Jeff Porcaro the Pocket Magician: From the Rosanna Shuffle to Toto | Off Beat

[@OffBeatChannel]

Drop your suggestions for other drummers you'd like me to cover down below 👇If you want to support the channel you can donate as little or as much as you like on my Ko-Fi page here: ko-fi.com/offbeat

[@williamhenderson1161]

Paul Leim and Dennis Holt

[@charlesjames9783]

⁠I’m with Jeff. The drummers main job is time. Playing something tight with dynamics to make it your own. Some of the greats are known for their feel. Sounds clean and simple but so hard to do consistently.

[@nexdrums]

Do cover Gavin Harrison please, that's from your Country mate ;) 🤟🏻

[@DougFlorence]

How about Ed Greene !!!!

[@part1801]

Anton Fig very well rounded great feel. Great on Ace Frehley's solo Album

[@yyzz1959]

I met Jeff at the Baked Potato 1986 in Los Angeles. It was a blessing to meet and talk with him, he was very nice so down to earth. Sitting about five feet from him and watching him play with some great musicians was priceless. I will always be thankful for this moment. RIP dear friend 🙏

[@AnodyneHipsterInfluencer]

That's awesome that you got to meet him. I am absolutely captivated with his drumming and it seems as though he was such a genuine, humble and kind person. Did you take in any other shows at the Baked Potato back then? It's still a legendary spot with incredible musicians who come through but back then it was _really_ legendary.

[@yyzz1959]

No, I never went back to the Baked Potato, but I can say, though it was only one time the memory has lasted vividly this long and will for the rest of my life. A key note about my conversation with Jeff , he spoke passionately about how Jimi Hendrix inspired him. Thank you. @@AnodyneHipsterInfluencer

[@Sw-nv4hw]

Your be blessed he died one year before toto toured Australia. So greatfull for his music.. rip jeff my fav..

[@dblyoi]

at a cool venue too

[@josefradisz2133]

What a lucky guy you are ! I just could appreciate the genius, a couple of meters from him, during Toto's 90 tour. Love forever.

[@ZIOSAM_MCMXCIII]

Legends never die

[@EstaSams]

I've always liked Toto and their songs

[@charleslittledale7991]

I met Jeff in 83 at Charles de Gaulle airport. He had just flown from LA. I was working for David Gilmour in Paris & Jeff was his session drummer along with bassist Pino Palladino & keyboard player Ian Kelley. From the Paul Young band. They were all working on David’s solo album About Face. We all shared a luxury flat in Boulevarde Malesherbes for a month. It was one of the happiest times of my life. Jeff was fantastic & a great laugh. He had a wicked sense of humour. I still have a sketch he made of a street busker in the Champs de Lycee. A treasured item.

[@viktormuerte]

I read this story in a modern drummer article (the article itself was about an L.A. studio drummers round table); Jeff was doing a session for Barbra Streisand and this particular song was taking too long - it was already 3am in the morning at this point. Jeff finally had enough; he then got up and said he needed to make a phone call. Instead, he hopped into his car and went home. He came back at 7am at which point Barbra confronted him asking, "Jeff, where have you been? We've been looking all over for you!", to which Jeff replied, "What are you talking about? I just got off the phone!" 😂

[@SeaMark782]

Thanks for the great video. I'm still blown away at how blessed I've been, I went to high school with, well, Toto, the Porcaros, everyone except for Hungate and Kimball, even their engineer! Fifty years ago this month, Jeff had started playing gigs around So. Cal. with Steely Dan prior to the 74 tour. Jeff let one of us know about a gig near us, in Glendale. We ended up spending 2 nights, 4 sets, watching Jeff play with SD, and better yet, I got to hang out with my favorite band! Speaking of Jeff's kindness, backstage he made sure everyone knew who we were and introduced us all around. We now had cred, we were Jeff's friends. We drank on the Dan all weekend. I called Jeff the Master of Ceremonies. I was friends with Mike and Steve too, I can remember hearing Lukather play on the senior lawn with Steve in 73. Ah, memories, it's a great time to still be alive. We really liked John Guiren, studio player and with Tom Scott LA Express, 1974.

[@95Ldunc]

My absolute favorite drummer of all time. I listened to Toto all through High School. He always had a presence with his grooves that actually transcended the music. Typically the drummer is in the background, but the way he grooved, you felt like the drums took the place of vocalist. I fell in love with the music because of Jeff’s playing style. To the point where I would hear a song from another band and know it was Jeff by the style. No one sounded like him. It was like handwriting, everyone’s is different.

[@willwozniak2826]

Everybody forgets Jeff played drums on Michael Jackson's Beat it..👉🏻 nice video...

[@bane1240]

Absolutely one of the Mt Rushmore drummers. His groove and hi-hat wrist time is incredible. His musical credits are mind boggling. Sadly gone much too soon. RIP Jeff. Thanks for all the great memories enjoying you and your craft.

[@crisabdel1989]

The Best😍

[@merlecrandall1709]

When I was younger Jeff Porcaro was one of the few drummers that caught my ear. I always looked at the musicians on the album covers or the inner sleeves. One of the greats.

[@fusion2000]

we are all so lucky to have musicians like Jeff to have graced our world. RIP

[@robertledford3004]

I'm 65 grew up listening too all the great records he played on

[@murraywoods7909]

Girl Goodbye groove gets me every time. RIP Jeff.

[@79SteelyMatt]

Best driving tune ever!!Listen to it daily on my way to work every morning!!If that jam doesn’t move you your probably not breathing

[@monicabrown7640]

Important to note is Jeff's legendary modesty. He read quite well, he had amazing chops but used them very sparingly (live at the baked potato) and he did that 16th hihat groove all the time -- he was always modest and downplayed his abilities, which is probably one reason why he was so beloved -- aside from his (also) legendary kindness and unselfishness.

[@paulflanagan5395]

2 GOD B ALL OF THE PRAISE/GLORY/SUBMISSION/CREDIT/OBEDIENCE/PROPHECY FULFILLED/& OF COURSE, U. I LOVE THE LORD SO MUCH THAT I REFUSE 2 LIVE ANY OTHER WAY. MY DAILY INSPIRATION IS "OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE" & YOUS TALK LIKE A DRUMMER. JAM ON AS HARD AS YOUS CAN 4 THE ONE THAT BLESSED YOUS WIT THAT PRECIOUS GIFT

[@Waterinmenbenen]

Very true. This goes for the Toto guys in general btw. They are alle monster musicians but they're the last ones to tell you that.

[@dennywayne8879]

Simplistic, yet very effective, proves that you can get a lot of work. Miss Jeff a lot. He brought a lot to the industry.

[@kc0lif]

jeff pocaro legendary drummer & cool guy.

[@Saybleu]

One of my favorite drummers of all time

[@GaryFox11000]

Lowdown- Groove is absolutely one of the greatest all - time ! 🏆👍

[@scottyboy11001]

Imagine the greatness of Jeff Porcaro and everything he had done and so in demand, and makes the comment "Ive never played a drum solo, they don't sound right to me"... that blew my mind!! He knew what he was needed for, to serve the song. He was a one off!!

[@JonHop1]

That is why he got so much work. Musicians didnt hire session players to overshadow and dominate a track. They hired them to get a job done. And players like Jeff, Purdie, Gordon all did just that and did it flawlessly!

[@carlgrisdale]

True that😊

[@frankfischer1281]

The groove is a magic place, and Jeff Porcaro visited there more than most. RIP.

[@selwynkatz519]

No solos for Jeff..Just his phenomenal groove ... unmatched by any drummer worth his salt ...r.i.p Jeff 🕯️

[@rman52]

Same as Ringo in that regard. He hated solos and only did one I can think of with the Beatles. Of course, Jeff was technically way beyond Ringo in technique.

[@saulocpp]

@@rman52 You really think so???? Because everybody praises Ringo's "groove" (everybody praises the groove of those who don't solo), and how fitting he was for the songs, which is exactly what Jeff is praised for. And let us not start talking about those way beyond Jeff in technique.

[@rman52]

@@saulocpp True to a point. Jeff had an incredible feel like Ringo. But if you look at something like what he did in Rosanna. Combing complex patterns including the perdy shuffle, part of fool in the rain, and his own rhythm. That is something way beyond Ringos abilities to pull off or even imagine. It was so perfect for the song. Again a trait of Ringos. And sure there are better chopsters than both. But like you mentioned, not too many more perfect feel for the song drummers. Peace.

[@Groov3lab]

​@@saulocppI respect Ringo but I'd have to agree with Rman... Especially when you dig into Jeff's session work... Also if Ringo could carry himself he wouldn't need Greg Bisonette besides him on stage when he tours. I get it, Ringo is old now and drumming is taxing but he can't even lay down the groove for Africa when they play it 🤷‍♂️

[@stoogler180]

Absolute legend, yet humble and human. A rare human being. The talent is immeasurable. What he accomplished in just 38 years of life is amazing.

[@edsonnavarrus7379]

This is easily one of the best music documentaries in the world, and Sir Jeff is one of the most creative musicians in history (he even played for Mexican musicians! hehehe). A great fine monster to manage energy, a classic personality. A loss that still hurts. Thanks OB.

[@sjf1981]

Hold the line. The last few double bass hits. Perfection

[@Imsteppenwolf]

I love his honesty and straightforwardness...

[@hobojungle1]

The Rosanna shuffle has gotta be the dopest groove ever written. It’s so inspiring hearing him say he doesn’t solo and also that he was just learning how to keep quarter note time with his hi hat foot. I’m in that same camp. Lol

[@donutdogus]

Had no idea he played on the Lito shuffle I hear him now

[@KotrokoranaMavokely]

Jeff Porcaro is an Einstein of the drums I admire him until my death, the guy should only leave a complete course of techniques, planning and exceptions and musical productions of drums both in the acoustic dryms as in electronics. This Genius is the Immortal of music and drums, in the band Toto he left all his legacy signs so, thank you jeff for living and showing to the earth that a genius drummer makes a difference not only in a band but in the whole history of music. I love you ❤❤❤❤🫂🥂🍻🍷📷📻📻👍💟✈️💙🎵🎶🪙🫂🥂

[@RolandDuke]

Damn only 38!! All that music!! Definitely one of favorite players.

[@mmolt36]

He is perfect example of less is more. He was a slave to the groove. Caring more about the whole of the music than his specific contribution. That's why he was so sought after. The shame is that he was gone way too soon. The fact that we are still talking about him today just shows how prolific he was. He had a Bonham-esque quality to him. While Bonzo was a dynamic soloist and hard hitter, I would say his talents where most displayed on Zepplin's less busy tunes. Some drummers just have that "IT" factor. Its tough to define but you can certainly hear it and feel it. Swing and pocket are just imbedded in the DNA of some artists.

[@drewsibleyloans]

Didn't know any more than he was the Toto drummer. That was a brilliant biography. Thanks

[@satmadan8347]

I love Jeff. One of the biggest influences ever on my 40 yr drumming career

[@artysanmobile]

Jeff was a musician through and through. The song mattered to him above all and that’s something every player of every instrument needs to learn.

[@SafirLamkhantar]

I often stumble on videos like "1 song played in 10 styles" and when it's time for Jeff Porcaro they try to imitate Rosanna's shuffle on a metal song, as if he'd been a one trick pony. He was much more than that, this video does him justice.

[@THCya97961]

I’ve always thought the drums on “Keep Forgetting” are amazing but knowing they were Jeff explains EVERYTHING. Thank you for a great piece.

[@robchismar4679]

No matter where I hear this great song I always listen intently to Jeff's drumming and esp the fade where he throws in that cool double kick.

[@rafanj824]

​​@@robchismar4679oh yes, that double kick❤ that fade could last for minutes. So much finesse!!!

[@hdfloyd]

The way he locked in with the bass on this song was AMAZING!

[@THCya97961]

@@hdfloyd MASTER CLASS!!

[@123-o2e]

Dire straits. On every street album.

[@sasha6009]

Is and always will be my favorite drummer of all time. Not just because he was an incredible drummer, but because he put musicianship first, and became part of the music and added something no one else on drums could add

[@Grandpa_Moses]

Jeff was a drummer's drummer, the ultimate professional. His style is so recognizable, you know straight off. Half of Boz's album Silk Degrees was written by Jeff, one of my all time favs, it just screams Porcaro. May his soul find peace, God bless~

[@chrispati4435]

In a lot of ways the best session drummer of all time...and one of the nicest, most humble other-aware guys ever. Joe, you blessed the world with your prescense, your offspring and your legacy!! God bless you sir!

[@scottyg5403]

As a young drummer I learned so much from Jeff Porcaro! Such a master! RIP

[@79SteelyMatt]

To think this legend still had fears about his playing says a lot about his character I really think that is one of the best traits to have humility- to me Jeff is my all time favorite musician who I believe was THE best drummer of all time he is now up in heaven jamming in Gods Band of Angels Jeffrey Porcaro(1954-1992)

[@peteywheatstraws4909]

I can't imagine what auditioning for Zappa at his peak years would have been like.

[@79SteelyMatt]

I don’t think there was anything JP couldn’t play or accomplish looking at all the drummers that played with Zappa to me none of them were “better”than Jeff he was on a level rarely reached in session work Gadd ,Keltner Gordon ,Purdie ,Ed Greene, Mark Craney,Colaiuta,Rick Marotta,Aynsley Dunbar,Phil Collins,Harvey Mason,Steve Jordan,Keith Carlock,are some of my favorites not including jazz only drummers like Tony Williams Dave Weckl Cobham,Virgil Donati

[@robchismar4679]

I agree. I bet Zappa would have allowed him to just be himself without charts. Zappa was known for coloring outside the lines anyway. I am a huge Mark Craney fan. His drumming with Gini Vannelli is just so outstanding and unique. @@79SteelyMatt

[@drummingtildeath]

That makes me feel better. I don't like playing live, I find it a bit embarrassing. Whereas my guitarist recently had his guitar completely out of tune for a whole gig, and just went "ah, shit happens". I think it's down to ego. Some people just think k they're awesome and overlook their failings. Others know they're not special.

[@quentenjones3626]

Jeff Porcaro had the innate love of music that spilled over into his playing. It didn't hurt to have great influences, but he had to work to get there. And I would say it was more than humility, I believe he had the sense to know that we're all special, and that no one is special, if you know what I mean. A loss for us that he passed into eternity before we could enjoy and be inspired by his talent. As I said some time ago to a musician I know, there are those who are proficient, and good, and those who have talent, and leave imprints on souls.

[@umainebearman]

38, damn he could have brought so many more generations memorable music.

[@coconutgrovemusicnz]

He not only was a unbelievable drummer. He was a pure artist who embodied humanity and humility who would always elevate others which makes him transcend music itself and brings him into a rare breed of a beautiful human being. He was power and energy with a exquisite mindset in approaching each session. As a music producer, he inspires me above all musicians that have walked the planet. RIL brother...

[@discovolante777]

Beautifully put, David. 💛

[@sandizamora2968]

Awesome video😎My husband introduced Me to Toto back in 1978 …He gifted me their first album/vinyl and have continued to listen and follow Toto these past 45 years❤ Amazing musicians😎 Miss you Jeff 😌

[@tonylancer7367]

My favourite drummer of all time, what a drummer man, I always wonder what he would sound like now if he was still alive. The last Toto album (Kingdom of Desire) gives an image into what he was forming into, but the story was paused. Forever grateful for one of the kings of groove.

[@SaltedBeatz]

That he didn’t played any drum solos is just the best way to express the way he was as a person. It was the music who was the important thing, not showing off as you can hear today with all those chops musicians who always want to do more. They should instead follow Jeff with the mantra “Less is more”…❤

[@adude394]

Jeff was such a great drummer. You don't put together the kind of CV that he did without being an amazing musician. He wasn't flashy at all, but just as solid as could be.

[@nelsono4315]

his groove and feel were absolutely impeccable

[@GaryFox11000]

" Lowdown " perfect example of groove & feel ! - Masterpiece 🏆

[@brianmoore493]

One of the best. RIP

[@Groov3lab]

Fm (no static at all) was in fact from '77 -'78... That aside, great video 👍 Jeff will always be my no.1 source of inspiration for drumming and life in general. Whenever I'm in the dumps I listen to some toto or some of his many killer session tracks and his grooves pick me up. He may have left this earth far too soon but the good job everyone is doing with videos, photos and stories is actually keeping him alive and will do so for many years ro come ❤

[@cojones-72]

Brilliant work. Jeff is a hero of mine. You did him justice here.

[@wisnugutomo2279]

Shuffle for the world ..... RIP JP

[@erice3933]

His brother said that Jeff could listen to a record and point out when the drummer's time started to drift. Even when he's playing a seemingly simple groove, it still grabs you and you can't help but smile.

[@artysanmobile]

It doesn’t take a drummer to hear drifting meter, much less an exceptional drummer.

[@anderszettergren4302]

@@artysanmobile The idea here about Porcaro and "drifting" is probably mainly that he was very young, a child, when he showed this interest and ability to observe. Most people would probably have focused more on rhythm, technique and awesome fills, not tempo changes in a song. Having said that, Porcaro and Toto are not "freed" from drifting. The tempo in "Rosanna" varies. And so it will be with people if we don't want to sterilize the music. Beato demonstrated this when he quanified Bonham. The result of a perfect pace made no one happy. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/noWXl3mlod6Nj7csi=Pjp0tDh2IGBfWQIi

[@KevinBSelby]

Well done sir! I was 18 in 1982 when Toto IV came out and it blew my mind. His drumming was instrumental (see what I did there?!) to the success of that album (as was the incredible musicianship of all the others). This was really cool to see some vintage aspects of this great man.

[@daitos1955]

This is the first time that I hear a drummer saying that he hates playing solos, I also do. As a bassplayer I love to groove and my admiration goes to drummers (and to any musicians for that matter) that play for the song without trying to be the centre of attention.

[@wannabeadrummer]

Just an amazing grove master

[@wpochert]

Best to ever do it in my opinion.. RIP Jeffrey

[@rockyou42560]

One of my top 5 favs drummers

[@hdfloyd]

Huge fan of J.P. in my top 3 and who i pattern my drum pocket after. RIP

[@Joel_Powell]

I got a chance to talk with Steve Lukather during the pandemic - in a workshop with Jon Herington (Steely Dan) and the amazing Allen Hinds. I still have a video of the session with Luke. It's amazing (speaking of keeping time) that the tempo of how Jeff speaks and how Luke speaks is SO similar - they kind of sound like the same guy - same inflections. Of course all those years being together probably helped form that. Great video - wonderful content. Thank you for posting!

[@shkyrbty]

Sweet. Jeff's musicianship is inspiring for all musicians. I love listening to him play!

[@VegasAlien1]

We were blessed to be able to witness the greatness from his soul, the pure passion of life and music from his fingertips.

[@benfrewin9926]

This is a great video about my all time musical hero. He truly was one of a kind. Exceptional musician, even better human being. I honestly can’t think of another musician in modern music history that is as keenly missed by so many as Jeff Porcaro. Hardly a day goes by that you don’t hear him on the radio, in a bar, pretty much everywhere. His legacy is huge beyond words and will remain so for decades to come no doubt.

[@ravenheart1439]

Dam dint realize he played on so many iconic songs...kinda blown away...

[@thomassiering8550]

🎼JEFFPORCAROFOREVER🥁🥇❤️🔥

[@jasoncampbell3955]

What an amazing player and a warm, humble guy... One of a kind!

[@OFLHLGZ28]

Loved him. Definitely one of my major influences

[@SergioAlvarez-lh8cn]

My favorite drummer. His groove and timing are amazing and hard to compare.

[@isaacleedrums]

What a wonderful personality and player. Thanks for this work!!

[@danfitzpatrick4112]

Toto had one of the best Session Musicians combined as a band, if not THE best in my time... Even if you don't like the music, you have to agree that there is a magical thing to watch people on top of there game. Facinating!

[@scottandtammylewis532]

What a great video! Growing up in Sherman Oaks, Studio City and going to Grant high school with Steve and Jeff, Steve Lukather. The good ol days, Marie and Cheri Curry. The Sugar Shack. Times where so cool and fun back then. Memories live on. Thanks for taking me back. 👍🍻

[@Grandpa_Moses]

Another Valley Boy, right on. Taft alumnus here

[@79SteelyMatt]

I am totally envious of you let me ask you did you know Michael Landau or any of the guys he played with in the band Maxus-Doane Perry Mark Leonard Robbie Buchannan Jay Gruska and didn’t Jeff know Carlos Vega well?

[@SeaMark782]

Wait a minute, I went to school with the Porcaros, graduated with Mike in 1973. Saw Jeff play with Steely Dan and Mike with Seals & Crofts, 1974. Do we know each other?

[@andrewtlockemanch]

Great video. Loved the final couple of quotes about him as just a super caring guy.

[@SeanOHanlon]

Holy Hannah... I have been a Toto fan since the 80's but I didn't know any of this.

[@danmooney6015]

Wow! This guy literally played his heart out!

[@nexdrums]

I love him very much. Thanks for this awesome video

[@alexmook6786]

So humble

[@HenkJanDrums]

One of my favourite drummers. I like his performances with Randy Crawford.

[@Fabi_W]

Great video. Really enjoyed your analysis and the biographical stuff.

[@williambaker5318]

Great post! Jeff is the truth, a master artist. Born with a natural groove and made the best of it.

[@stefankrog457]

The GOAT

[@juliantfilemonrichardson4679]

Great content⭐ Love Jeff❤

[@miguelcestaro9270]

Great video! Jeff is my biggest inspiration on the drums.

[@Dyingsociety38]

The way he came up with Mushanga was other worldly. What a genius!!

[@FriscoPisco]

Great Job , Jeff loved the late great Drummer Carlos Vega ! How about a Carlos Vega video?

[@c.e.anderson558]

That Michael McDonald tune also has Steve lukather on the very simple guitar part. His likeways famous band mate. Another impressive session player.

[@GeoffBosco]

Everyone always mentions Pretzel Logic/Katy Lied when talking about Toto history, but it was Jeff/David's work with Seals and Crofts album Diamond Girl that scored them both the Steely Dan gig.

[@robchismar4679]

True and Jeff himself mentioned in his clinic at PIT that Steely Dan went to see him play at a small club in North Hollywood and wanted him specifically for Black Friday. He thought it was odd bcuz he didn't think much of his shuffle groove at that time. mmm

[@79SteelyMatt]

Louie Shelton recommended him to Boz Scaggs for Silk Degrees with David Paich and David Hungate Lukather was only like 17 then so Boz used Louie Shelton and Fred Tackett instead Louie Shelton was a super talented guitarist and producer which I am sure you are well aware

[@robchismar4679]

I always thought Mike Nesmith did the awesome guitar on Valerie but back @2010 Mickey Dolenz was speaking at my work and I had the golden opportunity to ask him and he told me it was Louie Shelton. I’ve learned so much about him ever since. What an incredible body of work he has done. One of The Wrecking Crew greats.

[@adrianoconnor3020]

love the DX7 Rhodes at 12:12,that Mushanga groove is unreal

[@justabill63]

Man. Porcaro has been so influential, on some of my favorite tracks, and a truly class act. Much love.

[@DrummerAndyTaiwan]

Just found your channel weeks ago and really enjoy all these sick content, very educational and informative, you are the best, keep up the good work man! Love from Taiwan 🇹🇼

[@jimilee3383]

Thank you Stew! You most definitely are the funniest most enjoyable teacher I've encountered. I met you once in Savannah Georgia and you were so kind and signed a book I can had featuring you, thanks for being you brother! 💯🥁✌️

[@davidvalderrama1816]

I’m so amazed at this gentleman, no solos?Incredible!

[@Jean-PierreGarau]

Thank you for this. Jeff understood the primacy of pocket. That he was generous made me like and respect him all the more. 🥁

[@affricaFlat]

Loved this video mate!! Thank you!

[@jj11HH]

The legend has it that toto nailed the track Rosanna all together with the 2nd take.

[@hansganneus]

Such an excellent video, thanks!

[@158shm]

A big fan of a lot of these bands and never dug very deep to find out all the the musicians that play in these supergroups, thanks for the history lesson 🎼🎼

[@atimic]

Thank you for doing this video the right way. You let Jeff speak for himself. So many other videos on Jeff's style and feel are simply the video editors interpretation and personal opinions.

[@TraceyPruitt]

I always respected him for his commitment to being a husband and father, then musician. I wish I could have met him. People with the ability to enrich the lives of others don't come along very often.

[@ChinoBerraco]

Awesome 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@BugMateo]

Great summary vid... thanks!

[@johnned4848]

Great video that illuminates the technique and the philosophy of this great drummer. You ask for drummer suggestions? Okay , Simon Phillips on his first big gig-- with Brian Eno's 801 band. Incredible powerhouse drumming that totally made the songs take flight. Underappreciated classic