Performance Spotlight: Harvey Mason - "Chameleon"

VF Signature Artist Harvey Mason performs "Chameleon" in the studio for the Vic Firth cameras!
Herbie Hancock originally released this jazz standard in 1973 on the Head Hunters album. The track was co-written and performed by Harvey Mason! Now, forty-one years later, Harvey is BACK with a new creative incarnation of this classic track.
This newest version of "Chameleon" is available on Harvey's latest album, titled Chameleon -- out now on Concord Records.
DOWNLOAD the track, study the chart, and start preparing yourself for the playalong contest! vicfirth.com/ma...
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[@sashacarter8187]

That’s my grandpa! I love it!👍go Pops💜

[@williamrucker3791]

Mr Harvey not just an iconic drummer but a true musician.

[@wedfrest]

Beautifully played, always love seeing a drummer who doesn’t overhit!

[@JMarsh-hm5og]

My God. You can actually see the groove coming off of him.

[@objectivechristian8441]

I used to think I was cool. Harvey Mason just proved scientifically that I am not only not cool, but I don't even know what cool is. I can now move past that and get on with life. Thank you Mr Mason.

[@MichaelDamianiDigitalArt]

Objective Christian LMAO!!!

[@junyah1]

lol

[@davidmcleod1098]

You just picked up a few cool points! lol Humble IS cool. Peace

[@foundation922]

same thing happened to me, its all good!

[@lvvry1855]

Love your self-abnegating humor.

[@mrthundaboots]

The reason I started playing drums right here.This song,this MAN! Yeah, Harvey....

[@M123OCT]

How can anyone be SO chilled, and yet still play with such...cool? Wonderful stuff. :)

[@marvinbaker237]

HE IS THE MASTER OF DRUMS

[@mauroarriagada]

That small pork pie snare sounds incredible!!!

[@MrBrokentowels]

Who in the hell would give this a freaking thumbs down?!?!?! Are you out of your mind?!??

[@luiszuluaga6575]

Let’s get himmmmmmmm! 🤪

[@黒田祐一-q2e]

I think he is not only one of the most great drummer , but also composer.

[@heartbeatsdrum]

Extremely groovy and solid as a rock. Those ghost notes are beautiful, and I wish my dynamics were that good.

[@lindsayartkop]

Harvey has serious pocket, what an amazing player. I love those hi hats too!!

[@batouttahell454]

One of the true GREATS of our Time (and i think surprisingly underrated)! Was and is one of the most recorded ,A - List Session Playersin Great Reader, Always BEAUTIFULLY tuned Drums.Stylist Drummer(perfectly Tailors each job called on)!Listen to him on Kenny Loggins first solo album,Lee Ritenours CAPTAIN FINGERS and on and on.What a style.Met him once when he did a promo tour with Bob James and Earle Klugh.Super nice,Class Act!!!

[@drewper73]

Sounds like a mash-up of "Watermelon Man" and "Chameleon." I've played "Chameleon" several times with different jazz combos. Just when I think I might be close to Harvey's pocket, I'll listen to the original a few days later only to be reminded of just how far away I am from Harvey's pocket.

[@bean9seventy]

that's right no only that it was a dance floor classic ,, in the UK part of the funk bible out here ,, students use this song & like you say for jamming rites & over the years moved far away from the source pocket of groove ,, now folks should start changing gears back to how Harvey likes it,, Herbie too

[@SWH2012]

What on earth are the amazing cymbals he is using here? The flat hihat...whow, what a sound! Harvey always sounds soooo good and in the pocket.

[@lt.frankdrebin3317]

The hi-hats are Sabian Hand Hammered EQ hats. Easily identified by the flat top and the four notches in the edge of the bottom hat. He's been using them for at least 30 years now.

[@melvinondrums7034]

Smooth as butter and wear a nice timepiece too . Rolex Submariner. Perfect for his coolness.

[@matsnilsson565]

Infectious drumming if ever, this is as people already stated is MAGIC!

[@benweaver8018]

What a great feel!! Mr. Mason defines pocket playing. :)

[@robhammond7118]

I love that groove at 4:25. Harvey is a master. I just want his right foot and hihat work. Too Funky.

[@vaughnchauncy8360]

The G.O.A.T.!!!

[@TheProfessorWilliam]

Harvey, you play this soooooo funky, I pulled a hamstring. Dam that's good. Thank you Harvey.

[@TheDillonater]

Simply amazing. Bravo, Mr Mason.

[@tegknox2694]

A true KZbin "hidden masterpiece".

[@felixweber6593]

Wow...!!! Very nice playalong, thanks Mr MASON.

[@Rhythumjet]

LOVE THE SOUND OF THE CYMBALS!!!! I use his signature sticks as well.

[@lt.frankdrebin3317]

Those hi-hats are Sabian Hand Hammered EQ hats.

[@GaryDeSha]

Yes, this song just grooves....i love it. Smooth....

[@AlexandrosMav]

Awesome! What an amazing flow.. Massive.

[@sidclusive5793]

that's a nice instrumental track, and plus the drummer himself is making it even better. it amazing !

[@dannypercussionman]

Amazing Harvey, just grooves and musicality! Cool!

[@dansnyder9792]

That's so full of earth, greatness Harvey!

[@robinb.4084]

Awesome. Groove and Feel Beast 🙏😊

[@hermanmelville3871]

The groove is powered by and hidden in his 'stache.

[@Drummerman02]

Those hi hats are magic. No bell?

[@ignaciotrazar4203]

I was thinking the same...

[@offspring14071]

Alex M they are sick! what a great sounding hats

[@sCrankHD]

Pablo Dexter PraDeus Arango Ríos Those are Murat Diril cymbals ;)

[@edomahendra3110]

TheMexiCan what series are those?

[@sCrankHD]

edo mahendra They are the artistic black sea 13" hi hat pair :)

[@harrisongdavis]

love this dude and his playing

[@rlems4772]

Harvey Mazing!!!!

[@darkmatterenergyfull]

Such an amazing taste! so smooth, great Harvey, just great! Greetings from Argentina!

[@matttildesley]

all class,i could listen to him playing drum's all day.

[@grantbudagian9652]

The Best Sound of Drums!!!

[@markallen351]

Perfection ✊

[@serger.pokamme6003]

Harvey est probablement le meilleur dans son genre qui demeure de nos jours, capable de se fondre dans tous les styles de jazz !

[@FusionHowie]

Awesome! Such a huge influence to so many drummers! What about that flat hi hat cymbal? What's up with that?

[@eddiewilliams8673]

Genius.

[@mustodo5841]

うまいっ！、このタイム感＆ナイスグルーヴ！…何回見ても飽きない…今日も、もう一回見る…追記〜今度JamNightにくるっちゃが〜、いいね！

[@bean9seventy]

awesome idea ,, Harvey Mason ,

[@jimmermonserate7430]

oh man! that feel!!

[@p6in]

Eargasms! Those hi-hats how does it sounds like it has bells!?

[@drummerdaveshouse5848]

The man! School time drummers.

[@TweedSuit]

Feel for days.

[@mustodo5841]

ピッコロスネアの使い方がもう絶妙、オシャレウマい〜〜っ、ナイスハービ〜グルーブ！

[@julianisdope]

Legend.

[@RambunctiousVA]

The beginning of the song with all of those windy sounds is damn weird but cool.

[@marvinbaker237]

THAT REMINDED ME OF BILL SUMMERS PERCUSSION ON THE 1974 HEADHUNTERS BILL IS A MASTER AT WEIRD SOUNDS AND MADE THEM FIT CHECK OUT THAT LP

[@nicocilli2657]

Great Master

[@pengfeixue599]

Harvey mason.i am your fans!

[@tommyleanza510]

What kind of hi hat cymbals are those? .. Everything sounds gorgeous!

[@marcobateria]

Murat Diril , on that time..

[@lt.frankdrebin3317]

The hi-hats are Sabian Hand Hammered EQ hats. Easily identified by the flat top and the four notches in the edge of the bottom hat. He's been using them for at least 30 years now.

[@alanruiz571]

Sin dudas uno de los mejores bateristas de sesión, a la altura de Vinnie Colaiuta, Lee Levin, etc.

[@israelcari]

a nadie le importa la técnica cuando se toca bien la musica!!!!1 me encanta

[@UnnecessaryComment.]

Groovy baby yeaaa. Wish I could do a play along but I don't have my set miked up

Si los bateristas fueran como los boxeadores este es un peso pesado.

[@tommyleanza510]

Grooooooooooovvvvvvve !

[@masterworks71]

What is that WONDERFUL hi-hat!?!

[@dhdw1]

Murat Diril.... Turc artisan.... inspired by his Hihat sabian he has got before...

[@lt.frankdrebin3317]

The hi-hats are Sabian Hand Hammered EQ hats. Easily identified by the flat top and the four notches in the edge of the bottom hat. He's been using them for at least 30 years now.

[@93davve93]

Great playing! Just me that thinks that the cymbals are a little low in the mix?

[@JBreez218]

Still killing reminds me of when I saw him at uncw with 4play!

[@catalinbadalan4463]

The train of ghost notes has arrived into your station....

[@kindnick58]

Smooth operator!

[@ianhendrytube]

so grooooovy

[@murenismail1399]

Love love man is so

[@OdieOutProductions]

This guy is my uncle. Love u Unc harv

[@shakeweight11]

Hi hat rod ready to take a roadie's eye out

[@icemanhunter3011]

As a great man use to say, he's cool 😎 as the other side of the pillow

Too many albums to mention that he plays on that are STELLAR. Anyone every listen to 'Symphonic Soul' by Henry Mancini? Some fabulous creative drumming on there by Mason.

[@blueshark928]

Is this track still available somewhere on the internet?

[@CatherineNueraRosario]

i love the pork pie snare 10 inch sound ! i would like to know which model is that please ?

[@Ramblon1]

Coupla blushdas for some extra spice ?!? Nice.

[@paulomm2269]

Mr. Mason = funky cool! Been searching flat top hats since yesterday and went...how about use two quick hats bottoms ....Murat Diril has a model...hmmm!

[@lt.frankdrebin3317]

The hi-hats are Sabian Hand Hammered EQ hats. Easily identified by the flat top and the four notches in the edge of the bottom hat. He's been using them for at least 30 years now.

[@MegaLJ3]

Great playing Harvey. This looks like a Canopus RFM kit?

[@rolanddeschain6983]

Robert Delich Yes, it's a canopus rfm. I play a RFM too, the club one (15" kick drum)

[@SaunaartcreativityBlogspot135]

Thinking smooth? Think Harvey! =D

[@CatherineNueraRosario]

does anybody knew what snare he is using on his left side ? i guest its a pork pie 10 inch but i would like to know which model exactly he use on that video please help .

[@02121948]

The secret to his chill is where He's from , Atlantic City , N.J.

[@millmaxy]

can anyone explain to me the utility and theory behind the two perpendicular condensers at the front of the kit, over the two rack toms, please?

[@PoeticJustice05]

He holds his sticks like I do.

[@aiachmad93]

Does anyone know what brand he uses?

[@fjt3637]

harvey never shows off...but follows the music like very very few drummers do....this is what it s supposed to be....melting in order to create the music in a imperceptible way

[@ralphtoles393]

Harvey's chart skills are still better than most!

[@harvey913]

😵😵😵😵😵😵😵😵😵😵

[@billytheweasel]

Pocket God

[@Tfunkize]

Looks like Harvey plays with 3 different size snare drums - as recall back in 1973 with KC and Sunshine Band Harvey use Rogers or Yamaha drums -right ?

[@rolanddeschain6983]

I think the drum kit is a Canopus RFM. I use the same brand, different model, and is awsome!

[@ralphtoles393]

Wrong!

[@joelpark6616]

Hi hat question: what kinda effects you get without the bell parts?

[@MalcolmWAdams]

What? No credit to Paul Jackson whose bass-line made this song. Come on now!

[@colin_rose]

+Malcolm W. Adams (Brother Mal) The famous bass line is Herbie on a synth.

[@MalcolmWAdams]

Yes, Colin Rose, but it was written and composed by bassist Paul Jackson and taught to Herbie to be performed on a synth from my understanding.

[@marvinbaker237]

FOR SURE PAUL JACKSON BASS LINE MADE HISTORY IN THAT SONG

[@marvinbaker237]

HARVEY AND PAUL JACKSON ARE TWO OF THE BEST DRUMMER AND BASS PLAYERS IN HISTORY

[@MrBrokentowels]

What's great about this thread is that I just discovered Paul Jackson for myself.

[@RambunctiousVA]

What version is this ?

[@davidkillander5063]

Love this guy, but that headset cord is driving me up the fucking walls.

[@DietmarHoffmann]

Anybody know which Cymbals Harvey is playing? Especially the Hi Hat...

[@lt.frankdrebin3317]

The hi-hats are Sabian Hand Hammered EQ hats. Easily identified by the flat top and the four notches in the edge of the bottom hat. He's been using them for at least 30 years now.

[@pengfeixue599]

这个厉害。

[@ignaciozdanavicius9268]

G E N I O

[@pengfeixue599]

梁栋说：harvey mason这段彻底疯了。

[@ctraltu]

the flat hats are cool

[@lt.frankdrebin3317]

The hi-hats are Sabian Hand Hammered EQ hats. Easily identified by the flat top and the four notches in the edge of the bottom hat. He's been using them for at least 30 years now.

[@thirsahuancacuri8706]

suave :)

[@tonartification]

Sounds like Kamasi Washington on tenor ...

[@dmguk9931]

perfect underplayed delicate...musical....not a 'gospelchop in sight"..🤔

[@misslindacjones2392]

.............comon'.................. sir sickness!!!!

[@cpu554]

Not big fan of the smooth jazz idiom,but you gotta eat. I think Harvey's best work was on Lee Ritenour's Captain Fingers.

[@bean9seventy]

seem to know what you mean , tho those smooth jazz new wave players make sure all superlatives are covered ,plus its very much how funk/jazz players sound in a live environment at any given time these days

[@ralphtoles393]

You can't really put this in smooth jazz category. If you must, then call it jazz funk feel with fusion overtones. Keep in mind smooth jazz was a marketing term from the 80's derived to encompass different genres of styles (even if it wasn't jazz at all) to sell to the masses.

[@jonathonhostetler7260]

Drums and cymbals?

[@CesarVesvre]

gretsch, i guess

[@jonathonhostetler7260]

Samuel Einzig I saw that on his Hi-hats too. Curious. I use Sabian Vaults myself. I wonder what purpose they serve? The sound is great, put not unusual as far as I can tell.

[@PirataOG]

All cymbals are Murat Diril Cymbals. Great sounding cymbals.

[@lt.frankdrebin3317]

@@jonathonhostetler7260 The hi-hats are Sabian Hand Hammered EQ hats. Easily identified by the flat top and the four notches in the edge of the bottom hat. He's been using them for at least 30 years now.