Drum Teacher Reacts: Guitar Center Sessions: GAVIN HARRISON - Bonnie the Cat | Reaction & Analysis

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

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[@92JinKazama]

I had a chance to ask Gavin at one of his seminars to play this song. He said "No," and then sat down and played it. Managed to meet him afterwards, shake his hand and have a little chat. One of my fondest memories!

[@paulocraice]

Have you seen playing Rush songs? Nailed. In fact, improved Limelight, A Passage To Bangkok and Some more. I'm a huge Rush fan, but Neil sometimes over drumming makes me angry. Unnecessary his hits over Limelight solo.

[@montlejohnbojangles8937]

Hahaha, what a legend.

[@asarsalari]

That is the most outrageously perfect sounding drum kit I've ever heard

[@jiltednut]

Gavin mentioned in an interview a long time ago that he carefully gates his snare and kick drum. He spends a lot of time with the audio engineers before shows.

[@johnnyresistance]

I'm a guitar player 1st, bassist 2nd and crap drummer 3rd; when i saw porcupine tree live i started watching the guitars but then just watched gavin the whole gig. unbelievable player.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

World class 💪

[@maawous]

I saw him play with Pineapple Thief in 2022, before I knew about them I was a Porcupine Tree fan already. I went to see the whole band, I think especially Bruce Soord is an amazing musician too. But seeing Gavin play live is something else. I had to go up to the balcony so I could see HIM better 😂 I know absolutely nothing about playing any instrument, but he's so precise and clean and it's just happens so automatically. I felt like I had witnessed aliens landing 😂

[@emuszd]

I can't believe he shouted out Steve Jansen! He was in the band Japan yes, but he and his biological brother David Slvian (the front man from Japan) have made amazing music together and individually for decades. Oh and one more degree of the six degrees, Richard Barbierie (spelling?) the keyboard wizard of Porcupine Tree was the keyboardist in the band Japan! This will probably all get mentioned as I'm only 2:36 into your video but had to comment now - got all excited hearing Gavin talk about Steve

[@frontprochproduction]

Smooth as silk, as solid as granite, as tasty as butter and as tight as a snare drum. This man is one of the very best ever.

[@larseikind666]

His snare does sound absolutely wonderful. It has that around 250hz "puck" sound that is so dangerous if you don't mix the rest of the instruments right. And his dynamics? Nah, I'm not going to comment on that. You all heard the man. He's a beast. He's an absolute gem in the world of rythmic musicianship.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

💯🙌

[@AyamPushUp]

It's his signature Sonor Protean snare

[@OsmonArtist]

Omg how is it possible to play that groove? "Are we over playing or under executing" Wow so true!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yup I’ve often thought about that!

[@jamesstuart7792]

Gavin is just a understated monster on a kit. He doesnt sing and dance on social media or shout about his playing, but he just quietly goes about placing every note perfectly, with perfect dynamics.. and taste. Even his mad fills are still tasty and musical. One of the GOATS without doubt, a huge influence on me as a player.. and this tune has it all. Its funky, clever, dynamic, and nearly impossible to play lol And yes, his whole kt is probalby the best sounding kit on earth. Its him and his engineers too, as he sounds just as amazing with Pineapple Thief as he does with Porcupine Tree. His drum tuning and mixing is top of the tree.

[@EixtremeDrummer]

When the second bar starts, it seems It starts an odd time signature. Crazy.

[@loud7070]

Gavin is a craftsmen, a drum composer and an absolute maestro! I have had the absolute pleasure to see him live numerous times.

[@jonpoon3896]

You’re in love with the snare sound. It’s the hi hats for me

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Whole kit when he’s playing! 🙌

[@jonpoon3896]

@@AndrewRooneyDrums those high toms!!

[@johnbelfiglio562]

I’ve seen that video a million times. Such a good explanation by Gavin on how he created this.

[@Titanium_Cranium]

Greetings from Scotland, Andrew. Love the content on your channel despite not being a serious drummer myself (bad guitarist, sorry) but I've enjoyed jamming on them with friends many times and I love to see you break down the techniques of the greats. I particularly enjoyed your analysis & playthrough of that beastly beat of Gavin's. I'd like to request you do more of that in future becauses it's great to see you behind the kit in your natural environment, making the impossible feats of the drumming titans seem more attainable for mortals like us. Keep chopping wood pal, cheers.

[@MikeKobb]

Andrew! Thanks so much for this reaction and lesson! Way more than I hoped for when I made the request. I really enjoyed it. Well done learning that riff! I will sit and study the chart so that perhaps my bass player's brain will eventually be able to count this properly. :-) In the meantime, I'll continue to just enjoy the heck out of Gavin's playing. All the best.

[@Xbx0ne]

YESSS I swear it's been so long since someone has done a *GAVIN HARRISON* reaction, and I'm so excited to see your thoughts on one of my favorite PT songs!!!

[@Thomas_8490]

One of the most talented Progressive rock/metal drummer out there. So much details in his drumming

[@MrKewJ]

Really like your videos Andrew, I'm not even a drummer but I really find that it makes me appreciate music that I've heard many times before in a new way. Keep up the good work. (and I'm a big Gavin Harrison fan)

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

I appreciate that! 🙏

[@BehindTheKitOfficial]

One of my favorite tracks from Gavin. I used this as inspiration to create my own track for my bands song "Skeletons at the Banquet" REALLY fun patterns

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Nice! 💯🤘

[@josephb7183]

The Incident is a fantastic album

[@m.cliffordswittsendproduct2380]

Hey Andrew, haven't dropped a hello in a while. You make me proud, seeing you do that riff slow, medium and fast(ish). I admire your " Gannahs" (cajones) you my friend are a true rock star! Undaunted, valiant and courageous! Keep knocking it out of the park!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Hey, thanks! 🙏

[@absentlight4532]

Gavin has a really good book named Rhythmic Composition that includes the drum transcription to Bonnie the Cat. Forward by Neil Peart. 😉

[@peteharper3299]

Holy shit, why have I never listened to PT? If you'd put that on and told me it was a rare Deftones outtake I would have absolutely believed it.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yup great stuff 🙌

[@jasonjenkins6373]

Check out 'porcupine tree - way out of here' (live). Godlike drums

[@Wendelvendel]

This was an awesome video. Thanks so much fpr all the thoughts!!!

[@ewan_ou182]

I’ve been following GH’s music career for 10-12yrs now, and the one thing I’ve noticed is that no matter what genre of music he is playing, he always gives 100% to the music. For me, GH has continued the legendary status of Jeff Porcaro. GH is all about the rhythm, the groove, and above all “keeping time”. He doesn’t do the big drum solos, nor does he have the “look at me” sort of mentality. No, he goes about his business. He only plays what is appropriate for the song, the music, and never attempts to overplay the vocals. But this is the mastery someone who understands his/her role. he is the guy thank God th

[@infinite7501]

Over the years I've tried to learn a lot of his parts. Not sure if I've ever got it dead on. I'm pretty sure I've put in too many parts. I've always took it on as a challenge. I'm sure I've always fallen short. Love this guy. Another level!!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yup his execution is 💯🙌

[@warren_r]

IMO, the way Gavin drops into straight-ahead 4/4 rock in the middle part of the song is crucial to making everything work. It gives the listener something to lock into and just enjoy rocking out with before the pattern goes back into syncopation. It's the exact same thing Rush and Dream Theater did so well in their careers.

[@MikeKobb]

Yeah, and Tool does this in Pneuma as well.

[@timbenke5676]

phenomenal... loved it, thank you

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@diegoarriaza7731]

He´s my fav drummer by far

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

🙌

[@twelvemonkeys8786]

This is sensational. So precise. 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@kaynesantor8136]

Thank you, Mike Cobb. I'm glad I'm not the only bass player that felt like an idiot trying to count this. I could air guitar to it, by purely feel and banging my head along with it. I lost count after 3. And now I know why. So thank you Mike, and Rooney. I learned stuff today.

[@911JayKay]

I ve seen Gavin on the King Crimson Tour 2019 with two other drum guys. It was so fantastic.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Oh nice!

[@donnelson6694]

Gavin is amazing. Andrew's no slouch either. Very nice.

[@jonthebeloved6094]

I think the Steve Jansen / Japan song Gavin referenced is Still Life in Mobile Homes. Gavin would be my choice to step on for Peart, too.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Great call!

[@Ejlectronics6]

Still Life is such a iconic sound. Mick Karn killing it on the bass as always. Would love to hear a Steve Jansen/Japan drum breakdown.

[@dust4magnet]

Gavin's videos make me laugh with joy. I agree that he's capable of subbing in for Danny. Portnoy proved that he could, too.

[@Unibabble]

I can't get enough of Gavin Harrison - how about reacting to one of the live videos from the recent Closure/Continuation tour??

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Sounds good!

[@MrRobca]

Gavin has the best sounding drums imo. So crisp but yet a big fat sound. That snare and that kick.... No words needed.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yeah it's the dream sound.

[@GarthWatkins-th3jt]

Elsewhere in the comments someone mentions Gavin gates the kick and snare, spending significant time with sound engineers beforehand getting it right. Like he needs anything to further polish his tremendous talent playing the drums. I wish I could play but I still watch and listen just for the sheer joy of it.

[@patrickm.635]

Gavin's high-hat / right hand is a damn metronome. He actually keeps the 4/4 on the hats through most of the beat.

[@tommoger]

His snare has hybrid bearing edges. The top edge is rounded (at his request) so that more of the batter head is in contact with the shell. He also uses S-Hoops on the snare and toms.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Thanks for that detailed gear info!

[@tommoger]

@@AndrewRooneyDrums no worries! Gavin does a great video explaining his signature snare on the Sonor Drum Tube channel. Thanks for all you do, really enjoy your videos 🥁

[@SockerConny80]

How does he get that consistent sound out of his drums? Watch a few of his videos and you will notice the wear marks on his drums heads. Tuning and good heads are very important but everyone should include precision in their practice to get that perfect tamber.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Very good point

[@SockerConny80]

@@AndrewRooneyDrums Still, it is one of the most absurdly boring things to practice. I recommend it for days when you just don't want to practice but still drag yourself to the kit hoping for a miraculous spark of inspiration that doesn't come 😅

[@Arthur-ke9vz]

Just the tuning on his drums makes his sound so incredible

[@tictocbang7443]

Can't wait to see him with Pineapple Thief, again. His love for playing comes through in every song.

[@jonthebeloved6094]

@@tictocbang7443 I bought the meet and greet package last tour. They brought out a big screen and explained their writing and recording process. Worth every penny and the bonus was standing next to the stage, eight feet from his kit. Everybody around me was a drummer!

[@Freedom35ab]

I've been hoping you'd do this video for a long time!

[@Freedom35ab]

The gizmo on the high hat is called a drop clutch. They've been around forever.

[@MikeKobb]

Thanks for that! I have not noticed any other drummers I've watched using one, but honestly, I watch Gavin more closely than most drummers. ;-)

[@jonthebeloved6094]

@@Freedom35ab I just bought one recently, but I haven't tried it out yet.

[@Freedom35ab]

@@MikeKobb I think a lot of drummers just have a second set of hats these days. So they just use them when playing double kick instead of using a drop clutch.

[@FVD]

Fun tip. My Auntie's best friend's husband is also named Andrew Rooney. They live in Wellington! 😄

[@88omair]

Gavin’s the drum professor!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Hell of a player

[@petervoigtmann]

love your humor!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

🙏

[@keithbond9423]

great analysis of one of my favorite PT songs. Despite not being a drummer (I play guitar), I really enjoy your videos. I'd love to see your analysis of "The Only Unforgivable Thing" by Marillion. This is another song where the drum accents are in unique and unusual places. I'd love to see what you think. This is a deep cut from a deep deep catalog. I don't know if you've ever heard of Marillion. They are another prog band that has been around since 1979 and they are still making music. Currently working on their 21st studio album. Marillion is my fav band with Porcupine Tree my 2nd favorite.

[@michaelcaudle1129]

Smooth as butter

[@nomore198426]

I don't know if it's mentioned... but how amazing and CLEVER that if you count eight 1/4's, no bass or snare drum is ever hit on a 1/4 note except for count 7. It's so unusual but groovy and amazing.

[@wolframreactor74]

Gavin also mics top and bottom heads separately with different EQs

[@miscellaneous5215]

Such an awesome drummer and drum sound. Check out the sticks he uses too. Massive.

[@erikhamann]

The easiest explaination is that the way he accents the groove has a 7/8 - 9/8 feel. If you wanted, you could count it as a 7/8 and 9/8 loop, but it's simpler to count these 16/8 as two bars of 4/4.

[@MikeKobb]

That's interesting. I do have a lot easier time counting it that way.

[@olfrud]

These kind of reactions are the best ones!

[@robertratcliffe7926]

Phenomenal drummer

[@drumvc8060]

Please react to Porcupine Tree 'Cheating The Polygraph' live at Tilburg, drumming perfection in every way imaginable.

[@jah9253]

Or if you really want a crazy polyrhythm, check out the 2nd half of the song "What Happens Now?" from the same Nil Recurring album. He plays a a triplet ride over a 7/4 main part. Resolves every 3 measures.

[@EessaTube]

I'd love your take on the drummer from the Japanese band 'Lovebites'. I suggest check out the live performance of the song 'Soldier Stands Solitarily'.

[@zenf1sh]

His father used to play in a band with Simon Philips' father.

[@tamarockstar45]

I love beats that sound like they're in an odd time signature or a poly rhythm but are actually 4/4.

[@epicslicer116]

Im pretty sure when Gavin tunes that snare drum, he removes a few of the buzz wires on the reso head.

[@LordBaktor]

I wonder if Gavin likes splash cymbals at all...

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

🤣🤣

[@kingkongkungkwang]

Every single thing this guy does is so meticulously calculated, it is almost transcendent.

[@michaellee2652]

You are spot on with the snare. I watched a video with Chad Sexton from 311 and he said "It's not tuned tight or wound tight, it is how he hits the snare that gives it that signature sound.

[@rrrayrrray]

Hi Andrew-great channel. Thank you for it! If you haven’t yet listened to John Densmore of the Doors, I highly recommend it: He’s very underrated, and counts Elvin Jones as a big influence. Listen to When the Music’s Over, or anything from the Doors really. Cheers,

[@chadcarrdrums]

His signature Sonor snares are legendary.

[@TeslaNick2]

You should check out Pineapple Thief - the other prog band Gavin plays for regularly if you don't already know about them. The outro bit of "Tear You Up" is a fun one to work out, it cycles down from 7/4 to 4/4 in two bar sections.

[@darranschnepf8076]

You really need to check out Gavin playing on Antoine Fafard and Gavin Harrisons new album,Perpetual Mutations,it really showcases how damn good Gavin is,absolutely phenomenal performance on that album,check it out you wont regret it,personally in my opinion this would be his best work on this album and ive followed Gavin for a very long time.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Sounds good. Love me some Gavin!

[@manuelgodinez7591]

You have to hear his album "Cheating the Polygraph" a work of art

[@Meul1968]

Saw the band Porcupine Tree impressive band/drummer!

[@cjonesufc]

Anything Gavin Harrison gets an instant click from me. He is always in my top 5 no matter who else is in it at the time. Often times he’s my number 1. Others on that list are typically Benny Greb, Neil Peart, Danny Carey, Carter Beauford, John Bonham, Dave Grohl, and Tim Alexander.

[@Ja_ist_gut]

I play drums for a relatively long time. But never heard of him until last week. He is insanly perfect... that's not even the right word. He is beyound that. He should be his own category

[@rodrigomichelettoaffonso5193]

Andrew, take care, reacting to Gavin turns you into fulltime Meg Ryan Oh Yeah meme face....LoL cheers!!!

[@lmk001]

Tomas Haake and Stewart Copeland. Amazing technique this guy has like those guys

[@ErikGruber]

Came for the drum reaction. Stayed for the memes!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

🤣🤣🙏

[@WishForTheNight]

This is such a great reaction and musiclesson. The bald kiwi strikes again!

[@92JinKazama]

Please also check out Steve Jansen's drumming on Japan's record Still Life in Mobile Homes.

[@Aaron_Gentry]

Gavin Harrison is the UK's answer to America's Danny Carey. He is that good in my opinion

[@DallasGunther]

Yeah. I've compared the two many times. Both have a very high facility but also very tactful of when to turn it on or to lay back and just keep time.

[@Arthur-ke9vz]

Zildjians always sound the best, always

[@wolframreactor74]

And it’s in 4/4 😮

[@La_sagne]

feels like 31/16 and 33/16 alternating

[@La_sagne]

maybe more 15/8 and 17/8.. i have to check with a metronome. im too dumb for this. it doesnt matter though. you might aswell count it as 4 bars of 4/4 😅

[@marylikens6847]

My top 3, in no particular order. Danny Carey , Bill Bruford, Gavin Harrison.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Not bad!

[@MrDerushingo]

I'm not even gonna talk about how good Gavin is. That's pretty much a given. I just want to point out that all manufacturers make good sounding drums but Sonor still makes the prettiest!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yup. All the gear/companies do the job 👍

[@philippefrater2000]

As we say in French: "Contretemps"... 🖖🏻🇫🇷😎🇫🇷😎🇫🇷🖖🏻

[@ivanbutler6079]

Would you pick Danny Carey to sub for Harrison in Porcupine Tree?

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Now that would be tricky. Craig Blundell 💯

[@TheMadComposer]

Agreed. Gavin could totally play for Tool.

[@sebulban]

Not too many people understand the wizardry of Gavin Harrison

[@emjem99]

GH could most certainly replace DC in a week. He's a wonderful talent (as is DC).

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yup he’s that good

[@J-Allen19]

Gavin Harrison has played with King Crimson, and now Danny Carey is touring with BEAT doing King Crimson songs. There's a solid reason you think Gavin could fill Danny's shoes!

[@DocLong1]

Instead of mathematical formulas and DNA strands, we should just broadcast Gavin Harrison videos into deep space if we really want to impress the other life forms out there.

[@Wizardofgosz]

There is no doubt a lot of his tone is in the way he hits the drum, but with EQ and compression you can make it sound like literally anything.

[@DallasGunther]

Im hoping Alex and Ged get together with either Gavin or Danny and play some of those old songs for the younger crowd who havent had a chance to see Rush when Neil was still around

[@erikmaronde2244]

There are a few drummers that could "sit in for" Danny Carey. Marco Minneman or Larnell Lewis maybe. Let us hope it will not be necessary ever. 🎶🖖

[@TheSoulcraft]

Course the snare,but just how economical his movements are! As i get older i find it harder to learn new things. Especially making changes to habits ive done my whole life. Like French grip or bd swivel. I played from middle school through college & dci traditional grip. But these days i barely use it. I feel like i only want to learn new thing's that i can use like immediately! I know its lazy,but being in my 40s now i try to make my time count! No pun intended!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

I get that, we have to be efficient in our time these days.

[@PaulHilburger]

GAVIN THE GOAT

[@dominic4379]

Drum sorcery

[@benjamindixon4825]

Gavin makes 4/4 sound like an odd signature and an odd signature sound 4/4. To me anyway😅😅

[@ibd1977]

Knight Rider vibes.

[@danieltanguay5750]

Hi, love content. My favorite drumer no surprise Gavin Harrison, but Keith Carlock is a monster two. Can you do a reaction on this pieces please. fusion rock guitar wayne krantz keith carlock tim levebvre - why - 2005 live

[@FeralPatrick]

Andrew always has a spare pair of underwear for after a Gavin review. ;) Andrew, have you seen the video for his "Cymbal Song?" It's a one-off super-cool video. Highly recommended.

[@olbaolba]

Didn't get the Copeland vibe. But David Garibaldi was my instant reaction when I heard the first groove.

[@mushroomcloud222]

Roooooooooney! You haven't heard of Japan? I mean, OK, fair, it's totally a band for 'connoisseurs' - but the story is that for many years, Duran Duran have been bombed by questions of whether they didn't rip off Japan, and they were vehemently denying it saying that it was common influences and everything, but when one original member of Japan died, there was an acknowledgement that if Japan didn't exist, Duran Duran wouldn't have been what it became.