Steely Dan on Bernard Purdie (the Purdie Shuffle)

Donald and Walter talk about Bernard Purdie´s amazing drumming, while Purdie himself explains his unique shuffle!!

[@mikaeltoivonen7903]

"Bernard - we don't know exactly what we want, but we don't want a shuffle." - Ok, let me play you my half-time shuffle. "We love it." - mmm-hmm.

[@AfferbeckBeats]

Same with Chuck Rainey on bass "We don't want any slapping" Chuck: slaps Walter and Don: We love it

[@coltallgood4764]

Bernard's "Ohh Bee Bap Bah Duh Doo Dadda Dee" is better than 95% of music out there today!

[@IronMan-tk8uc]

🤣 I never get tired of this, ever! Hilarious as hell but certainly one of the highest studio legends of the United States, Mr. Bernard ''Pretty'' Purdie.

[@giovanna722]

That's because it's rooted in Black music, which was funkier and earthier then than it is now. His feel is phenomenal.

[@cameronjoyce2368]

😂 yup

[@thebasedgodmax1163]

*ever made

[@TheMattmatic]

When he said "backata BAH" I felt that

[@michaeljonesmedia]

I finally understand the Vulfpeck reference to this in 1612. "Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway... FRANK Sinatra."

[@michaelmcdonald8452]

What do you mean?

[@sethbartos9406]

@@michaelmcdonald8452 Vulfpeck has a song where the lyrics go: Aquarion Ford Taurus A strike on the box Ooh, Ford Focus Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway Frank Sinatra It may have come from 0:29

[@selekeh]

that's the key to my heart

[@asianjesus1902]

LETS GOO I UNDERSTAND

[@frafrafrafrafra]

Lol

[@daveowens271]

Bernard Purdie can back up every bit of smack he lays down. The man is an unbelievable drummer.

[@1BuckeyeRob]

Dave Owens He’s becoming one of my faves...and I’m 48 and drumming since I was 15!!!!

[@darmac8519]

couldnt agree more i remember going to a clinic in dublin and someone asked him he use a metronome..his answer "i am a metronome" its that sort of confidence you need to make a great rnb track 😀

[@canadianroot]

Not as conceited or as grumpy as Ginger by a country mile. But still unnecessarily conceited.

[@danrogy]

His foot is faster than light!

[@danrogy]

@@canadianroot Listen more. He's 100% NOT full of it.

[@EmitRemmus22]

0:25 finally know where those lines in 1612 by Vulfpeck came from. rad.

[@ShowTheOreo]

Haha that's awesome

[@acamaroness]

Hahahahha

[@HuntChicagoHomes]

YES

[@nils7262]

I just listened to this and instantly I was like 😳😳

[@m3psy]

Wow. Thank you for that hahah. What’s funny is I thought it sounded so familiar when Bernard said it..and I was just let it slide until I read this comment hahaha

[@dmreeoogdaq]

BOO-BEE, BACKADACKADEBACKADA OOH-BEE, BACKADACKADEBACKADA, BOO-BEE, AH, BOO-BOO-BOO AH...

[@thegrimyeaper]

And that's how you do the Purdie Shuffle.

[@ssonicdeafmonkey]

Funny, my wife's name is BACKADACKADEBACKADA.

[@saucedevourer8858]

Actually it's BOO-BEE, BOPBOODACKADABOOKADABOOKADAaDAaDAaDA, OOH, AH, OOH OOH OOH AH.

[@gsxerwhite]

Eggy Noggy “you gotta come in on the boom chicca not the frappa tappa!” Been there done that

[@richzito]

You done it.

[@Smurfman256]

Fuck, mate. He could just make an album with him playing and speaking and it would be fantastic.

[@ruiplas]

bernard purdie - master drummers vol 1&2, those r what u want

[@aldoushuxleysattention7153]

+Smurfman256 Jeezuz I never clicked what the Dan 'sound' actually was...thought it was Fagen. WOW!

[@sansocie]

Thanks !

[@hectorsanaifric343]

I would buy that album and listen to it on repeat until the day I die

[@snnxcpln]

Agree

[@melvinlloydmaxwelljr5433]

Bernard Purdie doesn't create a beat. He creates a pulse. A pulse you dance to, nod your head to, feel in your body. That's what makes a song, a song.

[@bramposthumus9300]

Excellent observation.

[@markm4601]

The drumming on this track was immediately my focus the first time I heard this song. It's incredible.

[@michaeljohn7095]

Watching him rock the Purdie shuffle and verbally explain simultaneously is ridiculous. What a talent.

[@michealodwyer7306]

Hilarious to hear Donald Fagan talk about that story about Purdie's signs with his typical dry sarcasm while Bernard is going uuugh AAH ungh ungh ungh AAHH in the background

[@Apemopo]

2:55 lol its just so funny when donald starts talking and purdie's still going "oooh aah" in the background

[@jamesat66]

lol yeah as if he's just sitting in the other room grooving by himself

[@bilbono2359]

The cut at the end too about him being confident

[@n8tehgr8est]

Absolutely fantastic editing on this video

[@MykeFord950]

LOL

[@GregorMartinBoyle]

for real i thought this video was like a parody for a sec

[@hiatusfromtheworld]

Sign 1: You Done It! Sign 2: You Done Hired The Hitmaker, Bernard Purdie!

[@handidrummed]

Can we take a minute to appreciate how when Bernard is playing by himself, but then they start playing the actual track, he's in perfect tempo with it? The man is a human metronome. Unreal.

[@mightymartianca]

That's the mark of an ace session musician, and that's why guys like Brian Wilson and Fagan and Becker went with them for their most important records.

[@joshuaanzaroot419]

handidrummed that blew me away too!!! Couldn't believe it...

[@feinstein1]

Good ear. That is ridiculous.

[@masao398]

thats because they cut from a clip of him to the actual song xDD

[@juliodicarlo5313]

Was checked before

[@kitrichardson5573]

Steely Dan’s Aja could very well be the pinnacle of music making. Certainly after the classical era. It’s in there with a handful of record certainly. What a thrill it must’ve been to be in a studio with those two guys during their heyday

[@11thHrPro]

Not over technical yet differentiated himself enough to stand out. This proved that you don't have to be a fancy drummer just a unique one to make a mark. His pocket is like no other. This is one of the coldest shuffle beats that I've ever heard.

[@frankbrenner4852]

You done hired the hit maker!

[@indiesoc]

Basically, this guy invented yacht rock, and he has the sweater to prove it.

[@richardspikman7116]

Bill Cosby called- he doesn´t need the sweater back.

[@TheDiamondsions]

its coogi

[@jmgmarcus808]

indiesoc He was just a massive session hired gun. Definitely didn't invent yacht rock. Just ask Michael McDonald.

[@UnZoomeRetro]

The Doobie Bounce is the origin of Yacht Rock

[@allenbrown9457]

LOL 😄😄😄😄

[@foxrod1]

Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway... Frank Sinatra!

[@elliottcountess7591]

+foxrod1 Vulfpeck?

[@foxrod1]

+Elliott Countess yep

[@erix]

+foxrod1 1612, that's the code to my heart

[@masonbrown9155]

+foxrod1 doo doo doo doo doo-doo "Six... Teen.... Twelve..."

[@63Baggies]

FRANK Ssssinatra :--) It's shame that Bernard appears to feel underappreciated by the industry. For my money, he's only eclipsed by Earl Palmer as MASSIVELY influential studio player.

[@stevendinsmore-george8941]

The greatest session drummer of all time. No one was ever better than Bernard “Pretty” Purdue. If you needed a hit, you got him.

[@JbirdlLester]

Bernard Purdie is probably one of the most underrated drummers out there. The guy is just off the charts on his drum Technics . No wonder so many wanted him on their Albums he is the Perfect time Machine. Thanks, Bernard what a great inspiration you are to all of us drummers.

[@TheAbele992]

absolutely

[@PapaEli-pz8ff]

Underrated? By whose standards? Unless the definition has changed over the last few decades.. by the way, "underrated" musicians don't get hired to play in so many bands and recording sessions

[@TheAbele992]

@@PapaEli-pz8ff Ask anyone on the street if they know who Bernard Purdie is. Despite how many tracks he played on, I guarantee most won't know who he is, even if they know the songs he played on. That makes him underrated.

[@Alobander]

It's sad Purdie is always dropping names... because the only name he needs to drop is Bernard Purdie. Great Drummer.

[@malvessidrums]

I agree man, these artists should be proud they had Purdie saving their records.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Adolphus Alobander I've watched him play from 5 feet away. Far as I'm concerned, he can say what he wants. He DEFINITELY knows his stuff. I learned more from.him in one drum clinic than a decade of lessons, just watching his hands. He was wrong on one thing, he said drummers who sing tend to drop time (why Phil.Collins has another drummer). I forgot to bring up Karen Carpenter.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Adolphus Alobander I've watched him play from 5 feet away. Far as I'm concerned, he can say what he wants. He DEFINITELY knows his stuff. I learned more from.him in one drum clinic than a decade of lessons, just watching his hands. He was wrong on one thing, he said drummers who sing tend to drop time (why Phil.Collins has another drummer). I forgot to bring up Karen Carpenter.

[@Alobander]

Lucky

[@MichaelColombo]

or Levon Helm...

[@anthonypayne2526]

Purdie talking over the groove and then scat signing other grooves over his groove is always so awesome .

[@andocobo]

Bernard Purdie’s gotta be one of the funnest people to watch speak who’s ever lived

[@partyforalifetimewithbritt5835]

I had the extreme pleasure of getting to see Bernard play and got to meet and hang with him last night! It is a night I will never forget! And the sweetest dude you could ever meet! ❤️ Don’t nobody play drums like Bernard Purdie!

[@rileyjackfansmithandjones8238]

Purdie, always on time, sets the groove.....and leaves space for everyone else whose playing.....and when required.....killer Drum Fills, and all this Genres of Music.....none ever failed because of Bernard.....he is a Cosmic Touchstone of Percussion and Rhythm.

[@gasaholic47]

Check out his interview with Rick Beato.

[@FrankPCarpi]

I love when he starts to sing his drum beat.

[@fhowland]

Home At Last, one of their most underrated songs.

[@shutouts33]

Absolutely. That and caves of altamira are my favorite dan tunes

[@graciegolden2290]

You got Purdy on drums. You got everything.

[@arklowrockz]

wow, Becker and Fagen were a whisker away from actually complementing another musician....

[@StamfordBridge]

Lol

[@jasonfitzpatrick2197]

They’re actually a little bit star struck with Wayne Shorter in this documentary (to make up for ignoring Steve Gadd’s contribution, perhaps).

[@moondawg3693]

The compliment is being asked to play, for the very best record producers ever.

[@jasoncarey2092]

Funny. I have read interviews in which Fagen is very complimentary of Gadd. And Becker said once Chuck Rainey join the band he stopped bringing his bass to the studio. He mentions in the full doc on Aja that he felt outclassed when they started using strictly studio musicians.

[@magic.island]

hah idk 2:20 though sounds like that was it though.

[@UBeesh10]

saw this with my parents at 9 and became a drummer....20 years has flown by

[@hubertvale9314]

Plays it as smooth as rolling off a log. Insane talent. Jeff Porcaro gives Bernard props in one of his instructional videos, so that should tell you something!

[@HenritheHorse]

Jeff used to watch his dad making music with Purdie and on a break, ask about the drums and try to learn his stuff.

[@stevenl5652]

Glad I can say I was lucky enough to catch Steely live once in my life. This was the Two Against Nature tour so a little late but still epic. As a drummer, Purdie inspires impeccably.

[@bluemax73]

Played the drums my whole life, always loved playing to Steely Dan and that's where I learned of Bernard Purdie. I've always loved the challenge of playing to Home at Last. Great video 👍👍👍

[@bagley232]

loved when they isolated Purdie, that beat is just killer

[@bicylindrico]

Mr. Purdie has become one of my top two drummers of all time right up there with Lombardo. I can't stop searching his videos

[@hansjavis5854]

Ha! You sound like me. I thought I was the only one that swung so wildly between musical influences.

[@funklover24]

Purdie's shuffle is absolutely outstanding and extra-class. Feeling and sense of groove is amazing.

[@crawfordfanatic]

My husband recently passed and Bernard was his inspiration.

[@cheferic6969]

Then your husband was class and style and still is. Peace to you.

[@thebreeze8443]

Fagen is so understated - just say it: the brother's gem, the Purdie Shuffle, was the driving force behind the immortalization of that great song. The hit maker made true on his word.

[@brettygud4002]

Not just this song but like, over half of The Royal Scam album lol

[@ChrisMaxfieldActs]

My God I love this song. Everyone else goes for Deacon Blues (fantastic, of course), or Peg (fun single!), but I really love HOME AT LAST. It's a bit pretentious, but the music is so moving to me that it makes the lyrics seem perfect.

[@egoequus6263]

I always put this song on when I get back from a long grueling trip.

[@billytheweasel]

Love it. Purdie's pocket is barely street legal.

[@rick3747]

Bernard Purdie, Jeff Porcaro and John Bonham, all brothers from a different mother and my holy trinity of drum grooves. RIP Jeff and John. ❤

[@johncharles5043]

What's so super cool about Mr. Bernard Purdie is how he lent himself so accessible and available to so many different artists and groups back in the day ... I didn't know he played with legends Steely Dan which is way cool but I'm not surprised ... You all want to listen to a really nice album Bernard played on? Go check out an album by an early Sweet Soul group called Family Circle ... They have the nicest backing harmonies over these old school love ballads and right there every step of the way is Bernard Purdie placing mood and tone and tempo all over the place!

[@Kreln1221]

"Babylon Sisters...... Shake it!"

[@MattSmith-iq1ld]

Shake it in two takes according to Brian Sweet's bio on SD. Not exactly the easiest tune on the album to play.

[@IronMan-tk8uc]

Damn right! A signature Purdie groove!

[@ae3898]

Love how Vulfpeck turned Purdie’s name-dropping list into a song lyric.

[@distortsequel]

I just caught this!!!!

[@distortsequel]

ROBERTA FLACK DONNY HATHAWAY

[@ae3898]

FRANK. SINATRA.

[@bobtis]

Gosh Walter I hate it that your gone. It's just not right. I will miss you

[@pharcyde4943]

He aint gone ur watchin him right here

[@LegitamateToaster]

Its amazing seeing these two legends in awe of another legend. Home at last is probably my favorite SD song and now I understand why.

[@nuts0on0a0plane]

I always love it when musicians give homage to their peers

[@ronkopald]

This is one of several variations of this I've heard. Bernard is a legend. Love him.

[@Beghty27]

Even when he is talking about something so very simple, it unquestionable clear that he understands that concept on levels way beyond what I am able to comprehend.

[@briang764]

That Purdie is so talented and such a lovable guy

[@scottfishkind5335]

Bernard Purdie combined with Steely Dan...almost TOO good!!

[@wickbushong2949]

Unmatched feel and incredible technique. He’s tapping the ghost notes with his finger tips along with those rim shots

[@davegrigsby7807]

My respect and regard for Bernard Purdie skyrocketed when I once seen him playing the Purdie shuffle softly, and using his fingers on the snare to play the ghost notes rather than the sticks. Something magical about that finesse and touch at such a low volume. As simple as it was it changed how I seen the instrument after that. Thank you BP!

[@funklover24]

Bernard demonstrating his shuffle-style - a mindblowing highlight

[@funklover24]

@@shamanbeartwo3819 Yeah, this "short" video is awesome. 😅👍🔥🙏

[@ENB1968]

"Home at Last" has been my fav of The Dan for almost 40 years. That drum rhythm is second to none...without it the song never gets off the ground. Walter's solo and "Pretty's" beat makes "Home" the underappreciated force it is!

[@DennisJohnsonDrummer]

I'll never listen to that tune in the same way again. I had no idea he played on that chart. No wonder it grooves! I've been playing on my steering wheel for some time now. Thanks for sharing this.

[@thunderinaspic]

This has got to be one of the coolest clips on youtube, peace

[@drumtravelfun]

Legend has it Bernard is still name dropping.

[@robbygaume600]

No need for it either. Becker and Fagen wanted him.

[@tombojombo]

Rumour has it Bernard is still sat there playing the Purdie Shuffle.

[@claytonsodergren9937]

and he's still saying boo gee tah tah boo doo tah

[@rogerleemeyzindi2979]

Bernard Purdie is one of the GREATEST drum players in the history of music.He invented the legendary "PURDIE SHUFFLE" played by thousands drummers on the planet.

[@fez3327]

An can listen to this all day all day... Bernard!!! Donald, Walter... love it!!!

[@CapFlipGaming]

Home at Last will always be my favorite song. Purdie is mainly the cause of this. Thanks Bernie!

[@arkmediagroupllc]

Who are the idiots that gave this a thumbs down?! Man, this is what music is all about. 50 years later and it’s still the standard!!!!

[@peterrichards931]

What the heck are we doing obsessing over an album 46 years old...??? Because it incorporated so many intricacies and design that at first glance we never realized, that's why...

[@Ultracity6060]

Back when music makers were masters of their craft.

[@psonderman]

No one found the pocket and filled it better without overplaying

[@robertironside290]

Pretty much was the pocket. Take the drums out of that song and it kind of Pfffft's out lol BP did his thing fo sho!

[@avidodd26]

*Ringo Starr has entered the chat*

[@DrinkWater713]

@@avidodd26 To take some notes, I hope

[@beatleszilla]

@@DrinkWater713 Wym? Like Purdie, Ringo owns real estate in the pocket.

[@hellooutsiders6865]

@@DrinkWater713 more like making notes to give to you.

[@chefmarkable]

Just how Awesome is the "Purdie Shuffle"? Bernard Purdie, the Hit Maker! Listen to the "Shuffle" on "Home At Last", no doubt this Cat is...One-of-a-Kind!...Peace...!

[@wezzlyn]

Legendary session drummer

[@deagomack2872]

Great to catch up to the history of Steely Dan

[@nowitsabadtime]

I have to go listen to 'Babylon Sisters' now ; )

[@soulfunkjazz]

What a joy to see and hear that

[@Americanjazzlady07]

That's a great funky tune. God bless you.

[@MakeSomeNoisePlaylists]

amazing man, talented, funny and so skillful.....what a legend

[@Heyimpetey]

2:20 Caught by the beat

[@forformgamer]

Haha noticed that as well. It is one hell of a beat after all :)

[@pharcyde4943]

mr purdie you ever play with ERIC VAUGHN !

[@MykeFord950]

The groove overtook him LOL

[@HyzersGR]

Seeing Walter choke up is so endearing

[@sb848]

Purdie will do that to you

[@geronimoblack5826]

I instantly feel better listening to steely Dan thank you so much.

[@Nullhocheins]

YEEEES, this is where 1612 got it's quote from! FRANK SINATRA! got it :)

[@jedenzniewielu]

what do you mean?

[@robertharaway8196]

Check out Vulfpeck

[@TheAdvancedMusic]

# Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway...

[@rododell4060]

J Molz isn't it I was like ohhhh shit

[@theacademyisntt]

J Molz lol fancy seeing the guy I learned 1612 from in these here comments :)

[@misfit2022]

Great groove and inspired two of the world’s greatest drummers to produce some of their best stuff, John Bonham and Jeff Porcaro.

[@User-1683x2]

You done it!

[@razorcatshark3223]

Oh, my. So masterful!!

[@cliffdiver5357]

I spoke with Mr Purdie for about a half hour one evening in Manhattan. Very classy, humble man.

[@Wally-H]

Purdie laid down many great tracks but nothing beats the last couple of minutes of his rendition of Cold Sweat.

[@voidcomm14]

this is a masterpiece no doubt, seriously, of the arts produced in the face of the earth for the whole history, there's no paralel to such novelty in the field of auditory perceptions

[@vibeonup]

this video made my day!

[@kerriosullivan1277]

Awesome musician..Bernard Purdie.

[@OlafoWaffle]

I could listen to this man drum the phonebook. I know that don't no sense, but that's how damn talented that man.

[@ccrosbyy]

home at last is one of my favourite steely dan songs thanks to this man, just so amazing

[@quagjuice45]

Purdie is so awesome, I've been watching his videos for quite some time, love his attitude. That's real swagger.

[@norsangkelsang7939]

BP... still killin it.

[@GuitarJawn]

One of my favorite Steely tunes

[@chrisdepino7423]

Great Drummer, Great Person

[@PlanetELA]

yep, saw bernard in a tiny basement in CT, he just explained his life story while playing it entirely to poly-rhythms...beautiful...

[@motophiliac]

From VH1's Classic Albums series. There are lots of them on DVD and this is from the Aja DVD. Worth a watch. Brilliant musicians and incredible performances.

[@stephengriffin9992]

motophiliac Actually this was a series first done for British Television which was picked up by American TV. Ian Dury who commented on the original show of the Aja Classic Album is virtually unheard of in America.

[@radsk8rbigollies594]

I love this band, They never put out crap. Not many bands can say that.

[@greghudson8263]

That drum track “sings” on its own

[@metaldude4563]

Not only one of the all time great drummers but also the most charismatic. Watch the video where he breaks down the shuffle, he's a fucking riot and you learn a thing or two

[@lclaughton]

I caught Bernard down at Jazz Alley in Seattle after his show and had a drink with him. Way cool guy and loved his sense of humor and how he projects his love of his work...Great story teller...He has a way of winning hearts and minds Hey, what a success!!! He lays claim on being the most recorded drummer in history... But the great Hal Blaine is right in there too!!.

[@NeechOne]

Bernard is my favorite drummer of all time, he’s so talented

[@minuteman3]

All that soul and a coozie too! Love this man!!

[@scottrowland8295]

The Man! The Bernard Perdie half time shuffle groove. Amen

[@bernlin2000]

That drum part is just pure awesomeness, really grounds the song beautifully. Aja is an incredible album, it and Gaucho are some of the best-produced albums I've ever heard.

[@Rbrbrb56]

Aja may be the most complete album of all time. Every single song was a hit. Zeppelin IV is the only other one I can think of in that realm.