E128-B: Rick Marotta Remembers Jim Gordon

Rick Marotta remembers the great Jim Gordon in this segment from Live From My Drum Room With John DeChristopher! Rick shares his story of meeting Jim Gordon and Jim Keltner for the first time, and their friendship and mutual respect that developed throughout the years.
Check out TrackTalk With Marotta: Peg Dissected! • E128: TrackTalk: Rick ...
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[@johndaker9489]

Jim Gordon was, flat out, one of the greatest drummers in history. We will never forget.

[@terenzo50]

Jim Gordon came over to my dinky little place and played on my dinky little borrowed drumset making it sound like he had come down to Earth from Mt. Olympus. Every note was "the" note, not just "a" note. We went through a few tunes with his rock-solid sense of time. Our manager tried to put together a group for us, but nothing came of it. And a small handful of years later came the awful news.

[@jonwingate5535]

I hate to post twice but i recently have been trying to "figure out" Little Dots by Frank Zappa..ive been playing drums since 1978..what a work out..physically and mentally..Jim Gordons work is amazing..sooo precise..every note matters..im 58 and im still learning from the masters..Gordon is the Jedi Master of the drum world..RIP

[@jonwingate5535]

The earth rotates to a better beat with this guy in heaven..i pray he is free from his demons..i hope he has found peace.

[@jonathanoverholts2036]

Thanks for the remembrance on Jim Gordon. Joel Selvin's book on Jim, DRUMS AND DEMONS, provides the story that hasn't really been told until now: Jim fought so hard to overcome his mental illness but it was too profound. For decades he was abandoned by his family, friends, and those he worked beside. They were understandably traumatized by the horrific act that seemingly came out of nowhere, but it was because of Jim's shame and embarrassment that he hid his disease from everyone around him. I hope now he's at peace.

[@merrillmilner8717]

Mad Dogs and Englishmen used two drummers way before the Allman Brothers. I've heard a lot about the use of a pulse in drumming - no one can describe it, because it's something that's felt. When I first heard "Tell the Truth" (from Layla), that was when I felt it. I also heard Ginger Baker on "Sunshine of Your Love" and Bernard Purdie on "Deacon Blues". They're just simple back beats, but when I heard them it made my body sway. Jim Gordon was proof positive about what a good drummer can do for a band. R.I.P., Jim - those voices are now stilled.

[@SimonTittley]

The groove Jim Gorgon plays on the verses of ‘Rikki Don’t Loose That Number’ is sublime - I always refer to it as ‘Didactic Hats’ (as in hi hats) in that it is so good it is IMO morally instructive - this is how good music (and the arts in general) can be when practiced at that level - totally inspiring...

[@bikesndrums]

OMG - I have heard Jim Gordon's right hand 16th notes since the 70's never realizing they were a "packet of 3 notes" ! Thank you - (like the beginning of Why Does Love Got to be so Sad" on the Derek and the Dominoes Live album). He's incredible!

[@timothy5874]

Thought the same thing incredible Find myself pulling it up on you tube all the time.

[@p0llenp0ny]

Same. Probably why I mistook them for triplets.

[@jonwingate5535]

Even wirhout triplets..his hands were almost a blur on tunes like Little Dots wirh Zappa ..rudimental dexterity..ive always thought he was a better jazz drummer than rock..just my opinion

[@bongofury333]

We are lucky to witness talent like that once in our lifetime. Truly limitless. Now he's free I hope.

[@kevintempleton6319]

Thank you John and thank you Rick for sharing that. Jim was an amazing ARTIST. That's what people should remember!

[@dotmarker]

I have a very fond memory of getting to sit with Jim Gordon and Larry Knechtel to lay down some basic tracks at RCA B. Both were completely gracious. He was so patient as to explain to me as a non-drummer how he set up his toms to nail the Walrus fills we had in mind, Had I not been so green I should have just let him run with it.

[@johnelliott0101]

Tragic ending for an outstanding percussionist. RIP Mr. Gordon.

[@alanFconrad]

saddest story ever.........what an incredible drummer Jim was.....listen to ANYTHING he ever played on......unbelievable

[@billykohler9153]

Man, so sad to see Jim go. That said, he is at last free. Gods mercy and grace be with you Jim. You are one of my all time favorites. You will be missed though your music is w/o end. RIP .❤️🙏🎚

[@JP4drumsFarrell]

Holy Time Warp!! Rick mentioned the band Brethern and bought back a wave of memories long forgotten. Stu Woods and Tome Cosgrove were Bronx boys with a ton of talent. The last time I saw Tom Cosgrove play was in the Rathskeller at Fordham University and had a smoking band. They did a rendition of Aretha Franklin's version of Bridge Over Trouble Water that was so freaking good that I still remember the one song from that night 50 YEARS ago. Thanks, Rick!!

[@orenico96]

Thank you Rick Marotta,such a humble great guy! When Gordon and Keltner played together, they sounded like one cause they listened and complemented each other's playing. Mad Dogs and Englishmen, one of the great rock live albums. Listen to the intro to "Honky Tonk Women." And, of course, "The Letter." Gordon was one of Jeff Porcaro's favorite drummers.

[@joolsclarke1864]

Thank you for this Rick!....Jim was such a lovely Humanaut and so sad an ending!...🤢

[@bobc.5698]

I need a drum teacher with his personality.

[@johnned4848]

This is such a great discussion of Jim. I would love to see a full length analysis of his technique and style. Maybe looking at some selected songs he elevated: Rikki, Sundown, You're so Vain, Rock the Boat, Apostrophe, etc. Thanks again for a great channel

[@livefrommydrumroom]

I’m glad you enjoyed it. Check out my episode with Joel Selvin. The entire episode is dedicated to discussing Jim Gordon. Please subscribe! 🙏❤️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKS3Z5Zomc6FgpIsi=DAHsF5joOioY4oEa

[@johnned4848]

@@livefrommydrumroom I subscribed immediately, something I don't usually do. I'll check out the Joel Selvin episode. Just read his Gordon bio. It's excellent fills in so many details about his life and career. Thanks for your response !👍

[@saxworthmusic]

Nice to hear a Sandy Konikoff shout out in regards to the Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour. I just spoke with him a few months ago. He’s living in Buffalo NY.

[@dotmarker]

Haha likewise, I met him at Elektra's Paxton Lodge in the remote Sierras, where my band and his current band were the unfortunate residents at the time. What a strange time that was. He would remember and I'm sure agree.

[@UFO_computers]

This whole segment here was like sublime really. Thanks, dudes 🙏🏽

[@bilhamcobbly2957]

😢makes me so sad.

[@BeautifulFlower62]

i was involved with him for years. Not always so tragic. he showed me beautiful love. i miss him so. I dig Rick’s drumming. It was not a drumming thing for us. it was a human connection. 💔

[@PhilUKNet]

I had to dive into Peg again today (for the ten thousandth time) following the last interview. What a track. Rick's drumming, Chuck Rainey's incredible slapping bass line, Jay Graydon's guitar solo, Don's vocals, Mike McDonald's backing vocals. It's the reason why I almost never listen to music that's less than 40 years old. Listening to modern music, nothing compares or even gets close. This video was also interesting. It might also be interesting some time to hear some thoughts about Jeff Porcaro from his contemporaries. Another tragedy.

[@livefrommydrumroom]

I've done two prior episodes of Live From My Drum Room where we remembered the great Jeff Porcaro. Check them out.

[@PhilUKNet]

@@livefrommydrumroom Thanks. I only discovered your channel last week and haven't been through the back catalog yet!

[@bilhamcobbly2957]

Jim’s finally FREE!!!!!! 😢

[@jonwingate5535]

Hope hes at peace..

[@imackay10]

This was fantastic! It would be great to see a “panel” discussion on Jim Gordon’s playing and musical contributions.

[@susanedrington4878]

Jim was very close to me for years. From 2001 until this year. I will miss him forever. Nice interview. Jim Keltner is a kind person. I cannot say the same about Post. Jim is at peace. 💔🙏🙏

[@Marius_vanderLubbe]

I'm so pleased he had somebody, Susan. Good for you.

[@bluediamondmediaconsulting]

Love this John!

[@m.hughes2521]

Mad Dogs & Englishmen: You forgot to mention Chuck Blackwell on drums and Carl Radle on bass, who later played with Jim Gordon and Bobby Whitlock & some no-name guitar player named Derek.

[@kandgsitz4092]

Thanks John. Tough story to get through, but for me, Jim Gordon was well represented on the track 'Pretzel Logic'.

[@poweredbyjoymusic]

Love this interview! Brings you right into the studio with this amazing song and drummer. Wondering is Rick still for hire? 😁

[@charlesfaucher6518]

I’m not sure what year it was, but I got to see Rick touring with Linda Ronstadt…was sidestage for most of the show…damn that was an amazing live show. I remember chatting with him briefly, and he was such a funny character…and good Lord, what a great pocket. Such a fun interview, hopefully you can get him in for a few more. He’s truly a musical treasure.

[@livefrommydrumroom]

Thank you and I'm glad you enjoyed it. I have a few episodes of Live From My Drum Room With Rick Marotta. Check out the archives.

[@charlesfaucher6518]

I’m a bass player, but I am more connected with all these brilliant drummers that you have featured and have shared your conversations with. Thank you for that…it just blows my mind hearing these great stories…so down to earth and so mind opening. Thank you!

[@mwdrum]

Searching for dual drummer video he speaks of.

[@brooklyndrum]

What a great . Rick Matot is also 1 of my favorite dru?mmers

[@JohnBock-nq9lr]

It was Gordon, Keltner, Chuck Blackwell, Sandy Konikoff,and Bobby Tores on percussion and conga.....from the original LPS credits....no Jesse Ed Davis

[@jefflanham1080]

I toured and recorded with Bobby Whitlock in the ‘90s and I remember listening to hours of material most of which Gordon played on and being HORRIFIED to even come close to those 16th packets that Rick is describing!!! I’m more of a less is more fatback drummer mixed with like a Steve Smith style…….lol as a matter of fact , the version of Why Does Love…. That we worked up was in a real snaky cut time………of which I suggested of course!!

[@Riddim4]

Does anyone know if there are outtakes from MD&E with perhaps more footage of both Jims?

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

great heart warming story anecdote!!!!.. I'm not a fan of that version of the Letter though. he speaks of.... it's a show off for musicains though (on the Mad dog englishmen concert). So sad there is almost no footage of Gordon on Film. Insane. Hip hop would not exist without Gordon grooves.

[@StevenTierney-zj1ok]

I know you are referring to the Incredible Bong Band's "Apache" but Jim Gordon is at the opposite end of the talent scale compared to those morons without an ounce of talent who just sample the people who learned and woodshedded and worked at their craft.

[@UFO_computers]

Oh wait!! Is Rick saying he saw Jimmy just like a day or two before the crime?? This story is 1983???

[@jeffcrocker1078]

To be fair to Rick keltner wanted to play like Gordon so bad he was going to quit playing because he felt he could never be as good

[@BeesWaxMinder]

Has anyone got any links to this “mad dogs & Englishman” double drumming mentioned, please?

[@mwdrum]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGfWoZ94bMaWjsU Looks and sounds like Jim G does the heavy lifting…Jim K does what he does…just fantastic as Mr. Marotta describes. Plus Joe is just great…..

[@RubenvanRoonDrumChannel]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZKcoHWlnLFljJY&ab_channel=AndranikAzizbekyan

[@UFO_computers]

Rumour has it Jim G. did acid on these gigs. Jim K did once. Once.

[@Tombrechtlein]

Hey John! Have you had Chris Parker on the show yet?

[@livefrommydrumroom]

Hi Tom, yes I had Chris back in December 2022. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3q4hn99mtelprs

[@CBusMike872]

Here's a great story about Eric Clapton and Jim Gorden's often contentious relationship from the Derek & the Dominoes days, as told by Bobby Whitlock. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpmXm32amJecbpo

[@UFO_computers]

Speaking of Linda Ronstadt here’s Jim Gordon with her and The Stone Poneys “Different Drum” kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWrUpHeddpakbrs

[@andrewsandoz8005]

Three note packs...triplets?

[@bilhamcobbly2957]

I think he meant a compound double stroke.Instead of double strokes it’s three notes.A triplet is swung with its space.