Joe Morello on Conan O'Brien - Take Five

Great jazz drummer Joe Morello plays "Take Five" by Paul Desmond on Late Night with Conan O'Brien in 1995.
For years I only showed this to drum students, and am happy to be able to share it now. I often showed this to demonstrate that all drummers, no matter how great, will drop their stick at an inconvenient time. You just keep going! We all know what a musical drummer Joe was, but it has been especially refreshing to hear from students of his over the years, including Dan Gotlieb, of what a great teacher and inspiration he was as well.
Based on some comments, I believe the rest of the band is: Ralph LaLama on tenor sax, Gary Mazzurapi on bass, and Greg Kogan on piano.
kjazzvid

[@wb1065]

Joe not only “played drums on the song “. He created the rhythm and shaped the song forever.

[@redrick8900]

The piano player created the rhythm. Half of drummers do something completely different with this song.

[@elliotglaser1718]

@@redrick8900no, the song was created off of a 5/4 groove joe morello developed. Brubeck did the progression and Desmond did the melody, but it was originally conceived of by morello and wouldn’t have existed without him.

[@redrick8900]

@@elliotglaser1718 BS. The drum beat has nothing to do with the main rhythm of the song.

[@jamesrobert4106]

​@elliotglaser1718 Correct. Brubeck says on a video interview, that he heard a practice that Joe was doing and out of it came this segment of 5/4.

[@jamesrobert4106]

​@@redrick8900Dave Brubeck FULLY explains who did what in a video interview. Look it up.

[@chrisjohnson4165]

Joe Morello, you were a MONSTER!! All drummers need to know this fact: John Bonham, when he first went to the USA, first thing he did was go and see his idol, Joe Morello. Let that sink in.

[@Shopgirl49]

Wow

[@lastkayleeuw6706]

Why is Bonham supposoed to be such a great drummer I do not get it.

[@starspangled2206]

Last Kayle EUW dumb comment

[@TheBossWithMoney]

@@lastkayleeuw6706 power, groove, extremely tight rhythm, ability to do whatever the song needed, the list goes on. try not to be awed at Good Times Bad Times, When the Levee Breaks, live versions of No Quarter, and especially Fool in the Rain. he really was top tier.

[@lastkayleeuw6706]

@@TheBossWithMoney yeah obviously he is a very good and professional drummer but I seriously think there are many more who push him off of the list of best drummers.

[@CraigLumpyLemke]

Joe Morello's drumming always reminded me of Jackie Chan's martial arts. Relaxed, immersed, not rushed, always where it needed to be.

[@jettaeschroff6924]

Jackie Chan doesn't move fast or slow. He moves at just the right time, at the right speed, so it looks and feels effortless.

[@CraigLumpyLemke]

@@jettaeschroff6924 Very true. Jackie and Joe reduce extraneous movements. Like old tradesmen working on carpentry or plumbing or machining. Allow the (limited) human body energy to be spent purposefully on the task, not haphazardly on nonessential muscle movement(s). "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast" (pistol marksmen). You can actually measure the glycogen/sodium pump/mitochondrial activity in accessory muscle groups and see changes when you attempt to "quiet" some of those muscle groups. Exciting stuff, I'm sure. It'll gain you a Master's degree if you like..:-) All of that notwithstanding, the role of the audience's desire to see fireworks and face makeup is a perfectly valid part of that kind of performance. It's likely that Heavy Metal and Head Banger fans aren't impressed by drummers with economy of movement. On the other hand, the Shoe gazer fans might indeed be moving toward economy of motion, at least from the audience participation side.

[@randy319]

@@jettaeschroff6924 so yeah just like Joe

[@ifeelsick258]

Jackie Chan is an actor. Fighting is also not art.

[@CraigLumpyLemke]

@@ifeelsick258 I agree, Jackie Chan is an actor. The moves he makes while "Acting like fighting" illustrate the "Reduced extraneous movements" I'm talking about. Joe too is an actor. Both of them are presenting their learned and practiced physical movements to the audience. On "Fighting is not art" - I would argue that at any kind of exhibition level, amateur or professional, it certainly is art. They're not trying to injure or kill each other, they are playing a game with structure and rules and scoring points. Art is exactly that. Play the violin, paint a landscape, dance a ballet, fight 3 minute rounds. It's all the artist exhibiting his/her learned and practiced skills to the audience.

[@rimshot2952]

And that my fellow drummers, is how it's done.

[@fabiofreitas1402]

yeap

[@jeffs1271]

His drums sounded great, too. Rock drums playing jazz. Oooh, yeah.

[@papawbk]

Beautifully done by a true legend. Much respect.

[@luckyvet]

RIP Joe. I'm curious how many people realize he's completely blind.

[@Romans--bo7br]

@@luckyvet.... Joe was Not "Clinically/Medically blind" but was... "legally blind" as he was Partially blind from birth (July, 1928) and remained so until he passed away on Mar. 12th 2011.

[@winnersofchampions]

Love it when accidents happen and a master like Joe Morello can recover. Just beautiful!

[@morbidmanmusic]

Honestly...as a drummer, that was a crap recovery. Took way too long.

[@jasonyoung9226]

​@@morbidmanmusicnot sure if you're aware of it but Morello was registered blind (hence the dark glasses) so it's not unreasonable for his recovery time to deal with this to be a little longer than an able bodied drummer. Despite his age and disability he knocked it out of the park and never missed a beat. I think given his legendary status in the world of drumming maybe a little more respect is due here 🤷

[@julianyo7072]

@@morbidmanmusic I say that for a blind man that was amazing. Let's see how you fare blinfolded.

[@joelalexander4513]

I think he already is, lol.@@julianyo7072

[@yvesd_fr1810]

A similar accident happenned to Chico hamilton at a Paris concert I attended at the Dreher's. A piece of the stick broke and hit Chico in the eye. He unfortunately had to stop the concert... But more fear than trouble at the end for his eye.

[@pablobruning4508]

Drops his stick, fumbles around for another, yet plays flawlessly. How great is that!!!

[@frankburdodrums8984]

He truly is one of the all time greats.

[@tiyenin]

3:31

[@philmoran393]

And almost blind! How great was Joe Morello!

[@user181]

Yes, that’s the mark of a great musician. If you were only listening, you wouldn’t notice it.

[@SantiagoBsAs]

Joe makes himself one with the drum kit when he plays. A true Master!

[@heyitsbacon599]

Picks up two timp mallets before he can find another drumstick haha! You could see it in his face, "are you kidding me?". What a legend.

[@normc.9705]

He was blind from diabetes.

[@Bronco541]

what a save! If you weren't watching the video and just listening, you'd never know a mistake happened.

[@jdion79]

haha epic! why'd he even have them on deck???

[@74dartman13]

CallMeBronco that's absolutely correct! That's skill!

[@grandpied]

He didn't need that stick anyway.

[@bobbysands6923]

Nice that Conan recognized this sometimes forgotten master. He was a great guy as well as a HOF drummer.

[@DrJ-hx7wv]

Very nice. Up the 'ra.

[@CaryCotterman]

A popular late-night talk show putting on talent and musical sophistication of this level today is inconceivable.

[@Roy-or6ev]

But we drummers who continually strive to improve our technique, wish there were such TV shows!

[@Jimmy_Watt]

I was thinking that thought 15 seconds into this. Music like that isn't marketable to anyone watching.

[@JohnChapman7]

Jon Batiste having daily national exposure was pretty cool.

[@redrick8900]

This isn't that sophisticated. It's a really easy jazz standard most competent musicians can play.

[@ser_igel]

@@redrick8900 it's not about who can play it it's about who can write it but cmon don't be a fucking snob, DOMi & JD BECK were on both jimmys' shows and they have more both talent and musical sophistication than everyone here combined

[@whydidwedothat]

I was lucky enough to take lessons with Joe. R.I.P. my friend. Forever missed.

[@spark_6710]

Wow ! Lucky you ! There a few saying the same here ! And I have met more said that ! 💜💜💜💜🥁🎵🐉🎤🎶💖💕💞

[@Simp_Zone]

Well that shut me up. Time to practice

[@seethoseareyourtearsman.1758]

@diver dave goodbye then

[@doubleaja3415]

diver dave not with that attitude

[@kristiannissen6366]

how is practice comming along lol

[@douglascarducci6977]

Damn even losing his stick he didn't miss a beat in the middle of that solo, there was so many nuggets in that couple minutes...great stuff

[@cmtso7409]

lets split a bit of appreciation to Conan O brien for having some quality music on the show

[@CaryCotterman]

I can't imagine this level of musical sophistication on any late-night show today.

[@tonygeee8466]

His mistakes are better than 99% of our best days! Awesomely done

[@krenwregget7667]

wow, good on Conan for having him on as musical guest and you gotta love that recovery.

[@nomadsolos]

I was honored to have been taught a lesson or two with him it was in 1967, and I was an aspiring Drummer in High School. He was legally blind then, but could put a drum chart up to his 1/2 thick glasses and read the chart, then lay it down and play the chart flawlessly. His command of his hands with those drumsticks were the most awesome thing I have ever seen. Joe Morello I think felt that it was his duty to give back by helping young drummers develop as players. I know he was responsible for helping at least one of them, I will never forget him!

[@stevenmckenzie2741]

Gary Strader I

[@johndoe-bw6pj]

What a great story, thanks for sharing....

[@iiWNMii]

My drum teacher, Marshall Maley took lessons from him and spoke fondly of the man.

[@godbluffvdgg]

Great story! Thanks for sharing it! My god, just when I feel old ...:)...I was 7 in 67...I hope you had a beautiful life filled with love and friendship and I hope this comment finds you well and Playing Caravan in a big band...:)

[@shivaumesh1129]

Awesome!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@carnivalwrestler]

Joe was very famous among us drummers in the 60's. "Take Five" was a crossover hit and was even played on some Top 40 stations, if I recall correctly. The 5/4 beat with a waltz/swing pattern was mesmerizing. The pinnacle of cool. Probably many rock drummers of the time were influenced by him. I switched from rock to jazz because of him. He's so musical. I bought many Dave Brubeck albums, because, as a drummer, I could not NOT listen to Joe Morello. RIP Joe, we love you still.

[@butchcassidy3373]

Joe was so good people have walked off stage because they could not keep up. He was John Bonhams idol and one of the best to ever sit behind a kit.

[@drumlover1687]

That's why he's one of the greats. He drops a stick, picks up two mallets before grabbing another stick, and never loses time! Total pro.

[@davismiller9427]

Morello is the most musical drummer in history. Period.

[@petec9686]

+Davis Miller what ^^^^^ said.

[@conantroutman76]

yup

[@musicmusic6595]

agreed!!

[@johnnymossville]

after listening to this I cannot argue your point. the guy is an inspiration.

[@carlrest6553]

It appears Bonham thought so as well.

[@whatspadethinks]

Morello was "legally blind" but I remember reading in Modern Drummer that he said he still could see movement and shapes. Even still his playing is extraordinary. I love Buddy Rich, but that frenetic energy he always had could be a bit much, I dug cats like Morello & Louie Bellson who had a smoothness to their playing. Were they technically "as good" as Rich? I don't think that's the question to ask. Did they move me like Rich could? Absolutely.

[@spark_6710]

Well said ! You just mention my favourite drumers there !!! I used to waite L. Bellson to come out on late night tv show , it was so exciting like watching a magician ! Lol. I love Harvey Mason ! Ian Paice . And Jon Lee ,my soulmate ! All great ,best drummers !!! FABULOUS. 💜💜💜💜🥁🎵🐉🎤🎶💖💕💞p.s.I don't agree about B.Rich was a bit too much ,though ! That was Buddy Rich's style & I appreciated him very much !

[@dbdjay1155]

But joe jones his fills were unmatched

[@M3MYS3LFNiixX]

who cares who is the best or worse. Man these guys were the best of the best

[@andymartin8162]

Morello exceeded Rich in technique. Probably the only drummer at the time you can say that about.

[@JonHop1]

@@andymartin8162 Morello's left hand was probably THE best ever..

[@GregZO6]

I've been blessed to have been a student of the World's greatest drummers. I started learning drums under the tutelage of the great Charlie Wilcoxen. My first Ludwig drumset came from the factory and, to my delight, was signed by one of Charlie's greatest students...Joe Morello! I'll own that set forever...

[@werehavingaparty1]

I had the incredible good fortune of having Joe Morello as my drum teacher for about 6 months in the 70's. He worked with me in the attic floor of the Dorn & Kirschner music store in Union, NJ. I learned more from Joe in 6 months than from any other teacher in which I spent years! Everything from how to properly hold the sticks for the greatest balance and speed to effective rudiments to the full drum set. Guys traveled for 6-8 hours just to take a 1 hour lesson. RIP Joe! Miss you!

[@PeteTittwobbler]

If you close your eyes, and just listened, you wouldn't know he dropped a stick. You wouldn't hear it because he was still playing a really musical solo with one hand as he was searching for the correct stick with the other.

[@james.network]

That is awesome! You are 100% correct.

[@solidkingcobra]

yeah friggin bad@$$.

[@musshwins412]

I didn't even know he dropped a stick, until I read it in the comments. I was listening to his solo, while reading and I didn't notice at all.

[@princeigor5895]

Yes a true master of his craft..

[@camprandy]

@@musshwins412 same

[@OGxBUCCWEET]

You see how he dropped a stick at 3:30 and still kept the ball rolling? That's the mark of a true musician. Fucking genius!!! Hands down one of the best drummers of all time.

[@supermeuhmeuh]

3:38 that move when he switches his stick position in his left hand.... just beautiful

[@jmag579]

supermeuhmeuh I like the move at 3:31 better. 😆😆

[@neocollective]

I like when at 3:48 he flips his left hand stick around to have more power for the finale :)

[@neocollective]

I like when at 3:48 he flips his left hand stick around to have more power for the finale :)

[@brickstosticks4281]

Cra zee

[@2ndAveScents]

One of my favorite songs of all time

[@spark_6710]

Yes ,mine ,too !!! But ,it's a piece,actually ,not a song ! As there's no vocal ! 💜💜💜🥁🎵🐉🎤🎶💕💞

[@shailovaranjanshukla3571]

So happy to see they actually had the good sense to capture his left hand so close at the high hat at 1:47

[@ianboard544]

That bit with the high hat was wonderful to listen to and watch.

[@gddrummer13]

Personally, my favourite drummer. I know Buddy's usually pinned as number one, but I'd still rank this guy number one.

[@timothyfoley240]

One of the best of all time - style in spades. RIP master Joe

[@spark_6710]

👍💜💜💜💜🥁🎵🐉🎤🎶💖💕💞

[@ENB1968]

Fishes for THREE drumsticks and never misses a single beat. My god.

[@furtherdefinitions1]

The bass player behind him is my old friend Gary Mazaroppi

[@SadChimchar]

Wow

[@lilybond6485]

Yes. Wow. That is very impressive.

[@Big_C_4205]

@@lilybond6485 impressive, most impressive.

[@wjcolon]

Big up to Gary for playing Eugene's notes

[@one-o-four889]

For a second I thought that was Conan.

[@pmvoice88]

One of the greats. Funny moment at 3:30 when he drops a stick but he never loses the rhythm.

[@morbidmanmusic]

Why would he? Speaking as a drummer. That wouldn't happen unless you were s beginner. Time is in you, not the stick.

[@Mutantcy1992]

@@morbidmanmusicAgreed, I'm no kind of phenom on the drums, but the instances where I lost a stick during a show, I never lost the beat, I mean, ffs, you have one less limb to worry about, it's easier than ever to stay on beat.

[@tcbetka]

I have a whole new respect for Conan, putting something like this on his show. GREAT stuff! The guy was an absolute master. RIP, Mr. Morello.

[@flylooper]

Morello was among the most original and subtle jazz drummers that ever picked up a pair of sticks. Loved him as a kid and I still love him now .

[@mikeeagen7724]

A master percussionist, demonstrating that one need not be bombastic to prove one's skills. Joe was a freaking genius. He and Eugene Wright with the Dave Brubeck Quartet were one of the great rhythm sections of all time, and one needn't wear hearing protection to enjoy their gifts. I love my rock-n-roll, but this is another level of sophistication altogether, and I feel blessed to have lived in a time when such giants walked the earth.

[@gtnsteve1]

Agree about Morello and Wright. Add in Paul Desmond smooth, musical, exquisitely talented. And then Dave Brubeck. What a great quartet that was!

[@shakespeare_hall4788]

Well said sir ! Truth !

[@JonHop1]

@@gtnsteve1 best of all time in my humble opinion.

[@chevy4x466]

I don’t know shit about drums, I never played that instrument. I do know if I enjoy what drummers play. Certain drummers have mind blowing speed, but What they play is forgettable. The jazz quartets as I watch and listen is essentially rock and roll. Rock subs out the wind instruments for guitars. The electric guitar buried jazz for a while. But I think we have listened to plenty o guitar 🎸 by now. I am really enjoying listening to all the jazz I can lately.

[@jayklesdrumchannel-drumsan9782]

How can you not be inspired by such greatness ! 🥁

[@anthonyortega5467]

This old guy is playing with smooth finesse not even breaking a sweat😎

[@MrSonordrumr]

What a legend! His one hand is faster than most with two. Great show!

[@MyDyerMaker]

Very musical drumming. Hard not to like his playing.

[@U2WB]

I had the privilege to study with Joe. He had hands and heart of gold. Massive, awe-inspiring talent and absolutely no ego. A gentleman and a master of the drums.

[@princeigor5895]

Oh Joe your playing takes my breath away..RIP my man

[@spark_6710]

INDEED !💖💜💜💜💜🥁🎵🐉🎤🎶💖💕💞

[@csisalesbasics673]

One of the greatest drummers of all time. In any era or playing any genre. Amazing showmanship. Pure class. Before commenting, we should try to duplicate his solo in 5/4. Incredible

[@MrJazzohjazz]

Joe was outstanding drummer. This solo was wonderful. Ralph LaLama was on Tenor for this gig and played a wonderful solo. The Dave Brubeck Quartet was one of the finest groups in the business.

[@CraigStCyrPlus]

I love how Joe wore his condo attire to the Conan O'Brien show.

[@abc456f]

The sax lacked the dynamics of the originsl.

[@osocool1too]

Mr Cool, Joe Morello never skips a beat as he did 35 + years before....I also would've loved to have heard his interview afterwards, offering an insight into this gifted musician.

[@canineguy672]

Joe Morello was a drummer's drummer and a musician's musician. His understated power was always evident and a delight to hear. Godspeed Joe.

[@quicktastic]

Let me just keep playing here while I search for another stick. The show must go on. That was amazing. A legend. :)

[@richarddyoung1270]

One of the great drummers of our time, without question.

[@onejazzdrummer]

One of the best. Kudos to Conan for featuring this old genius on the drums.

[@Shopgirl49]

Best drummer I’ve ever seen ❤️🥁

[@rodmcdonough6111]

I thought I saw every one of Conans shows... I cant believe I missed this one. My life is complete now, seeing live JOE MORELLO doing one of his best solos that you can see up close. He does all his classic Joe Morello stuff that you crave, and pulls out things many drummers would not attempt. Look at that left hand... it's faster and more developed than ever. He did the criss-cross tom combo stuff, his snare-only pyrotechnics which is a solo in itself, and double timed all of it at the end. He could have lost his stick a dozen times and his solo would still kick my ass all the way back to my first Mousekateer tin and paper drum, which is where I truly belong!

[@DG-sf9ei]

Even if someone dislikes jazz, they'd still love this. Great musicians open people's mind, and Joe has that talent.

[@j.s.connolly8579]

Neil Peart once stated... "An 'AMATEUR' take the Easy and makes it Look Difficult. A 'MASTER' takes the Impossible... and makes it look EASY!" :D

[@daggzg]

amen to that :)

[@ronineditor9920]

This guy was an absolute legend in the 50's... so far ahead of his time. I've been drumming 30 years and still am trying to learn everything he can do. If he walked into a music store and wanted to sit at a kit looking like some older guy off the street, people would be rolling their eyes, kinda laughing... until he played.

[@CaryCotterman]

That's one thing I would have loved to see happen!

[@tonymclaughlin2305]

Ignorant gulpins might laugh..real musicians,even those who didn't know him, respect fellow players of differing talents..everyone has to start somewhere...

[@ronineditor9920]

@@tonymclaughlin2305 Yup. If you didn't know him, the second he held the sticks... you should know he's a legend. He's so damn fluid, it's amazing. Just effortless.

[@richardlewis6183]

Saw Joe give a drum clinic in Louisville, Kentucky in the early 60's He broke one stick and another flew away like in this video but he was able to grab replacements without missing a beat and went on to leave all present in awe by performing all of this in two separate time signatures.

[@DG-sf9ei]

Doesn't matter what age or genre of music your into, this speaks to everyone. This man was ahead of his time, and always will be, the finale of this song is stadium worthy.

[@larrycrabb5469]

Without doubt the best drummer we have ever witnessed, total control even losing a stick

[@robertlavrakas7442]

Ever heard of Buddy rich?

[@larrycrabb5469]

@@robertlavrakas7442 Yes Robert, I have 3 Buddy Rich Big Band albums (vinyl of course). I would rate Buddy Rich as a dynamic driving drummer, Jo Morello as a brilliant technician.

[@ragnarkristoffersen]

Never heard a drummer like that. I am speechless.

[@chevy4x466]

Watch more old jazz vids.

[@drumsport]

Pure genius. Another legend we will be studying for years to come. RIP Sir.

[@lonely_ghost9857]

As a drummer and Percussionist of almost 7 years, I like this guy and honestly I'm glad I started to find out more about Joe Morello.

[@MrJosh6889]

Watching Mr. Morello play is a thing of beauty. Clearly a life long passion, and it shows.

[@c.johnson1691]

He's so amazing! A couple years ago, I found a video of him demonstrating the "whipping motion." His prattle along with his demonstration is priceless. A first class sense of humor in addition to his drumming skills.

[@user-cj8ex3ed1t]

眼が不自由なのに、歳をとられても、素晴らしいドラムありがとうございます。

[@rossie714]

Can’t get out of my head the pressure that was on the sax player to perform his part. One chance, no safety net. Joe Morello naturally was incredible.

[@DidYouReadEULA]

The melody is consistent throughout the whole solo...you can hum it and not get lost, amazing Maestro.

[@StratBurst92]

You do not even have to like jazz to appreciate this masterpiece. Joe Morello and Sandy Nelson are my favorite drummers.

[@florianwolf9380]

One of the best drum solos I have ever heard - EVER !

[@bucksix1]

In 1952 in Washington DC, the Kenton Orchestra was in town. Stan Levy was out sick. Joe Morello took over that night and played all those complicated arrangement as if he had been playing them all his life. What a remarkable musician!!!!!!!!!

[@michaelgreen5206]

OMG, face melted off by Joe, again!!! Joe is drum God/Master for me, especially for playing in odd time signatures like 5/4 and 9/8. His high-hat playing reminds me of Max Roach, while his left hand's (arm) ability to go under and over his right hand/arm and hit the floor tom is reminiscent of Buddy Rich. RIP to one of the BEST DRUMMERS EVER!!!!!

[@daddydave3541]

IVE got so much admiration for this man.

[@xxwantedxx]

EPIC STICK RECOVERY AT THE END!

[@fbo5987]

+Georgemmac i thought he was gonna go for it with that mallet

[@Johnnycdrums]

+FBO ; Never missing a beat in five, ain't bad.

[@tambourini]

YES!!!

[@richardgoldman8761]

Story of my life, dropping a stick in a solo.

[@shkeni]

And the guy was blind. Incredible.

[@davidgesslin5097]

Thank you sir for dropping that stick, I didn't think you were human at first.

[@misfit2022]

Listen to how musical this solo is. Most solos drummers just want to throw their chops in but this builds as a solo should. Less of the super fast handspeed and more of a well composed piece of music. Amazing.

[@starskimusic]

Kept the rhythm even when losing and hunting for his sticks

[@ajn465]

starskimusic ...in 5/4 no less!

[@jamesconnors5653]

Joe is the best drummer I have ever seen. The best.

[@mugshot749]

In a long life of being a jazz fan, since I saw him live with Dave Brubeck in the 1960 Joe Morello is the best drummer I have ever seen.

[@kevinwebb2480]

Joe Morello is a genius. Took up the violin at age 6, played as soloist wit the Boston Symphony Orchestra at 9! Then took up the drums. Beats Rich and Krupa (Showmen) into a cocked hat.

[@BlazeDrumArtist]

That ride cymbol is heavenly

[@rick3747]

Buddy was the technical king but Joe was the musical king.

[@orkycathcart6397]

WHAT A MASTER OF THE DRUMS !!!!!! I'M JUST SO GLAD TO BE HONORED TO WATCH HIS PERFORMANCE !!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU JOE , YOU ARE THE BEST !!!!!

[@orkycathcart6397]

MAN CAN THAT CAT RATTLE THE SKINS !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@garethlorman1136]

He IS the man, amazing, smooth as silk and a true professional 👏👏 a total pleasure to watch

[@sammyvh11]

Pure pro with the stick flop. Kept his cool recovered fully. Amazing

[@BN-xj8wr]

GOD I CAN FEEL IT IN MY BONES. HE HAS SUCH A GREAT FEEL. I WOULD NEED MORE THAN A SADDLE TO RIDE THAT BEAT THE WAY THIS LEGEND HAS.

[@kernalsanders6538]

What an AMAZING groove. Joe Morello what a jazz GIANT. This solo is astounding so incredibly musical and dynamic. He pulls that sound right out of those drums and just makes those drums sound fantastic.

[@malinwj1167]

This is one of those tunes that sounds good at just about any tempo

[@shaunheffernan7651]

The first record I bought was Take 5 and it's still one of my favorites! Joe Morello was in my opinion the outstanding drummer in his field. What a wonderful moment when he drops a stick and the way he recovered! Us drummers have all been there and dropped stick reassuring to know even Mr. Morello could do it as well!

[@motorcaster57]

that is just an unfuckingbelievable drum solo right there people.... Brilliant hands just brilliant ... man those are blazing fast groupings in 5/4 .... I have heard of him many times but I haven't listened... Some of these people are superhuman!!!!!!!! I can see why Bonham wanted to see him play!!!!! What a musical drummer he was.....

[@massapower]

And that's how you play DRUMS !😎🤘

[@stivcee]

Joe could play a more interesting solo with one hand than many drummers can with two.

[@heatherperleberg7816]

So can that guy from Def Leppard

[@ericgendell8874]

That was great. Love the way he plays.

[@tonyvincent9753]

Broke my heart to see him drop the stick. It was the perfect drum solo!

[@ablethevoice]

Holy crap. I've been listening to this guy for years but never watchen him till just now! If I hadn't been watching, I'd have never known that he dropped a stick in that solo!

[@telegsa015]

definitely one of the best drummers ever, you're a champion Joe!

[@BHAKTIBROPHY]

Ahh..Joe lived one town over. Continued teaching as long as he could. TAKE FIVE changed my life. What a brilliant piece of music! Taking jazz lessons (from one of Joe's students) helped me understand Zappa's crazy/beautiful time sigs, etc. In terms of music history, listen to the music before TAKE FIVE and then the music after; it's influence was/is phenomenal.

[@Earthdogbonzo3]

Amazing talent! A true original and archetype, one of the great architects of modern drumming and music!

[@anneallman1]

I had the extreme honour of visiting Joe in his studio in Ft. Lee many, many years ago. I was drumming then ("guitarring" now) and Joe talked about being a complete musician and listening to the other players...never overwhelming. A genius and a very dear man. An inspiration and a great teacher. Thank you, Joe. You touched so many lives...especially mine.

[@whodathunkitwhodathunkit8532]

Wow, how lucky you were!

[@anneallman1]

@@whodathunkitwhodathunkit8532 Yes, sir. I was. Thank you.

[@alanpetsche]

Joe Morello doesn't need the second stick.

[@stuartcarswell2815]

This is true 🙏

[@andymartin8162]

Man--his drums sound SO GOOD!

[@chocolatefrogs1992]

Take Five isn't the first jazz song I heard, but it's definitely the first one I enjoyed hearing. I remember thinking how weird and awesome the drum solo was. Can't believe he could still bang those things so beautifully despite being blind.

[@EthanHGray]

So nice! THIS is how to solo to a song and as a drummer keep the melody in the minds of the listeners!