In The Room With Reitzas #1

Welcome to the first installment of "In The Room With Reitzas"
Over the years I have collected dozens and dozens of videos of special moments throughout my career as an engineer and mixer. About once a week (maybe more, maybe less), I'll be uploading these moments for everyone to enjoy.
I thought I'd start off with a session I did with Producer David Foster at The Record Plant.
We did the 1st U.S. record for the Irish family group "The Corrs" and had awesome drummer Simon Phillips add his magic to 2 songs.
Dave Reitzas
Mixer, Engineer,Producer
www.reitzas.com/

[@MrFchank]

His wide open drum sound is absolutely the best.

[@JaysonSherlock]

Simon Phillips is perfection. He brings a live show energy to a studio setting. Groove, attack, chops, dynamics and pure joy. The world is a better place with him in it.

[@georgietaunajr6011]

My favourite drummer, so well versed in his field of expertise whether doing sound or laying drum tracks, such an inspiration.

[@monkeydluffy4218]

I agree totally

[@emb2302]

Simon is a total monster. He never disappoints. This video is a true gem. This is the pinnacle of what it means to be an artist. What knocks me out is how much David Foster was into, it bobbing his head in time and he’s not a man easily impressed by anyone. Simon was not one of his regular “go to” session drummers in the 90s but he obviously knew such a rhythmically complex and very progressive instrumental track needed someone special and of his caliber. I love the person who said “that’s the shit right there” when he ripped off that monster fill. Like a true master though he was able replicate his part perfectly. for the “punch in” to correct the one figure “dah-dah-dah” or “and-a-one” rhythm figure. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched this figure. I felt kind of bad for Caroline Corr having to watch someone else lay down the drums but I’m sure as a pro she knew it was what was best for the track. David Foster does whatever is called for to get the track he wants though. He had Jeff Porcaro replace Danny Seraphine on Chicago’s ‘Stay The Night’ and Carlos Vega play ‘You’re The Inspiration’ on Chicago 17 when Danny just wasn’t cutting it at that phase in his career. RIP to Jeff and Carlos.

[@danyheld9952]

You can listen to as many drummers as you want. he is and remains the drummer with the best feeling for the music.

[@MPCapricorn]

Got the chance to talk to Simon about this particular Recording Session of Toss the feathers in a clinic recently. He has seen this video and did an awesome trip down memory lane and recalled what he remembered about that day. Great experience - he is a monster Player!

[@robinkulbay]

MPCapricorn Care to share what Simon recalled?

[@WendyLangMusic]

I'd love to know what he said!

[@FonziGuitar]

Let us know!😄

[@scottmarshall4996]

That's awesome. What did he say? The drum break on it has fascinated and taunted me for years.

[@carminebattigaglia7654]

Qualcuno mi può dire il titolo dei due brani che suona ? Veramente eccezionali

[@eskilseter]

That's how it's done! This is a showcase of skills that extremely few drummers in the world can match. Absolute monster chops combined with a feel and a groove second to none.

[@BackLooking]

Exactly.

[@keegankarsyn7080]

you prolly dont give a damn but does anyone know of a way to log back into an instagram account?? I somehow forgot the password. I appreciate any tricks you can offer me.

[@jaydenturner3475]

@Keegan Karsyn instablaster ;)

[@keegankarsyn7080]

@Jayden Turner I really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and I'm in the hacking process now. I see it takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@keegankarsyn7080]

@Jayden Turner It worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much you really help me out!

[@nigelparsons2402]

I will never get tired of listening to Simon... ever!

[@jfureq2650]

great video, thank for posting. He comfortably sits at his throne, behind 16 drums and a dozen cymbals, puts on his headset, ques up the track, closes his eyes, and drives the song to a place that maybe no other drummer can. He seems to lift the energy all around him. The Master

[@Prisha-so6rm]

jfureq With cymbals that are half a foot above his eye level. I get amazed how he can easily reach those.

[@nobbesrieger8820]

Perfect drumming from a drum hero as musician and a great person.

[@mikosoft]

W00000000t! It was around 3 years ago that I learned Simon played drums on Toss the feathers and now I see the genuine recording session WITH the reaction from the engineers. That one at 1:53 was absolutely priceless.

[@Mrenginear]

Thanks for all the kind words and glad everyone is enjoying this. Wait to you see what's coming in the future! The 2nd song is called "I Don't Know". As far as I know, it has never been released.

[@t-man78]

@Mrenginear, A shame, it sounds so cool! Who’s playing the synth solo?

[@Espo97734]

That fill he drops at 1:50 is just.... My god

[@MrDrewseph]

That's the fill on the final song (if you didn't know), frickin gets me every time

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

It's just quads.

[@MalcaratMartinez]

Best drummer in the world, period !. SInce I first heard of him when he was with Mike Oldfield (1st gig I ever attended ,as a kid!), he's always been the GOAT for me !!

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

Nah no way. And it's full stop not period. Only girls have periods. You Americans are idiots.

[@scottmarshall4996]

I feel so incredibly fortunate to have come across this session video. I have obsessed over that drum break in the middle of Toss the Feathers for years. I've had the hardest time figuring out near the end of it where he does the quick notes between the toms and bass. Thank you for posting this.

[@rich3858]

1.44-2.10: This is awesome drumming from one of the worlds most inovative drummers!

[@NToombes]

Flipping Amazing! The look on Caroline Coors face at 7:17 says it all!

[@emb2302]

Or……Caroline Corr just looking amazing like always. She’s either thinking “ how am I going to replicate this live” or “I could always be a supermodel, Simon can’t.” LOL

[@gracerulloda]

The look of amazement and maybe panic on Caroline's face

[@NToombes]

i think she thought "How the f**k do we play this live"

[@wilfriedzonderman3168]

How the hell is he doing that ? You saw hear thinking😮

[@SiPhiFan]

Simon… wow! …two greats together! Simon and behind the board is David Foster as well!

[@dandywarhol4172]

Holy Shit! Simon is smoking on that 2nd tune! Unbelievable!

[@mychaelribeiro6717]

Wow! On my list this guy is in the top 5 drummers of all time

[@eoinbyrne6900]

Caroline just had this look on her face that’s like “how the fuck am I gonna do that live on stage every night!”

[@quattro4s]

absolutely!! Her face seems like she is listening to extraterrestrial music!

[@Theratron]

I saw her play Toss the feathers live. She did it her own way but it still sounded great! She definitely put in the time to get it right. The world needs more female drummers 😊

[@francklabaye9978]

Celtic, jazz rock, and more than more, one of the best, if not the best drummer in the world!

[@tommeredith7462]

Simmon is the best in the business. He went professional at the age of 12. Not quite a Teenager yet and he was already working as a studio drummer and working with notable recording artist. Simmon was the drummer in his Father’s swing-dance band. He’s lived a remarkable life and became a sought after producer and engineer. When Simmon moved to Las Angelas California, he drummed for the popular band ToTo…20-22 year’s, during this time he built his own studio and actually produced a few ToTo album’s.’ Simmon worked with other musicians on their recording projects.

[@michaelms3126]

I like the second song better. Simon Phillips is my favorite drummer. Thank you!

[@kin8ace]

hi. do you know the name of that song?

[@JohnLnyc]

Not sure that appeared on any Corrs recording. Sounds a bit experimental. Definitely Andrea on vocal and likely Sharon violin Jim some keyboard work? A very talented group. This is their first record. Foster had a lot of players in for the sessions. Playing live is one thing and recording quite another.

[@adam872]

Holeee shit, what an amazing groove on both tracks, especially the second one. Simon is such a monster player.

[@t-man78]

Agree 100%! Though I still haven't figured out what the second track is... didn't it ever get released..!?

[@t-man78]

Seems so - and it sounds like this track was ripped from the video above here... kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnLRfoN_ir93esU

[@lorenzmuller3542]

So agree. It's the second one for me definitely! I love the kicks he hits.

[@MrDrewseph]

@@t-man78 It was never released. Dunno if you ever found it but, kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnLRfoN_ir93esU

[@darrenbrereton6967]

It was to be called "I Don't Know". A great jam that unfortunately never ended up as a complete song. What a groove!!

[@drummerboy1066]

Why have I only just seen this? Inspiring and humbling at the same time. What a deep groove on that second track!

[@paulnovosel9359]

Thanks for adding this video. So happy to have found this! So that's what it all looked like when it went down?! This is one of those rare KZbin gems!

[@bjornfalli2736]

Simon is a multi genius - drumming, composing, sound engineering, and many many things more. Still my hero as I saw him first time in the TV show "Super Drumming" with Pete York in late 80´s.

[@TonyLopez-dc6eo]

Man, Simon is on fire!! Powerfull session

[@Jellybeantiger]

What a groove and Simon Phillip’s trademark beautiful sounding drum kit and cymbals,also he is a great drummer to look at,love the way he hits those crashes.

[@okisuprayogi6928]

My God, i love his work....masterpiece😍

[@maakeklein4073]

Love when he walks into control room. He is human after all!

[@MatthijsDrummerAment]

Thank you so much for putting this up! Stellar stuff :-]

[@pwc102]

Very cool! Simon Phillips is an incredible player; precise, musical, creative. Love his playing, thanks for sharing the video.

[@monopolyman4081]

simon is on another level holy cow what a beast on the drums.

[@MegaNanatan]

God! But Caroline is a pro now. She even won award for her drumming skill.

[@MegaNanatan]

+Reine des Tartes yes!!! Even after a long break,she still manage to shake the stage with her drumming skill. I am 10 times impressed than i was before.

[@richboshart1201]

With all respect to Caroline, a very talented lady and drummer, let’s just avoid any comparison. My word, Simon is the best on the planet.

[@californiamusic]

Wow! Priceless video Dave!!! Love the Old Foster stuff. Thank you!! ; )

[@lis3728]

Simon is an absolute legend

[@sturla75]

Wow! This was freaking cool. Love footage like this. Thank you!

[@michaelmattice4986]

Thanks so much for sharing! This is priceless:)

[@Felipemontes]

wow, Simon + Groove + ireland music is a perfect combination!!

[@MrMegaman2000]

"That song needed a special rhythm section, that's why we invited [...] Simon Phillips on drums. He brought in this gigantic drum-kit and I thought 'Wow! What in Gods-name are all those drums for?' It takes enormous discipline. He's brilliant. But I had one problem. I had to learn that part for the live-shows. That took quite some effort, but I can manage now. Yes, I also play that complicated break, although I do it my way." (Caroline Corr)

[@aaronfahy4448]

Awesome comment

[@dhampex3631]

Now that’s how it should be!! You go Simon the groove maker!!

[@pauldillon5930]

Undoubtedly among the greatest drummers past or present. That fill he did that blew everyone away is legendary. (I just feel bad for the Corrs drummer who has to play it live. Good luck)! 😃

[@gDhP3786gubee]

Simon P let her breathless. Awesome video!

[@RichSkyWorld]

Awesome!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@francesco_generali_composer]

This is pure History thanks

[@leogusev3582]

Simon the best, great drumming and sound

[@ivanisrael4442]

Another level. SiPhi is simply stellar.

[@ryanbates362]

This is so awesome

[@rozanoff6175]

Killing performance ! 😈

[@tonictonetomrockstar1931]

just amazing

[@mikosoft]

Oh, and I almost forgot. The groove at the very beginning is the halftime shuffle groove from Rosanna.

[@jente3989]

Damn right! Thé most versatile and ambixious drummer of all time!

[@WendyLangMusic]

He's so good!

[@arboldigital6310]

Good to see a great drummer in his natural element working in the real thing

[@RichSkyWorld]

Thanks so much for the answer and a killer Job, Dave! They should release "I don´t know" asap, I suggest!

[@VivaMcCrilly]

jesus christ he's so good

[@lucafrancescoabatangelo3348]

Awesome!!! 😀

[@torstenschermer6846]

Magic!

[@luisfernando-mm3jt]

This is a great great drum lesson every drummer should see. TSimon is big I realy like also Caroline corr drumming Great work keep it up Luis

[@micheleychenne1972]

Caroline and not Christine

[@piperos78]

OH My GOD!Simon is the BEST!

[@mr.d7429]

I have never seen a Starclassic maple with that finishing, it’s so beautiful and sounds like a million dollar!

[@RogierRJDonker]

Only a few exists in that color. Gary husband had one as well. Simon tech has this kit I think and there is one more yellow kit out there belonging to someone I know through facebook.

[@saladdaze7375]

Bill Bruford had one

[@RogierRJDonker]

@@saladdaze7375 indeed! You are right sir.

[@KevWhitehead]

"Kinda wants to make you give up drumming doesn't it ....." Love it! Simon is just a monster player. Great video, many thanks!!

[@patrickwilliamson1153]

Lol....your exactly right. I had my great performances, but nothing close to simon Phillips. Every stroke he does is precise and powerful....Amazing drummer.

[@PJBonoVox]

Makes a mistake at 6:05 and powers on like a pro. Love it.

[@clausct]

Amazing!!

[@FirebrandVOCALS]

Perfection

[@crazyferret9409]

Never heard the second track before. Great vid!

[@mightyV444]

@Gregg Hill - Same here! And I did once own their 1st album.

[@JohnLnyc]

My guess is Foster playing around. Totally out of musical character for this band. He has Simon there so why not?

[@tombest3562]

Simon is an awesome player and obviously a great guy. I can't compare my ability to his but from other interviews I've seen we come from a similar place of learning. Can't help but notice when players make expressions when they slip and to err is human - love the quick shake of his head with he ever so slightly misplaces back beat snare hit at 6:01 !

[@nielswil]

And he makes it right at 6:05.

[@user-ib2ns4xs7o]

How on earth can Simon sound sooooooo amazingly good?

[@Wankersable]

Love it. Thanks Dave, have sunscribed.

[@user-ik2fw7ig2f]

That hi-hat on the second track😮.....sizzle😮

[@stevetoner8205]

Mindblowing

[@skyreadersociety6183]

perfect choice

[@iroken]

la rompio toda simon

[@b.murenthaler]

SP is the Man !! 👍👍👍🥁

[@crazyferret9409]

Awesome bit of Rosanna there too! They need to do I Don't Know and Remember live next time out, or put it on a collection album for their 30th!

[@OpethianDream2112]

love Simon!!!! Just ordered Darwin's latest and Out of The Blue with Andy Timmons.

[@henkhakkertoene]

the go to guy you call when things needs to be done right.

[@drumngrewve]

Man would've loved to hear Simon talk about his takes....

[@WilfredFumbly]

The first song is "Toss the Feathers", from the Forgiven, Not Forgotten album. (1995)

[@analogkid4557]

A drummer's drummer.

[@jimhawkins9821]

I am familiar with Simon Phillips work with Pete Townsend solo and then joining The Who(amongst others)... this is exactly what I expected when I tuned in to this... but I sure would like to see that second song get released

[@JohnLnyc]

It is not even a “song” as presented here. Not sure if it was ever finished but it’s a mess of keyboards jamming away. Too busy and cluttered.

[@theroll666]

killer!

[@Yaboroqe]

That sound woesha!

[@MikeGervasi]

Simon is great. And opens with the Purdy Shuffle.

[@NetDijk]

Why did you stop posting??? These are real gems!

[@StickisCorner]

Great.

[@johnfearon6115]

Did some great work with Toyah Wilcox in the 80s also

[@maximomartinez6843]

awesome

[@keilafsc]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@rolfdejonge3915]

Simon Phillips is *Master/Mister Drums*!! ✌️🥸💥🌟💢❤️🌀🌐🎧🎤🥁🙏 @#rolfdejonge@

[@DiogoBaeder]

One of the best fills I ever heard, at 1:44 . Not too fast, not confusing, just right on the money. And although it probably sounds more appropriate for the band in the mastered version, I prefer the one from this video, more raw, more alive. (For the master version, search for "Toss the Feathers (Instrumental)")

[@DiogoBaeder]

Seems like they ended up cutting down on room mics afterwards, I dunno.

[@MikeGervasi]

Is there any higher compliment in the studio than "That's the shit!" from David Foster? I don't think there is.

[@rikihifi]

If you have more studio clips with teddy or colaiuta, also landau stuff pelase post some in the future! These are The best! Thank you!

[@jasonbarnett8911]

Poor Caroline,.......how the F++K do I replicate that she must have said.

[@robsco1249]

I would love to see him play the music he recorded for Ian Gillan and Jon lord. Both awesome performances.

[@sebestyennagy2849]

That drum sound beatiful great Simon Philips my favorite drummer. Find someone say the music is based on Chapter

[@dnolting]

This is youtube is meant for right here

[@lobotomtom]

"It seems to me the verse has a better feel..." !!! What a legend

[@markgatlin7385]

The corrs

[@heyoethai8039]

simon philips the best

[@markhardwick1570]

Simon does a similar feel song to toss the feathers on Encore, Legends and Paradox. Tribute to ELP... For whom he was thought to be the first choice. But Carl Palmer was better known... At the time. Checkout Hoedown on that album.