Simon Phillips (L. Ritenour & M. Stern) - Smoke 'n' Mirrors, [drums only camera]

[@ladrum6623]

How is anyone talking about the fact that he has a totally ambidextrous way of playing , leading with both hands !!! It is incredible

[@nicholasprotz4297]

He plays an open hand style.

[@Metragnome_Images]

44 people have thumbs downed this video... 44 people with no idea about quality music and musicians. This is superb on all levels.

[@dirklourens1929]

Could not agree more....brilliance at it's best!!!

[@drew-shourd]

You are assuming you know the reasons why all those people gave this video a thumbs down, which in reality is impossible imo. As a retired professional drummer from Los Angeles, I love fusion jazz, and cut my teeth on Return to Forever, Spyro Gyra, Yellow Jackets and the like.

[@drew-shourd]

@@jennpage3976 evidently you do not have ‘musicians ears’….and why is everyone so opinionated about this music. People can admit they don’t like dark chocolate, even though many do like it (like me), understanding it is good for others but not for them. As a retired professional drummer (in Los Angeles for 30 years) I do not like speed metal, yet many do. I was weaned on these three since the late 70’s, luv them together.

[@brainiac1890]

Madonna Fans 😂

[@haroldseaman4243]

​@@drew-shourd Those are some great bands I'm a drummer also but didn't possess the skills or the maturity to jam along until much later in life lol!!! Been trying a better part of my life so I too can say some day I'm a retired pro drummer!!!

[@darleneknight1]

What a drummer. What a drummer. Man what a drummer. I am 71 have been playing since i was 12 and this guy is dead on.

[@krioni86sa]

RIP mister

[@MrAhmedalaali1]

Simon is really the TOP master of drums. I always enjoy listening and watching his rhythms.

[@ididyermom3273]

To me Philips is the most exciting, creative and musical drummer of our generation. I know, big statement but he's killer!!

[@dirklourens1929]

Absolutely agree!!!!

[@charliehayward2512]

Agreed ! His technical prowess,his feel,and his almost alien sense of rhythm makes him one of the greatest drummers to have existed......

[@kenwinter3821]

Agree 100%

[@franklewis6943]

Thought #1: That 7/4 groove it so sick it should get free health care. Thought #2: No drummer uses space as musically as Simon Phillips. I wish I could hear what he's hearing in his head when he isn't playing that inspires and informs what he plays in response to it. Pure genius, and pure artistry. Thought #3: The Simon Smile is never *_not_* infectious. Thought #4: Almost a decade later, this still sounds as fresh as the day it was recorded.

[@drummermodern]

Well, I'll answer it honestly, Simon is one of my favorite drummers and has always been a great influence on me, but the explanation for what you say about what makes him flow that way is because he's playing with incredible music and that inspiration comes from going listening to each other with great attention and it could easily be an improvisation of these bosses. It is very important that there are always bands with members who are at the same level

[@Drummr88]

@@drummermodern You're missing the point. Obviously they're listening closely to each other, and complimenting each other's playing - that's a given. But how does he decide how to approach the groove? To fill space? To kick certain accents? To play a repeating phrase and add something unique each time? To voice the drums, and maintain certain dynamic relationships between different parts of the kit? What he does is simply incredible, and couldn't be totally replicated by anyone other than him. I think that's more what the question was driving at.

[@DrJ-hx7wv]

@@Drummr88 my view is that this comes with experience, tons of exposure to great drummers of the past and native talent. Being on tour with such players and doing the same songs nightly also allows him to become so familiar with the song that it becomes automatic.

[@shannonmiller5648]

So sick it should get free healthcare lol. Definitely one of the best one’s I’ve heard. I’m sorry but I’m definitely going to have to steal that one. Pretty much perfectly describes everything Simon Phillips has ever done within a given track throughout his career. Nice one sir!

[@franklewis6943]

@@shannonmiller5648 No apology necessary. Feel free to use it to your heart's content. Just not so much that it requires free health care!

[@AdamW69612]

I came by this video entirely by accident, and so glad I did, it absolutely made my day!

[@derrickcraigie2038]

As a drum teacher and music educator Simon has always been at the top of my list of recommended drummers to watch. Feel, dynamics, rudiments, groove and most importantly timing. It’s a shame so many people are caught up in their favourite music and scoff at such amazing musicians. You don’t have to be a fan of the genre appreciate someone who is an elite performer.

[@malcolmhobden4350]

Absolutely, you can see why Toto asked Simon to join them after they lost Jeff . Jeff, Luke and David highly praised Simon.

[@Fugettaboutit]

When I saw The Who in their return tour in '89, Phillips was clearly the star of the show. One of the truly under-appreciated greats for generations.

[@markhardwick1570]

Phenomenal.i was there in Birmingham. 3 hour high energy show. Exhausting. When Townesend asked him to do the tour , apparently Si Phi laid down conditions!!!!! That he and Daltry had to sort their differences and no politics!!! Any other drummer woulda just said Where do I sign? 🤣 But yeah he powered the band through that tour. You seen the Deep End Tour from 1985?

[@DrJ-hx7wv]

I thought the Tommy show with all the famous singers was one of the greatest things I've ever heard.

[@user-sd9cf2ms4n]

I saw in Birmingham too. When Townsend asked Simon to do the power , they say Simon said only if him and Daltrey sorted their differences out! He didn't wanna be caught in middle. That is power! Any other drummer woulda been "Where do I Sign????'

[@cryptojoecoin5480]

That was an amazing performance. His timing with all that technical stuff thrown in is proof that this guy works hard at his craft.

[@michaelwhite5300]

Wow on and on I love the drums

[@jmysflix]

A lot of technically brilliant drummers out there who can do amazing things but having musicality on this level at the same time is a very rare thing. Maybe he's the best ?

[@dirklourens1929]

A complete drummer, brilliant at different genres!!!

[@subratabardhan8534]

I would rate Simon , Gavin Harrison and Larnell Lewis equally highly . I think these three are the very best currently in terms of chops , musicality and restraint .

[@michaelmartin4366]

At 62, I've listened to a lot of drummers in my life, and I'd be hard pressed to list someone better than Simon.

[@gj8683]

Phillips' technique is so clean and precise with such great feel.

[@dirklourens1929]

Absolutely!!!

[@ozanareyiz7773]

My 18 months baby boy loves to watch Simon Phillips’ drumming.

[@southamericanescapes]

I wish I could give this a million thumbs up!

[@Soiandre]

BRILLIANT!! A natural genius! Simon..you are blessed man.

[@YouzTube99]

Yet another example of what is meant when Simon is called a 'musical drummer'. His ability to simultaneously create a groove and interact with the other players is extraordinary.

[@nosecondlost]

Simon is - (maybe) - the best player ever! It's not only how he plays - it is how he is into music! His dynamic and the way he is feeling the music is simply out of thinking! There is no way to "think" what he is doing just in the moment. He is making more out of the music that is "normally" in it! He is adding a new dimension. This is what his real quality is all about! In every recording he plays he is making the difference.

[@markhardwick1570]

What I love when I've seen him many times.... it doesn't matter of its a young keyboard player he was helping with early protocol.... Leyland Sklar...Lukather... Nathan East... he brings out the VERY best in them all. Pino.... He's like the polar opposite of the conductor in Whiplash. Si gets the best by leaning back and letting others shine. In an encouraging and respectful way.

[@seppoinnanen5577]

Despite of a big kit he has one gift: he does not overplay. He's quite consummate with his ideas, actually. And he really listens to what the other guys do on stage. Not all super drummers can handle these two important things.

[@packwoodfun3500]

Dynamics, there is no substitute. Man, he is FUN to watch!

[@markhardwick1570]

That's true and hes very magnanimous allowing younger players in whatever group he's in to shine. I've seen many gigs where others are thriving under his leadership.

[@pvkoz8698]

Fantastic comment, Simon has so much feels and knows precisely what's needed. Soft, hard he's got a really good musical brain. He's my number 1 drummer, EVER.

[@johnnychannarong5484]

He plays simple sounding fills that isn’t very simple when transcribed yet it’s so groovy and just nice !

[@terrysearley3599]

0

[@ikeeptime]

The guy kills me. Every time I watch one of his vids Im amazed again by his independence. More versatile with his arms and legs than any other drummer. Shifting from left hand dominance to right to left. Leading with either hand deftly. Ill never be even close to him. An inspiration and frustration at the same time.

[@michaelwhite5300]

Toss those drum machines out there is nothing like live drums hands down

[@scottmoyer1357]

It is difficult to fathom the degree of losses that Ritenour and Phillips had in the separate fires in California...Simon lived in Ventura and Lee in Malibu. The fires were in different locations and happened in different years yet these two world class musicians here on the same stage suffered identical losses of their entire homes, music collections, instruments, memories and everything else dear to them. Here they are giving their everything from the bottom of their highly evolved musical souls showing how precious and deep this music performance that they love & business goes. It is definitely "of the heart"....and they are all the ultimate pros at what they do.

[@watchvideosoul]

Gosh, that’s terrible.

[@alaneisenberg1438]

One of the greatest drummers of all time. Truly amazing

[@sundet81]

Absolutely incredible.

[@wisheye1]

This is my favorite thing on the entire internet for going on five weeks straight now😎

[@Hearschk]

The tempo he built over the entire track is phenomenal! Absolute gracious from Simon

[@TabRoss1st]

I WAS GOING TO START PLAYING AGAIN SOON AFTER A STROKE AT 50 AND NOW I'M REHABBED AT 61 BUT I REALIZE NOW I'M JUST WASTING MY TIME. LUV YA. SIMON. GOOD STUFF BROTHER.

[@imrenegade7582]

One of my favorite technical drummers. My drums saw this and sold me.

[@whamalam]

Always impressed with Simon P's dynamics. He knows how to build it up, simmer it down and let it marinate.

[@blackstaticband]

most jazz guys have this but yeah I agree

[@djordjebajevic9418]

Koordination pure

[@markhardwick1570]

I like the cooking analogy. Marco Pierre White of drumming.

[@soujrnr]

What a fantastic trio! I play drums and guitar, but after watching these three, I may have to go start a bonfire in my backyard and settle for watching. Incredible!!

[@ryanbates362]

Totally inspirational drummer. Every time I hear him play I realize there's so much more to learn.

[@genebrohan2401]

Everything I’ve learned are developing and hit my head against the wall I will never in my lifetime finish everything I’ve tried to learn

[@franktraynor4448]

So good makes you wanna cry

[@richwahneEXPERTSmadeEasy]

OMG amazing!!! A real pleasure to watch Simon play that kit!

[@gitaaa7740]

I’ve always been a Simon fan since hearing with Jeff Beck. But that Lee Ritenhour solo was off the hook! And Simon’s drumming during the solo added to the intensity! Awesome!

[@LaurenR-fk8gq]

Holy smokes what the hell just happened. 13 minutes and 14 second. I'm telling you folks i felt like i was there standing off to the left side of Simon's drum riser then...wtf....im back sitting in my freaking room wondering was i at that show or did i pass out. I had the audio running through my system and had the volume turned up really damn high. I wanted to talk to lee and find out if its his flannel shirt that gives him the super shredding powers to tear that guitar apart without it blowing the hell up. I cant freaking tell anyone about this video. They wouldn't believe me. Thats just how its got to be. Wow ....... Folks check out mike stern with bob berg sax player and Dennis Chambers on drums.... omg its freaking very intense stuff.

[@gregdes1385]

Simon Phillips is a monster player...I had an opportunity to meet him at Modern Drum Festival back in the 90's and he is one of the nicest guys I have ever met. He is one of those Drummers that every time he performs he is under pressure to deliver and does it magnificently every time. No doubt one of the best in the world! Study his playing and learn a lot.

[@pvkoz8698]

Nice, he's so good. Heard him in so many different contexts and he's genius. Such feel, technique and musical brain. Love how he can play so soft and understated and then next, look out he's gonna cream you.

[@kcerezo4539]

Not only Simon is playing so great, the sounds of drums are so beautiful!

[@gerardoerak]

K cerezo Yes, drums are nicely tuned¡.

[@gerardoerak]

K cerezo The first time I heard him was on the "There and Back" album by the Master Jeff Beck. After that he is one of my favorite drummers along with Bill Bruford.

[@vdrum1693]

K cerezo and his ZILDJIAN cymbals too!

[@zebonaut]

Beautiful album . My first albums with him were Pete Townsends "White City" and, maybe a little overlooked, the live album from TOYAH "Warrior Rock". To me the best live drum rock album ever...her songs are really good Pop-Rock and he plays his fusionesque.whatever-the-fuck-he-wants -power-hosue-drumming over it..really very musical ! Inspired me for decades. very sadly there is no video footage from this tour..

[@cubbus09]

Check him (Simon) out on Michael Schenkers 1st solo album cut the same year as there and back with the same Bassist as there and back,

[@odaydrums]

I am so glad Simon has had a wider audience he deserves it!

[@ejmy100]

These guys blow in a 7/4 time signature so naturally it's amazing. Of course Simon is keeping everything together with ease.

[@alexandrevargasvolkweis2205]

Sorry, I'm not a drummer, but we can count that like 4/4/6 bars???

[@ronaldent5781]

And how the hell do the other players keep the 7/4 so steady while SP is totally freaking out during his solo...!???

[@rycher2007]

Alexandre Vargas Volkweis, you can count 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 or 1,2,3,4-1,2,3..

[@x.y.8581]

Seems more like 14/4. I'd like it much more (and think it would be great) in standard 4/4 time tho. Maybe just the bridge in 7.

[@lunde28]

@@x.y.8581 You can find the music scores here: leeritenour.com/music-scores/ It's 7/4

[@schaddalton2506]

There are few drummers out there who play as seemingly effortlessly as Simon. Every time I watch one of his videos I'm simultaneously inspired and disheartened. Inspired, for obvious reasons. Disheartened because I know I'll never be a fraction as skilled as he is. Yet, i keep watching...

[@ken8283]

Best independence I've ever seen! Awesome fusion 7 groove. Simon rules!

[@CusterFlux]

Always loved Simon's groove: it's that rare perfect balance of relaxed, yet articulated & deadly accurate.

[@HennieBours]

Simon is one of the reasons why I'm a huge fan of TOTO. At the Olympics he would win the gold medal.

[@samidipiazza1269]

Simon is THE best. Look how he plays from his heart. the set he has is brilliant but when he plays with smaller set he´s talent really shows. amazing amazing guy. i hope i meet him some day

[@ArtemEnglishPro]

Simon is a great pleasure to watch and listen to. His ambidexterity is incredible. I could watch him play all day, but I gotta go to work.

[@jeffdownfield1455]

Brilliant playing. I've seen Buddy Rich a couple of times LIVE and met Billy Cobham, and have studied "big name" drummers for years. If it were possible to "hijack" a playing style, I would want to play like Simon Phillips. He first crossed my radar while playing the ARMS concert with Clapton, Page, and Jeff Beck on stage at one time. Then played with Jeff Beck and the Who plus many many other music legends. Impressive. Simon Phillips is a true artist. Thanks for posting this.

[@dirklourens1929]

You nailed it my friend, brilliance at it's best!

[@gabriel_mendez]

When I'm feeling frustated about being right-handed and playing left-handed I see Simon and I'm happy again! He's the man behind the drums. He never gets you dissapointed.

[@beetlejews]

Hands down Simon is the greatest drummer in the world. I understand the greats out there who are monsters at the drums but Simons ambidexterity is like no other. To switch lead hands so easily and effortlessly is beyond difficult. If you watch his KZbin videos he mentions he started playing open handed because he was originally a right handed drummer but wanted to lower his hi hat so he could fit another Tom in (his smallest Tom) and the only way he would be able to play the hi hat was with his left hand (open hand) so he taught himself to lead with his left hand after years of leading with his right hand. That is an amazing feat in itself.

[@AsadSafuan]

Beetlejuice brother....don't forget collaiuta

[@menom7]

Agreed totally!!! Watching Phillips videos here,and seeing his ambidexterity is just phenomenal!!! As you said perfectly.........he does it so effortlessly and smoothly,it definitely MAKES YOU PAY even MORE attention to his playing or else You'll MISS that he's NOW using the OTHER hand!!! Lol. ;)

[@bobivocal9506]

Oooo,yeaaah! My numero uno,Vinnie!

[@reyhanvivaldi9597]

Beetlejuice like Mike Mangini

[@ScottFear]

From a old head who grew up with Fusion. Eggy, Simon is one of the best. Labeling Simon THE BEST is not an injustice, BUT could be debated. You got Buddy Rich, Cobham, Peter Erskine, Tony Williams, Phil Collins (Brand X), Dave Weckl, Steve Gadd to mention a few. Simon's patterns and coordination is sizzling hot!

[@danielebrambilla94]

One of the best ever.. definitely my favorite drummer! I love his sound and his taste

[@Tomkiller001]

First time i'm listening to him, got on here by random clicking - He is incredible!

[@dsmusicuk]

Watching Simon and listening to Stern and Rit is heaven.....waiting for the DVD.....

[@markpeytonennis149]

THANK YOU SIMON FROM ALL OF US DRUMMERS-

[@jonathanwilson5863]

This is unbelievable. Everything Phillips does is so tasteful and musical. His timing is impeccable. If you do not appreciate this video, there is something wrong with you man.

[@wolowolowolo]

The control of the groove is incredible...

[@markd4109]

Simon is unreal...what a groove and crazy ambidextrous! And chops but always with great dynamics.....

[@ralphflores4422]

Geez! How can this get any better. That’s amazing chops and time. 😊

[@cbrtr1]

REAL GREAT STUFF!!!!!! Compact but clear as the water of a mountain creek!! Love it!!!!

[@Drumming-Life]

Simon is such a musical drummer. One of the best and my personal favorite.

[@dirklourens1929]

Mine too!!!!!

[@RodneyEFosterSr]

Simon Phillips on drums Great when I go on Tour I will Try to get this Guy for my drummer. Mike Stern & Lee Ritenour some of the best Guitarist on the planet

[@gajierajie]

I totally enjoy watching and listening to Simon play drums!

[@apples874]

I love Simon's dynamic awareness

[@Shaktidej]

We'll that must be one of the greatest display of showmanship I've ever witnessed on drums. I believe every imaginable technique is displayed here by Simon, all with exquisite taste and perfect execution. Simon is definitively one of the greatest drummers of the 20th and 21st century. Kudos !

[@michaelwhite5300]

Kool sneakers as well as hot licks on the drums

[@wheelie63]

its after midnight..... i'm eating a hot dog,,,,,,,,,,, and bopping my head relentlessly to this jam........... and lee Ritenour's solo in particular.........great stuff.......

[@jaystrass8608]

Man what a GREAT recording, I'm totally blow away by this incredible drummer.

[@marcoaguillon1987]

BEAUTIFULLY PLAYED :)

[@giorgiomaddanu479]

Che groove Simon!!!sei speciale nel dare la parola alla musica!!!

[@mrc8086]

Awesome video of Simon! Love his drum sound and playing so much!

[@geraldhart4543]

A lot of old is new.This is preaty cool fusion has no date ; just cool tunes. youtube can't live without. it; put up more. Very solid tune ; liked the drum mix and switch.

[@gmcjetpilot]

Master class in drumming... Phillips is so ambidextrous... came from lots of practice. One of my influences. I wish I had a transcribe of his sticking on some of those grooves.... Well then playing it would be another matter. The tuning of his drums sounds amazing.

[@affiliatemarketingtraining]

Yeah, gmc, Simon always had that perfect drum tuning when he played for Toto, e.g. 2007 in Paris, "Falling In Between" album.

[@TIMG128]

so so good!!!

[@livlem]

I absolutely agree this clip of Simon is a gem!! It sums up beautifully what Simon has been doing all these years, amazing technique, in the pocket playing, and control all put together for the music. Thanks Simon for inspiring us. Yes stunning indeed..........

[@All.is.relative21]

I can only listen to Simon play until I die, I will consider my life hectic, surprising and magical. One of the greatest musicians in history. One of my absolute idols since its discovery on the record of the lion king when I was little! (he lives in you)- thanks for the vidéo and sorry for my english i'm french.😢

[@thomaswatson815]

Simon is definitely one of the best ever and there is some stiff opposition around. He looks comfortable playing any genre. His mobility in both hands, spot on groove and timing makes you want to watch over and over again! Brilliant!

[@reassert]

Lee's solo is tremendous!!

[@MrTwister3356]

Nice to see someone else noticed that there are other musicians in the band besides Simon.....yes, Lee's playing is great...as always!!

[@mansenmias]

@@MrTwister3356 Yes, but i liked how he didn't play "cute" like almost always but played as he actually would have some balls! :D :o

[@MrTwister3356]

@@mansenmias Haha...I know exactly what you mean with the 'cute' thing.....and I fully agree!!

[@davidkyle2073]

Lee destroys his album version on this outstanding live effort!!! 🎉

[@joshkosh95]

As soon as the lights focused on the drums and the rest of the band dropped in volume I instantly knew magic was about to happen

[@CoreaKixx420]

That was beyond MONSTER!! I could barely stay in my chair. What an incredible camera angle. You really get a fantastic perspective on the workload Phillips carries.

[@burnthedead13]

Simon is a beast with that open hand style beyond bad-ass

[@markhardwick1570]

One of the hardest hitters too, when required. He absolutely powered through The Who and Michel Schenker tours... then happily lays back and grooves playing jazz fusion at Paradiso with Protocol... :)

[@benjaminstassinet9585]

Camera and sound are perfect !!! Thank you

[@davidboatwright5701]

I love watching Simon play. He has been my favorite drummer sense 1984 when I first heard 801 live. I learned to play the Hi-hat with my left hand because my friend Randy Staggs played that way and I saw that the arms never had to cross unless you wanted to. you have easy access to all drums and cymbals.

[@petervoogt1966]

Waanzinnig,bij tot al supergoed

[@carlopelzen6515]

Magical performance: great drummer!

[@TonyJBrennan]

This one of the best drumming performances Ive ever seen - and the band as a whole - holy mama

[@pvkoz8698]

It's not just his technical ability but his sense of song and what's needed. Been listening to his The Who stuff (check out Sparks from the The Who's live gig that was recorded in 1989. But also check out his stuff with 801 (sublime and he's only 18years old) or Mike Oldfield (Crisis) for example. He's an insane drummer. His drum tone is to die for and his technical ability is just sublime.

[@MrRobbertlee]

Love it. Thanks Simon. You are the king.

[@Augustes1]

Great riffs!

[@drmorqWarrenProject]

this is crazy... I admit the more I watch Simon Phillips, the more I feel I have to watch.. and to be playing with these guys is a treat for the ears even more.. I saw Simon with the Who... on their 25th anniversary tour of Tommy in 1989 in the Tacoma Dome near Seattle.. .. He was incredible.. So was the band but.. he was more than a worthy fill in drummer for Keith Moon than anyone else could be..

[@caspervanhelvoirt]

Most musical drummer of our generation ! Without a doubt

[@tiekoe]

Wow, what a fantastic drumsolo! i haven't been this excited by a drumsolo in years :D

[@kilianbeyly3934]

That rhythmic illusion around 09'10''... After all these years it is still the smoothest one I have ever heard 👌 (despite the mind fuck it actually is!)

[@markhardwick1570]

Yup. Not a clue... and towards the end he does a pressed roll rudiment i have not the faintest idea ... certainly I never heard anyone else ever do that.its around 11:40 onwards. Just nuts.

[@waynematthews8165]

There's a great interview with Simon on YT talking about how he spent many hours making these odd meters groove and feel as natural as possible. He is an incredible drummer! Love it when he plays with AJ!

[@Devikah]

My man Simon. Never ceases to amaze me. Sweet! ^_^

[@Mansatvw]

How can you not like this?

[@AllenSJ5]

Great stuff. Simon is an incredibly versatile and creative player.

[@markhardwick1570]

One of my fave videos of Si Phi. Thanks SimonBak90!

[@nogoogleplus]

Damn Simon sounds great...love the way he and Stern are playing off each other

[@timinla64]

Admittedly, I know nothing of fusion music. But it sure is a always pleasure watching Simon play..DAMN!

[@groovesville1179]

Sweet.How on earth can one dislike this feel of music??

[@lucapiliu1745]

Un grande pezzo. Vedere uno dei più grandi batteristi in azione è sensazionale💪👏👏👏 grande Simond, non sono tanti a far venire i brividi lui è uno di quei pochi

[@dabycle]

This guy is seriously amazing

[@sylperino]

Juste amazing Simon! And a great song too !

[@mjs3764]

This may be one of the best drum solos I've ever heard.

[@randyaldridge777]

very very Cool !!! - stay Healthy !!!!! thx a LOT - for your so great playin' !!!!!