James Gadson

Am I the only fan of the great Mr. Gadson here?

No Sir, there are A LOT of his fans here...
Gadson, one of the most recorded drummers in R&B history, was born in Kansas City, Missouri on June 17, 1939. His career started in the late ’60s with Dyke & The Blazers, The Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band (“Express Yourself”), and Bill Withers (“Use Me,” “Lean On Me”). In the ’70s, Gadson worked with Marvin Gaye (“I Want You”), The Jackson Five (“Dancing Machine”), Diana Ross (“Love Hangover”), Cheryl Lynn (“Got To Be Real”), Tavares (“Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel”), and Gloria Gaynor (“I Will Survive”). The drummer also recorded and/or performed with Anita Baker, James Brown, Ray Charles, George Duke, Aretha Franklin, Herbie Hancock, The Isley Brothers, Quincy Jones, B.B. King, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Little Richard, Peaches & Herb, Billy Preston, Smokey Robinson, Frank Sinatra, The Supremes, The Spinners, Tina Turner…the list is seemingly never-ending.

There was post here before on Gadson,
 
If you write down the top 100 funk/disco/soul tunes of all time, I'm sure that James is playing on no less than 50 of them.
 
I just discovered James Gadson as well. Legend. This guy is so far deep in the pocket you can hardly see him, haha, jk. but seriously. Dude's pocket is deep.

HE NEEDS A PAGE ON DRUMMERWORLD
 
His career started in the late ’60s with Dyke & The Blazers...

I just picked up a Best Of, and am digging it immensely! James wasn't their original drummer, but I believe he played on "Let A Woman Be A Woman..." It's got his 'snap' and a very funky vibe in the verses. The intro from that track was also sampled for "How You Like Me Now" by The Heavy (the song on the Kia commercials.)

Love James! Dig the file.

Bermuda
 

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The most inovated groove master in American music===James Brown!
Who could have thought playing down & hard on the 1 could actually become popular music? I wouldn't have but I thank Mr. Brown very much. Doc.
 
Since I didnt see a James Gadson thread, I figured Id kick one off. Hopefully this wont simply become another James Gadsons' hair is magnificent thread, thats been discussed to death. Yes his hair is luxurious, yes I want to basque in its essence but lets discuss his drumming. The man is frighteningly funky. Heres a couple tunes...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcFaVfTDWcs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ld-cD_TGqA he's singing too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nkcLhBaV4A 'spress yaself


Sorry if thread exist, didnt see when i searched but im a newb
 
Since I didnt see a James Gadson thread, I figured Id kick one off. Hopefully this wont simply become another James Gadsons' hair is magnificent thread, thats been discussed to death. Yes his hair is luxurious, yes I want to basque in its essence but lets discuss his drumming. The man is frighteningly funky. Heres a couple tunes...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcFaVfTDWcs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ld-cD_TGqA he's singing too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nkcLhBaV4A 'spress yaself


Sorry if thread exist, didnt see when i searched but im a newb

Josh, you scored again man! Never heard "Loveland" before and never would have guessed it was JG singing it. Too cool & too groovy!
 
Does not get much funkier than this - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoSGKO9aH9M

I dare anyone to play that and make it sound as fluid and expressive as James does.

You'll also recognize the opening as used in a big hit by The Heavy a few years ago. :)

Bermuda
 
Nice, thnx Spleeeen!! Thnx for chiming in Bermuda, an honor to interact with you. I'll take your dare!!

I'll try to get all my star struck geekiness out of the way here so I can just be laid back, but I have so much respect and admiration for many of you folks and it's a thrill to be part of this.

Btw the dare...I failed, miserably
 
how about some of his recent work ?

the story goes as ?uestlove tells it ... James was sitting behind the drums in the studio slapping his chest working out a drum part .... they recorded him doing it and loved it ... it became the drum part for the song

brilliant !!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo3RAH0zLlU

I agree, brilliant...and the song is so good!

And why am I just now checking out this album? Anthony, I remember you hyping this when it came out. I was like, "Oh, I need to listen to that" and then never did. Damn. Hypnotic, nuanced, inflected...freaking brilliant indeed.
 
Super cool back story! Thanks for sharing, that gives the track more meaning for me, makes it even more interesting. Tune made me feel like inside my chest was doing cartwheels lol. Like a lil dance party was happening in my chest cavity. And with that....I say goodnight!
 
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