Juilliard Jazz Prof Hears Nirvana For The First Time

[@StavrosKor]

The most amazing thing about this series is that they manage to find music professionals that haven't heard the most popular songs of the past few decades.

[@apmartini70]

I guess if you very deep into a specific genre, you don’t listen to much else, unless someone in that genre mentions it as a major influence.

[@runoke]

A lot of music professionals don't really listen to music as a pastime. (telling about classical ones now) And when you don't do that - then your awareness of general pop-culture is quite limited. And they don't usually play Nirvana at the malls to force it down your throat.

[@occularpatdown]

It feels impossible, but hey I couldn't name an Ed Sheeran song. I'm still calling BS though

[@StavrosKor]

@@runoke Maybe that's true, I'm not a professional musician. Other commenters have also said that they might listen to stuff in their genre, but still, Nirvana was huge when they were young. I might be wrong, though.

[@Laugh1ngboy]

You listen to your parents music until you are about 15 or 16 then you listen to what your friends listen to.

[@crazycjk]

This style of video where the musician hears the drumless track and comes up with their own is 10/10

[@giure4447]

Yep dude, totally sick!

[@gpaull2]

Agreed, but pretty unbelievable that they’ve never heard these mainstream iconic songs.

[@giure4447]

@@gpaull2 I don't know, I mean I do agree with you, but when you do a particular type and genre of music and you focus on that you can miss hits that weren't mainstreaming but "just" great

[@chrispix61]

​@@gpaull2they have heard it this is just fucking clickbait

[@tshddx]

I’ve preferred the format where they hear the full track and just have to learn the drum part. It’s more interesting because you can give more challenging arrangements. It also seems more “realistic” because surely most studio drummers are going to get at least a demo with a basic drum track.

[@walterarevalo4792]

The fact that Ulysses described Dave’s drumming as funk is awesome. Dave revealed to Pharrell, in another interview, that he pretty much pulled his drumming chops from funk bands like the gap band and cameo! Ulysses actually called it!

[@alexdreyer9862]

THIS is the comment I was looking for.

[@zermaszn]

omg when was that? is there an interview or something? i wanna see

[@dojonane]

Yes please what interview clip is that??

[@Harlfcab]

​@robertocampo_3128is it not the player that makes the sound though?

[@Harlfcab]

@robertocampo_3128 yeah fair! It's definitely interesting that he heard a funk rhythm to Dave's drumming. I had no idea who composed so that was nice to learn, thanks!

[@DrgoFx]

It was pretty interesting how like Dave's drumming gives the song a much...slower, drawn out vibe while Ulysses gives it this almost upbeat, fast paced vibe. Like he makes the long drags of Kurt's vocals sound even longer, it's just kinda cool.

[@Gfy69ytb]

Its called personal style

[@Zuiyo1974]

He made some parts sorta punk rock

[@sebastit7d]

I was thinking exactly this, he makes it feel like an almost punk rock version, it's such an interesting take on the track! I loved it

[@sebastit7d]

​@@Gfy69ytbno need to be condescending. Also personal style and the style they go for the band they play for is completely different. Ulysses was trying to guess the type of song it was and adapt to what he assumed the band wanted to go for. You can tell his personal style through his fills where you can tell he goes hard on his Jazz expertise.

[@drew7155]

He punk'd it out

[@mrpennyapple4217]

The fact that he pointed out that Dave's playing like a funk drummer when Dave himself has gone on record saying he learned drums by playing funk and disco songs it a testament to this man's ear and how much love he has for his instrument. Insane.

[@Monomythism]

That clip of Dave telling Pharrell that he straight up stole drums parts from The Gap Band , and Pharrell putting the 2 together is classic.

[@euroyen420p2]

Can you gag on it more? Mediocre at best, definitely an obama/biden voter.

[@TheWhiteJamesBrown]

Except the drum parts for this song were made by Chad Channing

[@euroyen420p2]

@@TheWhiteJamesBrown boom! With the win. 🏆 nobody says the truth, dave stole from another musician without compensation.

[@TheWhiteJamesBrown]

@@euroyen420p2 I mean I wouldn't say he stole he was like the 5th drummer there was a lot of songs he had to learn the parts to because the were made before he was in the band

[@TheEasyname23]

It’s crazy how he instantly recognized the funk tune. Dave has always credited his funk influences in drumming for nirvana

[@loveinthematrix]

Yes the little things that make Nirvana a step above

[@randomlyfactual1943]

Guy got Funk written on his forehead. Great stuff

[@droideca88]

Chad channing wrote the drum part

[@johnnyhammersticks88]

Dave literally played multiple grooves from funk albums he listened to on the first 2 albums

[@Hittdogg17]

Dave is a genius and so is this guy

[@PaulNigelWarner]

Dave Grohl has stated that the Gap Band and funk is the foundation of his drumming. The fact that Ulysses picked up on that is a testament to his knowledge!

[@juanmartinmg]

was thinking the exact same thing

[@lewto]

Chad Channing wrote this drum part

[@Playaflydre]

​@@lewtoread his comment again. And then again. And again after that. And when you figure out his comment has nothing to do with who wrote what. And was more about where Dave got HIS inspiration from. Come back and delete your comment. You'll realize it's irrelevant to what the op said

[@LVGamer0077]

@@Playaflydrelol bro is completely lost 😂

[@renbelmont]

​@@lewtochad played the drums on this song completely differently, dave perfected the drums

[@Jack_0f_all_trees]

Yeah... there's a reason he teaches at Juilliard. Absolutely amazing.

[@sharinglungs3226]

You can tell he’s a jazz drummer by how quiet he plays his bass drum. I love this series. It really messes with your head hearing a song you know with different drums. The chorus almost sounds poppy with how much faster the beat he played.

[@JalenRawley]

I noticed the really light kick drum hits too, then when he mentioned it was a 16" it made total sense why he couldn't really lay into it. But any dynamics in the kick drum really reveals that jazz influence, especially in the age of sample replacement where there are no dynamics at all in kick drums. And I totally agree, that straight time groove of the chorus made it sound more pop, but you can tell he got that from the vocal melody, which is super hooky and poppy.

[@cbasbwoyETP]

Damn. I just noticed that in my own playing. Trying to hammer it a bit more!

[@JalenRawley]

@cbasbwoyETP I am an audio engineer and it is always interesting to me to see a player's kick drum dynamics (or lack thereof) in a waveform. Sometimes it's a choice and sometimes it's just natural and organic, but it's always interesting. Same thing with swing.

[@travisSimon365]

All of the drums are really wrong for the music, except, interestingly, the snare kinda works. And you can totally get the same in reverse: pretty decent playing for the genre completely betrayed by the sounds of 'metal drums' : kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXuQpnepd6ampq8

[@robertoricci3393]

Jazz isn't only about playing soft. Elvin Jones, Max Roach, Tony Williams were heavy-hitters.

[@SirPrizeMF]

I love how you can immediately see that: - This man is an amazing musician - He knows the shape of rock music, the skeleton - He has no experience with the details of it - His experience as a musician in general means he can try some stuff outside of his comfort zone, and make his unconventional choices work - He is a jazz professor who learned to drum in a church and has the mouth of a sailor. Love it.

[@1320crusier]

Rock is a genre born of jazz so..

[@writenamehere0000]

First time hearing Nirvana??? Where was he living till today? In a cave?

[@thejoke2791]

​@@1320crusier Rhythm and blues. Not jazz

[@oc8427]

Tbh was Garbage. Didnt like it.

[@zaynes5094]

@@thejoke2791True, but that was mostly from over in the UK where there's a much stronger blues-inspired style. it's where Page got his bluesy style from, same with The Rolling Stones. Hell even quite a few British and UK-based metal bands are known for their more bluesy tones. Whereas in the States we're definitely more inspired by Jazz as a basis for most of the more modern rock beats.

[@chri15-.-]

This here. This channel is what KZbin is made for. Watching this guy, a lecturer at a prestigious musical school,.and by all accounts a phenomenal jazz drummer, losing himself in a classic grunge track, happily effin' and jeffin' and clearly enjoying himself, was an absolute pleasure. I'd like to imagine he went home and rocked out to the entire Nirvana discography!

[@mercedeslewis4598]

Right? God bless the internet

[@GiuseppeM]

you mean constant lies?

[@zacharybinx5443]

That's exactly what makes Nirvana so good. The anger from Kurt's guitar and vocals backed up by Krist's layed back grooves and Dave's layed back but powerful tone.

[@Aserion0616]

Crazy part is how closely his first pass, while listening for the first time, resembled the original better than when he analyzed and went through it again. Instincts are killer.

[@benl7996]

Agreed

[@rmrfboy]

second pass was crap. the first one was a little spot on

[@timrandolph3022]

yes yes yes

[@phishmusicphan]

No way he was playing way too fast. It was t even close

[@000207poosh]

Absolutely!

[@adambloodfist3368]

My god his fills are phenomonal. Hes also super humble and down to earth. Loved it.

[@toddlittle9095]

yeah, his fills were great. would've loved to see him take one more pass at it after hearing what Dave did and then add his own fills to the actual beat of the song.

[@benfinesilver2250]

I thought he was terrible.

[@Distractionalist]

​@@benfinesilver2250I'm sure you sound substantially better!

[@benfinesilver2250]

@@Distractionalist No, not a drummer. I can compare. Thanks.

[@Distractionalist]

@@benfinesilver2250 you're so welcome! Why exactly did you feel he was terrible

[@Thebadcontroller]

I like how you still hear the jazz phrasing in his dynamic and articulation. It reminds me of some old school hard rock drummers like Mitch Mitchell.

[@The8347135]

Would love to hear someone attempt Manic Depression having never heard it

[@scout_gonzo]

I was just about to say that, except dumber

[@sebastian6121]

is literally Jimmy Chamberlain style

[@t3hgir]

Mitch Mitchell wasn't hard rock, he can be credited with pioneering the "jazz fusion" approach.

[@tylerpedersen9836]

How do you hear the jazz phrasing in this version?

[@JacobC479]

Let’s not forget to mention that the fill at the beginning and basically the whole song was made by the drummer before Dave, Chad Channing. Dave gave him credit when accepting the award for the hall of fame.

[@mikequinlivan8842]

I was waiting for someone to say this. Dave basically played Chad’s drumming for this song. He’s said as much.

[@JacobC479]

@@mikequinlivan8842 there’s a version with Chad I’ve heard, it’s basically the same but Dave plays the verse and chorus a lot tighter. The fills are the same.

[@Jordan-fk2dy]

To hear him say he was a funk-y drummer and hearing the interview of Dave saying he stole so many fills from the GAP Band just really pieces the whole thing together. He picked up on it right away. What a legend

[@davidjayroe828]

I was gonna say this, totally was onto it. I bet if he had a few more times to hear and play he would have sounded as good as Chad Smith did.

[@noviatoria2436]

That's one of the things that makes Nirvana so great, they had influences from so many kinds of music. Obviously there's a lot of punk rock and classic rock in Kurt's background, but Dave also brought a lot of funk and disco as well. When different members of the band have different musical taste it often makes the band really unique and interesting.

[@JSHbproductions]

Chad Channing I believe wrote the drum part on this song not Dave grohl

[@StompboxBreakdown]

Yes, thank you! I was just about to look that up because I remembered that interview. Totally funk with a rock tinge.

[@arlenejackson934]

I came for this comment. I grew up listening to gospel, disco, and funk. The moment I heard this Nirvana record I was all over it. Played it for everyone. It’s only recently I’ve learned Dave was influenced by those genres.

[@laurensaurusflex7235]

This series proves not only how talented these artists are, but how much the drums make a track…a change in the drums approach can completely transform a song! Love it.

[@miguelrubioespinosa]

Yeah, this was my takeaway too. This song was half Grohl's, and i didnt know

[@pillmuncher67]

I've heard it said many a times: A band is only ever as good as the drummer.

[@writenamehere0000]

First time hearing Nirvana??? Where was he living till today? In a cave?

[@TroubledTrooper]

Everything makes a track, if you had someone change the bass line it would also change the feel of the song.

[@garrett2439]

@@writenamehere0000 I take it you've never met a jazz drummer? They are some of the most highly insular people in all of music.

[@maxhammerum7705]

That fact that he recongnized on his own through listening that Grohls playing is funk inspired is incredible. Grohl himself has said many times that a lot of the beats he plays are just straight from funk. Even the Smells like teen spirit intro is just a funk lick.

[@vladimirgaranin9563]

It's not Grohl's part. In bloom was firstly recorded with Chad

[@bronsoncarder2491]

​@@vladimirgaranin9563first, but not only. The version were all familiar with is grohl.

[@vladimirgaranin9563]

@bronsoncarder2491 I know, but it was written by Chad. You can look Dave's speaking rocknroll nirvana hall of fame, where he said, - if you listen in bloom, that's Chad.

[@Humblemumble7]

*Disco, not "Funk"

[@blackxicano6123]

​@@Humblemumble7disco AND funk

[@logan3554]

It’s a great testament to the universal principles in music that Ulysses picked up Dave’s funk inspiration. And it really shows that Ulysses is a well rounded artist/musician/composer. The institution of Juilliard hired the right person for the job. I also have to say I loved the vide change that Ulysses brought to the original.

[@iNeedDrums]

All drummers should try something like this. It makes you feel terrible, but you learn a lot. I've never had a problem jumping in playing songs I've never heard, but I recently jumped on stage at an open mic where some old boys were playing classic country tunes and I completely blew it. Never heard the songs and I hate country. I went home and cried, then learned how to play train beats. Went back the next week and prevailed.

[@bhelliom3]

this story makes me happy. Trying new shit is scary, especially with an audience, but putting in the work is what sets people apart. People keep asking me how I got good at skating, and they aren’t ready to hear “practice.” I skate like 2-3 days a week for about an hour and a half each session, because it’s fun and challenging. If I feel I’ve plateaued I give myself a new challenge, there’s always something to learn and new muscles to build.

[@Kinobambino]

That's life! You took the lesson and came back strong

[@WhizPill]

nice

[@AnthonyAllenJr]

Nice. Always try try try again!

[@FighteroftheNightman]

It's only a failure if you don't learn something from it

[@chadva34]

The fact that he brought up the “funk” aspect of Grohl’s playing style is mind-blowing because that is exactly how Grohl approached playing the drums.

[@guidedbybreath2702]

He’s teaching jazz at Juilliard- he has EARS…

[@garahn_]

I came here to say exactly that! There's a video where he explains to Pharrell that most of his inspiration came from funk/disco music, particularly Gap Band.

[@carlossalazar-lermont8585]

It's implicit in the bass

[@benjaminjoneskedst]

If Grohl approached playing the drums via funk, wouldn't you expect people to hear that? I'm not sure why so many people are surprised that someone recognised something that was intended to be there.

[@miasan3528]

A lot of people were surprised when Grohl stated this

[@whatsmandisaying]

To hear Nirvana still being played today is absolutely amazing. It was my first concert ever that my dad took me to back in 92. RIP dad. 🕊️ RIP Kurt 🕊️

[@Christian-zk6wf]

What a cool dad!

[@whatsmandisaying]

@@Christian-zk6wfHe really was. I miss him dearly.

[@clicheguevara5282]

My dad’s a musician but he really didn’t like Nirvana back then. …now he totally gets it though.

[@whatsmandisaying]

@@clicheguevara5282I feel like it’s one of those bands that you either love or hate. That “Seattle sound” is just different. I liked it a lot when I was younger, I still love it now. But it’s weird when you see a teenager wearing a pink Nirvana shirt. They’ve almost become commericalized fashion if that makes sense? I just roll my eyes and think, “Kurt would HATE this” 😂

[@brainer3]

⁠@@whatsmandisayingIt has been commercialised fashion for decades. ive seen nirvana tees in primark. very common

[@thatspoonybard8013]

I love these so much. Seeing the different perspectives and styles put on famous songs make them so much more interesting. Even just seeing a Jazz musician applying what he knows vs what he expects is so fascinating. Fantastic work.

[@EzaacLopez]

I don’t even play music and this is hands down one of my favorite series on KZbin 🙏🏽

[@mmgerotto]

Same here, I have a total of negative 42 skills in music, but always watch this series hahaha

[@mathy0u]

hahhahaha that cracked me up @@mmgerotto

[@TitoMariategui]

None of us play instruments but we love music!

[@andrewhuarte5177]

You should try to learn an instrument! It's so rewarding!

[@treble8921]

I started on drums as a kid but quit after high school, started singing at 27 and picked up guitar at 34. Learning an instrument is one of the most rewarding things I've done, up there with learning another language and becoming comfortable with public speaking.

[@carlosjr.aguilar2648]

I want to see Dave Grohl's reaction to this video.

[@michaelclyburn5858]

I want to see your reaction to Dave Grohls reaction 😃

[@chairsandpotatoes]

@@michaelclyburn5858 i want to hear your reaction to his reaction to dave grohls reaction

[@michaelclyburn5858]

@@chairsandpotatoes AND….I want to see your reaction to my reaction to his reaction to Dave Grohl’s reaction 😃

[@thealexshowable]

⁠​⁠@@chairsandpotatoesthen it would be cool to see your reaction to homies reaction to Grohls reaction

[@michaelclyburn5858]

@@chairsandpotatoes I want to hear your reaction to my reaction to his reaction to Dave Grohl’s reaction 😵‍💫

[@fredlodge1275]

Excellent drummer, I personally preferred his first pass! His instincts were dead on, damn near right on the money! Loved how he made it his own on the second pass, too, serious skills. Props to recognizing that funk element in Dave's background, obviously a top tier musical talent (Juilliard jazz drum instructor?! DAMN) and it really shines here, IMO. The fact that he thought he did poorly is very endearing, what a humble, cool guy.

[@donavangreen27]

Agreed

[@webdancer101]

As a non drummer, I agree. The second overwhelmed the song.

[@tessal4156]

I am in my rabbit hole in this channel, loving it soo so much from one video to another, and I am always waiting for the "THIS IS MINDBLOWING" that makes me smile and teary. The beauty of music.

[@illuvius32]

This is one of the best series on this platform. These guys are all on another level. Love the almost punk/thrash feel he gave the chorus. It's awesome.

[@connorr69]

two stepping in the living room rn

[@rederik99]

I'm not a drummer, but I said outload, "he's making this so punk", which is amazing, because that's the space Kurt wrote this song from. He was a huge punk fan.

[@tjroy]

I agree, that gave the chorus a whole new feel that was kinda cool!!!!

[@youpeopl_music3220]

I love it when the drummers somehow instinctively connect to what "should" be played, because they understand how to SERVE THE SONG! Kudos!

[@VersatilisPeritus]

...or serve the servant

[@maynardburger]

I dunno, I think he was actually terrible at serving the song. The doubletime aspect really is faff, especially. And even all the fill stuff and how he was constantly off-time, cuz he's not used to playing so strictly to a 4/4 rock rhythm. Nothing against him as a drummer, he's obviously insanely talented at what he does, but this was so far out of his element and he couldn't cop it. Which is cool. I think that's worth seeing too, showing that being good at one discipline doesn't mean you're automatically good at another. I'd bet 99% of rock drummers would fall flat on their face in a jazz band.

[@brunosco]

@@maynardburger100%

[@zombievikinggaming4258]

Or he heard the song already without realising it and it was in his subconscious

[@Kasino80]

I agree. He embellishes far too much. You don't really get the feel of the song at all. ​@@maynardburger

[@DrumeoOfficial]

The subtle jazz phrasing in his dynamic and articulation is 👌🏼, and Ulysses absolutely owned it with his awesome interpretation!

[@mwhitelaw8569]

Don't tell Dave.....haha This was great

[@dinospumoni5611]

I like how you still hear the jazz phrasing in his dynamic and articulation. It reminds me of some old school hard rock drummers like Mitch Mitchell.

[@juleslefevre7519]

Why'd you just copy word for word what someone else said? xdd Great series either way lads, keep it up.

[@matan.saster]

Something worth noting that you may have addressed but didn’t make it into the Final Cut is that Dave Grohl clearly attributes that legendary drum intro to Chad Channing. I wonder what else made Dave famous that Chad was responsible for? Also, I saw that their performance on December 30, 1993 was included in this video somehow? Awesome, I was at that show! Cheers.

[@tomyeo4687]

I’d love to hear him play a Jimmy Chamberlin part. Be interested to see if the jazz influence shines through.

[@SwiftHDX]

I love watching professionals do what they do best - thank you Drumeo for showcasing these brilliant people!

[@jaimelaverc2475]

Many of these jazz guys, no matter how experienced they can be, are very humble. I really give my props to them.

[@scottenlow5249]

They know Music always has more to teach us.

[@zombiesateourchannel]

In my experience it heavily depends on the music school they attended.

[@daviamorim]

The path to where they got was very hard, so they're no strangers to failure. They've been humbled many times.

[@ZCJKF13GDG4]

Jazz guys used to be drugged up psychos- the fact they are nice and chill now is sad, it's so dead

[@olorin1710]

Indeed. He could have spoke his mind and said nirvana is garbage.

[@petermacmillan6756]

He's for real. In jazz, you don't just hear structure and form, you FEEL it. He got inside the song fast, and found its funky and slightly over-the-top beat after hearing it twice. I am in awe.

[@josephsiragusa]

In awe of a drummer who plays professional level jazz playing a super basic nirvana song? Lol

[@sana-cm7oc]

No. He had no groove. He overplayed like most jazz drummers. It was weird and boring at the same time.

[@petermacmillan6756]

That's fair. But I am a guitarist who can barely stay in time, (or in tune) so this impressed me.@@josephsiragusa

[@petermacmillan6756]

You're a more discerning critic than I am. I am a guitarist and I have to try really hard not to speed up or slow down. To me, he seemed to find the same feel as Dave Grohl, and played a drum part that fit the essence of the song. I can't do that, and neither can most of the drummers I play with.So I was in awe.@@sana-cm7oc

[@MichaelGrubbEvolvedMinistry]

Then you are very easily pleased. This was a complete failure of not being able to listen properly, not attempting to feel things out, and simply screwing up the groove. His fills were not on point and he did half time over the fills when it should have been the opposite. With that said, he has great drum skills and I do not question his abilities to play, I just question his attention to detail and his ability to listen and then execute things properly. By the way, I am a drummer with both rock and jazz backgrounds.

[@SonicSouvenirMusic]

He's definetly a jazz drummer. The way he added the really dynamic snare rolls and the jazz rolls was really cool. I liked his interpretation of this song

[@Domingo95x]

hes pretty good for a novice drummer, if he practices more he could be a really good drummer one day

[@eliasschmauss9843]

I just klicked through the vid! His snare sounds SO jazzy haha! gonna listen to the fully thing now!

[@carsonsmith8362]

His laugh when he heard the song for the first time was worth more than a thousand words 🤣

[@aragusea]

My god what a talent

[@andretyroneii941]

King of seasoning boards is here?? Hey!

[@simonockas]

Not enough white wine in that drum track for sure

[@TwstedLizard]

Needs more white wine

[@Em4gdn1m]

Hey, it's cooking Josh Groban!

[@beep_boop]

Vinegar chicken on the right

[@Twannnng]

At 8:18 he inadvertantly does the exact triplet fill that Dave does in the original! What a great moment. Awesome performance, we need more jazz-grunge in the world.

[@Dieback]

Given how big that song was when it came out, I'm finding it harder and harder to believe he hasn't heard that song.

[@123pepijn123]

@@Diebacksong came out 32 years ago, he was 8 then. There’s a chance he hasn’t heard it.

[@sagarhirani4559]

​@@123pepijn123HO-LY FUCK. Its been 32 years? 😮😮😮

[@leerobbo92]

@@Dieback I like a lot of metal and rock: I wouldn't have been able to tell you what this sounds like, even though I've probably heard it before and have a few Nirvana songs on my playlist. It's not a mainstream one: I can completely see how someone else wouldn't know this.

[@ViaticalTree]

Not quite the same fill.

[@user-bk8db7ud6k]

I saw this guy at a jazz gig in NYC and it was the best drumming I've ever seen in my life. Don't just watch him here, watch some videos of him in his element.

[@funkyklunky.]

This channel is the proper use of technology. Music studio / you tube combo perfection.

[@Cod3Thr33]

I would LOVE to hear Dave Grohl's reaction to this vid. This drummer is an absolute beast, BTW. It was extremely interesting to hear a Jazz aficionado's take on this iconic rock song. What a great channel!

[@bumble84]

Pretty sure he would say something like "this just proves I'm actually not that good of a drummer, and these other guys know better than me"

[@Cod3Thr33]

@@bumble84, yea, Dave is a pretty down to Earth guy for a super mega worldwide rock star.

[@GiuseppeM]

Chad Channing wrote the drums for In Bloom

[@TempPlacement]

Gotta be honest I was a bit disappointed that he wasn't blown away by the fills like the rest of us. But, professional drummer I guess. Those fills though "ka chucka chucka chucka"

[@writenamehere0000]

First time hearing Nirvana??? Where was he living till today? In a cave?

[@noahdoss1967]

What’s really cool is how much his drums change the perception of the vocals and their rhythm

[@18JR78]

It's all a puzzle, every instrument has to find its role for the punchiest outcome.

[@theonlybuster]

His drumming makes the song feel more positive and preppy than the original.

[@blastofo]

Kurt understood that well, which is why he was really picky about drummers and went through a bunch.

[@alejandrovallejo6763]

The drums are the rythm foundation, it's like changing the whole tempo of the song.

[@olliefoxx7165]

I agree. It really changed the song.

[@sethclonts512]

He somehow totally nailed it and was completely off the mark at the exact same time. Super interesting.

[@sethclonts512]

@@conjureconquercreate909 Like, nothing he did was technically wrong, and he definitely displayed a high level of skill and technical proficiency. Yet, somehow, the results just... didn't work. He made a bunch of creative decisions and executed all of them perfectly, but they were all the wrong choices. He was incorrect in the most correct way possible.

[@dessertstorm7476]

coming up with something completely different that fits is way more interesting that being close to the original

[@childofthesun32]

This is something skilled musicians can do. They can play utter dogshit, but they play it so well that people are just hoodwinked into believing it's great. I thought what the guy played in this was fucking awful - but he played it well, yeah.

[@dr.floridamanphd]

He definitely had a very interesting rendition of it. It was weird hearing him play Nirvana on a small jazz kit though. But he somehow made it work. It’s the damnedest thing.

[@thenewfire]

Yeah. Sounded horrible lol

[@thewatchersofthewood3530]

I love how someone used to Jazz approaches rock. Fantastic!❤

[@simonjonasmusic8410]

The fact that he doesn't know this iconic rocksong reminds me of an experience i had with my first real guitar teacher. He was really just an exceptional player, who was fully immersed into the world of Jazz music at a very young age. It was the very early 2000's and before our lesson started I asked him if he was planning on watching Harry Potter. He said, and I shit you not: what instrument does he play? I didn't know what to say. Turns out, not only had he NO IDEA who or what Harry Potter was, but in his mind it had to be a sibling/parent/distant family member of Chris Potter the Saxophone legend. One of the biggest hypes in all pop culture just went over his head, it was like he'd been living under a rock for years. I remember being kind of envious and thinking: he's very different from what i think i am

[@woodside4life]

I think that’s 10 points from Gryffindor right there 😂

[@anthonymitchell8893]

harry potter a fictikus character in a silly book who the f-----k cares son get a life why dont cha?😂😂😊😊🙂😎

[@urdnal]

I like that your reaction wasn't thinking he's out of touch and a loser, but that he's unique and special.

[@simonjonasmusic8410]

​@@urdnalNo...why would I think that? I thought it was a privilege to be so focused on your passion that literally ANYTHING else doesn't even enter your perception.

[@wungabunga]

what instrument does he play? 😂

[@stvcamilo]

The most amazing thing is how it sounded like Foo Fighters when the doubled the snare.

[@nick3718]

right

[@NoCapJayy]

Yes!!

[@originalparafan]

Yup. I’m impressed with how intuitive this guy is with music. It’s like a secret language they speak and only some understand.

[@morgannabananaa3565]

I heard that right as I read this comment! Totally spot on

[@Hawkgirl719]

THAT'S what it was! I could feel Dave and Taylor lol.

[@wasio44]

Incredible how the drums part completely change the tone of the song

[@jamiefookes1579]

Yeah, this made it more of a pop song

[@rickbullock4331]

I’m not really into jazz but these musicians are definitely amazing. Each member did their own rendition of the Nirvana song and ran with it. Fantastic results.👍👍🇨🇦

[@ZebraMachines]

The look on his face as he is listening to the song for the first time is just priceless and special. You see his passion just smiling through.

[@Piemanthe3rd]

Such a testament to how changing just one instrument can change the entire feel of the song.

[@TheSimianDeity]

It's funny, I never would have called Grohl's drumming "restrained," but by comparison, it absolutely is. This guy is great, but he's trying to fill way too much. Let the grunge breathe, my dude!

[@ferociousfil5747]

@@TheSimianDeityyeah it had some punk vibes with up tempo when should of been less busy, still loved it!

[@leviuzumaki3903]

The main reason for that is drums are the foundation of most songs, it’s the tempo and it’s what the rest of the band goes and plays off of. So it can change the entire tempo of the song and even the sound of it. It’s quite interesting.

[@xwhite2020]

To be honest this ones a disaster. All that busy shit sounds way out time to my ears.

[@yorickgerms7977]

Dave Grohl famously said: a band is a good as the drummer. (ca. 2 months ago)

[@samspamable]

Dave has acknowledged that it’s Nirvana’s previous drummer, Chad Channing who wrote this part, this actually pre Grohl! Obviously re-recorded by Dave for the Nevermind sessions, but just worth mentioning the originator of this incredible drum part!

[@Maharani1991]

+

[@thetotalwarrior]

I find that very interesting how much this fits Dave's style. It shows the vision of Cobain for the bands sound

[@trustworthydan]

Idk. I'm a nirvana freak and I've never heard that. I've always heard that Dave said funk and disco was an influence on him. Could be wrong, no one knows everything.

[@samspamable]

@@trustworthydan That’s when he was talking to Pharrell about SLTS. If you watch their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction you will hear Dave talk about Chad and In Bloom, he’s always been pretty vocal about not being the first drummer in Nirvana.

[@CanEHduh88]

I like how he plays for us what he is explaining.

[@nickdillinger]

The double time drums go HOARD. Incredible cover, love this series

[@gmiddle_work]

I love how he recognized how Dave "plays funky" when in an interview, Dave Grohl has admitted to essentially lifting grooves from funk bands.

[@BrandonToews]

I thought we would have to keep going down the list of songs because EVERYONE has heard Nirvana. That wasn’t the case - Ulysses had no clue 🤣 Crushed it dude!!🤘🏻

[@jasonmiraizome]

Let's remember that with all the things "everyone" knows, it's really just the majority connected to the mainstream narrative, but those deeply immersed in a particular world can truly be an exception...

[@SaintMont]

He made jazzy a classic Nirvana's rock song, lol. But what do you think, can a rock drummer be a good jazz drummer but not the opposite way?. I totally respect him but he missed the energy of the song.

[@hdekkerify]

I love how it’s not his thing, but he loves to explore it with an open mind and finds the funk angle to Nirvana 😮

[@jezm1703]

​@@SaintMontGinger Baker and Mitch Mitchell were jazz drummers turned exceptionally good rock drummers.

[@handler803]

Your series are awesome but this is actually my minor gripe that you guys choose the most famous songs like Mr.Brightside or Enter Sandman. It would be interesting to pick some deep cuts sometimes

[@SmartStart24]

This is my favorite Nirvana song, so it really tickled my jimmies when he started playing!!! Sounded so good!!

[@erockrude]

How did a jazz drummer make this song more punk than it already was. Almost surf rock, the random drum fills were amazing. And im always a fano of extra snare. 🔥🔥

[@jay-bt2lu]

thats actually a good take on it. dave brought the funk but this guy brought a more modern punk feel and vibe to the song. i wonder if grunge would have taken off without the 'flam' of smells like teen spirit? think about the opening of the drum track on that and if dave played at full speed instead of half, which he played on most of nirvanas songs. i wonder if that was his doing, dave, or butch vig. take a producer out of thr drummer but you get the drummer out of the producer....just saying

[@alwaysoutoftheloop]

I feel like Punk is just monotonous or simple Jazz right lol.

[@guidedbybreath2702]

Of course he did…

[@mjrpain]

​@@jay-bt2lu the drum arrangement was by Channing for in bloom which is why you can actually hear the difference in their arrangements via different arrangements.

[@maryogan215]

Man I kept getting Hawaii 5-0 vibes

[@slicenrice]

I need to see more videos similar to this. Such a fun video to watch and I love Nirvana 🔥

[@PneumaNoose]

There’s many more on this channel. The one from Dennis Chambers hearing Schism by Tool for the first time was one of my favs, but I think the person who did the best job overall was the megadeth drummer hearing Mr. Brightside for the time.

[@nicoleross3967]

@@PneumaNooseYESSS AGREED!

[@joshuaetienne3755]

I didn’t expect to find y’all here but this is a whole series on this channel

[@d0ll.f3tish]

Real

[@V_S_444]

Ulysses, it was so fun to hear your take (x 2) on that old Nirvana classic. Thanks for being willing to put yourself out there into a different genre and give us all a thrill! You, sir, are a phenomenal drummer; what a treat to hear your play!

[@gaboqv]

didn't realize how good and laid back the drums were on this song

[@sarahj344]

I love it at the faster speed! The more upbeat drumming takes it to a different level, like a remastering for a new age! Loved it

[@Kimikikat]

Yeah i agree! It went from grunge to punk to soulful/funk and repeated. At least from what I heard! I loved how it all sounded together 🥰

[@mightybaloo1880]

Saw an interview with Dave where he even said he was influenced a lot by funk bands with his style during his Nirvana days. It's cool to see somebody else recognize that influence in his work.

[@chadgarber9312]

I saw that interview too... Gap Band. Love that Ulysses called it out at 12:13. Love watching people who know their way around music.

[@Sabrowsky]

Was that the one where he ran into the Earth Wind and Fire drummer and they joked about Dave ripping him off for years?

[@burgerquestoflove]

Love that he acknowledges the fact that every beat he did was from another beat.. he didn't shy away from the truth. Such a good dude.

[@sirvine2000]

@@Sabrowsky That was Gap Band no?

[@j.matthewjacob7240]

It was an interview with Pharrell, and a great addendum to his funk comments. Here's the interview clip: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moumo5eJeJdgZ6s

[@LeatherMadeSkateboarder]

For someone like me, who plays no instrument whatsoever, that was incredible! It's no wonder he's a Professor at Juilliard or a Director, whatever, my man was brilliant

[@namoric]

Just watching a master of their craft work gives me chills.

[@doinky4345]

for the level of things he plays (jazz standards) this drumming is childplay for him. Impressive tho nontheless

[@bettyangwenyi1797]

God! Not even a drummer yet but learned so much. Bow down.

[@doofercall]

I’m not a drummer (my son is) but I love these videos; seeing the process and the reveal and hearing masterful musicians talk through their process and approach. Amazing job Ulysses!

[@vdaproductions]

I am so impressed by this video concept. Not only does it showcase the talent of the drummer to just be able to come up with their own version, and it’s fun to hear… But also gives you a huge appreciation for the original and the creativity that must’ve gone into creating those iconic drums in the song

[@kavalogue]

Too bad it can't be honest and is built on lies and bullish

[@stephenholt6956]

So interesting. I absolutely understand the instinct to double-time, that actually makes so much sense when you don't have the context for the drums. Still an amazing interpretation, you cannot deny the absolute skill sitting at that kit. Loved it

[@michaelbird9148]

I liked his song analysis. His experience as a teacher came through in how he broke down and explained the song. What a treat!

[@erichreinholtz]

so apart from the chorus he nailed everything. big fills especially. it's astounding how good his musical intuition is. hats off

[@Joris0815]

You really believe a Julliard drum teacher hasn't heard one of the most iconic songs of one of the most iconic bands?

[@erichreinholtz]

@@Joris0815 why not

[@paulg6274]

he was pretty far off actually--not even close. but he got the big fills ya

[@nonid5627]

He was free to make it his own.

[@SamGrant-jm6mz]

​@@paulg6274that's how you know that he's never heard it. It's good for us

[@jakepfrag]

That second take was jaw dropping. I cannot believe how much the song transformed

[@Featheon]

Cuz he double-timed the beat? Big whoop.

[@SWIMMERJD4]

​@@FeatheonNot everyone is a full time musician. Absolutely no reason to be such a dick.

[@Thebest-kh6th]

@@Featheonbrah you hatin

[@notspavin]

It's amazing. Reminds me of Dave Grohl-era Queens of the Stone Age, funnily enough.

[@feralmode]

i preferred the first version. it was simpler, more raw. technically the second version is more impressive but it’s overpowering the track. too ornate. it doesn’t fit with nirvana’s style.

[@RandyGoble]

I love that as a fan of punk and hardcore, one of the things that separated the late 80s/90s punk scene in Seattle was that they didn't usually play "double time." They were playing punk riffs over a slower, sludgier rhythm section. But this man went into double time over the punk riffs and you can immediately hear that Nirvana is a punk band.

[@emannuelmartinez]

I was looking for this comment exactly. He turned the song punk, which is not bad at all and sounds completely natural, but I still prefer the original grunge sound over it.

[@danielsgrunge]

this!!!

[@Crunkboy415]

David Grohl said himself he was highly influenced by the 70s and 80s funk drummers who preferred the heavier quarter note beats hence the slower tempo.

[@STRENGTHSKATEBOARDS]

i actually know what your talking about. and i dont play drums but i listen to punk and that sluggish thing i understand..

[@MikesMusicMethod]

ha, I thought the double time totally ruined the riff and feel! Interesting how specific people's preferences are.

[@rubberduckie6617]

Well that’s a masterclass on how to takeover as a drummer. Wow… just wow 🤯

[@jetsilveravenger]

One thing that rock and jazz have in common that he displayed was that often when you have parts like verses and choruses that repeat a few times, the drums will become more intense and urgent the further you get into the song. His instincts are bang-on even if he's playing outside his comfort zone.

[@buttturkeyclips4891]

Absolutely agree

[@DeeJayResist]

Because Rock and Roll is a child of Jazz

[@alphanerd7221]

@@DeeJayResist Maybe grandchild. Rock is a fusion of boogie-woogie blues and country. There wasn't any direct jazz influence until the 60's.

[@outrageouscreation6865]

I think what this channel displays more than anything is that there is a natural vibe to every song that the drums need to match, and pretty much no matter what type of percussion expertise you have, if you have an ounce of knowledge of the drums, you’ll understand the natural path that a song follows and how the drums accompany that path.

[@telecastersRthebest]

11:08 as a massive Incubus fan, it’s nice to hear them mentioned once in a while. Great take but the original just has an iconic drum line that it feels weird hearing an entirely different take.

[@AnnieToby-x9u]

I know we're all laughing at this guy's expense, but is it just me or do his rock drum fills sound not that great?😂

[@pragmax]

What I love about the double-time drumming for the chorus is that it takes the whole band back to Nirvana's punk roots. The idea that In Bloom is what it is because it's a punk song in half-time, is just mind blowing.

[@flacko8820]

Jes, i like it

[@chrislopez1391]

Great take away

[@SuperMrBlaze]

Great observation, thank you for helping me to express what I felt!

[@ejv4792]

dude killed the fills, and turned the chorus into punk love it

[@SanFranGigante]

This is the comment I was looking for lol I thought the same 🤘🏼

[@gmq402]

“Dave’s funky, man” yes! He even confesses how much he was influenced by 70s funk in a conversation with Pharrell. Amazing he got that from listening to one of his track for the first time

[@ShinyShinyBlack]

I was most impressed by the fact that he picked up on that right away.

[@Pead929]

came here to comment exactly that. It's all Gap Band and Tony Thompson

[@ianespeut4155]

Thank you for referencing that interview. It IS amazing how he picks up on Dave Grohl's funk influences after one listen!

[@Flintlock1972]

I was going to mention this very interview. I love that he tells Pharrell and as soon as he says it I heard Early In The Morning playing in my head. I am not a drummer but I know a few.@@Pead929

[@sharinglungs3226]

Not sure if that’s the same interview but I remember Dave confessing the intro of teen spirit was influenced by a funk drummer he liked.

[@grasworxTTGameplan]

after the first run i was like... This the Black Funkadelic! on this track! And to hear how much he pretty much nailed it was sublime! Nirvana...one of the all-time greats!

[@jorjo.drummer]

Loved listening to Ulysses naturally take his jazz chops and rockin' em up for this Nirvana tune! He is such a master. I learn something special every time I watch a video of his. Thanks Drumeo!!!

[@philiplavere]

I love the doubling up on the choruses. Makes a great song even wilder!

[@judeawakening]

Everyone’s genuine laughter is totally awesome! Bravo Ulysses & Drumeo!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@tohellwithintentions]

in parts this jazz drummer playing over a Nirvana verse is reminding me of Fugazi. Makes me appreciate Brendan Canty all over again

[@mauort6870]

This guy's whole energy is so rock solid. I wish they asked him more questions about life. I get the impression he has some good answers in him.

[@sonablom]

Agreed. He has a good laugh too. Makes me think I would enjoy lunch with him.

[@gtray7]

I think it’s awesome how he heard the funk elements and Dave Grohl is on record citing The Gap Band as a major influence on his style on the album. Legend

[@aaronbradleycorbett]

chad wrote the drums

[@jasonwhite1616]

@@aaronbradleycorbettthat’s true but listen to the Sub Pop recording with Chad on drums….the base elements are there but the feel is much different

[@droptdown]

This is awesome. I find it Super funny how Dave took from Disco beats and just gets picked clean by a Jazz minded drummer. Such talent. love this series.

[@damfs]

Exactly

[@NotableSavage2]

Came here looking for this comment. Dave owes his whole life to Disco beats 😂

[@tphelps86]

I was thinking the same thing. I just saw a video not too awful long ago where he said the intro to Smells Like Teen Spirit was completely ripped from a disco song.

[@DiaDMuerte]

Pretty sure I saw Dave Grohl saying his drumming on nevermind was very influenced by funk. This was so fun to watch. Thank you!

[@v4ngeloz]

He seems like the kind of drum teacher I wish I would have had. Cool, humble, artistic, professional. What a guy. I'd be curious to see him play the stuff he knows and teaches.

[@remander3873]

Legit one of my favorite things you guys do. I love seeing what drummers, particularly when out of their genre, will do with a song. The creativity is amazing!

[@BakersBiscuit]

Dave has acknowledged his funk influences. This is an amazing rendition.

[@brandondill5640]

Yeah I heard him say that and was thinking I know Dave would be psyched to hear him say that.

[@martinmcgreal2669]

Same. Dave has said multiple occasions how he was robbing grooves fron The Gap Band and Cameo, so it’s really cool to hear Ulysses pick that up too.

[@My2centz11]

Grohl didn't write this Chad Channing did

[@sodaroni_enthusiast]

​@@My2centz11exactly!!

[@criddlegakes2650]

Don't you guys know Dave Grohl is the worlds greatest drummer and wrote every drum beat ever

[@RichardBehiel]

Incredible talent, inspiring to watch.

[@timbo_062]

Wow, this guy is crazy talented! He just kills it. The jazz influence infused into Nirvana here is incredibly fun to hear.

[@josephsiragusa]

Yeah, he's a professor at Juliard....😂

[@lastbraincell5041]

⁠@@josephsiragusaexactly like…💀😭

[@TheCarbunkleofTruth]

I would listen to an entire album of this

[@QueenRaven54]

⁠@@josephsiragusadude can still be talented without Juilliard on his cv my guy 🙄 also you spelled the name of the school incorrectly.

[@HarrisPilton789]

It really is!

[@pbtrxt1988]

I'm not a drummer or even a musician, but I love these videos. It's so cool to see how he approaches a song and thinks about it. It helps me appreciate and notice things in music more. Thanks!

[@GodWeenSatan]

Same

[@RPMusicStudios]

My favorite thing about this series is the joy on everyone’s faces. This makes me so happy.

[@rachiewru]

I watched the whole thing with a huge smile on my face because they are clearly all having such a fun time 😊

[@aj7058]

Marination.

[@mojo2968]

you're a dope if you believe he hasn't heard nirvana before

[@RPMusicStudios]

@@mojo2968 wow. Your mom must be proud of you. Way to be a jerk in a positive comment.

[@hombre2244]

It's cool he was talking about Dave playing a funk style, I remember Pharrell talking about Nirvana and saying it sounds like Dave was playing the fills from the Gap band and Dave confirmed that's what he was doing.

[@JuusoAlasuutari]

I love how the leading drum roll just comes naturally from the song itself.

[@wildebt]

Seriously impressed with his creativity and diversity in his drum fills. Also, he found some great new groove-age doing his own thing too

[@michellewalker3184]

He is a monster talent in our Jazz world…. Not overly surprised how deeply professional he is but it was totally fascinating to watch his process of analysis.

[@H1LTO]

That's awesome. I love jazz music but couldn't name much. It's lovely

[@alexanderrupert1316]

get a room glazer

[@DefenestrateYourself]

@@alexanderrupert1316 find a parent that loves you 🫡

[@migmo89]

Saw an interview where Dave Grohl saying his influences as a young drummer were funky disco beats. This guy picked up on that groove as soon as he heard it!