Steve Gadd: Cissy Strut (The Studio Band Of The US Army Field Band, around 1970)

Since the original video vanished from the intertubes: Here is a bit of Steve Gadd Nostalgia, featuring the U.S. Army Field Band with a version of Cissy Strut from around 1970.
This is the oldest Video recording of Dr. Gadd that I know of.
Update: I removed a personal comment I made earlier about the arrangement, and would like to apologize to anybody offended by it. I think the band and arrangement are terrific.

[@JimScottMusic]

That's me on guitar. This is a video that someone just unceremoniously made one day in a rehearsal. That's why guys are just sitting there looking nonplussed. The band had recording equipment and I think we'd just acquired a video camera. Tony Schwartz on Fender Rhodes Piano, Jim Boggs on bass. Jay Saunders playing lead trumpet. This may sound "white" in that it's an arrangement for a big band, but it would excite near riots (joyous ones) when we played in a predominantly African American high schoot. The song was a big hit at the time, and kids would respond in disbelief. Our opener for those occasions was "Get Ready." When kids would hear that bass line they'd go nuts. When we got to the drum solo in Cissy Strut I remember one time kids dancing standing on the arms of their auditorium seats - the principal running around yelling "Sit down!" He tried to get someone to pull the plug, close the curtain on us, but no one would do it - it was the Army Band Jazz Ambassadors. Great to be the government destroying discipline in the school for the rest of the day. Peace, Jim Scott

[@MikeHF]

+Jim Scott Nice tone on the Tele. Nice solo. Indeed it is a big band arrangement. Nothing wrong with that! Great band and Mr Gadd on drums!!!!

[@LeonardCrassman]

Great story mate great players too!

[@aderyonn2015]

i like your part of solo mr.

[@AlmightyNoobful]

+Jim Scott Wicked cool

[@pianok6626]

+Jim Scott Hey Jim, Do you remember Bill Isom? He was an arranger witht he Studio Band , I believe.....and my piano teacher for a couple of years.

[@charlesinsandiego2537]

Never would have thought that the US Army Field band would play a Meters song in 1970. The world is stranger and more wonderful than ever.

[@Kmarty2000]

Gadd as a young man, and that groove is already a mile deep. smh...it's a beautiful thing.

[@maitai1133]

Great way of stating his skill!

[@kz1000ps]

"Steve Gadd doesn't play a groove, he digs a trench"

[@bkrider19]

How about Dave Garibaldi with Tower of Power in the same time period?

[@randyjustrandy9937]

Proof that Gadd will always sound like Gadd, regardless of what kit he's playing.

[@ShaZAM514]

That's true of everyone. Instruments are incidental to the player. The most important part of any instrument are the hands holding it.

[@spark_6710]

Randy JustRandy INDEED!

[@joesantamaria5874]

Kit don’t mean shit. I have drums from six or seven different manufacturers, I always sound like me, which means not like Steve 😢

[@alvaro.makes.music1]

This makes me think of how much I worry abut (and spend money on) gear while, in the end, there's so much I can do with the tools I have, and so much I can improve my technique... thanks for sharing these thoughts!

[@nicholasanderson5666]

Yes! So true although, I would like to hear what Steve would do without a hi hat haha. True is the master of setting a groove which comes from his dance background.

[@6ythfd8]

Jim Scott on guitar. He played with the Paul Winter Consort after getting out. Jim Boggs bass, recently deceased, Terry Cooke on alto, toured with Mancini, Eric Traub, several years with Maynard Ferguson, now in N.O., John Potachney bari, deceased,jerry Noonan 2nd alto, Denver Symphony, Reggie Jackson (yes) taught at Howard U, Drew Gress oboe, trumpets right to left, Ray Brown, toured with Stan Kenton, composer, Mark Blumberg, arranger Memphis and Nashville,Jay Saunders, Kenton, Buz Parker, Lin Biviano Big Band, I think Rick Culver lead bone, Buddy Rich Band, to his right Brett Stamps, Kenton, So. Ill. Univ., left of lead Dave Wolpe, Les Brown, much published arranger, bass bone may be Gary Russell, Las Vegas, tuba possibly Luther Murphy, later C.W.O. Jazz Knights at West Point, piano may be Tom Garvin, Tonight Show (Carson era) L.A. studios. Could be Tony Schwartz, Delta Queen musician. Actually I think it is Tony. Can't figure out the trumpet far left. Could be Bob Payne on bass bone.

[@Finiero]

No Charlie Almeida there? He and Steve were together at some point...

[@FawleyJude]

Jerry Noonan was my 6th grade band teacher in Denver. This was in 1967. I thought he'd just gotten out of the service then, but here he is with the Army band in 1970. Did he do return engagements with them without having to be enlisted, something like the Reserves? By the way, he's still active playing in Denver, conducting the Denver Jazz Orchestra. He was an instructor in the Denver Public School since at least 1973, don't know if he's still doing that or if he's retired.

[@markkelly3859]

About 10 years ago I saw a drummer who played with one of the top Navy bands at the Westminster Church weekly Jazz Friday in DC. He not playing with that band this night. He tore it up. he was just playing along but when he got his solo his drumstick became a blur. My wife, who has seen many greats including Art Blakey said he was the best drummer she had ever seen. I wonder where he is today. The talent in these military bands is enormous.

[@maitai1133]

How the hell do you know all this?

[@seekingwisdom8]

What a tribute to all of them! I watched because I'm a drummer, but it is very honorable of you to include the others, they deserve the recognition.

[@veloman59]

"So! Exactly Why DO you wanna join the U.S military son?" - "Er to play some funky drums sir!" lol!

[@cogman62]

I've had the pleasure of playing with the 33rd Army Band, Germany, when I was in high school--we combined their band with our high school jazz band. Make no mistake, these cats may be in the Army, but they are professional musicians. And they can play anything--many play multiple instruments. Best musicians I've ever met. And they could take you to 'music school' in a second. Very nice folks though and willing to share their knowledge with us. I was, and am still, in awe of them.

[@veloman59]

Very much so. I have seen some quite amazing military drummers and musicians in the past they deserve respect. Also very disciplined at their craft - hence the emergence of Mr Gadd

[@joecahayla6963]

@@cogman62 I played drums with the 33rd back in 1969, before that I was in a band in Vietnam where I met and learned from Michael Carvin, one of the finest jazz drummers ever. There were a bunch of other really gifted drummers in those bands that you may have heard of. At that time everyone was being drafted so the best musicians tried out for the band programs.

[@ramonalfaro3252]

Groovy man. Groovy!

[@bigsteveno]

I believe Gadd was drafted.

[@odysseuslaertiades1528]

One of the best big band arrangements I have ever heard. Their style is similar to that of the Buddy Rich big band. And Steve Gadd during his solo creates an almost unbelievable rhythmical tension by playing behind the beat, which would later become his trademark and made him instantly recognizable.

[@sblack48]

Really? That’s the best big band arrangement you’ve ever heard? Seriously?

[@Nevadakayaker]

I was on the band immediately after Steve, Ray Brown and Jay Saunders left the service. The lottery was bad for many, but great for the Special Bands, like the Studio Band! I am proud to say I took Ray Brown's place on the band and am still trying to live up to his standards. Dave Wolpe and Mark Blumberg, hello to you as well.

[@6ythfd8]

Hi Andy, Tom Dupin here. Finishing up a 4 1/2 month tour. And I used to think a 6 week tour with the Studio Band was long:-) Didn't get to your neck of the woods this time. Hi to K.Andrew Woodard

[@pianok6626]

+Andrew Woodard Hi Andrew, Please let me know if you worked with Bill Isom.

[@pheddupp]

I grew up listening to the "Meters" here in the NOLA area, and "Cissy Strut" is one of their most popular songs, but this was a real joy to hear with Steve Gadd on drums. I am a lifelong drummer so Gadd and Zigaboo are 2 of my favorite drummers of all time.

[@billyhollister8768]

One of my favorite and inspirational Drummers of all time. Now I find out he served as a U.S.ARMY soldier like myself. He was awesome on the drums even back then. His drumming on PAUL SIMON'S "50 WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR LOVER" is some of the greatest drumming my ears will ever hear.

[@BlueSkies32]

Steve was crushing it from early on, the gold standard.

[@chrisscott2498]

That band was tight as hell, Steve was (quite obviously) already a force to be reckoned with. Thanks for puttin' it up!

[@rstackman]

This was right after he left the Eastman School of Music in Rochester. Not only is he arguably the World's best drummer he is one of the nicest guts you will ever meet.

[@TheBadTrad]

I had the honor of meeting Mr. Gadd in 2001 as a police officer working backstage at a corporate gig he played with Paul Simon. I was introduced to him after his son (I think it was his son) overheard me telling my partner how thrilled I was to be able to watch him play (more excited than seeing Simon up close). He was the nicest guy and seemed almost embarrassed that someone would be such a big fan of his. And of course, he absolutely killed it that night!

[@ninjavigilante5311]

That would been awesome, he is still playing to this day.. on tour with Eric Clapton.

[@TheBadTrad]

@@ninjavigilante5311 Absolutely! He’s still plugging away and is still great!

[@cybrunel1016]

That had some serious swag for an Army Field Band, tight as hell. Thx for sharing this.

[@philmitchell4957]

Gadd never fails to impress me !! He was about 25 years old and it's all there !!

[@6ythfd8]

btw, this is not the US Army Band, it was a group called The Studio Band Of The US Army Field Band. They are now known as The Jazz Ambassadors. Stationed at Ft Meade, MD, just outside D.C.

[@Joesfosterdogs]

WOW--he was so controlled and relaxed...great phrasing and composition on those fills...creative and very interesting while remaining solid musically...classic Gaddisms

[@saxmanbrad]

This is The Studio Band of the US Army Field Band of Ft. Meade, MD. The band was founded in 1969 and currently exists as the US Army Jazz Ambassadors.

[@dustinmollick2455]

Yeah, man.

[@ntesslafan]

This is wonderful to see Steve Gadd playing in 1970. Billy Cobham also played in the U.S. Army band after being drafted in 1965. Thank you for the post!

[@nealbfinn]

Tpt player on far right is Ray Brown. Later he and Jay Saunders joined the Stan Kenton Orch. He moved to California in 1975 and was one of my early mentors. Great guy and a superb bebop trumpet player.

[@JesFamMusCycPoLife]

I love how under the funk - or on top, or beside it if you like, there is still the echo of swing in the horn section, a sassy flapping waggle and strut any of the boys in green from their father's generation would recognize & come alive to. The timeless doesn't die, it only gets promoted & wears a different uniform.

[@eddie01962]

Eric Lohman

[@junkandcrapamen]

Best excuse for a standing army I've seen yet.

[@mattagnew206]

The world would be a much better place if we only fought funk battles!

[@junkandcrapamen]

@@mattagnew206 Utopia!

[@lorenzoblum868]

@@junkandcrapamen WHAT IS THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF THE MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX? PS. If they could all groove like demonstrated it would be insignificant... but it sure ain't so. Shareholders don't funk it. Their motto is the beat of Aks and Kalashs....

[@AmericasChoice]

In 1976 the Air Force Band came to our High School. We were all ready to hate them. But they were really good, played a mean Pick Up The Pieces.

[@thomasforsythe7256]

I served in the Air Force 72/75 and played keyboard in a side band. All the other cats were members of the U.S. Air Force band. The drummer Elvin Hughes later moved up to the main A.F. band in 1976. Thinking this might be drummer you heard cause Elvin arranged a killer version of Pick up the Pieces. I still have my copy after 45 years

[@AmericasChoice]

@@thomasforsythe7256 Cool. They played other rock/blues stuff that was equally as good. Fun show.

[@antkn33]

his break is perfect

[@tmaddrummer]

Other than age and being out of the Army, Steve and his remarkably fabulous playing has not changed a bit... it's Gadd!

[@Mike-zb7ts]

I was watching this late into last night. Over and over. Each time I would laugh out loud. Just totally digging the groove. My wife, already in bed, smiled to herself. She knows me.

[@nickdryad]

That guitar solo. It’s something else.

[@JimScottMusic]

thanks nick. a long time ago.

[@highvibee]

The original Gadd at his best, wOw and what groovy band. Thanks! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@aarinteich3585]

Had to watch twice, it was so good!

[@lancemccollum4697]

I didn't think it was so 'white'. Rhythm section is killing it!

[@gregriddle5163]

I dig what you're saying!

[@thetruth156real3]

Sound quality and composition sound so modern.

[@koehlerdogtraining]

In Gadd we've always trusted.

[@sgchev]

it lifts me up to see that one of the greatest drummers alive is a veteran

[@spark_6710]

sgchev I'm not sure if you can call them veterans...? As musician in military don't have to go on an actual battle field like it used to do in like '20's.... They play for soldiers to cheer them up! Either way respectful...a cool thing to cheer up soldiers for a support.

[@User-es2yz]

Atsuko Livernois anyone who sacrifices their time to serve their country in such a way is a veteran to me

[@maitai1133]

AMEN.

[@maitai1133]

@@spark_6710 Damned right he's a veteran. I never fought, was a firefighter/paramedic, so there's that.

[@spark_6710]

@@User-es2yz That's a beautiful thought ! I agree ! Though not sure if the vetrans will agree !? Sorry, I didn't get the notification ! I came back here for somebody else's ! Thanks for your reply !💜👍🥁💙❤

[@dogpoundoatthetube7756]

Worked down at Fort G Meade for quite a few years, did a lot of work in the Field Band Building , what a impressive place. State of the art recording facility, really neat instrument repair shop. Wish I was enlisted and had a full time job their. Go Army Field Band 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@nealsausen4651]

Damn! GADD sure made those “ROGERS” sound GREAT! Beautiful sounding drums! Specially with Gadd behind em!

[@emblymouse]

They really jump out! And at the same time are loose and deep. Nice!

[@asdfasdf464]

Best drums I've ever owned (1960s Rogers). Would constantly get compliments. The hardware, especially the long board like pedals is some of the best ever too.

[@nealsausen4651]

@@asdfasdf464 : AGREED! Hope you still have them!

[@Dodrums10]

I’ve got the cymbal stands off that kit. I was in the band from ‘81-‘91

[@theoriginalchefboyoboy6025]

I know this song via The Meters: Live on the Queen Mary LP and of course they funk it up good. And I find it so interesting that the funk even transcends being played by an army field band! Incredible.

[@JDSoos]

Who knew the Army Band kicked that much ass!!!!!!!! Of course, they had the secret weapon.

[@MrDigitaldork]

Pretty interesting stuff, thanks youtube, where else can you see/hear this kind of stuff. John Bonham, 3 yrs. younger than Gadd, was doing "Moby Dick", check out his 1970 version, hear on youtube, Jesus bless, please visit POLARISprojectDOTorgANIZATION......

[@burning4902]

he plays so well. Oh well back to listening to The Ramones...

[@iggirotrot1]

Steve Gadd, I always smile when seeing you play those drums, Blessing my friend †

[@6ythfd8]

Hi Jim, I was the guy that had the unenviable job of following Steve in the the Studio Band on drums. Tom Dupin. You were still there when I came on board. Fortunately I had pneumonia in basic training, got recycled, and you all went on tour with a guy from the concert band on drums in the fall of '71 and consequently were happy to see me when you got back. This arrangement stayed in the book for a few years. Greg K, I played gigs with Bill Isom, but I remember him being an arranger for the Marine Band.

[@triggerjunior]

Hi Tom, great to hear you're still around. Reg Jackson

[@hyzeronhisrizer]

That's some killer groove right there! Love this song...horns....drums...bass....beauty!

[@martianshoes]

That song is so funky they all look like they playing a break on the Tonight Show.. Throwin down some strut!

[@joes1963]

What a great era in jazz and rock music. The band was hot, all the way around. Steve Gadd laying it on nice and heavy. That would've been an amazing concert.

[@metallicarocks911]

Steve Gadd is the man. The kit is totally different from what he normally on, but still sounds the same! Love his style.

[@Jeansieguy]

Coolest Army band I ever heard!

[@gixxerboy555]

They all thought...jesus what a fine drummer... :)

[@walther9161]

Wow!! I had no idea. Most people don’t know this but military bands only take the cream of the crop.. goes to show you Steve was destined for greatness..

[@simonstuart1325]

even back then he had it . you cant teach that ,thats just how the man plays .its always so right for the music . genius in the making

[@sixtieskid062]

You can run, but you can't hide from that groove. Amazing.

[@boozoochavis7506]

Good on you Jim Scott, nice to know who the other players are - I did wonder and other than Steve Gadd, it would be nice to know what all these other players are up to today? We have all followed Steve's career over the years, hard NOT to miss him as he has been everywhere since then!

[@cliptop100]

Lots of those signature fills he became known for were already beginning to happen during this time. very cool to see! great post!

[@ItsBriiiiii]

except they really weren't signature, everything is derivative.

[@TheDudeMinds89]

Drill Sargent: Gadd!! What’s your soul purpose in this army???!! Gadd: To play some funky ass music, drill Sargent!!! Drill Sargent: Goddamn it, Gadd!!!...You must be a goddamn genius, that is the most outstanding answer I’ve ever heard! You must have a goddamn IQ of 160! You are goddamn gifted, Private Gadd!!

[@artymorty13]

Not quiet my tempo!

[@4231jerome]

TheDudeMinds89 sole purpose. I suppose soul purpose works too, in a poetic way.

[@TheDudeMinds89]

4231jerome damn dyslexia lol

[@pbassbbox]

About 30 yrs ago, I met Skip Norcott who told me he played trombone in the Army Band with Steve Gadd. I met him in the 80's, so he looked a bit different, but it's possible he's the 2nd trombonist from the left in this film. He told me about how awesome Gadd was on drums, and this film sure bears that out.

[@maitai1133]

The year I was born. Also, my first drum set was only one cymbal less, and minus the floor tom. Amazing video!

[@azsparkle1]

It's fun for me to see the band and Mark Blumberg playing since I'm now married to him. I've heard about this group for years.

[@lennoxbraithwaite3847]

Thank you for uploading this people playing instruments and making music, not the computerised shit of today with bad vocalists and crappy lyrics.

[@frankalfar]

So I'm looking at a funky drummer duet of Jabo Starks and Clyde S. and then find this...wow Mr.Gadd w that certain lilt w funkyness .....awesome!!!!

[@jakemf1]

I about to say it is a good arrangement! The soul of music knows no race! Thanks for posting

[@funklover24]

Mr. Steve Gadd has this ability to let the band sound great.

[@steveemahiser1112]

Really great footage of Steve. A lot of Buddy going on in there! Interesting look at early influences.

[@xylfox]

Great to see Steve Gadd at the absolute hight of youth and skills!

[@JimScottMusic]

Thanks Ron ancient history but that was a fun time - despite being the Army. Steve changed my life

[@bluenote1951]

The U.S. Army Field Band rocks! Gadd had his style going, back then. Jim Scott rips! The whole band is lifted by Gadd's drumming. They're all great. They got the funk!

[@ToddTheJoker]

Had that groove way back then..cool

[@achimschmidt5888]

Even back then his sound war clear and precise.

[@davegazpaccio8854]

Steve Gadd is the best drummer on the planet. Just his 'feel' alone is amazing

[@paulveach3030]

So smooth cool and confident...

[@jaygatsby1]

SG’s iconic militaristic opening lick for 50 ways now makes a little more sense.

[@katskillz]

yep he's maintained this martial sense of rhythm underlying the funky groove sense, and the rudiments discipline is self explanatory

[@shanebrent2227]

Steve is totally awesome so smooth

[@peteryoung4974]

Man guitar sounded awesome and Steve was killin it on the kit!!

[@--..-...-..-.--....]

Good lord that bass drum sounds MASSIVE! Peace ✌️

[@tigerslap]

I like how the leader walks off on 1, probably thinking "Not too funky now, this is the Army".

[@teamcrumb]

haha!

[@BrthRt64Implala]

Salute to Steve Gadd had no idea he was in the army

[@DudemanSwede]

ONE second, and Gadd’s groove was identified!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@8weight]

It looks like Steve is Playing a Rogers Kit!! This is cool as hell.

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

I'm Glad to see that some of you in the music biz back in the day, Also serve you Country !! : ) Semper Fi

[@DesignRhythm]

Damn, Gadd & that drum kit sounded absolutely perfect.

[@Modernaire]

Theys was FUNKY! It's like the Army of Power!

[@JazzDrummer1946]

There's a clip from the Mickey Mouse Club of Gadd playing drums at age 11 or 12. I saw it awhile back on YT. Update: just rewatched the MMC video; it's from 1957, Gadd doesn't play for long (in the clip I saw) Cubby takes over on drums while Gadd... TAP DANCES! I'd forgotten about that part! I probably saw the original broadcast when I was a kid.

[@Chris_Stanley007]

Nice job finding this footage

[@Jojo270573]

Could listen to this all day long

[@len2026]

He is a number One in my list, the Best of the best

[@denbatt]

Thanks for sharing.

[@thebaldybeatles1076]

Classic stuff lads anyways . Great that it was recorded ...just found it now. All the better it being a loose rehearsal as it's more real . thanks. jon One of the baldys

[@davidpaulmaddela5595]

I love the sound of classic drumm'n

[@torgeirbrandsnes1916]

Cool! Greetings from Norway!

[@nuclearbox2]

Gadds snare rolls are just unmistakable

[@jimdandy3573]

This is the best drummer

[@dylangatenby9928]

Great chart for Gadd to play. He doesn't play like he does here. His style has changed from big band to modern jazz to folk drumming.

[@JDubbs1965]

Slammin! I have no idea why the author is critical of the rest of the band, That shit is FUNKY! With a capital F. Damn!

[@BirdsAtDaybreak]

he had it then and he's still got it now

[@MrCJK84]

Gadd has great "feel" - gives an awesome groove to the song!

[@imanaxbert6620]

Man, I wish this was longer. Can't help but laugh at the appearance Steve Gadd. Not used to seeing him so young, formal & stiff.

[@bodgaard]

I think the big band format is probably the best sounding version of this song I've ever heard; very big, dynamic sound.

[@michaelw.4434]

Mr.Gadd Rocked the Boat,Whew!!!

[@n3toy]

That is just awesome!

[@jimproos2209]

Awesome! I didn't know Gadd played in the Army band.

[@dashfentrock]

The Master at work!!

[@keepgrindingup7661]

Killer UPLOAD---- THANKS!!!