Musician/Producer Reacts to "What About Me?" by Snarky Puppy

[@romuno01]

This guitar solo doesn't get near the credit it deserves. Brilliant.

[@willisverynice]

Is it about credit?

[@pigpag86]

This is my most favorite track by Snarky Puppy. Incredible funkiness and such touching riffs. Great balance between accessibility and technical showcase.

[@zatoichiMiyamoto]

It’s a snare’d Tom. It’s a technical trick that Robert “sput” Searight showed to Larnell.

[@Romanus7867]

Yeah. It's a Tom that can be turned on and off from being a snare. Definitely tuned differently. It also has a hydraulic head on it. Larnell has a video somewhere about it

[@OdaKa]

As opposed to a deep snare?

[@caseymclane1972]

@@Romanus7867 well, to be absolutely technical, it's a SNARE that can be switched on and off from being a tom (in that it's a very low-tuned snare drum with thick heads to give it body when it's played as a tom)

[@Tqpotts]

@@caseymclane1972 facts lol… he actually has 3 snares on the kit

[@real_dave1]

@@zatoichiMiyamoto other way around. It’s a snare that can be turned off to mimic a tom.

[@nezkeys79]

6:03 Corey's face is like a kid in a sweet shop lol

[@StrateleStudios]

Hahahaha totally!

[@Romanus7867]

I think my favorite track from this collection is Shofukan. Seriously underrated song. Lingus gets all the love, as well it should, but there's something about Shofukan's groove that's just addictive.

[@StrateleStudios]

GREAT TUNE! I shot a reaction for that last night, still needs to be edited but it will be up soon! 👍

[@moses9647]

Shofukan is my go-to gateway into snarky puppy. It's a solid steady 4/4 vibe with an alternative but familiar key/mode so it's readily accessible to the untrained ear but it still has enough flourish to showcase the group's chops (with a little polyrhythm at the end for the music nerds). Plus it's just a lot of fun!

[@jcdrummerz96]

If you're checking out more of their stuff I recommend 'Something' feat Lalah Hathaway and 'The Curtain' from their album with the Metropole Orkest

[@StrateleStudios]

On my list! 👍👍👍

[@AvNerdVR]

The Curtain is in my top 5 favorite tracks of all time. Whole thing is phenomenal

[@wilksy2008]

This song gives me police chase vibes from like a 70s TV show, or maybe… Starsky and Hutch or something to this effect lmfao!! The places music can take us hahaha!! ✨

[@StrateleStudios]

Hahahaha dude you’re killing me…you are so dead on with these comparisons 🤣👏👏👏

[@wilksy2008]

@@StrateleStudios Aha, it’s cool man, I love it when stuff like this happens - it’s literally transportive haha! 🏃🏻‍♂️ 💨 🏎 🚀 NYOOOMMM 😂

[@Mr_Mijagi]

Man, I love your reactions. I am glad that you found them right after Dirty Loops. And Larnell Lewis (the drummer) has indeed two snares, but the one you mentioned is his (quote) “secret weapon” a “snom” : A tom with snare-wires which he can attache or detach at any time. To me he is(besides Aaron) one of the hottest Drummer out there. I am not sure, if anybody has mentioned that: But Larnell was at this point not the regular drummer of Snarky Puppy. The usual drummer had to take a break a few days before the recording (which took place in the Netherlands). So Larnell gets a call one day before the recording “Man, can you come?”. He took a plane, learned all the songs (which he never played before) on the 8 hours flights, gets into the studio and records all that without ever played any of that before. WHAT?!

[@StrateleStudios]

🤯🤯🤯 a testament to his incredible skills as a musician. Amazing! I love his secret weapon the “snom” 😄

[@FAMUCHOLLY]

Oh, and don't forget the performance by Nate Werth percussion. He has a knack of knowing which instruments to play and what rhythms to use for each section or passage in a song. Go back and listen how he helps build the tension during Bob Lanzeti's guitar solo. I mean, he and Larnell were in LOCK STEP, and during Larnell's closing solo check both of them on the cow bell. GENIUS!!!

[@StrateleStudios]

The more I watched SP from this video on the more I saw how much he adds! He’s awesome!

[@FAMUCHOLLY]

@Stratele Studios Jeff, if you haven't already, check out "Amour T'es La" from Snarky Puppy's Family Dinner Vol. One album. The song features an artist the Michael League has produced a few songs with worked with over the years. Again, Nate Werth is outstanding on percussion and he and Sput Searight really drive and flavor this song. I think that you will enjoy it...

[@martymcpeak4748]

Honestly, these guys don't make a groove. They create a ditch. The bassist from what I hear is the main composer and does most of the arraignment. This whole band is unreal.

[@gabriellan2010]

This type of music really works best when you use both eyes and ears. The interaction adds so much to the experience - as do you! 👏🏻🤩

[@StrateleStudios]

Thank you BFF!!! 😊😊😊

[@michaelvandiver2475]

The highest shelf of musicians ever assembled...imo. Larnell Lewis learned all the music as best he could on flight across the Atlantic. These guys will make you weep with consistent jaw drops and chills. Almost beyond our comprehension....

[@StrateleStudios]

Larnell is legendary for pulling this off. Not many musicians are capable of such a thing. BEAST MODE 1000

[@peterkoeppl1186]

Glad you picked Snarky. They have been together for I think since early 2000's. So their chops are solid

[@StrateleStudios]

So many amazing musicians in one room! 🤯

[@FAMUCHOLLY]

Thank you for this video Jeff. This one of the Snarky Puppy videos that blows me away every single time! Also, I am glad you noticed Larnells use of two differently tuned snares. As others have said it's a tom with a switchable snare head and he smoothly flips it on and off while he's playing. In my opinion that sound really added to the character of his performance and "made" this song as much as the riffs did! Thanks again!

[@StrateleStudios]

Thank you! I really love this tune!

[@zatoichiMiyamoto]

This is the best Channel, period.

[@StrateleStudios]

Wow! You just made my day!!!

[@zatoichiMiyamoto]

@@StrateleStudios every video that you upload makes my day!! You have supreme taste in music and I would love to see you evolve trough this reactions, I hope you can watch Laura Mvula and Michelle Willis with Snarky Puppy (Sing to the moon) a truly emotional display of musicianship.

[@Lactosis24]

@@zatoichiMiyamoto As well as the legendary Layla Hathaway performance

[@StrateleStudios]

@@zatoichiMiyamoto I’ve added your suggestions to my list! 😃

[@gabriellan2010]

@@Lactosis24 I’m with you, the Lalah Hathaway clip is mindblowing..! 😮

[@peterkoeppl1186]

There are so many influences in their music

[@musicman1471]

And with Snarky Puppy, this is just the beginning 🤣🤣🤣, you’ll never stop listening their music 🤪

[@StrateleStudios]

Omg 😂🤣😂

[@peterkoeppl1186]

Now this my wheelhouse

[@peterkoeppl1186]

Absolutely gifted creative group

[@peterkoeppl1186]

Jeff, thank you for being responsive to your fans. you are so sincere and love your site.

[@StrateleStudios]

Ah man thank you so much! I truly value and appreciate everyone who takes the time to make comments and follow my channel. It means a lot to me!

[@martymcpeak4748]

Sorry to keep lighting up the comment section but I had to let you know you earned my subscription and I gladly gave it. The look on your face was musical joy, and that's rare as so many of us musicians seem to be jaded from hearing so much music and knowing enough about how it's made to get that way. You have quickly become my favorite music reaction channel because you not only have a depth of knowledge as to how it's done but you seem to love music in general. Keep up the good work.

[@StrateleStudios]

This comment absolutely floors me, Marty. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. You can light up my comments anytime you want! 👍👍👍

[@williamhawkins102]

Agree with you - love his reactions because it’s so pure, and he really knows his stuff from a compositional standpoint. I subscribed 👍🏽

[@StrateleStudios]

@@williamhawkins102 man, you guys are killing me with your comments. Thank you SO much!!! 🤝

[@jcrawford068]

Jeff - what I love about this reaction is that you caught everything Larnell was doing - the 32nd fill, the half time, the cowbell, the kick drum 4s, the two snares, etc. Great reaction! Thanks! Please do Snarky's new tune - "Bet." That tune is outstanding.

[@StrateleStudios]

Ah thanks man! Ya I have “Bet” ready to post, it will be up soon! 😊👏🫶

[@kasperkumpulainen8505]

Oh, and I almost forgot, the drummer Larnell Lewis was called last minute to substitute for the original drummer for this session. He learnt almost the whole 10-song-set on a 7h flight from the US to Europe. The band wasn't feeling the songs when they rehearsed without the drummer, but Larnell lit the sh*t on fire when he came to the set, as you noticed😁 And yeah, he has two snares, but the one on the right is tuned to be used as a tom without the mat and as a low snare when the mat ia on.

[@StrateleStudios]

Great info in this comment! Thank you so much! (“lit the sh*t on fire” 😂🤣😂)

[@piet_jsk]

More snarky puppy reactions keep them coming😁😁😁

[@StrateleStudios]

Got two more a commin’!

[@martymcpeak4748]

I have been beating my brain out of my head trying to figure out how in heaven they managed to record all those instruments and everything come out so well mixed. There must have been DI boxes everywhere. The sound engineer had his work cut out for him and the guitar tones blew me away they had to been using amp sims the distortion is so even across the strings. And I'm even going to think about bleed into the horn section and drums from all the sound being made in that room.

[@StrateleStudios]

You, my friend, understand this intimately. You must be an engineer. You are spot on with your comments!

[@martymcpeak4748]

@@StrateleStudios No Sir I wish I were, I just helped a good friend record some demos for bands. I learned enough to be dangerous. but I appreciate the compliment.

[@wallyvision3268]

“Is that a snare?” Yes. He has a hybrid snare/floor tom which he turns on and off multiple times on the fly.

[@StrateleStudios]

Hahaha GENIUS!

[@Duh6666666]

The drummer, Larnell Lewis, had to learn all of these songs on the flight over to this session.

[@beatsmodedrummer]

Might I say, one of the best drum intros for ANY song. Great content, my friend!

[@StrateleStudios]

Thank you! Oh ya drums are killing from the start!

[@ericwedin4154]

Their ability to jump between genres and constantly surprise (in a positive way) is like Zappa or Dirty loops. It keeps your interest even when the songs are 10 minutes +.

[@StrateleStudios]

Yes! Probably why I love them so much!

[@ericwedin4154]

@@StrateleStudios brilliant imagination and musicianship, nothing there just for showing off.😊👍

[@StrateleStudios]

@@ericwedin4154 so well put. It’s all musical!

[@Jimboblay74]

Have you ever seen them live? Awesome!

[@StrateleStudios]

No!!! I wish I could see them live! 😃

[@antoine__0504]

aaaaaah great !! suggestion going fast here

[@Hoyerman]

Great reaction! Please try “The Curtain” from Snarky Puppy with the Metropole Orkest next in your Snarky Puppy Journey!!!

[@StrateleStudios]

On my list! 👍👏👍👏👍

[@jeffsouza4213]

Not sure how I missed this one! I’m so glad I found it it is so good!

[@StrateleStudios]

These boys ain’t messin’!

[@AssetInvesting]

Here is one you may not have heard, Snarky Puppy 'Sing to the Moon.'

[@StrateleStudios]

Check it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHuaeZJtdp2hpNk

[@muzikman183]

I love to see the guys in the booth bouncing off the walls!

[@StrateleStudios]

hahaha yes!!!

[@matto9734]

Larnell and Michael League are the putty to tie all this ingenuity together - grand! Love them -> contemporary Fusion Big Band stuff to it´s finest.

[@StrateleStudios]

Contemporary Fusion Big Band! Heck yes!

[@ThumperKJFK]

He reminds me of Alex Acuna from weather report back in the day 👍👍

[@StrateleStudios]

Ah man Alex Acuna! He’s the greatest…such a humble guy too.

[@SvenElven]

This song is just a bag of candy! Easy to digest and easy to get blown away by!

[@StrateleStudios]

👏👏👏

[@marygammon1077]

Snarky Puppy is a great band!

[@beatnpotatoes]

Wicked tune. One of my favourites when I see them live.

[@StrateleStudios]

Such a great tune!!!

[@antoine__0504]

Again Larnell Lewis the magician is just RIDICULOUS ! Obviously the whole orchestration is incredible, pure pleasure to here this again and again ( never despair ahah : Neo Funk by Anthony Brancati, great with Larnell !)

[@StrateleStudios]

I love discovering badass musicians I’ve never heard of! 👏❤️😊👏🤯

[@sinkler123]

"Snarky Puppy - Sleeper", is another great track with a very different vibe to the others, i think you would really enjoy it.

[@StrateleStudios]

Got Sleeper on my list! 👏

[@ogKalmari]

3:36 it's snare and tom. He can open and close it like normal snare, but its very low pitched. It was snare at start but he putted hydraulic head on it and tuned it very low.

[@StrateleStudios]

Snom!

[@ogKalmari]

@@StrateleStudios exactly! I didn't remember to sat that but I was thinkin about to say it:D

[@petertrotman7708]

Steve Jordan was using twin snares and 2 hi hats on Steve Khan's Eyewitness album. Cobham used an additional snare on a few albums but would have a phaser going through it. There aint nuttin' new in the land of drumming.😃

[@abysssss]

oh yeah! I actually forgot I like this one too haha, excellent review as always Jeff😁

[@StrateleStudios]

LOL...Thank you! :) :) :)

[@kbob9625]

The drummer learned the entire set on the plane ride over lol.

[@jamesoconnor9027]

The whole album recording video is friggin awesome and Ground Up album recording video too. I don't think these guys do anything less than Excellent.

[@StrateleStudios]

No kidding, I'm bet they are all killers!

[@elpardoe]

It's a tom with snare wires, I guess you'd call it a Snom. lol He talks about it in one of his videos... it's like that secret piece of magic he can throw in.

[@StrateleStudios]

I was like "WTH is that?!" hahaha so cool to see players get innovative like that!

[@bnx_xnb7327]

It’s soo an underrated channel.. you sir just got a new subscriber 😉

[@StrateleStudios]

YAY!!! Thank you for sticking around!!!

[@petraljungberg]

Have not listened to Snarky Puppy before but know they are much liked 😊 So it was interesting to see your videos. Sofar it is more of an intellectual than emotional experience for me. They are really great musicians (!) but it doesn’t get to me emotionally and to me that is the most important thing with music. I will listen to some more and who knows, maybe I change my mind! Either way experiencing new music is always fun 🙂

[@sinkler123]

Hmm, maybe check out "Snarky Puppy - Sleeper", it may appeal more to you. It is still technical fusion greatness at it`s best, but more calm at parts, melancholic, and the voice-box tool used for the keys solo makes the experience more emotional for most. (it allow the player to better express and emote his notes).

[@StrateleStudios]

It’s definitely a different vibe than Dirty Loops but appeals greatly to my musician side for sure. I can love them both 😊😊😊

[@StrateleStudios]

@@sinkler123 I like your suggestion. I have yet to experience that one myself.

[@petraljungberg]

@@sinkler123 Thank you for your kind reply and suggestion! 😌 I will check that out!

[@petraljungberg]

@@StrateleStudios That I totally understand ☺️ I think I will only listen to them and not watch because I do like the vibe and kind of funky groove on this last one 😊

[@walterlippmann6292]

that guitar solo

[@jamesoconnor9027]

When you were questioning the snare, the percussionist keeps pretty busy too ( and also writes good music on his own as well. )

[@StrateleStudios]

Ya, I've been paying more attention to him. He's GREAT!

[@beatnpotatoes]

On a different note, nice shirt man.

[@StrateleStudios]

Hahaha thank you! Oh how I love that album!

[@jameshunt67]

@@StrateleStudios That shirt is what pushed me the last inch to subscribe - loves Snarky Puppy and loves Steely Dan?! Oh yes, he’s my people.

[@StrateleStudios]

@@jameshunt67 hahaha 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@musicman1471]

Looks like ou liked it 🤷‍♂️🤗

[@StrateleStudios]

😂🤣😂 just a little 😉

[@nathanshults9901]

ok so does anyone know when he switches off the alternate snare? i have listened to this hundreds of times and don't know how he managed it

[@mgbasinski]

That power riff! It's like Led Zeppelin meets Mahavishnu Orchestra... killer

[@StrateleStudios]

Hahahaha totally 💪

[@scottbrewer9676]

Yeah, what zatoichiMiyamoto said, it's a snared tom. He's actually sporting 3 snares, there's another to the left of his hat/main snare, has a splash laying on it. :-)

[@StrateleStudios]

Seriously?! 😄

[@scottbrewer9676]

@@StrateleStudios The way I see it, when you can do what he can, you can set your kit up however the heck you want :-)

[@fedea82]

I saw other people ask for it, I'll do the same: PLEASE react to their song "the curtain" with the Metropole orchestra, you'll absolutely love it.

[@StrateleStudios]

I will for sure! 😊😊😊

[@Nebuloid1]

4:24 love that moment when the hired orchestra has no idea what's happening...

[@kmach1nex]

Have you listened to Dream Theater much? If not, I have a few suggestions for reactions: Dream Theater - Trial Of Tears (live at Budokan) Dream Theater - Breaking All Illusions (live Breaking the Fourth Wall) Dream Theater - The Dance Of Eternity (live Breaking The Fourth Wall) [If you want to really melt your brain] Then you have a instrumental only band with 3 out of the 5 members of Dream Theater called Liquid Tension Experiment. I have a couple for them as well: LTE - Key to the Imagination (Album version) LTE - When the Water Breaks (live 2008) There are so many great songs by DT and it's hard to just choose a couple but I think you'd like these songs. Enjoy!

[@StrateleStudios]

Ohhhhhh yes. I’m a huge DT fan!

[@ericwedin4154]

Haha, you looked just like me when I heard this for the first time (many since then, by the way).😂

[@StrateleStudios]

😂👏👏👏

[@goldenostrichman]

Larnell Lewis is the real deal! Also love Yes especially the Fragile album and their earlier stuff with Bruford on drums!

[@StrateleStudios]

Hahaha oh ya I’m a huge Bruford fan as well.

[@peterkoeppl1186]

Yes Tower of Power

[@CurbSideManor]

Zildjian Live! - Larnell Lewis

[@StrateleStudios]

Heck yes!

[@jesperschultz5568]

Again a very nice reaction. You should consider doing ‘Sleeper’ - that’s one of their absolute finest in my honest opinion. 🙏

[@StrateleStudios]

Yes! Sleeper is coming soon!

[@Junesba]

I think you'll really enjoy Love is the Message by Yussef Days x Alfa Mist. Some really great musicianship and effects in that song!

[@StrateleStudios]

I’ll check it out! Thanks! 😊

[@mallit]

Have you listened to Mark Lettieri and his band?? excellent

[@StrateleStudios]

Hi Malcolm! I have…check this one out… kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqe6fWOjrL-km6c

[@mindclip2000]

You should absolutely thank out my mate Simon Grey - Takuma this is something else, I would love to see a reaction video of this one when you hear this song for the first time, I tell you this : fasten you seatbelt cause you are going on a ride buddy believe you me, stay blessed cheers/ Marko

[@StrateleStudios]

Caught a little bit of him, smoking hot!

[@flexi0693]

as a composer it should be interesting to watch "larnell lewis hear a song once then plays it perfectly" on drumeo love the reactions keep em comin

[@StrateleStudios]

Ya, I've been meaning to check those out!

[@tomkoep9081]

The build up on the guitar solo gives me chicken skin! Keep up the great reactions!

[@StrateleStudios]

Oh man no kidding! Hahaha 🐓

[@TheRedOctoberProject]

I spent years trying to count out wtf is going on in that "power riff" section and then somebody told me it's in 4/4. Which, technically, if you tap/count in 4 against this (good luck) yes, you eventually will end up back on a downbeat as it goes into the next section, but... lol there's no way in hell that's in 4/4 🤣 It's Schrödinger's time signature

[@StrateleStudios]

😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@YoungForLife4]

I think this was Larnell’s audition.

[@StrateleStudios]

I think he passed 😄

[@rgbenge7580]

Love your channel and all of this new Fusion. You should check out Matrix King Weasel Stomp and Galadriel. Maybe do some review/reaction to some older stuff like Return to Forever Romantic Warrior. Sorceress is really cool.

[@StrateleStudios]

OMG you hit a vain with RTF! I’m a MAJOR fan of Romantic Warrior…grew up with that album on constant rotation dreaming of someday being Al DiMeola hahaha. Hell ya I’d love to do some of that. Thanks for the reminder!!!

[@alexgsrubio]

All they are wizards! Larnel is the Chief Wizard.

[@calvinwomack2232]

Larnell...legend

[@StrateleStudios]

absolutely!

[@jarreddunlap7065]

Also listen to "Don't You Know" of the family dinner vol 2 album featuring Jacob collier

[@StrateleStudios]

Will do!

[@shorey66]

To me 5:30 always sounds like Cupids dead by Extreme.

[@StrateleStudios]

Hahaha, never thought of that! Good one!

[@simonlindeman9360]

you should react to Zildjian live with Larnell lewis

[@StrateleStudios]

as you wish! :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3SmZaeEYrWslaM

[@BiruSyailendra]

Always love your reactions!! Anyway I recommend 'David Ryan Harris feat. John Mayer and Friends - YSD Jam Session - Hotel Café' in case you haven't checked yet

[@StrateleStudios]

Thank you! I’ll check it out! 😃

[@dcdigofire2]

"Rim Action" lolol

[@StrateleStudios]

😂🤣😂

[@jarreddunlap7065]

Listen to "Something" by SP with Layla Hathaway... It's so good

[@StrateleStudios]

I taped my reaction to that one last night! OMG!!! I’ll be editing that one and premiering it soon! 🤯🤯🤯

[@sizzlemann]

I have a fever....

[@StrateleStudios]

Yes you do! 😄

[@aaron13vs]

Love your Shirt, gotta react to Aja Steely Dan ;)

[@StrateleStudios]

You are SO right! I’m going to add to my list right now! 👏👏👏

[@aaron13vs]

@@StrateleStudios Nice looking forward to it! Love your reactions btw just finished watching your interview with Jonah, I've been following dirty loops since loopified loved to see you two getting along together so well!

[@StrateleStudios]

@@aaron13vs oh cool! Ya we keep in contact still. I consider him a friend now.

[@carltonwhite9682]

Larnel is an alien

[@StrateleStudios]

😄 👽🛸

[@BobSaint]

Nice shirt 😉

[@StrateleStudios]

😄 I love me some Steely Dan!!!

[@BobSaint]

@@StrateleStudios Like, who doesn't? 😄

[@StrateleStudios]

@@BobSaint 😂

[@kasperkumpulainen8505]

Great stuff, man! Your channel is absolutely wonderful! You should check out their album Sylva with The Metropole Orkest. It is rarely reacted to, even though it is my favourite from them. The Curtain (kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH21qGB3ndZlaM0) would be the one to start with. 17min of pure joy of music. Would love to see your reaction! Cheers all the way from Finland! (P.S. definitely subscribed💪)

[@StrateleStudios]

Thank you! And thanks for subscribing! 😊 oh yes you better believe I’ll be doing “The Curtain”!

[@kevinbozman2572]

Try to listen to that guitar solo and not move your head or smile

[@StrateleStudios]

Right!!!! 😄

[@svetespo]

A lot of hype around SP, no doubt great instrument performer, but still I miss something in term of taste and musicality. If I have mood for fusion, I prefer listen to Chick Corea Electric Band, Steps Ahead ft Michael Brecker: you have as well skills but as well emotions and more musicality in their solos. Just my opinion. anyway SP are great instrument players.

[@StrateleStudios]

I have to admit I had the same feeling about them before doing these videos but the more I paid attention to them the more I liked it. I heard bits and pieces and thought they’re not for me. Being a huge Elektric band fan myself I thought no band could compare. Of course by now I’m burned out on the Elektric Band tunes cuz I’ve heard them a million times. For me this is nice cuz it’s new and more of what I love albeit not the same as Chick. I can still enjoy 😊