The legendary Steve Gadd

SwissMatthias & BeatlesFan, thanks for posting those links! I really enjoyed both interviews.
 
Last edited:
...some more...the clinic:

gaddy10.jpg

gaddy11.jpg

gaddy12.jpg

gaddy13.jpg

gaddy14.jpg

gaddy15.jpg

gaddy16.jpg

gaddy17.jpg

gaddy18.jpg

gaddy19.jpg

gaddy20.jpg

gaddy21.jpg

gaddy6.jpg

gaddy7.jpg

gaddy8.jpg

gaddy9.jpg

gaddy22.jpg

gaddy23.jpg

gaddy25.jpg

gaddy26.jpg
 
Last edited:
Steve finally made it to Edinburgh last night. Great Gig

65, and he has more chops, more speed and more energy that i'll ever have behind a drum kit. Also such a nice, laid back and pleasant guy. All round great bloke. Was glad to have had the chance to see him perform.
 
Hey TomGadd - thanks very much for the photos - I hope that Steve will bring this clinic to Oz so we can get to meet him.
 
Cool pic! Steve is the man! I remember watching his DVD's over and over again taking in his technique and style. He always looks so natural and relaxed when he's playing, and his grooves sound that exact same way too.
__________________

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going!"

gravy1.jpg
 
Listen to "Nite Sprite" in the Leprechaun album of Chick Corea. Vinnie played it in the ADAA Tribute to Gadd DVD as well, but Gadd was the original.


I think you forgot to mention that Vinnie's version was also HORRIBLE. I love Vinnie, but seriously, the is only one Gadd and only one Chick Corea. You can have 1000 drummers play the same groove Steve Gadd's been playing for the past 40 years, and 10 times out of 10 you'll prefer to Gadd's version. More than his technique and creativity, he has a feel that no other drummer has.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_m8mLCY7a0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EekpcK32qQk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr-PerIbEpY

These three videos are the grooviest things I've ever heard. And I think they summarize what everyone has been saying here. Its the little things only Gadd does that make him unique: using the back of the sticks for a fatter sound, LISTENING to the other players, and the unbelievably creative/original applications of the simplest ideas.

He is also one of the most recorded drummers in history. Go to his website and see is discography.. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
The comments about him not being up front are true. It's the nuances in Gadds playing that kill me. Perfect little ruff. Sick grooves.

He is one of my all time favorite drummers. Adaption is his fifth appendage. Can play various styles with a breeze.

He supports the band so much. I learn a lot from him.

Plus he has played with so many greats, there is a lot of material to learn from.
 
I'll go so far as to say that - any drummer that can't hear the special sauce in Steve Gadd's playing - has a lot to learn.

Steve is The Man on the kit.
 
My thought is Gadd is/was the first drummer who can really "make" a song.

No Steely Dan with Gadd's "Aja"?

"50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" was as much as Gadd hit as it was for Paul Simon. Jeez, I hope Steve got some royalties over the years for that one.
 
The comments about him not being up front are true. It's the nuances in Gadds playing that kill me. Perfect little ruff. Sick grooves.

He is one of my all time favorite drummers. Adaption is his fifth appendage. Can play various styles with a breeze.

He supports the band so much. I learn a lot from him.

Plus he has played with so many greats, there is a lot of material to learn from.

I hear you on this! It seems Steve grabs for the most obvious yet forgotten idea which brings everything together. Right now his playing on Spain (Al Jarreau) come to mind. Who would have thought of that groove in the verses?

Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com
http://www.patentcoachmike.com
http://www.youtube.com/drummermikemccraw
http://www.myspace.com/drummermikemccraw
http://www.facebook.com/mike.mccraw
http://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemccraw
http://twitter.com/mikemccraw
 
No, I don't think Gadd is touring with Paul this year. At least when I saw Paul Simon earlier this year, it was a young guy who played with him (and did a great job I must say). But I say: go anyway. If you get any chance to see the great Paul Simon, GO!
 
Last edited:
Back
Top