One of the Most Influential Drummers Playing Today!!

In this Jazz Drummer Q-Tip of the Week drum set lesson, you will watch me REACT to the incredible drumming of Bill Stewart playing in an organ trio with Peter Bernstein and Larry Goldings. Bill Stewart is one of the most influential drummers playing today because of his incredibly innovative approach to playing. Bill Stewart is a traditional jazz drummer with a forward thinking and original approach that allows him to fit into many different situations. After watching this reaction video of Bill Stewart, it will be clear why Bill Stewart is one of the most influential drummers playing today.
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Link to original video:
• Video
VIDEO TIME STAMPS
00:00 - Reaction Preview
00:22 - Opening RemarQs
01:48 - Let's Gooooooooo!!
02:17 - Reaction Video Begins
02:58 - Organ Solo Begins
05:56 - Guitar Solo Begins
08:53 - Drum Trading
10:30 - Drum Solo
12:37 - Closing RemarQs

[@papapoodo6685]

Bill and Brian Blade are so special and unique. My two faves

[@drumqtips]

Absolutely!

[@jacobspeth6464]

I love how he’s playing for an audience full of drummers and for his solo he plays a very singable and groovy drum solo that just stays pretty much on the snare, bass drum, and ride cymbal. I feel like he’s kind of telling everybody, “y’all have licks, but I have creativity”😂 That was so fun getting to see him last year, thanks again for getting us all in.

[@drumqtips]

Great observation young Speth! It was definitely a lesson for all the drummers who were just there to see chops.

[@jamesnielsen2399]

Hi Quincy, I’ve never really said this publicly, but I had the extreme honor to go to UNI with Bill. I’m a year or two older and was in Jazz 1 and he was in Jazz 2. The Bass player in Jazz 1 one was Bill’s relatives, Forest Stewart an excellent person and musician. Bill and I used to once in awhile set our drums up facing each other late at night in Russell Hall and just jam. At 17 years old he had what I called, “IT”. I have had “IT” a few times, but Bill seems to have IT all the time:) Great interview you did with him a couple of years ago and I soo much enjoy watching your instructional videos! By the way, I lived in Muskegon for 25 years and played all over the place. Perhaps I can get a lesson or two, if I can figure out how to get a good connection! Thanks for all you do Sir:) jn

[@drumqtips]

That’s amazing James! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@paradidd]

Great story James, thanks for sharing.

[@foreststewart1968]

Hey Jim! Thx for the kind words in my direction... both musically & personally. I heard Scofield's trio just around Thanksgiving. Bill was sounding tasteful as ever. Trio settings really allow his musicality, creativity & his contribution to the texture to shine. No place to hide in a trio! : )

[@ed.z.]

I played with Bill Stewart once in a rehearsal hall, and he was amazing and had to 80s or nineties. I told the leader I wouldn’t be back until after I’m going to study deeper. Glad I did I got guidance from jazz heroes of mine. I relocated out of the area.

[@drumqtips]

Amazing to have that experience!

[@mikeanscombe9883]

A real Hammond…a real Leslie…could life get any better? Yes, it could - Bill Stewart’s on drums! What a groove this man generates and that iconic ride sound is wonderful… Thank you for posting, Quincy - it’s made my day!😎

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Mikey! Thanks for watching as always my tired👊🏾

[@seppoinnanen5577]

Someone buy a rug under his drums, so the hihat wouldn't crawl away 😆 Great groovy drumming and very clear precision with ideas

[@drumqtips]

I know! You’d think they’d provide him with a good rug at that MODERN DRUMMER festival. 🤣🤣

[@Dave-lr2wo]

Your comments really help me better understand Jazz drumming (which I deeply admire but can't really play). Also love seeing matched grip produce the sounds that you often see coming from traditional.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching and I’m glad my comments helped you a bit Dave!

[@robertodelatorre1464]

I saw him in 2007 and his musical approach is incredible, he uses his technique as a musical expression. Pure lyricism

[@drumqtips]

Awesome that you got to see and feel him in person!

[@robertodelatorre1464]

@@drumqtips Absolutely. He didn't crash the cymbals, he splashed it. I dunno, he is pretty unique. This past summer I saw Peter Bernstein here in Europe, another master. I want to see the great Larry Goldings, one of my favorites too. Thanks for your videos bro. I'm not a drummer anymore by my work but I still playing my drums every week, learning new stuff just for fun or curiosity

[@mattlaceydrummer]

Love Bill! He's my go to post-Bop guy. A great drummer called Joel Barford (monster player, had some lessons with him, he also lends his Gretsch kit to Bill when he's in the UK) has put together a spotify playlist of all of the albums Bill has played on, in order. Look up 'Bill Stewart In Order' .. 101 hours! Particularly like the Peter Bernstein organ trio stuff so this was right up my street.Thanks for another great video Q. ✌🏼

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for sharing Matty!

[@patrickotoole8420]

Thanks for the playlist! Just what I was looking for

[@Bcabatista559]

His work with Scofield on Enroute (Blue Note) is just out of this world

[@drumqtips]

Totally agree!

[@NewtNuke]

I've watched this whole concert 100 times over the years; got the VHS not long after I was first introduced to jazz drumming. Such a pleasant, musical sound. Loved hearing your observations.

[@drumqtips]

VHS!!? You’re showing your age🤣🤣. Good to know there’s a fellow Bill Stewart fanatic:)

[@Traint_Trungdrundringsron]

Really appreciate what you do, keep making more of these!

[@drumqtips]

Thanks, will do Traint!

[@diazyseis]

I got to sit next to that famous runaway hi hat of his at Mezzrow last week! Such a distinctive spark and joy in his playing. Love love love these vids Quincy! -Nick Diaz

[@drumqtips]

Nick Diaz!! Like from U of M?? Maybe not the same Nick. Either way, thanks for watching. Awesome you got to see him at Mezzrow!

[@diazyseis]

@@drumqtips Yep, the one from U of M!

[@lucasrogan3426]

Transcribed this solo last year. Bill is absolutely brilliant! Thank you so much for making this video!

[@drumqtips]

Awesome solo to transcribe of Bill’s. So clear, so hip, so good!

[@stix9641]

This trio work with Bill is great, reminds me of the jimmy Smith trio w/kenny Burrell & Grady Tate set up 1988 jazz in Marciac France . Thanks Quincy very good observations on Bills playing ...loved the clip

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for stopping by my man stix!

[@tompetteruti250]

BEAUTIFUL! I need to watch that again . . . And again . . . And again! Thank you for posting. Inspiring indeed Quincy!

[@drumqtips]

Glad you enjoyed it Tom!

[@w.sanmarco]

Finally. A matched grip jazz master. Thanks for the view

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Will!

[@simonnathan2065]

Love these reaction videos, QD!

[@drumqtips]

Glad you like them Simon Says:)

[@tomcarr4630]

Love Bill Stewart! I saw him live about 18 years ago. A fantastic experience. His cymbal definition and touch on the drums is jaw dropping. (I hope people look back on your channel for the wonderful interview you did with Bill).

[@drumqtips]

Couldn't agree more TC!

[@JoelCarbonellGonell]

Bill Stewart is amazing! And your video interviewing him is pure gold! Have a nice week!

[@drumqtips]

Yes indeed he is!! And thanks for watching the interview JCG! Merci sir🙏🏾.

[@CharlesTPrimm]

Thank you for giving Bill Stewart some. Great show!

[@drumqtips]

Absolutely Chucky! Had to give Bill some love.

[@FrankParente]

Yeah! Bill Stewart is great! This video should be watched by everyone that has ever asked “can I play jazz using a matched grip”. Is his one ride missing a section or am I losing my vision? I haven’t seen him live yet but I saw Peter Bernstein live at Smalls with Jimmy Cobb on drums. If he comes around I gotta go. FP

[@drumqtips]

Yup that’s a big chunk missing from that ride. He showed it to me and I got to play at his apartment a bit a few years ago. Thanks as always FP👊🏾

[@billbigler1366]

Very very nice video Quincy. Thanks. Bill.

[@drumqtips]

Glad you enjoyed it Bill!

[@nicolassignat6733]

My master ! Thank you for this video !

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Nick!

[@marioferrermedina]

Beautiful play 🥁❤️

[@briankeith7463]

Awesome video as usual and excellent choice!!! I love your reaction, analysis and talking through the video, especially pointing out and referencing where the tune is at in the form, especially during the solo!!! thank you Quincy - great job!!

[@drumqtips]

Glad you enjoyed Brian Keith…or is it Keith Brian? A cat so bad, that he’s got two first names🤣🤣

[@briankeith7463]

@@drumqtips lol…it’s actually Brian Presson..Keith my middle name…you prob dont remember me but you and I hung a few times back in the 90’s - I went to Ferris and played with James Daniels (trumpet), way back in the day..we came down to some open jams in Grand Rapids to watch you kill it back then too!!!

[@drumqtips]

Wow! Great to hear from you Brian. Those are great memories!

[@paulrevelli]

Fantastic. Thanks for this, it was incredible.

[@drumqtips]

Glad you enjoyed it Paul!

[@paulrevelli]

@@drumqtips Would love it if you could get to Jeff Hamilton at some point, Quincy!

[@rmmccarthy1240]

Great commentary, color, and play-by-play. I love the way you call the game. Wonderful channel, wonderful work. Bravo!

[@drumqtips]

Ha! Love that analogies. I love and watch lots of sports:) Thanks RM Mac!

[@rmmccarthy1240]

@@drumqtips you bet👍

[@peterevans366]

Amazing touch&feel unusual l/hand technique his dynamics are spot on🥁🙏

[@drumqtips]

Absolutely PE!

[@paradidd]

I got to see this trio a lot when Smalls was 10 bucks to get into and the Tunnel was 4 bucks. Lol! Grateful for those experiences.

[@drumqtips]

You knew them back when they were just three regular dudes. Lol!!

[@mikestevens5512]

Love Bill Stewart. This is my favorite solo And song!!! He pioneered fills, utilizing crazy Independence

[@drumqtips]

Right in Mikey!

[@HarryJoiner]

This is great: I’ve often asked myself, “I wonder what world-class players think when they watch Bill Stewart play?” Now I know. Awesome video. 🍻

[@drumqtips]

Glad you enjoyed my bantering Harry:)

[@juancarlosbrenes4741]

Thank you for doing this video. I love your channel. Lots of great contents!! Bill Stewart is one of my favorite drummers!! It would be great if you could do a video explaining the form (variations of it, how to identify sections, soloing over the form, etc). Please!!

[@drumqtips]

Glad you liked it Juan. I’ll try to do s video on that at some point. Thnx

[@Dougster123]

Dude!!! Wow! Yes Bill Stewart is tasty, but I'm really JAZZED that I found your channel. Yay!!! 👍🥂

[@drumqtips]

Welcome aboard!

[@romainbertrand253]

As a non drummer, Bill Stewart is one of the most recognizable drummer. His right hand is really awesome : it make the all band moves foward.

[@drumqtips]

Yes. He creates such forward momentum with his time and feel! Thnx R&B:)

[@__Slingy__]

I was lucky enough to see Bill Stewart on stage, 13 years ago, in Joshua Redman's "double trio". The other drummer was Gregory Hutchinson. Reuben Rogers and Matt Penman were on bass. What a wonderful set it was !

[@drumqtips]

Oh wow that’s awesome! I’m sure it was pretty incredible.

[@Acemechanicalservices]

He was playing at Smalls a couple of weeks ago. If you weren’t aware, Smalls live streams 6 hours a night, 7 nights a week on KZbin.

[@drumqtips]

Yeah he plays there from time to time still. Awesome streams!

[@Acemechanicalservices]

@@drumqtips I used to hang out there in the late 90’s between the hours of 4 and 10 AM. I could tell you some stories. Also, George Coleman plays there regularly.

[@mimodelorean]

been playing jazz drums for almost 2 decades and I've hear so many times about some jazz drummers being very melodic (Jack DeJohnette on pole) but only when I first heard Bill Stewart I went "wow.. now This is melodic". His language is so clear and goes from very simple to very intricate while always being extremely intelligible. (check the drum breaks in Wee on the John Scofield En Route album) His control of sounds and timbers is astounding. He lets pieces of the kit ring until he wants to. Like an orchestral conductor, he's always aware of which sounds are played and how long they should play. I've never heard any other jazz drummer being so meticulous as he is. And on top of this he's funky as hell in whatever he does.

[@drumqtips]

You’re spot on with everything you said Alessandro!

[@garydonnelly100]

This is just the coolest tune...Sonny Rollins, Why Don't I? I pulled this up at a jam session one time and that 4 bar bridge just tripped up everybody. Funny too, since they were all reading the chart. It's just when something is done outside the typical straight 8 bar AABA, it gives people fits. Benny Golson tunes will do that too, Along Came Betty the last A is 10 bars, and Stablemates, LOL, fugetaboutit!! ABA 14-8-14. And then there's Star Eyes Normal AABA but the last A has a 4 bar tag. I love playing tunes like that because they keep you from being complacent. :) Stewart just tears this up. Incredible, and so relaxed and nonchalant. And I'm just amazed at how tight Peter and Larry are harmonically. They will at times pedal the Gm7 on the bridge but hit the ii-V in bar 4 which is the same ii-V that starts the last A again which, if you're not paying attention to the form, is precisely where your ear will deceive you. It helps, as a drummer, to check out the lead sheet on tunes like this. If you listen to how Stewart marks the form, he will do it in strange ways. Sometimes he'll nail the & of 4 but there will be times when he will wait until after beat 1 or even 2 to make the mark. When you know the form and know what's happening in the changes, you can get loose with it and go with where the soloist and the accompaniment are going.

[@drumqtips]

Awesome analysis of this tune and other tunes odd form tunes. They’re definitely fun to play and keep us on our toes. Thanks for sharing dude!

[@lucaszamora842]

Bill Stewart and Elvin Jones are currently my two favorite drummers! I love watching this performance at Modern Drummer Festival. I have adopted licks and ideas from this video alone into my own playing.

[@drumqtips]

So much to take from just this performance alone, huh LZ!?

[@lucaszamora842]

@@drumqtips Absolutely!

[@mar-zgarcia429]

Yes man. great Video on one of the best to ever play the instrument. He's like an infinite source of musicality he's like the evolution of Max Roach and those guys from the 50's 60's

[@drumqtips]

Absolutely Mar-z!

[@davidrosen9711]

Bill is also a great pianist Ive seen him at the jazz gallery 2 times over the years

[@drumqtips]

That’s awesome David! I haven’t had a chance to see him play piano.

[@Slammintone]

Right there with you. At least 200 times! I’m bad on form though so your explanation helps a lot!

[@drumqtips]

Glad it helped Ricky!

[@jazzants]

He fought that friggin hihat all through this MD concert. That alone is a study in coordination. Never missed a beat. Got that hammered brass supra and mis-mash of Gretsch USA. I think the same snare model Drummond was playing at the time too. This was before his signature Zildjians came out. I love all those shoulder barks. Very DeJohnette-like. He really knows how to apply his sound to a solo.

[@drumqtips]

Great points and observations!

[@handyboen]

Thanks Q 😁👍👍

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure as always dandy Handy!

[@handyboen]

@@drumqtips 😊🙏🙏

[@davidfriedlaender4130]

Thanks for another amazing reaction video, a lot has been said about his ride sound, can you clarify the "shoulder shank" sound?

[@drumqtips]

I’ll do it in a short soon. Good question! Thnx Davey👊🏾

[@danielavila7914]

I dont remember how I heard him for the first time, but I do remember a lot of performances: Jhon Scofield Trio at Bluenote (particulary "Over the top"), Larry Goldings trio ("The acrobat"), Miki Yamanaka ("A fake hero"), and many more (with Pat Metheny, "Everybody's Party", etc.) his solos are so groovy and the way he comp is so cool. One of the goat.

[@drumqtips]

Definitely one of the goats Danny!

[@garydonnelly100]

His solo on this live version of Timeline is just the sickest. Check this out... kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4aWcmSJj9ljgas

[@UdoKrauss-gd7su]

Well spoken Bill is a Jazz Lyon

[@drumqtips]

Right on!

[@UdoKrauss-gd7su]

He reminds me on Jeff Porcaro very hard to understand the complexity and way to create those amazing drum feelings/ grooves and first of all playing so relaxed .

[@williamperri3437]

I’ve always been impressed by him since the early 2000’s but have always neglected him a bit. I do suggest you do a FULL lesson on just the opening scene of him swinging in the beginning and buzzing and dragging with the left hand on the snare… so many phenomenal out there drummers with their own voices today.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for checking it out and for the suggestion Will!

[@familytreemusic]

He even quoted Salt Peanuts at some point in his tradings.

[@drumqtips]

No surprise at that because he’s a baaaaad man!

[@glennh7297]

I love this! All of these greats keep me motivated and inspired to keep playing and wanting to grow. Quincy, if you have the time, you should check out Ken Loomer. He's a drummer out of Florida that is really keeping the Buddy Rich torch burning.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for sharing Glenn! I’ll check him out.

[@thorpeenith3436]

This was great commentary on a great performance! Now do some Elvin!

[@drumqtips]

Elvin coming my friend:)

[@AECJ1]

#BirthdaysYesOk #bathrobeblues #phantomoftheopera #HopeThisHelps #LaughsLast #eyes #crazyeyes #DrTerror #BadHats #BigFangs #BigHearts #birthday #DammitQuint #TheJawsGro #aecjdrumwalk #dreamhome

[@drumqtips]

What’s this?

[@BetoPerretta]

Perfect example of the Murray Spivack technique

[@drewconlin9452]

Is that what you took away some meaningless technique? What about the dynamics, musicality, creativity?

[@BetoPerretta]

@@drewconlin9452 did I state at any point bill’s performance lacked any of those things? I’m just making an observation.

[@benchinho]

Looks too "frenchy and fingery" for spivak to me...

[@BetoPerretta]

@@benchinho yes, his right hand is when he plays the ride, I know he prolly didn’t take lessons with spivak yet the technique has a natural approach, his index and point seem to have that fulcrum similar to the technique.

[@hombreenojado]

Nobody does it like Bill.

[@drumqtips]

Amen!!

[@MrEmanuelw]

so good! but why does he touch his hi hat once in a while...to make a sound? or to adjust something?

[@T1fixFelix]

I think he's rotating it.

[@MrEmanuelw]

@@T1fixFelix but why?

[@CampbellYoungblood]

@@MrEmanuelw I’ve seen him do this in person too, I think to maintain that beautiful “chick” articulation which can sometimes change a bit as the hats rotate

[@cabayarnaud5591]

It relocks the tilter and stem when it unscrews because of inertia… I use to do this after a mistake to let think I’ve been distracted 🤣🤣🤣

[@ruiteixeira8250]

Hey quincy, how you doing? What is the name of that theme?

[@drumqtips]

Hi Rui. The name of the song is Why Don’t I.

[@ramapunachannel9981]

Nice broo.. Please Reaction "Echa Soemantri From Indonesia at Freedom Jazz Festival " He really Amazing Drumer and i think he the best bro ☺️🥁

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching!

[@russellesimonetta9071]

French grip both hands! Makes me think he played some tymps in his formative years! 13"+16" toms????? Nahh, 12" and 16" on the floor me thinks.

[@drumqtips]

Not sure if he played timpani actually. I’ll ask him next time I see him. Good thought Russ👍🏾

[@russellesimonetta9071]

@@drumqtips yeah I was just reacting as I watched! In college I was a tymp fanatic! I studied with a prof that was seen as Cloyd Duff,s protege. Just riffing but,,, was he a corp matched player?, The french just feels right for that light but ???? No ,, my thinging ,,I,m kind of right side centric ok? On drums, traditional balanced the facility Between my right side and left technique wise,, was he the same??

[@robertomorales6488]

Creativity > Chops

[@drumqtips]

Bingo!

[@jacko222333]

can the grunts and hooting please. . . . we're trying to listen.

[@drumqtips]

Sometimes I can't contain my damn self. Sorry about that:)

[@alanlopez5971]

Wow, only 3 players, super control, great imagination, and very musical. I will be watching this a lot. Thanks, Quincy!

[@drumqtips]

Glad you enjoyed it Alan!