKES. How scary could this guy be?????
T

[thiscocks]

One unmentioned peice of jeffs id reccomend is the song 'Homeboy' from the Michael mcdonald album 'Take it to heart'. Some lovely Hi-hat work, and some of the nicest fills Ive heard from him. Amazing flowing feel to the whole track. Awesome.

Tim

[gretschgal1]

Tim,

You're right.
That track smokes.
I read in an '02 Paiste article with Mangiacaro and Keltner where Jim had stated one of the things he listens for (and did) with Jeff's tunes was the hat. Keltner's statement that Jeff 'had a beautiful way of playing hi hat', and it's true. Such an effortless, silky way of playing that made anything sparkle.
"Homeboy" is just one example of that.

Thanks for the reminder!
T

[gretschgal1]

http://img458.imageshack.us/img458/5851/jeffporcarosi3.jpg

Does anyone here know who the photographer was for this shot of Jeff?

(I've seen the ad itself, but I've never seen a photographer's name attached).

Thanks!
T

[Alexdrum75]

http://img458.imageshack.us/img458/5851/jeffporcarosi3.jpg

Does anyone here know who the photographer was for this shot of Jeff?

(I've seen the ad itself, but I've never seen a photographer's name attached).

Thanks!
T

I've it right in front of me but ain't no photographer written on it.

[Alexdrum75]

One unmentioned peice of jeffs id reccomend is the song 'Homeboy' from the Michael mcdonald album 'Take it to heart'. Some lovely Hi-hat work, and some of the nicest fills Ive heard from him. Amazing flowing feel to the whole track. Awesome.

Tim

That's a rare example of Jeff playing the hi-hat with BOTH hands.

Check out "Wrong side of the tracks" (David Roberts): Jeff playing the hi-hat with the RIGHT hand only at his best!!

[Alexdrum75]

One unmentioned peice of jeffs id reccomend is the song 'Homeboy' from the Michael mcdonald album 'Take it to heart'. Some lovely Hi-hat work, and some of the nicest fills Ive heard from him. Amazing flowing feel to the whole track. Awesome.

Tim

What a strange nick do you have.
Are you italian? :-))

[gretschgal1]

I've it right in front of me but ain't no photographer written on it.


Photographer is Nick Zlowzer, according to somebody at Toto Network.

That's a name I'm not familiar with. I still like the composition of the piece though. Cool stuff.

[thiscocks]

Tim,

You're right.
That track smokes.
I read in an '02 Paiste article with Mangiacaro and Keltner where Jim had stated one of the things he listens for (and did) with Jeff's tunes was the hat. Keltner's statement that Jeff 'had a beautiful way of playing hi hat', and it's true. Such an effortless, silky way of playing that made anything sparkle.
"Homeboy" is just one example of that.

Thanks for the reminder!
T


Cool, yeah I really like his hat playing with two hand as well as just one! He always got a nice sound from those paistes..

Cheers alexdrum, ill check that track out. And no im not italian! just a slight (originaly unintentional) play on my name, Tim Hiscocks. I realised what it said after I created numerous email accounts!

P.S. I can confirm another track where he plays absolutely amazing hand-to-hand hi hat is on a track called 'gone Buttlefishin'' on James Newton Howards 'Freinds' album, which was originaly reccomended by Stu-Strib on this thread which I then bought. Thanks again for that reccomendation. Jeff really has played on too many things!

Tim

[TonyAKA]

Tim,

Buttlefishin' is such a great track, isn't it!?

My all-time favorite for hats is Lady Love Me (One More Time) by George Benson. Again, one handed sixteenths!

A few more I highly recommend...

Lonely Talk, Michael McDonald
Any Foolish Thing, Michael McDonald (Best shuffle in my opinion)
Point It Up, Larry Carlton (The groove at 3':44" in is to die for!)

Alexdrum,

All Dressed up is really growing on me at the moment. Wrong Side Of The Tracks is awesome. I love the break in the middle of the song, that trademark opening of the hi-hat followed by a nice triplet roll on the snare! =)

[nickg]

Yes, the 8th note hihat part is part of the original drum track, while the 16ths are an overdub. There's an old article from Modern Drummer where he talks about the Silk Degrees sessions and how he had fun improvising with himself for that overdub.

actually Porcaro DIDN'T like the idea of a double tracked hi-hat on that tune at first. but apparently he got over it quickly for sure!!

still my 2nd favorite drummer after Buddy.

[Alexdrum75]

Tim,

Buttlefishin' is such a great track, isn't it!?

My all-time favorite for hats is Lady Love Me (One More Time) by George Benson. Again, one handed sixteenths!

A few more I highly recommend...

Lonely Talk, Michael McDonald
Any Foolish Thing, Michael McDonald (Best shuffle in my opinion)
Point It Up, Larry Carlton (The groove at 3':44" in is to die for!)

Alexdrum,

All Dressed up is really growing on me at the moment. Wrong Side Of The Tracks is awesome. I love the break in the middle of the song, that trademark opening of the hi-hat followed by a nice triplet roll on the snare! =)

Another great track is "Without you" on Runaway by Bill Champlin: great fill at the intro.
Check out also "Satisfaction" on the same album and then tell me who is the drummer 'cause I'm pretty sure it isn't Jeffrey (maybe is John Robinson)...

[TonyAKA]

Another great track is "Without you" on Runaway by Bill Champlin: great fill at the intro.
Check out also "Satisfaction" on the same album and then tell me who is the drummer 'cause I'm pretty sure it isn't Jeffrey (maybe is John Robinson)...

To my (limited!) knowledge, the only track with Jeff on that album is Without You. I agree, Satisfaction is very JR. And yes, great opening fill!

Talking of fills, here's a gem for you (if you don't know it already)...

Superstar, by Richard Marx.

You know that fill from How Many Times / Toto (4:05 in), well at the end of Superstar, you can hear the same fill slowed right down, here you can really break it down and hear how it's done.

And here's a challenge for you...

The album View From The Ground by America has no track credits. Have a listen and tell me which tracks you think are Jeff. I have my ideas, but don't want to influence your decision.

[thiscocks]

Tim,

Buttlefishin' is such a great track, isn't it!?

My all-time favorite for hats is Lady Love Me (One More Time) by George Benson. Again, one handed sixteenths!

A few more I highly recommend...

Lonely Talk, Michael McDonald
Any Foolish Thing, Michael McDonald (Best shuffle in my opinion)
Point It Up, Larry Carlton (The groove at 3':44" in is to die for!)

Alexdrum,

All Dressed up is really growing on me at the moment. Wrong Side Of The Tracks is awesome. I love the break in the middle of the song, that trademark opening of the hi-hat followed by a nice triplet roll on the snare! =)

Cheers guys, thatll be a couple more hours on amazon then! I didnt even know he played on a Benson album, ill look that one up. Is it older or newer than 'give me the night'?

Alexdrum: What kind of genre is Bill Champlin? Ill check that out

Totally agree with you on 'any foolish thing' thats always been my favourite shuffle groove of his, more so than rosanna. It is more simple and just flows nicely I think.

Any one know where I can get 'All dressed up' from? Amazon uk dont have it and amazon us have it only second hand and not international shipping....

As for the America album, ive never heard it but JRs hats are normally quite distinctive 'light' sounding... Although I still cant decide who plays which songs on Madonnas 'like a prayer', which they both play on too....V annoying when they dont list track credits!

Tim

[TonyAKA]

Hi Tim

You're most welcome. I can talk all day when it comes to JP.

The Benson album is In Your Eyes (1983), slightly later than GMTN i think. I highly recommend this album. It has only one Jeff track, but the rest are made up of Steve Gadd, Carlos Vega, Steve Ferrone etc!!!!!!! Superb Album.

This has been posted before I assume, but it's like the bible to me. I have a print out handy when out shopping for music!! (Sad B**tard!!)

http://www.frontiernet.net/~cybraria/

Happy hunting!!!

[TonyAKA]

Oh, forgot to mention, I believe Jeff's groove can be heard on the track Cherish (Like A Prayer). There's no specific credit to that, but I read it in a mag somewhere. One listen, and it will confirm it I think!

I hate it when there's no credits. There's too many examples of this!!

[thiscocks]

Think ive seen that list before and refered to it when buying cd's too. Certainly enough material to work on!

[Alexdrum75]

Oh, forgot to mention, I believe Jeff's groove can be heard on the track Cherish (Like A Prayer). There's no specific credit to that, but I read it in a mag somewhere. One listen, and it will confirm it I think!

I hate it when there's no credits. There's too many examples of this!!


Ahhhhhhhhhhh,
this hunting for Jeff Porcaro uncredited track is gettin VERY INTERESTING....
I also vote for "Cherish" being a Jeff Porcaro's take.

On the same album, I'm pretty sure it's Johnathan "sugarfoot" Moffet on "Like a prayer".
Pay attention to his trademark rolls on the hi-hat and the fact that they are played mostly with the tips only, not with the shoulders. Plus his hi-hat sound doesn't recall the Paiste sound.

Bill Champlin "Runaway" album is an A.O.R. masterpiece, very highly recommended.

[TonyAKA]

On the same album, I'm pretty sure it's Johnathan "sugarfoot" Moffet on "Like a prayer".
Pay attention to his trademark rolls on the hi-hat and the fact that they are played mostly with the tips only, not with the shoulders. Plus his hi-hat sound doesn't recall the Paiste sound.

Yes, I imagine moffet when listening to this tune. I know that Express Yourself is all JR.

PS, Lee Ritenour's another "I don't wanna bother crediting my tracks" cat!

Captain Fingers is such a good album. BUT NO CREDITS!!!!!! =(

[TonyAKA]

I love this...

http://www.granatino.com/sdresource/md2.htm

[KzSgDrummer]

I have that issue of Modern Drummer and I'm so glad I do. Every year or so I go back and read that article, as it's a great reminder of what makes for beautiful drumming AND music..

[Alexdrum75]

To my (limited!) knowledge, the only track with Jeff on that album is Without You. I agree, Satisfaction is very JR. (Too funky for Ed Greene in my opinion). And yes, great opening fill!

Talking of fills, here's a gem for you (if you don't know it already)...

Superstar, by Richard Marx.

You know that fill from How Many Times / Toto (4:05 in), well at the end of Superstar, you can hear the same fill slowed right down, here you can really break it down and hear how it's done.

And here's a challenge for you...

The album View From The Ground by America has no track credits. Have a listen and tell me which tracks you think are Jeff. I have my ideas, but don't want to influence your decision.

Sure:
track 2
track 3
track 4
track 5
track 6
track 7
track 9

[TonyAKA]

Sure:
track 2
track 3
track 4
track 5
track 6
track 7
track 9

I had 3,4,5,7 & 9. I couldn't be sure about track 2. But track 6 is sounding more like JP to me.

[Alexdrum75]

I had 3,4,5,7 & 9. I couldn't be sure about track 2. But track 6 is sounding more like JP to me.

I mainly pay attention to the sound of the drums and cymbals.

[NUTHA JASON]

here's a great porcaro find:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr3TynkVYh4

[TonyAKA]

Nice find NJ

It's really great to be able to put an image to a recording.

This is great too. It takes a while to download but it's worth the wait...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UL1_Xv_5_Q

[slingerland755]

here's a great porcaro find:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr3TynkVYh4

Raw groove at its finest! Love the clips of them figuring it out.

[elkor]

I've noticed that Manu Katche also plays on the "On every street" album

However, there are no indications in my booklet regarding which songs are played by Porcaro and which ones by Katche.

From previous posts in this thread, I see that Porcaro plays "Calling Elvis" and "Heavy Fuel"... Anybody knows about the other songs ?


Actually, Manu Katche played on Heavy Fuel. The rest is Jeff.

I saw Manu at the Ultimate Drummers Day in Australia many years ago, and he told a hilarious story about the session.

He also said he was very wary of playing on that record, because in his mind it was Jeff's record, and they were very good friends. Apparently Mark convinced him to do a few takes and the result was Heavy Fuel.

As far as I can remember, it was his first take, he actually thought it was pretty average but apparently Mark dug it so they used it.

[gretschgal1]

Yeah; that's Jeff on "Cherish".

One of the 702 album credits he had .....working on his diosgraphy at Toto Network, I found things he had played on that I had forgotten about.

"Heavy Fuel" from Dire Straits is definitely Jeff. (Something about the kick drum is the give-away).

Check it out. This guy was EVERYWHERE.






Oh, forgot to mention, I believe Jeff's groove can be heard on the track Cherish (Like A Prayer). There's no specific credit to that, but I read it in a mag somewhere. One listen, and it will confirm it I think!

I hate it when there's no credits. There's too many examples of this!!

[gretschgal1]

THIS ONE'S FOR TIM

Champlin is one of Chicago's lead vocalists, and has been in the biz for 35 years or so.
Go find yourself a copy of "Lossen up Naturally" by "the Sons of Champlin" for starters.

;-)

Lukather and Champlin took a Grammy for "Turn Your Love Around" in '81. Bill is West Coast/R&B/Funk/Soul....hard to put him in one bag.

Jeff's work on "Runaway" is awesome.





Cheers guys, thatll be a couple more hours on amazon then! I didnt even know he played on a Benson album, ill look that one up. Is it older or newer than 'give me the night'?

Alexdrum: What kind of genre is Bill Champlin? Ill check that out

Totally agree with you on 'any foolish thing' thats always been my favourite shuffle groove of his, more so than rosanna. It is more simple and just flows nicely I think.

Any one know where I can get 'All dressed up' from? Amazon uk dont have it and amazon us have it only second hand and not international shipping....

As for the America album, ive never heard it but JRs hats are normally quite distinctive 'light' sounding... Although I still cant decide who plays which songs on Madonnas 'like a prayer', which they both play on too....V annoying when they dont list track credits!

Tim

[gretschgal1]

HI GUYS AND GALS:

Those of you wanting to see what Jeff's credits were....do yourselves a big favor.

JEFFREY'S DISCOGRAPHY is HERE. (http://www.totonetwork.com/jeff_disc)

I'm the somebody that had that project dropped in my lap...."here, manage compiling this", somebody said. So I did.

SIX WEEKS, and the help of three others. There are ALBUM covers, track lists, and lists of the other guys and gals on each album.

702 DIFFERENT CREDITS!
Folks, that's an insane amount of work. 33 different projects a year over the course of 21 years. My humble opinion? Jeff's heart said, "...you're NOT working me that hard anymore, pal...I resign; I QUIT!"

Before he left us, he tracked "Rhythm of the Rain" with Dan Fogelberg (vocals, Rhodes), and Mike Porcaro (on bass). (http://youtube.com/watch?v=djCUfGVd9lY)

Someone I know ventured, "...this track proves Jeff was legend at saying so much with so little."
(The opening hi-hat hiss is proof, but it's his kick drum here that nails me. What soul!)

[TonyAKA]

gretschgal1, thank you for a job well done!

[gretschgal1]

gretschgal1, thank you for a job well done!


Tony,
If you mean the Toto Network thing, I had major help from several on that project.
It was so much fun. It was frustrating at times to format--or to find rare tracks-but that's when you call in other people who might know things you didn't.

Jeff had 702 credits that I've counted, and perhaps that's only HALF of his credits-everything else either on a shelf somewhere, or never used......but it's a safe bet to say he played his back pockets off while he was here.

T

[TonyAKA]

Tony,
If you mean the Toto Network thing, I had major help from several on that project.
It was so much fun. It was frustrating at times to format--or to find rare tracks-but that's when you call in other people who might know things you didn't.

Jeff had 702 credits that I've counted, and perhaps that's only HALF of his credits-everything else either on a shelf somewhere, or never used......but it's a safe bet to say he played his back pockets off while he was here.

T

Yes, I was referring to that. I really admire your (and the others) work on that.
Without this kind of information, I wouldn't have such a great record collection!

Thank you!

[gretschgal1]

For some reason this week, the tune "Pamela" cued from my playlist and toward the end of the tune (2nd chorus maybe?) Jeff's ride cymbal pattern just NAILED me. It was almost as if that groove yelled, "hey-been here all along, why did you just now notice?"

(It seems every time I hear something he played -another facet of his work shows up real sneaky like....!).

Jeff, for all his rock drummer chops, could swing a ride! He was firmly rooted in jazz, of this I am convinced.

That 2nd chorus to the fade of the tune is just killer!

T

[TonyAKA]

Okay Guys/Gals

I'd like some more opinions on the Dire Straits album please...

Actually, Manu Katche played on Heavy Fuel. The rest is Jeff.

I saw Manu at the Ultimate Drummers Day in Australia many years ago, and he told a hilarious story about the session.

He also said he was very wary of playing on that record, because in his mind it was Jeff's record, and they were very good friends. Apparently Mark convinced him to do a few takes and the result was Heavy Fuel.

As far as I can remember, it was his first take, he actually thought it was pretty average but apparently Mark dug it so they used it.

That's really interesting.

As a first listen, I thought, yep that's Jeff. Listening a bit harder, I'm sure I can hear some trade mark Katche splashes. Like maybe a 12" or something? Something you would rarely hear Jeff play.

I can say the same for "Planet New Orleans" though. The drumming on this track reminds me of something you'd hear from Sting's "Soul Cages".

The rest of the tracks sound Jeffrey like, with those big Paistes and that brush work.

Ahhh! I wish they'd credit properly!!!!!!!

[Alexdrum75]

Okay Guys/Gals

I'd like some more opinions on the Dire Straits album please...



That's really interesting.

As a first listen, I thought, yep that's Jeff. Listening a bit harder, I'm sure I can hear some trade mark Katche splashes. Like maybe a 12" or something? Something you would rarely hear Jeff play.

I can say the same for "Planet New Orleans" though. The drumming on this track reminds me of something you'd hear from Sting's "Soul Cages".

The rest of the tracks sound Jeffrey like, with those big Paistes and that brush work.

Ahhh! I wish they'd credit properly!!!!!!!

Absolutely correct: "Planet of New Orleans" is Manu. Definetly. The splashes and hi-hat rolls are his trademarks.

[gretschgal1]

THE FOLLOWING is taken from the website "Jeff Porcaro Session Tracks"


--Dire Straits / On Every Street (Warner, 1991)
No track specific credits; 1 of 2 drummers (also Manu Katche); known to be on*)
Track list: *Calling Elvis - On every street - When it comes to you - Fade to black - The bug - You and your friend - Heavy fuel - Iron hand - Ticket to heaven - *My parties - Planet of New Orleans - How long


SOMEWHERE, I believe Keltner credited Jeff with "Heavy Fuel" --in an interview after Jeff passed away. I'll keep looking for that.
OBNOTE: I looked on my copy of "Sultans of Swing/Best of..." and both Jeff and Manu are credited but not for particular tunes. I DO BELIEVE Jeff played on "the Bug" from "On Every Street". That just sounds like a track he'd do.


OBSERVATION: Hungate has stated Jeff had a pretty cryptic sense of humor and had a quick wit. Toward the end of "Heavy Fuel" there's a shot somebody takes at a ride cymbal bell, real quick "take THAT" sort of lick. Something tells me that's Jeff.

I'll keep digging 'til I find his name (or don't) on that track. I think it's in the interview with Keltner. We gotta find the answer to this one.

T

[TonyAKA]

Gretsch,

Yep, totally. We need to know the answer to this one!!!

[Alexdrum75]

THE FOLLOWING is taken from the website "Jeff Porcaro Session Tracks"


--Dire Straits / On Every Street (Warner, 1991)
No track specific credits; 1 of 2 drummers (also Manu Katche); known to be on*)
Track list: *Calling Elvis - On every street - When it comes to you - Fade to black - The bug - You and your friend - Heavy fuel - Iron hand - Ticket to heaven - *My parties - Planet of New Orleans - How long


SOMEWHERE, I believe Keltner credited Jeff with "Heavy Fuel" --in an interview after Jeff passed away. I'll keep looking for that.
OBNOTE: I looked on my copy of "Sultans of Swing/Best of..." and both Jeff and Manu are credited but not for particular tunes. I DO BELIEVE Jeff played on "the Bug" from "On Every Street". That just sounds like a track he'd do.


OBSERVATION: Hungate has stated Jeff had a pretty cryptic sense of humor and had a quick wit. Toward the end of "Heavy Fuel" there's a shot somebody takes at a ride cymbal bell, real quick "take THAT" sort of lick. Something tells me that's Jeff.

I'll keep digging 'til I find his name (or don't) on that track. I think it's in the interview with Keltner. We gotta find the answer to this one.

T


To me "Heavy fuel" it's Manu.
Because:
sec. 15: splash sound, typical of Manu;
1.14: again, small crash cymbal, it's Manu;
1.32: three stroke roll on hi-hat: it's Manu;
2.33: again, small crash cymbals, Manu;
2.47: spalsh cymbal;
4.20: the fill is not in the Porcaro style. Actually I've never heard JP playing this fill.

Plus, the hi-hat sound is not a Paiste sound, it's a Zildjian New or Quick Beat: it has a fatter sound but not lower not higher than a perfect medium, while I'd define the JP hi-hat sound more silky.
Again: the use of the toms and floor toms. Very "african", to me it's Manu, the way he plays tom fills it's very down-earthy, african, warm.
The sound of the snare and the way Manu plays very dragged-ghost notes in between backbeats.

To me it's Manu.

[Alexdrum75]

Gretsch,

Yep, totally. We need to know the answer to this one!!!

It would be cool to ask Steve Lukather or JP son, Miles Porcaro, on Myspace (I've got both contacts) to shed light on this debate...

[gretschgal1]

It would be cool to ask Steve Lukather or JP son, Miles Porcaro, on Myspace (I've got both contacts) to shed light on this debate...

I'll post up at Toto Network and see if Luke will reply.
Miles MIGHT know.

ps: Jeff's consist of Paiste gear included a 10" splash (I checked with Paiste America).

Ya think maybe these cats got together and said, "let's keep 'em guessing?"

It's possible!

[gretschgal1]

"All the Way Home" (R. Page/P. Leonard) (http://d-sterns.imeem.com/music/NKRJEtqk/3rd_matinee_all_the_way_home/) was written after Page attended Jeff's funeral.


EDIT IN: Ornalles, Morotta, Castro, Humphreys, Keltner and 2 others played as they left the "Hall of Liberty" on 8/10/92. That's what the chorus of this tune is about. I think it's a sweet thing to do for a friend and colleague. Richard Page ("Mr. Mister", "Pages", "3rd Matinee") provided some killer background vocals for the Toto record, "Kingdom of Desire" which was Jeff's last album for Toto before his passing.

I love the arrangment of this tune...the harmony vocal-----and is that Vinnie Colaiuta on brushes? Sounds like it! (Especially after hearing "Long time, No Groove" from Tribute to Jeff).

I thought I'd post the link to "All the Way Home" here for those who haven't heard the tune.
Jeff's brother, Steve, is credited as one of the additional musicians on 3rd Matinee's record "Meanwhile" (1994). The strings and flute patches, and some of the other synth work must be Steve's....sounds like something he'd do.


This is an awesome tune.

[thiscocks]

Interesting, I will have to listen to 'on every street' to try and shed light on the manu/jeff thing...
The only time Ive heard Jeff play a splash of any discription is on David benoits album 'freedom at midnight' which was around the same time he did that starlicks vid where he also had a small splash on his set up there. Even so he never used it much, unlike manu katche who used them alot...

ANOTHER jeff album ive just listened to, and im sure some of u guys would enjoy, is the self titled Eye to Eye first album, featuring a good female vocalist (cant remember name). Jim Kelter also plays on it, and guess what, I can't find track credits! But check out 'Nice Girls' on it, im sure its Jeff, and WHAT A GROOVE. Sweet bass line too.

Tim

[gretschgal1]

From Jeff's Discography at Toto Network (http://www.totonetwork.com)

Eye to Eye
Track listing

1 Hunger Pains -jeff track
2 Life in Motion -jeff track
3 Nice Girls -jeff track
4 More Hopeless Knowledge
5 Progress Ahead -6 Physical Attraction -jeff track
7 Time Flys - jeff track
8 On the Mend

Album credits
Julian Marshall Keyboards
Jeff Porcaro Drums
Dean Parks Guitar
Timothy B. Schmit Vocals
Ian Underwood Synthesizer, Keyboards
Ruth Underwood Percussion
Starz Vander Lockett Percussion
Eye to Eye Main Performer
Elliott Randall Guitar
Jim Keltner Drums
Deborah Berg Vocals
Abraham Laboriel Bass
Rick Derringer Guitar
Donald Fagen Synthesizer, Keyboards
Chuck Rainey Bass
---------------------------------------------------------

this album was tracked in 1982........five or six years BEFORE the instructional he did, which was '87-'88 @ Schnee Studios.

FROM THE INSTRUCTIONAL DVD BOOKLET

PAISTE:
8in. cup chime
6in. cup chime
(2) TWO 18" crash
1 16" crash (fast crash, maybe?)
20" Formula 602 Ride (I'd LOVE to own one!)
14" Formula 602 hats

Paiste told me that Jeff's cymbal consist circa '92 included 13" Signature heavy hats, a 10" signature splash, 20" signature full ride and various other stuff. (Lost the piece of paper I wrote it down on-but I remember the splash as part of it because I thought it was cool that he had one listed in the set up.
Mostly, it's all crashes of various sizes.

[thiscocks]

Wicked, thought he drummed on most of it. Good research cheers. I Thought those two tracks (5,8) sounded more likely to be Keltner. Like The 'More hopless knowledge' one, simple and also a bit tricky to do (for me anyway) with the Bass on every other '3'.

That discography is brill

Tim

[gretschgal1]

Somebody just sent me a short (!) cut up clip of "Gone Buttlefishin'"

JOE's work on marimba and vibes is to die for, and Jeff's hi-hats? Man, that's just insane!
The JNH thing was live to disc.... HOW many arms did this guy have, again?
GEEZ!

ps: Hit youtube and look for "Joe Porcaro/Emil Richards LA Big Band". Papa Joe is a cool cat!





Wicked, thought he drummed on most of it. Good research cheers. I Thought those two tracks (5,8) sounded more likely to be Keltner. Like The 'More hopless knowledge' one, simple and also a bit tricky to do (for me anyway) with the Bass on every other '3'.

That discography is brill

Tim

[gretschgal1]

From the MD article (Someone posted a link earlier).
This quote from Keltner nails me every time I see it:

"...later 'Hold The Line' by Toto that I realized Jeffrey had become one of the baddest cats on the planet. "

"Music aside, one of the things I loved most about Jeff was his selflessness. He was always taking care of someone else's needs. And he hated seeing anyone being taken advantage of or treated badly. He was always giving things away and offering encouragement to sincere young players. "

How sweet is THAT!?
Very cool stuff.

[slingerland755]

He is truly missed.....

[gretschgal1]

He is truly missed.....

Yup;
That's the cool thing though about Jeff---every time you turn around you hear SOME TRACK that he played on, or had something to do with in some way. That legacy is still inspiring people (of which I am one).

I heard a Gospel group the other day and they did a tune called "Let me Leave a Song".

Jeff left upward of 702 songs for us to learn from.
That's a crazy amount of work for the 21 years he was here working. 38 years on the planet and 21 of those actively using what he'd been handed to touch hearts and make folks just FEEL good. His playing is one of the reasons I'm glad we have CDs and cassettes and vinyl to hear things from. It's a learning experience for some of us.

There's a life-lesson in what he did. Never take what God hands you for granted-whether it's drums, or the roof over your head or the people in your life. I think he used the talent in the right way-always inspiring and it's an uplifting thing.
Great legacy to leave when ya go, right?

T

[TonyAKA]

To me, JP is still very much alive.

I'm always hearing new stuff he's played on, like it's just been released (if you know what I mean).

My favorite track? "Wrong side of the tracks"...

...I don't think I've heard anybody play such a mean, solid, and continuously driving groove that that. False Stop!

[Alexdrum75]

To me, JP is still very much alive.

I'm always hearing new stuff he's played on, like it's just been released (if you know what I mean).

My favorite track? "Wrong side of the tracks"...

...I don't think I've heard anybody play such a mean, solid, and continuously driving groove that that. False Stop!

I quote you.
Plus, folks have a listen to "Too good to last" on the same album (All dressed up).
To me there cannot be a more in the pocket groove. I've never heard, in 20 years worth of listening to drummers in general, anyone else playing that good.

[Alexdrum75]

I've asked Mr. Gavin Harrison to choose between Manu and Jeff on "Heavy Fuel"...
Let's see what he will answer...

[TonyAKA]

I've asked Mr. Gavin Harrison to choose between Manu and Jeff on "Heavy Fuel"...
Let's see what he will answer...

Good call Alex, and an interesting response from Mr. Harrison!

At first I thought the drum track to Heavy Fuel was just pure heavy rock. But I've scrutinized this song, and it's sounding more and more mechanical. I think Gavin has raised a good point.

Mark Knopfler, if your reading, PLEASE TELL US!!

[gretschgal1]

http://www.yle.fi/player/player.jsp?id=101898&locale=

The first half of this one is great!

T

[gretschgal1]

Someone I know from Maryland has been very kind. Tomorrow is my birthday. This young lady I know is a huge Steve Porcaro listener---she knows what an influence he and his brothers have been on my musicianship.

Today I open my mailbox and there's a package in there from my friend---for my birthday.
The James Newton-Howard & Friends Sheffield Labs thing. I think of all the tracks, "Tandoori" and "Borealis" are my favorites at the moment.

Jeff is definitely in his element, and Joe must have hauled in a truckload of auxillary percussion for this one. I'm a keyboard player first-piano has always been my first musical love. The drums came later. BUT this whole disc sparkles.

Not only do I get to hear those old (Now "Vintage" synth sounds) but get to hear Jeff anchor the whole darn thing with some solid groovin'.

Pretty sweet way to begin a birthday celebration I think.
Someone here said "Gone Buttlefishin'" was a great track. Agreed---but "L'Daddy" and "Tandoori" are standouts for me right now, along with "Borealis" which is just gorgeous.

If anybody has the original release---there were sketches of the keys players drawn and included in the book. Those were done by Jeffrey, or so I'm told.

Mine's a re-issue and doesn't have the sketches but I've seen them from another copy of the disc. TOO funny!
Get this one if you can find it. There's even a photo in mine of Doug Sax getting a pie in the face! (Bill Schnee told him TWICE to get outta the booth!!!!!)
Funny stuff to read how the thing almost didn't go down. They had so much going on with other projects that Dec. 16,17, and 19 was almost "last minute". 1983 was a BUSY year!

T

[gretschgal1]

Big kudos to TonyAKA for an entry from Jeff's credits list that I missed over at Toto Network.

Tony sent me an album and credits for the list and it's now got its own place in the Porcaro Hall of Records.

;-)
T

[sshu]

Sorry if this has been posted before, but is this legit? Porcaro and Lukather with Paul McCartney on Silly Love Song?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqTDUiUdTtw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr7_4uo3uy4

Steve

[TonyAKA]

Hi Steve

Yes, I believe it is. It's From the soundtrack of "Give My Regards To Broadstreet"...

http://www.totonetwork.com/node/5180

What a hilarious video!

And Thanks Gretschgal1!

[gretschgal1]

Steve,
Tony's correct. It is legit. If you think the video's wacky, check the group photo!


http://totonetwork.com/files/totonetwork/images/boys_0.preview.jpg
The makeup crew did a great job.
As I understand it, Jeff and Luke were the only two from TOTO to be in the video.
This was done not long after Toto swept the 25th annual Grammys.

http://totonetwork.com/files/totonetwork/images/TheTrilogy_1.preview.jpg
(Jeff and his wife Susan are pictured at the far right edge of the photo).
. My guess? This was the night of the movie premier....though I can't be completely sure.

T

[sshu]

TonyAKA and gretschgal1,

Thanks for the confirmation. I love the song even more now. What a wacky photo! Awesome.

Steve

[gretschgal1]

Hey Steve!
No problem on the confirmation. I discovered MANY tracks that Jeff played on that I'd either forgotten about, or that I just wasn't aware of. With 700 different credits to his name that we KNOW of (and perhaps that many more that we don't....), it's not hard to learn something new.

ps: Gretsch New Classics on the way? VERY cool.
After having my kit for 8 months, I finally found a kick drum sound I can live with.
I put the biggest fluffy towel in there I could find. The drum still speaks, but it's got that low-end punch I was looking for. Catalina Maple ---nothing beats that sound. it's a very warm tone-and this little 6ply 6piece still rings even with a little muffling here and there so as not to wake the landlord! *lol* You're gonna LOVE playing Gretsch.

[sshu]

Hey Steve!
No problem on the confirmation. I discovered MANY tracks that Jeff played on that I'd either forgotten about, or that I just wasn't aware of. With 700 different credits to his name that we KNOW of (and perhaps that many more that we don't....), it's not hard to learn something new.

ps: Gretsch New Classics on the way? VERY cool.
After having my kit for 8 months, I finally found a kick drum sound I can live with.
I put the biggest fluffy towel in there I could find. The drum still speaks, but it's got that low-end punch I was looking for. Catalina Maple ---nothing beats that sound. it's a very warm tone-and this little 6ply 6piece still rings even with a little muffling here and there so as not to wake the landlord! *lol* You're gonna LOVE playing Gretsch.

gretschgal1,

I didn't follow Jeff as much when I was younger (other than Toto stuff), but I have since started listening to him a lot more. My son is into Paul McCartney, and I just happened to run into that thing with Porcaro when looking for McCartney classics like "Live and Let Die", "Silly Little Love Song", etc.

Thanks for the encouraging stuff on Gretsch. I was looking at either Yamaha or a number of the Gretsch lines (Catalina, Renown, New Classic). Realy excited to be part of the "family" of Gretsch lovers.

Steve

[AllTheCoolNamesAreTaken]

That video is hilarious. The last time I saw this movie was in the 80's, all I remember is a scene where they're playing a ballad and Ringo is frantically looking for his brushes. By the time he finds them, the song is over.

Cool to see Jeff doing the 'drummer thing' of nonchalantly looking off into the distance as he's jamming.

And anybody know who the bass player is? I always thought McCartney played bass on this album.

[TonyAKA]

This is a cracker!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9jRHmkgtd0&NR=1

[thiscocks]

That is a TUNE!! .....(goes to find the album version)

An album ive been listening to recently with jeff on (all of it) is 10cc 'meanwhile' album. Really great album with Freddie "Ready Freddie" Washington on bass (very nice). It is recorded around the time Jeff recorded 'Kingdom of desire' and has that similar snare sound. really nice stuff-reccomended. 'Wonderland' has a very 'Mushanga' feel to it....

[drumbum24]

Hey Crew,

Great topic! Who else to talk about than the Groove Monster himself! In June 2006 I saw Toto just as they were taking off on their latest world tour. Got to talk with Greg P.(keys) and asked him what tune was his favorite when playing with JP. He answered, "I Keep Forgettin'". Of course! I had a drumhead with me in hopes that I could get all the band to sign it. Not only did Greg sign it, he then took it back to the green room for the rest of the band to do their thing, then brought it back to me! Cloud NINE!!!!!!!!!!!

Remember Solid Gold the tv show? I can recall watching Michael McDonald singing(actually lip-synching) and Jeff behind his kit looking hip as ever. Jeff had that aura about him that everyone respected. I wished that I could have met the man. My all-time favorite drummer. Take it easy folks!

Tim

[TonyAKA]

An album I've been diggin recently is "Wild Child" by Valerie Carter (1978). Now this is one super cool album. Really bluesy, and some great keyboard sounds from James Newton Howard.

Recommend it. Especially the track "Crazy"

[gretschgal1]

SEVERAL Toto listeners nominated Jeff for the "Best All Time Rock Drummer" and were ignored. (http://www.votenumber1.com/votebestrockdrummers.html)

So...myself and a couple other brave souls decided we weren't taking "no" for an answer and now Jeffrey's listed with Bonzo, Cozy Powell and Keith Moon in the "Best Rock Drummer of All Time (LEGEND)" poll.

Simon Phillips, Phil Collins, Neal Peart, and many others are in the 'current' "All Time" list.

I've already voted today.

Here's the deal.
1. One "LEGEND" bumped off the poll every TWO (2) weeks.
2. One "Current" bumped from the list every WEEK.

It took an Act of Congress to even get Jeffrey mentioned on the list.

I was told, "We are well aware of who Jeff Porcaro was...."
I was also told that a "combined vote" would be considered.
This ticked me off because Phillips and Porcaro are totally different Animals stylistically...and they should be listed seperately on any subjective poll.

Two tries, and the guys who run the website GOT IT RIGHT.
Jeff's kids can vote for their Dad now. (I've sent the link to Miles and Jeff's nephew Chase) and also to a few others directly associated with Jeff.

Bonzo is in the lead, which is kind of appropriate, as he was one of Jeff's biggest influences when it came to the 1/2 time groove for "Rosanna"; but there was a lot of Bonham's attitude wrapped up in a small-framed Italian kid who changed the face of music with his playing.

Vote....but let's not stuff the ballot box, gang.
Let's see just how long we can keep Jeff's name on the "Legends" list.
If he gets bumped; oh well....he's THERE and that's what counted with me.
I was doing this as a nod to the fellow's influence on my overall musicianship-not just my beginning drum chops. Also, to give his kids a chance to vote.
Several of those touched by the Gift he had; weren't about to let him be ignored again.

In that, we succeeded.
VOTE y'all.
T

[gretschgal1]

That is a TUNE!! .....(goes to find the album version)

An album ive been listening to recently with jeff on (all of it) is 10cc 'meanwhile' album. Really great album with Freddie "Ready Freddie" Washington on bass (very nice). It is recorded around the time Jeff recorded 'Kingdom of desire' and has that similar snare sound. really nice stuff-reccomended. 'Wonderland' has a very 'Mushanga' feel to it....

YES, it does. There's a story in Modern Drummer where Jeff talked about tracking that record. Dr. John was on it as well as Paich. JP said he and the guys in 10cc made a loop but had to pull all these electronics off the tape machine to make it work.
(i.e. "Let's make a loop"...."Like the old days").
I THINK "Wonderland" has that loop on it.
he also mentioned playing a 20x20 rope drum.........I hear that sometimes when I'm not even listening for it. That's a great album, and I think may have been one of the last Jeff recorded before he left us.

T

[TonyAKA]

Shame to see Jeff's been eliminated from the running.

Yeah you've got some phenomenal drummers out there today, but I still believe there's never been a touch quite like Jeffrey's.

[Gretschgal96]

hey TONY! After speaking with a few of Jeff's friends via the Toto Network, my best guess is that Jeff would have voted for Bonzo, regardless of whether Jeff was on the legends list or not!! (Think, "Rosanna" was a direct "Fool in the Rain" rip-off with a little Purdie tossed in for good measure!). So....

Yeah; but hey-we got his name listed SEPERATE from Simon's for a reason.
I fought like a mofo to get him listed on the "legends" side of it so his kids could vote for him. Check out the "Symetrics" page at Myspace. That's Jeff's middle kid Miles, and his nephew, Chase Porcaro Duddy --and those kids got to vote for Jeffrey for a solid MONTH.
So all is nawt lost -ha ha!
SCORE ONE for a true legend and a dude what I'm told was VERY humble about his Gift and life in general.

Says Michael Porcaro (about his older, shorter bro):
"Jeff was just a regular guy who tried to live life just like anybody else, and was a very devoted Dad when that became part of his life".
At Toto 99, there's a video clip of Mikey where he states that Jeffrey's heart was "that of an artist". And that to, "Know Jeff was to love him."

What a sweet way to remember FAMILY. Mike's just the coolest.
At times, JEFF has stated that Mike was the 'better drummer' of the two of them.
I submit, humbly---after hearing those two play on a lot of stuff, that there wasn't a groove Jeff carved out that Mikey couldn't stitch shut. Pocket was re-defined any time those two sat down to play. The Beegees were "The Brothers Gibb".

Might it be stated that Jeffrey and Mike Porcaro were "The Brothers Groove"???
Mike is currently battling an arm injury that prevents him from touring.
God Bless Mikey.........I hope he can play again soon.
*sigh*

T



Shame to see Jeff's been eliminated from the running.
Yeah you've got some phenomenal drummers out there today, but I still believe there's never been a touch quite like Jeffrey's.

[Alexdrum75]

[At Toto 99, there's a video clip of Mikey where he states that Jeffrey's heart was "that of an artist". And that to, "Know Jeff was to love him."


I'll tell ya:
when Jeff passed away in 1992 (5th August) I was taking a sunbath in a beach in Sardegna (Italy).
I didn't even know about him.
After some time I listened to Toto IV but I didn't know who the drummer was.

The minute I linked the two things I almost cried. It sounds stupid crying for people who you even don't know.

So I'm asking you: why?

In these years I tried to find an answer and I've come up with this: because when Jeff played he was expressing himself as a human being.

So to know the beauty of his playing was meaning to know his beauty as a human being.

That's why I almost cried. Because the earth has lost a true Human Being.

[TonyAKA]

That's a nice post Alex,

I couldn't agree more. For me though, I don't remember Jeff passing. I was only a 12 year old boy at the time.

It would be another two years before I even knew who he was. The funny thing is, I WAS actually well aware of Jeff throughout the 80's. I always remember being a kid and hearing "I Keep Forgetting", and being aware of the bass drum toward the end. My mother was a huge George Benson fan, and I absolutely loved "Lady love Me, One More Time", being aware of the Hats toward the end. And who was a true 80's child who didn't love "Human Nature"!!!??? That Tom to Snare Roll at the chorus of the Shoop Shoop Song!? Hell, I was digging that shuffle on "You Might Need Somebody" way before I even had the presence of mind to ask who the man behind the drums was.

I saw Dave Weckl in a clinic recently. He was asked who his favourite drummer was, and before the kid could finish his sentence, Dave replied, "No...No...that would be too narrow minded, NEXT!".

While I see his point, I can't help but put Jeff above all the rest in my mind. I really see him as a set standard, with most of my other fav's being apprentices of Jeff, eg, Vinnie, Abe Jr, Gregg Bissonette etc.

The interviews over at Musicast are real gold (thanks to Gretschgal for pointing that one out). Although they all talk a lot about Jeff, to me, David Hungate's really stands out. Here is somebody who was extremely close to Jeff, with some excellent stories, and real heartfelt words. And what better way to describe Jeff than as photography, "He was always in focus"...

http://www.insidemusicast.com/current/2006/12/08/david_hungate.html

Echoing Dave's sentiments, whenever I'm blasting a record with Jeff on, he's there, right there.

R.I.P my brother. The world is a sad place without you, but incredibly fortunate to have been blessed with what you left behind.

[Gretschgal96]

That's a nice post Alex,

I couldn't agree more. For me though, I don't remember Jeff passing. I was only a 12 year old boy at the time.


I was a 21-year-old college kid, sunning myself-taking messages for my Dad (residential carpenter/contractor). The local station broadcast the news -and I swear all I heard were the words, JEFF PORCARO and fatal heart attack.

I am convinced that heart attack was set in motion due to the organophosphate Dursban, which is what Jeff was spraying in the yard that day.
According to a BBC Radio1 interview with Luke last year, Lukather stated that Jeff told Luke by phone that afternoon that he was, "gonna go take care of the yard---having a barbecue this weekend."

For those unaware---Dursban is in the exact same chemical class as SARIN and VX

I have researched this for years because I went through anaphylactic shock about nine months before Jeffrey did....the only difference?
I lived.

Folks, that's FRIGHTENING.
iF YOU'VE NEVER gone through Anaphylaxis, it is hideous.
Fever, chills, sore throat, restricted breathing and the ER staff that worked with me monitored my blood pressure for TWO HOURS....to make sure it would actually stablize--and stop fluxing.

My situation was due to Tampons. Fellas---read the insert in the box of tampons.
MEMORIZE WHAT IS THERE.
I went through that.

Organophosphates like Dursban and Malathion are tacky. Jeff got enough of it that it stuck to the lining of his lungs. It attaches itself (the organophosphate) to smooth muscle.
(i.e. Diaphragm...? Paralyzes smooth muscle. Atropine and 2PAM and oxygen into the lungs are the ONLY WAYS to break that bond-this mess was a NERVE agent that Jeff was messing with that day.

Scott tells me Jeff would fit into the back seat of Scott's Porsche-grab his kit and they'd go to a gig---WITH Jeff's drums in the car.

My guess is that Jeffrey was no taller than 5ft. 7in.
He was small-framed.
Too much bug killer is a BAD thing.
I spray soap and water on my roses now. Always have for the past few years.
Jeff had a family history of atherosclerosis.
I have read another interview in which Luke stated that two of Jeff's uncles passed before they hit 40.
I lost a cousin to 'hardening of the arteries" when Joel was 17.
MASSIVE MI.

But for me, sitting out in the sun on 6 August 1992....hearing that it was an allergic reaction?

That's what Anaphylactic Shock is.
Somehow ---tampons did that to me, but are any of you allergic to peanuts or shellfish?
Same deal can happen to you.
I had gone through that crap NINE MONTHS before Jeff left us.
I cried for TWO HOURS knowing what I know---because I'd gone through it.
God bless him,---he had to be so scared.
It is a FRIGHTENING thing to know your throat's closing on you....or that you have a fever Tylenol won't cut through.
And when your BP starts going crazy---gang. If I can do ONE THING related to our loss of a kickin' drummer -it's tell people to know what the sings of Anaphylactic Shock are.
They're real.
Lived through it.
I wish Jeff had---his youngest kid would have grown up with his real dad around.
God knows what he's doing. My guess?
He allowed Jeff to leave us so that we'd learn to treasure this Music and the talent to play.
And to treasure our families and friends.

If I hear "Pamela" or "Calling Elvis" I crank it up. "KOD" is my absolute fave record other the "TOTO IV" that Jeff was on for his band. But there are COUNTLESS other tracks I grew up hearing that are jsut unmistakeably "Jeff".
It's a hoot to be able to hear his work, still.
TOO MUCH fun.

Somebody mentioned Abe Jr.
Check out Lukather's "Ever Changing Times" (new disc -June 3rd Stateside).
Abe Jr. threw down some very "Jeff" things for Luke's latest solo effort.
Jammin' his OWN way all the same. Abe Jr. KICKS BUTT on that album.
(So too, does Luke's kid Trevor!)

T

[Gretschgal96]

LUKATHER MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT AT THE BEGINNING OF JUNE (http://www.totonetwork.com) that TOTO is now dissolved.

This was sad news to me, as I've grown up with these cats.
(How many of us have heard these guys for eons?)

I just thought I'd put this out here for those who are familiar with 'em.


T

[Alexdrum75]

LUKATHER MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT AT THE BEGINNING OF JUNE (http://www.totonetwork.com) that TOTO is now dissolved.

This was sad news to me, as I've grown up with these cats.
(How many of us have heard these guys for eons?)

I just thought I'd put this out here for those who are familiar with 'em.


T

On www.toto99.com there's no mention of it, neither on www.totonetwork.com, at least I couldn't find it...

[Philippe]

It is in fact true, for the moment there's no Toto anymore. Lukes on solo tour, they all needed a break after such a long time of touring (too long!) and hey, these guys are getting older too.

only future will tell! it would not be the first group to make a big comeback!!!

@alexdrum: nice brasil shirt!!!

[TonyAKA]

Just been listening to Lady Love Me (George Benson).

Here's a thing to do (if you haven't already). To do this, you need to take a decent recording. Mine is from the original CD, plus you need to be wearing headphones.

Crank the volume RIGHT up during the end fade, and right at the very end of the fade, about 3:57, check out the hi-hats. I love how funky they are!

I noticed it when I was half drifting off to sleep while listening to my ipod. Needless to say, I was well awake after hearing that.

Hope everyone's well?

[TonyAKA]

This is interesting!...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Jeff-Porcaros-Ludwig-Supraphonic-402_W0QQitemZ160263101530QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item1 60263101530&_trksid=p3286.m14.l1318

I'll be keeping my eye on this one to see how much it goes for!!

[jennielucas]

the Supraphonic snare was taken off eBay b/c the seller was not getting any real offers - he only got people wanting Jeff stories. not to mention that the price is a wee bit steep, even though it really was Jeff's. i wish the seller luck. owning that drum would have to bring some sort of fabulous, magical juju into one's playing.

[thiscocks]

New fave Jeff track: 'When I loose my way' -Randy Craford, Secret Combination. Amazing slow shuffle and lovely hat/snare work.

Tim

[TonyAKA]

Check out "Bottom Line" from Nightline (1982)

Superb straightgroove, with a classic Porcaro samba style ending!

[BackBeatGover]

Hi,
Also check out the tune:My Own Way to Rock by Burton Cummings; amazing shuffle on that one.

[Meat the beat]

So much said already...

The man is and always will be a legend.

[sonorlite]

I had the distinct pleasure and also misfortune to have played drums with Jeff in high school in Los Angeles. I say misfortune because he got me booted from a couple of the bands I was playing in when it became apparent that he was far more talented than I.

We played often in his father's garage which had been set up as a studio. At one point I had made recordings of the band on my Teac R-R but have lost these over the years.

I know he is most well known for impeccable session work and groove but back in the the early days he showed amazing chops and was quite a bit wilder and less inhibited than session work demands.

I especially remember the band doing Take Me to the Pilot to which Jeff added bass drum triplets similar to Bonham on Good Times.

[Flam.TV]

here's a very cool video of him playing "holiday". great quality video and audio.

http://flam.tv/concerts/jeff-porcaro-playing-holiday/

i love his one handed 16th note grooves.

[thiscocks]

here's a very cool video of him playing "holiday". great quality video and audio.

http://flam.tv/concerts/jeff-porcaro-playing-holiday/

i love his one handed 16th note grooves.

cool! Don't know what he was doing with all the sticks at the start though!

[Ardent15]

Porcaro is one of my all-time favorite drummers. Immense groove and he used his chops to enhance the musicality of the songs. Miss him.

[JPisgod!]

I'm a guitarist but to me Jeff Porcaro is one of the finest drummers but more importantly musicians ever. He had an incredibly unique feel and groove and so importantly he played for the song. Listening to Jeff is something akin to a religious experience for me. I was listening to Dire Straits "On every Street" CD today and i'm not ashamed to say Jeff's incredible talent moved me to tears.