Marvin "Smitty" Smith and Steve Smith - Drum Solo Duet (HQ)

Buddy Rich Memorial Concert
Ritz Theater in New York City on April 8, 1991

[@BrynnerAgassi]

Admit it. You’re here because of Hutch, and it’s a good thing you are 👊🏻

[@zep1117]

why everybody said they were here because of Hutch? I'm curious. what did he said

[@drewper73]

I kept hoping for Smitty to put a little more space between his notes. He was all blazing, all the time. Throw a little contrast in there. It's hard to tell what's being played if everything is one big roll around the kit. Kudos to Steve Smith for incorporating some polyrhythmic stuff and some funky beats.

[@fivepiece]

One of the most admirable things about Steve Smith is that he's more than a Master, he's a Master Student. The guy never quits learning, studying, or exploring. If you want to be great, don't just master the instrument, master the STUDY of it. Steve is a textbook example of this.

[@paulholdway5647]

No doubt bout that

[@Polpiv4tifish]

10 years ago I thought Marvin did the better job hands down, but now with more maturity I have a far greater appreciation of what Steve is doing.

[@seukfuhi]

Hey, exact same here ! Actually, I now prefer Steve's style.

[@alejandrofichetti9466]

Me too

[@srklgk]

Same thoughts!

[@h96pro32]

nah!! Marvin was better 20 years ago...10 years ago ....5 years ago!!!!

[@joconnell8145]

I always thought Marvin ruined this bit. He played as if he was trying to "one up" Steve every time.

[@polara01]

Incredibly hard to believe this was over 30 years ago... Even harder to believe that Steve Smith is twice as good now than he was then.

[@KDN97]

Cope. Smitty is him Steve sucks

[@davidnissim9203]

While Smitty’s second solo was mind-blowing, I feel like he was just trying to outplay Steve at some parts. Both of them gave impressive performances, but Steve played a lot more cleanly.

[@panziniman]

......and musically

[@joconnell8145]

Totally agree, every since I saw this when it was released I always thought Marvin was trying to "one up" everything Steve did.

[@331paradiddle]

I love how they listen to each other and finish the idea of the other one. Thats called music. Not just spewing all the licks you worked on.

[@nickavenoso7851]

Yeah, that’s why I love a lot of the older drummers, because all the drummers today just try to show their chops instead of actually playing for the music, and a lot of drum duets that I’ve seen today, are just drummers trying to play as many chops as they can, in this case they’re actually playing together and listening to each other, and not trying to show who has the better chops

[@ChocoDrum03]

Mr. Smith wins

[@charlesfranklin3533]

No Competition here in My Honest Opinion Marvin Smitty Smith Wore Steve Smith out. Look at Steve's face when Marvin was Playing. He knew he was totally Out Classed in this friendly Competition.

[@CaliforniaBushman]

I was at this show at The Ritz in Manhattan in 1991. Got to see Max Roach do a clinic. Play The Drum Also Waltzes. And speak to the audience. Smith & Smith drum battle was epic.

[@WavesByWayne]

Steve Smith absolutely killed it! I enjoyed his Performance because he was very clean and quite musical. I could understand all of his notes. That's why Steve got my vote for this one.

[@joseperez8695]

yeah right

[@paulholdway5647]

Marvin is a humming bird steve is more musical

[@KalashniYuri]

Agreed. Marvin’s stuff is waaaaaay more advanced and not for the novice listener.

[@0u812ski]

No Voting...thats an acquired social malady

[@ernestlmorellsr]

I do believe that Steve has great admiration for Smitty and that he's glad to share the stage with him...It show at the 4:min mark, both are glad to be playing with each other.......

[@knicksmithmusic]

Marvin Smitty Smith a Beast on the drums. There is a big difference between feeling and technique. Marvin Smitty Smith a master at both. If a comparison is made Marvin’s feel is definitely more relaxed and he definitely took whatever Steve played to a higher level. Both are good but Marvin is definitely the beast and the master.

[@journeyon1983]

Both have differing styles and both are excellent drummers. Can't we just leave it at that? All I can say is don't we just love our drummers, no matter who they are.

[@percusseon6016]

SICK FLURRIES UP IN HERE

[@fearthechin]

Hutch brought me here

[@zep1117]

Was wondering, why everybody said they were here because of Hutch? what did he said on this one

[@ModernLove100]

Marvin Smitty Smith is such a beast on drums! I saw him play jazz fusion in 1986 or 1987 at a huge jazz festival together with Steve Coleman's Five Elements and Marvin went wild with the most amazingly impossible beats & fills in all kinds of time signatures. There were so many legendary drummers in the audience that night enjoying the show and every one of them knew a new era had begun. Then Marvin did that awesome Opening Night jazz album together with Kevin Eubanks and I also remember seeing him live in the 80's with his own jazz group and with jazz singer Cassandra. Marvin was already a master of drums back then and had everyone's respect from the start. Meanwhile Steve Smith performed at the same festival together with the group Steps Ahead (live 1986 'Beirut!') and later on with Vital Information ('The Perfect Date'). Plus Steve also recorded with highly technical metal guitarists such as Tony Macalpine and Ritchie Kotzen ('Strut It') . Steve Smith has always been extremely versatile.

[@alejandrofichetti9466]

Marvin does not wait Steve to finish some of his parts, bad attitude

[@MegaLJ3]

Two different styles with two different ideas of expression. none is better than the other, just different.

[@frankburdodrums8984]

Neither really out shines the other but Smitty clearly is faster and sounded better.

[@gar783]

I would love to know if you are a drummer because clearly there is a huge difference

[@warrenoids]

@@gar783 Between what?

[@nickavenoso7851]

@@frankburdodrums8984 I agree about what you said that neither really out shines the other, but your second comment, I don’t really agree with because, imo, it’s not really about speed.

[@KDN97]

Smitty is way better

[@EliteOfTheRad]

OK, what I think many people here in the comments are missing is that this is a drum battle in front of an audience. Showmanship is very important, not just musicality. You might be the most musical drummer on the planet, but in this kind of performance context, if you don't show off and add pizzazz to your solo, it's not going to really excite and engage with the audience. Another thing that people here in the comments seem to be missing is that both Steve and the audience are wow-ed by Smitty's ability to play what Steve just played, but play it twice as fast. It's a direct challenge to Steve and a show of brute drumming force, which, again, captures the spirit of this kind of performance context. Colaiuta plays the same way in his battle with Weckl and Gadd, and that's why Colaiuta is just so much more exciting to watch.

[@Voltahgandhi]

It's a big shame that youtube holds so little videos of Marvin Smith.

[@thenel2162]

i had to comment! wow some of the comments are so fucking ignorant. Both of these guys are world class musicians! U can have your op about which approach u liked more but really. They are light years better drummers that anyone commenting on this board and better musicians. Get real and save your bullshit! Just enjoy.

[@NIKONGUY1960]

Marvin reminds me of Tony Williams. Mr.Steve's wide and varied background shows up at all times of the night.

[@kayaa1234567]

Who also came here because of hutchmaniac

[@drumfeck5970]

Gotta love Steve with the full tuxedo and Reebok sneakers🤣

[@xsydor26]

He wears dress shoes now most of the time … lol

[@ArchieBC]

Marvin played like they were "cutting heads." Steve played with class and distinction. Steve would lay down some of the tastiest licks and grooves and Marvin would just try to outplay him.

[@hernvillie]

I think Steve knew that off the bat. The way he’d look over and smile seemed to be that kind of indication.

[@nickavenoso7851]

Still, they’re both still incredible drummers, at least Steve looked like he was having fun, instead of being angry at Smitty, because he was trying to outplay him.

[@h96pro32]

🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@mcufre]

Steve smith has lots of class, smitty has as someone else said, ungodly speed

[@fredherbert1400]

I didn't know Steve Urkel could play drums!

[@jessellhill1483]

Fred Herbert I didn't know Barney Fife to play drums one bullet

[@frankspikes4867]

I met ' Steve Urkel' some years back at pro drum in Hollywood around 06/07. Heard him play in the store. The Jay Leno show did not do his talent justice. I also saw Steve Smiths fusion band vital information that same year at the new catalonia club in Hollywood. What a show!! Me and my friend I went with had a ring side seat. We were like 20 feet away!!

[@toddmorrissey8372]

Gotta love the tux with the white geriatric man Reebox.

[@lewisfirth5242]

If I could have 10% of the talent of either Smith here, I'd be a better drummer haha

[@mrthundaboots]

I see so much Tony Williams in both of these guys.

[@naccibobacci]

This is an epic duel. It takes a lot of nut to battle like that. Sure they are there to celebrate Rich and they can call it a "Duet" but that was a battle. Reminds me of the Gatti-Ward fight with the same hug at the end. I give it to Steve Smith for his groove and musicality and the way he always finishes his phrasing but like I said it was a battle. Neil Peart was smart to sit this one out; he would have been eatin' alive.

[@ENIGMVTIK]

It's a "duet", not a duel.

[@jonwhite549]

I think he knew that if you read his comment well enough.

[@JulioFalavigna]

Ok, please don't get me wrong: As amazing as they were, over the opening solos, I see two drummers emulating Tony Williams at a Buddy Rich memorial concert. Kudos to all of them!

[@augsdoggs]

Definitely Tony!

[@DougDinsdale]

@eqsmooth That's fine and why I prefaced my comments about Steve. When it comes to musicality, competition takes a back seat. But as much as it was a billed as a duet, it was an old fashioned cutting contest, in the spirit of Buddy or Chick Webb. And in that sense, Smitty buried him with speed, power and precision. He took everything Steve played up a notch. That doesn't take away from the musicality of what Steve did. I've studied with one of Steve's teachers and really enjoy his playing.

[@Taikomaniac]

Luv the Hilite exclusive kit with the copper hardware and the bell brass pic signature snare epic. The pic was in during the period. Yamaha custom maples were the big seller ala Weckl and Colaiuta setup with a pic snare.

[@d.stiefel869]

Both of these guys are just outstanding. But when looking at both of them together you clearly see the differences. Smitty is definitely throwing unbelievable speed out there with some outstanding playing but the lack of technique is really showing, especially when it comes to traditional grip. Smitty is still able to play like an absolute monster but the technique and precision is no where close to Steve. In 2021, this is still one of the best drum battles I've ever seen.

[@jess57600]

Extra-ordinnaire batteurs, très haute performences,et subtils en plus, super bien règlé et beaucoups de talents.................génial ces deux musiciens, des phénomènes de l'instrument !

[@thenel2162]

one more thing, seems steve smith has improved his playing a million fold since this video. He seems very stiff here. But great none the less.

[@gigisdad]

+daron nelson Maybe he's not used to playing in a tux.

[@drumsNstuff79]

He is wearing Reebox though.. lol.. with his tux.

[@ryancox5097]

Why were you paying so much attention to his body language? Maybe try listening to the SOUND instead.

[@dallasstiles118]

I believe he credits Gruber for that.

[@dallasstiles118]

@@ryancox5097 I think they're connected

[@drumdude46]

As much as i am the hugest fan of Steve Smith....Wow...Marvin....One of the "Original Church-Chop's Drummers just blazing here! ... Ridiculous...( and obviously, 'The White Guy'...ain't no slouch either) lol!

[@BenMichalowicz]

While Marvin Smith was faster and did some pretty crazy moves, which were mind blowing, I found that Steve overall had a better overall flow. While I do condone crazy fills and blazing speed mixed with everything, I enjoy the flow. Basically, if Steve and Marvin were put into a mega "Smith," it would be quite the show.

[@scottvelardo700]

That Sonor Hilite Kit sounds amazing!

[@JeremySmith-sx9oe]

Steve Smith and Marvin Smitty smith dynamic drum players.

[@vargaso]

Man, this one is hard to call. I'm gonna have to give it to Smitty, if only because I had to deduct points from Steve due to his ugly-ass Reeboks.

[@koracebonner3197]

Marvin took that shit more relaxed effortless and didn't sweat😂😂😂 jkjk

[@vargaso]

Jesus, that was enjoyable. Smitty is ungodly fast and both have chops coming out of every orifice.

[@Diesel0807]

I remember at the time everyone was more impressed with smitty here.. but I remember thinking Steve was playing tastier licks with a lot more musicality and space while Marvin was just blowing as hard as he could .. its interesting seeing the trajectories of these guys Steve got a million times better and Marvin let his playing go a bit

[@DrewDrumma]

Steve Urkel got moves!

[@kevinconway2417]

Steve Smith got taken on a Journey by a guy who wasn't even trying!!!!! Just hang in there, and don't stop believing!!!!!

[@jackjonesdrums42]

Steve shouldn't have let Smitty shake his confidence. At least he was trying to play phrases for a minute. Music always wins against louder faster. Vinnie/Gadd is case in point. No music happening here... I see why Steve was anxious to end that shitheap.

[@rikkyhernandez6511]

Haha yeah you could see right away that Steve got shook by his blazing fast Smitty was. Then he tried to compete with it which is obviously impossible he should have just started grooving to slow him down but instead he got flustered

[@drummer5799]

Its funny how most people are drawn to the faster player. Another example would be the solos between Vinnie Colaiuta, Weckl & Gadd. Most people thought that Vinnie dominated, when in reality, it was Weckl & Gadd that shined. Yes, Vinnie was a little faster, and that was about it.....nothing tasteful in his solo. Plus, Vinnie's toms were tuned lower, giving him more of a "booming " sound, which was more crowd pleasing

[@rikkyhernandez6511]

I know that video. I agree Vinnie was the one I enjoyed least. Gadd dominated that entire video

[@ritabrooks9059]

Marvin has that almost freaky warp speed mixed with an incredible dynamic range. Reminds me a bit of Antonio Sanchez. Amazing playing by both Smiths.

[@JDSoos]

I was at this show! Great night, Omar Hakim was awesome this night, as well! First time I ever saw Smitty.

[@johnnyrabbtv]

At this show live too! Dennis Chambers sat behind us. I freaked out!

[@JDSoos]

That must have been surreal! Glad that I got to see Max Roach at one of these shows, as well! Not sure if it was the same night. I thinks so.

[@andrewboettcher9853]

This was just a delight to watch. Both these men are astounding. I’ll admit my bias as an avid Steve Smith fan , I believe Steve is the greatest student of drumming and also a student of drummers past. As such , he is a chameleon on drums and able to channel so many of his Influences. Smitty is Smitty and should be appreciated for his gift, because if I could play like him, I’d be a happy camper. We don’t need to declare winners in these types of events but simply marvel at the individual talents that make these men so special.

[@vladtepes97]

i think smith is a better drummer than smith. i could be wrong. maybe smith did a better job here than smith. no, it was definitely smith. no, i changed my mind. it was smith.

[@RandyHanley]

Steve Smith's technique is ridiculous. Awesome!

[@remito71]

One is grooving, the other one wants to demonstrate he is faster, stronger, etc...

[@themancable]

@paulo101 Yeah I agree, Smith kicked butt ... but then again Smith was choppin some mean wood. So, yeah, hard to say ... but I'll go with Smith.

[@dan0711123]

Gotta luv that Solo party cup (formerly Sweetheart Plastics )

[@DougDinsdale]

Let me just say that I love Steve Smith's playing and as a duet, this was highly musical. But as a cutting contest- Good Lord! Smitty owned him! Steve knows it and he's such a great drummer he just appreciates the skill and beauty. All great people and musicians have that attitude.

[@smithypeart1]

Steve smith let the young lad have his head and go for it,if you look steve is loving how "smitty" plays,but look it's a drum solo. In my mind being musical is more important.

[@sonorzepp]

although I'm a Sonorman, Smitty's Pearls sounded amazing here

[@chrisrobinson8163]

Steve is a beast using space like that, the straight no chaser cut was is ridiculous

[@MrJesseG123]

blazing speed is cool and all but Steve Smith played some really great stuff that Marvin wouldn't have thought of.

[@DuNordavind]

In a video about Steve Smith and Marvin Smith, I think it might have been better to use their first names. Just a thought...

[@toolband1992]

Prefer SS, for creativity, originality and more musical in his approach; MSS was good but relied on 'random' snare-tom-rolls and just didn't have the same furness as the aforementioned. But great drum battle.

[@grooveclinic]

Steve~~~!!! 🤘🏻

[@dornelli1]

i WAS THERE AND MARVIN JUST SMOKED NEAL PEART OFF IN THEIR DUEL...LOVE NEAL BUT HE HAD NO BUSINESS BEING THERE

[@dnashofficial]

while i agree neil was technically dwarfed by the drummers he shared the stage with that night, two things happened. 1. he brought the love and respect of jazz to many young and aspiring rock drummers for whom that world had been closed off, not the least of which by some of buddy's own criticism of their choice in stylistic interest, and 2. neil RECOGNIZED he was technically dwarfed by the others and strove to reinvent himself as a player, a student, and a musician. people recognized that and loved him even more for it. considering the impact neil has had on drummers worldwide, second only to perhaps buddy himself, it was not only very much his business to be there, but his DUTY :-)

[@apieceofdirt4681]

Steve Smith just has more grace. The other guy has no structure.

[@skinpillow]

Yeah ,Steve is more musical blah blah blah..This is a drum battle and guess who is the winner here

[@TonySkiens]

Smitty is schooling Steve... But Steve is ten times the player now

[@stevewilliams2240]

you are kidding...right??

[@roybeckerman7843]

I think RUFUS JONES, was faster than todays drummers..

[@jamieward6951]

Look, it's Steve Smith and Steve Urkel! And I think Steve Urkel wins lmao.

[@rjagger1395]

Lame no groove ,, or music,, they play like there having seizures,,,,

[@eddierivera1860]

2 monsters!!!

[@conkareno]

Marvin's kit makes me cringe. Horrible setup but each to their own

[@danielsili]

steve smith = pure cleaness, precision and elegance

[@raulsaenz9085]

MAN! These BOY's are BADDDD!!!!!!!!

[@NUTclan4ever]

Man, those alternating bass/tom singles! Blazing fast AND accurate. Just... wow.

[@japaobatera4476]

dois bateras perfeito!

[@petec9686]

There is no "better" here. Just two flavors of awesome.

[@batboum]

le jeu de Steve Smith est beaucoup plus structuré... c'est un maitre absolu

[@Mgptheoriginal]

lol "just chopping around". How ridiculous.

[@DrummerforChrist550]

I busted skins and hit rims fifty times just watching this!!

[@SoundMusicCo]

I feel sorry for Steve watching this, Smitty annihilates him!

[@KarlKeesel]

You are wrong

[@godbluffvdgg]

The high hat should have been running a sweet counter or syncopated open/close to that opening...It would have sounded and looked cool ...Steve is a killer drummer but; leaving out a limb is poor playing...

[@Thomlistentoslayer]

Steve Smith!!!

[@exdoode]

Marvin Smitty is an evil wizard,,,, really😅

[@HardEdge53]

Eric Clapton and Joe Bonamassa. Who cares which of us favors one more than the other when that is just a personal taste and preference and both are fantastic. Like our Smith boys here

[@rjagger1395]

There hugging ,, maybe they will get married

[@hzilla5550]

Marvin is a more powerful drummer but lacks the diversity and fluidity and changeup that Steve has. It looks as if Marvin is playing in fast forward.

[@ernestadams9283]

DRUM DUET

[@dylangatenby9928]

I met Marvin Smitty Smith at a local Sam Ash store in Canoga Park California and he was all smiles and looking happy and he even said hello to me!!😮

[@gregg0731]

Steve Smith expression at 2:30 is priceless

[@caspercotton]

sonor's sound so much better than those pearls.

[@drummer78]

Marvin gets the win if only for not wearing big white Seinfeld style Reebok’s with his tuxedo outfit.

[@thinblueline1903]

Steve Smith Wins ! Nuff Said !

[@jamieseiple]

Smitty is a speed demon.

[@ShawnSalik]

everyone saying smitty was trying to outplay steve doesnt know how to count bars

[@joconnell8145]

It's not about counting bars, it's about playing with style and groove. And Smitty WAS trying to outplay Steve.

[@ShawnSalik]

@@joconnell8145 zzz

[@umdiscodevinil]

HOLYSHIT

[@018975]

t looks like the stage crumbling, i'm worrying while watching...afraid it might fall....