Steve Gadd Throwback Thursday From the MI Vault

[@bobbyblazier7374]

He's the most musical drummer in my life time.

[@bradlyscotunes9156]

Amen!

[@dramaqueen6G]

I felt that way about Max Roach, too

[@JohnWilmerding]

Probably the world's best drum kit operator.

[@basslobster]

The pocket, the grooves, the swing, the dynamics, the feel. There you have it.

[@matthewsmith404]

I would never think of Steve having to work much on anything . He is one of the most humble greats. Not to mention his respect to Jeff and Rick and other drummers.

[@2007christian]

I could listen to Steve Gadd for hours without getting bored.

[@newportmike8519]

Gadd damn I love this cat. One of may all time favorites.

[@davideleouet]

This is gold.

[@yigitturkmen3768]

Not a single sec wasted watching this from start to finish. Impressive

[@MP-ju4ol]

Steve is the same guy in this video as he is now (2022). A great mix of Master and teacher. Rare, very rare.

[@ChromaticHarp]

I had the pleasure of seeing Mr Gadd with the band Stuff, at Mikel’s in NYC, Paul’s mall in Boston, and at Player’s Tavern in Westport, CT. He was always grooving hard! Anyone else out there who’s seen Stuff?

[@josephwilkinson1610]

As a drummer, and a fan of Gadd for many years, sometimes I don't know if I should smile in appreciation or weep bitterly for my inability to express myself so beautifully. The time and passion he has put into his gift is something to be admired.

[@Sms8668]

Keep playing Joe, Even Gadd learns something new everyday.

[@bradlyscotunes9156]

​@@Sms8668right on!

[@bradlyscotunes9156]

So well said. When I was an apprentice carpenter, 64 yr.old journeyman Smitty said to me, "No matter how long you've been doing this, there's always something new to learn." Words to live by.

[@romangarcia608]

my all-time favorite drummer without question, my man is a freaking wizard on the drums 🥁 🧙

[@jasoncavitt2043]

He's so thoughtful with his responses... he takes as much time as he needs to get the words right, and isn't worried at all about protracted empty space. Kinda like his playing.

[@GingerDrums]

+Jason Cavitt, what a perceptive comment!

[@jonescrusher1]

+Jason Cavitt He was fairly high also...

[@GingerDrums]

being willing to wait for longer periods before offer in a solution is directly correlated with creativity in research.

[@mikeycon10]

Man what a great comment! I think you’ve summed up what’s so great about his playing and personality. There’s a great lesson in that . Thanks

[@ScottGrant22]

@@GingerDrums he wasn’t high, just been through rehab, we (in the audience) were instructed to not inquire about drugs or alcohol.

[@danielpincus221]

Those 16th notes were going in his mind from the beginning. Funkissimo.

[@mancuniancandidatem]

The groove was already golden with his feet before he even layed a stick on the hihat!

[@BobSchusterMusiccom]

Listening on AirPods the thing first struck is the tuning of his drums. Perfection. Even the cowbell is sublime.

[@mtgarrett]

Of course the playing is outstanding - BUT, the talking points are GOLD. Thank you!

[@shredsixsixsix9218]

Steve is one of those guys who keeps the time so well ,it is like time travel

[@tjroy]

Oh HELLZ YES !!!!! THANK YOU MI !!!!!!

[@crissignori7482]

Just get up and dance cause this IS a groove

[@ribeironp]

This is drumming at its best! It's more than just technique, it's playing with feeling and musical meaning. The late Richard Tee considered Steve Gadd to be his favourite musician, this says a lot. Thanks MI for putting this one up, it's definitely one the best out there.

[@macadoo2530]

It's the groove that matters most..even if the chops are sick as his are Thx Steve.

[@bradlyscotunes9156]

Yes, Groove!

[@catboyzee]

As a multi-instrumentalist (keys, bass, guitar, & sometimes drumset) hearing Steve Gadd do his thing just makes me want to play alongside him. His style is just so inspiring. Much respect.

[@sonomama82]

The man is so dynamic. Can't even try to imitate his style.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

First time I saw @1:53, I laughed out loud. Steve Gadd's cool is off the charts.

[@officialrohinmusic]

Oh shit it’s Rob Brown! I just wanted to say thanks for your videos, they really helped me out with some drumming stuff I’ve been struggling with, your tuning videos in particular cleared some things up for me.

[@fuzzy8mike]

Rob Brown Is that an American thing ? I really wanna come to America. The Americans I have met have all been lovely, polite and laid back people. I travelled half way around Europe with a big negro guy called Yaz. Really good, easy company. Total trust. Love and respect from the suburbs of Perth, Western Australia.

[@zsebestien7050]

@@fuzzy8mike What do you mean "is that an American thing?" i'm curious to what you're speaking about. Definitely make your way down to Mississippi for some jazz and blues. Great stuff down here. Also, the word "negro" has a lot of negativity surrounding it in our culture today, its a term that was mostly used during the slavery period of American history. Just an fyi. Have a great day dude :)

[@fuzzy8mike]

Dantaye Walker I don’t know what I meant DW. It was 10 months ago ! It was so long ago it was pre-Covid !! 🤣🤣🤣 The American trip didn’t happen.... but I still want it to happen

[@yigitturkmen3768]

@9:50

[@SKragseth]

Inspiration. That entire opening solo was the coolest I've heard, EVER

[@kauffmanmerlijn]

This stuff is just pure gold

[@milo8796]

This is invaluable to drummers everywhere.....

[@Le_Mer]

I'm not a drummer and this is still such a joy to watch

[@milo8796]

Legend has it, a fellow MI student gave Steve a bump or two right before this!!

[@romangarcia608]

💯, In Gadd We Trust! ☝🏼

[@bradlyscotunes9156]

​@@milo8796 So? Judge much? If you can't add something constructive, please don't spread conjecture..

[@ShaneYoung]

Steve has always been and will always be my biggest inspiration.

[@stevemassarone1470]

The first 30 seconds is mind blowing how much feel is in that simple beat

[@musopaul5407]

Gadd at his absolute best. Stunning - thanks for posting.

[@acsticks1]

I remember this. I was there from 1988-1989! Standing in the back of the room taking it all in and I look to my right and there standing next to me watching Gadd too was Greg Bissonette and Myron Grombacker! LOL! What a rush! :)

[@canadiandrummer1108]

Art Corey .... thanks for dating this. When he mentioned "Jeff" as being one of "the guys out here" ... I knew it was pre-1992. Gadd is the greatest. You're so fortunate to have been there for this awesome clinic.

[@acsticks1]

Canadian Drummer You're welcome...I was a student at MI then...it brought back a lot of great memories!

[@acsticks1]

I was fortunate for sure! Awesome experiance and Gadd was a bonus.

[@fryankeejobohemian2510]

+Art Corey Dude, I was standing to the right of them!! Very Cool!! Nice to meet ya Art!!

[@acsticks1]

Awesome!

[@TonchBiik]

This is the most honest and motivating lesson that I've ever watched

[@jeraldcuccurullo2497]

So glad we met 1991 and was a bit shy to ask for his autograph but he's the nicest musician left on planet covid19 Earth

[@davemcfarland775]

Love the fact that he’s in no hurry to build up the solo... seems like everyone else jumps in playing chaotic phrases because they think that they have to because it’s “a solo by the way” 😂

[@shapshooter7769]

To be fair, most drummers only get around 32 bars of time to do the solo, better unleash the lions now or end up with Zack's grooves

[@GregoryWolak]

Exelentdrumming

[@Dinostriadrums]

The best groove and feeling. Thanks Steve GOD!!

[@bradlyscotunes9156]

Good 1!

[@funklover24]

He does everything with love. ❤

[@Tom_Doretto]

its mind blowing how solid Gadd is

It's perfect like a machine then it's not ... AMAZING. Such creativity

[@odaydrums]

After Steve's awesome moment at 17:47 it jump cuts to Steve saying"my friend asked..." That was me! I was actually cut off off by a dude in front of me. Steve patiently answered his question then said I think someone had a question over here. I always wondered why he called me"his friend" I think he just cared enough to give some random student respect.That night was just so awesome. Hi to any MI peeps at that clinic ; )

[@acsticks1]

Mark ODay Hey fellow student from MI!!! '88-'89!!

[@mrtomcat91604]

Hi there, PIT 88 to 89 here as well!

[@bartmuller7727]

Howdy Mark, I was a PIT student at the time and was there! It was like going to drum church in that room, even the teachers were in awe. I also remember Gregg Bissonette and Myron Grombacher being there.

[@odaydrums]

@@acsticks1 Hey Art in this day and age maybe you are still on?

[@odaydrums]

@@mrtomcat91604 Yo how are you? Where you a Europe guy?

[@freda1051]

One of my favorites drummers, what precision !!!

[@c.e.anderson558]

Want me play it slow? Puts down a beat that has me in a fucking trance!

[@Joesfosterdogs]

To this day nobody plays like this...Gadd is in a different world...who would approach a clinic like this...laid back to the max...most go into max-mode right away...Gadd builds a musical expression even in clinic

[@fuzzy8mike]

Jeff Porcaro Groove he comments about being nervous and having to settle in.

[@warlordbison]

Telling you the slow build at the beginning is my favorite part of the whole thing......when he starts opening the hat it's just so satisfying. I have always found it much harder to play slow and controlled than max mode.

[@dannydescalzo]

One of my biggest inspirations and I turn all my students on to him. Thanks Mr. Steve Gadd.

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

This is how a drum master does it! His drums alone are music. I thought he’d open with “50 Ways to Leave Your lover”!

[@stretch54]

You can always hear the drum cadence mentality in everything Steve plays. He gets a great feel though. If you listen to his very early 70's recordings you can hear where he did used to play on top of the beat more. He started moving on the back of the beat a little later. I was obsessed with his playing back in the 70's when I was young and learning to play. I know a lot of guys were. Steve is a treasure.

[@Joesfosterdogs]

cadence mentality...well said!!! love to discuss this more

[@mikehawk9461]

What do u mean by top of beat

[@eddy71454]

@@mikehawk9461 - if you don't know the difference between playing on the top (or front) of the beat rather than on the back of the beat then you probably aren't a musician. His feel is more full and laid back within the time now than it used to be when he was younger. All musicians play time in their particular way.

[@HenryPerez_royal_hp]

My drum Idol, he is exactly what a drummer needs to be: Simple yet refined with TONS of rudiments, with a bit of showmanship thrown in, all with a unique sound (you know once you hear a Gadd beat you know it's him, some say it's repetitive - i say it's EFFIN GENIUS as in those days people would hear you only and he knew if he created those triplets to be his signature anyone can pick him out in a song). May the good lord give him many more years of drumming!

[@DrummerDaveL]

Absolutely mesmerizing....even today. OK now I'm going to go back and practice

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

still love his work!!

[@pedrumb]

What a beautiful piece of art, wisdom and passion. Absolutely inspiring!

[@mrtomcat91604]

This is so awesome to find on here. I was in the audience for that... I was the one who asked the question about his right hand that he's answering at 1:00:14 since I was obsessed with his techniques. This brings back wonderful, wonderful memories... 30 years ago... summer or 1989. I just saw him two years ago again and he still rocks.

[@odaydrums]

Thomas Hornig just seeing this now. We both got to ask him a question how cool! What a great year that was : )

[@gavinrowley8930]

God, this is a great video. He answers in the most useful way for us listener's. He takes time to find the right words, and during that time, we get to process what he just said until we get it. It's timed really well, for lack of a better way to say it. Thanks for this video.

[@davidnorman4923]

All these great players inspire each other and respect each other's playing! That's a beautiful thing!

[@davidcurtis4478]

Through grace and harmony the groove comes from within your soul. Steve has huge heart to be able to play with such delicate intricacies. I could watch Steve play quarters on the Hi Hat all day and be totally mesmerized by his grace behind the drums. Love ya Steve! David Curtis, keep the groove! 🎶🥁😎

[@npg68]

One of a kind drummer!

[@dominic8129]

The Mozambique groove is so contagious!!

[@dannydavisjrmusic]

This is so cool! Starting at 2:15 and then what he does starting at 3:17 is why he is Steve Gadd.

[@steveflour6409]

What a humble genius

[@MrRicardoMartino]

The Master of Phrasing and the "Pocket", I have been a fan since I can remember. Going back too Listening to Vinyl Stanley Clarke and Steely Dan . He is my go to teacher along with Bernard Purdie and Stewart Copeland.

[@RonCarterBassist]

Great throwback 👍🏾

[@Dettol68]

I had heard so much about Steve Gadd - now I have watched this video mesmerised - what a really nice guy who is super talented......WOW

[@Bridging_the_Political_Divide]

Another level for sure....but he's a product of the best in the world NY session scene. What else needs to be said, it's produced the very best.

[@drumdigger]

What a gem of a video! Thanks a zillion for sharing!

[@terranceslater9967]

dear steve. i love your kit ; your a blessing ; im your fan; terry

[@garyasselin5289]

...hes not really doing alot but just the way he executes rudiments around the kit,so Beautiful,so Groovy just effortless...that Samba groove is something I`ll be working on the rest of my life haha Luv his playing!

[@pranavquackerson831]

so much energy

[@Sms8668]

Yep, Zildjian gives him anything he wants but they designed Signature Custom K’s for him that he loves. His favorite Heads are Coated Remo Powerstroke 3 on the snare with Remo Diplomat on the bottom. Toms 10,12, 14,16 ....Clear Pinstripe Ambassadors and Diplomats on Bottom.

[@ChromaticHarp]

The advice about playing quiet is priceless…I’ve been on 3 gigs where the band got fired because the drummer was WAY too loud and didn’t heed the warning to play quieter 😮

[@PeteRamos7]

I Graduated from PIT in 1989. I was there that night!!! That's Big Joe Brancato introducing Steve. I found old pics I took of this night recently, and will never forget the Gadd Grooove that night!!

[@acsticks1]

***** Hey Pete...Art Corey here...I was there too! PIT 1989!!

[@PeteRamos7]

Art Corey Hey Art....what a night that was!!..Very cool to hear from you..take care!

[@drummer78]

Pete Ramos what happened to PIT? I remember their ads in Modern Drummer circa 1988-89. Was it run by Joe Pocorro? Seemed like it was kind of a West Coast Berklee.

[@bartmuller7727]

@@drummer78 MI is still going strong, I was there a couple of years ago and they have actually now become accredited and offer bachelor's programs. As alumni, they allowed me to come in and take a tour. The inside hasn't really changed much in 30 years, the hallways full of drum practice rooms look just like they did in '89

[@okolekahuna3862]

The groove king.

[@jroark101]

I love how he takes a concept and stretches across so many different awesome applications.

[@erikondrums]

Magic! What a legendary man!

[@shuntadrums]

ドラムだけ聴いていてこんなに音楽的な人はいるのだろうか。 今のドラマーは格闘技みたいで音楽と言えるのだろうか。 唯一無二の存在です。

[@小山草平そうへい]

今のドラマーは手数、正確性を意識しすぎている気がします。ガッドの音はいい意味でズレが生じて音の一つ一つが躍動しているような気がする。だから聞いてて面白い。日本で言えば村上ポンタ秀一はガッドのノリに近い気がする。機械みたいに正確すぎる譜面なら打ち込みでいいわけですから。人間の鼓動を聴きたいわけですよ。

[@davidnorman4923]

incredible feel and groove!

[@hifijohn]

in gadd we trust!

[@momentmusic4048]

This is GOLD!

[@hawkrider88]

Man, there is so much great information here. Thanks for posting, Steve is really one-of-a-kind.

[@DarkMetalJazzPunk]

this video is a treasure!!

[@seabrook1976]

Steve Gadd is so good, he got Aja on only two takes. Fagan said he was stunned.

[@stretch54]

The first one was really just a run through- not really a take. He got the drum track the first time the red light went on.

[@kz1000ps]

@@sticktrik And that speeding up is wondrous... with that fadeout, it sounds like the song is speeding away to whatever dystopia Fagen and Becker have imagined next.

[@stretch54]

@@sticktrik - he didn't speed up. Tap your foot through it if you need to but he didn't speed up.

[@kz1000ps]

@Brad I know that. But the fact of the matter is that no tracks on Aja were recorded to a click and there is movement of tempos within each song. Aja in particular, the calmer parts sit around 116 bpm, but during the first Gadd/Shorter solo the tempo edges up to 122 bpm and for the last one the tempo sits around 128... so that's a movement of 12+ bpm over the course of the song. I'm a drummer who practices to a click every day of my life, and I have no problem with this... you can call it rushing or just the natural movement of tempo over the course of a 8 minute song, but in this case the tempo sure does move around a LOT and you COULD call it rushing. Oh and Gadd is my favorite drummer, bar none

[@goesjem]

@@kz1000ps I call it feel.

[@maxmoormann7385]

Thank you, Steve

[@bradlyscotunes9156]

On '50 Ways To Leave Your Lover', Paul Simon, brilliant.

[@moffatbanda6001]

steve is indeed a top notch drum kit player n deserves global respect

[@neilmuronsky1938]

incredible human being..never mind musician. just wow.

[@LysgaardLightning]

thank you so much for this. gold

[@canturgan]

He still has that drum corps feel. Military precision.

[@cameron_fairchild]

yes!!! you hear the rudiments.

[@bradlyscotunes9156]

Rudiments are everything!

[@speedoflite1]

one of the coolest, most orig triplet fills/linear 32nd note lick drummers around.

[@bradlyscotunes9156]

Think he innovated that

[@rajamathews1551]

Outstanding solo.

[@elwoodwhite9734]

Still till this day Steve's a beast it was like yesterday when he excited the world of drumming to heights that haven't been seen or heard off in decades truly a master and so very cool and smooth with it being scare before he plays his solution is to just play it soft cool and laid back relax my friend relax and let it flow

[@ChristianFuchsBlues]

Great stuff, thanks for uploading!

[@ryanplays]

absolutely fantastic

[@alexbatera5051]

Gênio !!! é o cara tocando inconfundível não e somente o que ele toca é ele tocando

[@taikoking1]

It almost like he is playing a song in his head.

[@arneberg9072]

He does ---

[@cpa54]

Steve is so cool and so down-to-earth.

[@dasglasperlenspiel10]

So very much the real thing!!

[@MrAlpierce]

a unique Drummer and Musician he is!!!

[@1245102]

In GADD I forever trust

[@CasperPaludan]

Incredible....love it....

[@matthewbritt8498]

Sometimes I forget gadd is probably my favorite drummer

[@stephenkane3109]

Really enjoyed this

[@johnbonham627]

the one's of my favorite drummer in this planet