Steve Jordan on Jamming with John Mayer, How Not to Play "Soul Man," and More Drum Wisdom | Reverb

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Drummer Steve Jordan (Keith Richards, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer Trio, Blues Brothers) has played with so many music icons it's almost easier to name people he hasn't worked with. We're honored to have the legend in our studio sharing tips, stories, and advice that he has collected over his insanely diverse and ever-evolving career behind the kit.

[@gordrum]

Nothing’s more satisfying than Steve Jordan not playing a fill

[@buzzc5219]

Amen to that. All the best gigs offered to me were because I knew when not to play.

[@jonathanbolger6173]

This, describes him perfectly. His "fills" are those little parts he misses a snare or accents a hat. Love his grooves man. Dude has massive pockets.

[@paistefever]

(furious groove with serious face playing) Steve Jordan rules!

[@MrFuck1006]

@@Dawgley - Do you even believe that yourself?

[@davenportsimon]

Amen!

[@RhettShull]

All of this is why Steve Jordan is my favorite drummer of all time.

[@991darko]

Exactly 👌🍻

[@NormVW2013]

Raise your standards

[@Guitarwizardjoinme]

@@NormVW2013 There's always one fucking idiot that doesnt get it. Congrats, its you.

[@skierpage]

I don't see it. I love "Try!", but Jordan's snare is so crisp it's annoying, and he's short on musical ideas compared to other greats (Bonham, Buddy Rich, Keith Moon, even Phil Collins) let alone a drum genius like JoJo Mayer. I guess I'm not worthy enough to feel Jordan's mystical "in the pocket"-ness, he doesn't swing to me.

[@budwudd]

@@skierpage Well, the thing with Steve Jordan is not so much about WHAT he plays as HOW he plays it. Unfortunately to a lot of people it´s like: -Oh wow, a simple 4/4 beat. I could do that. Yawn, next! But if you dig a little deeper you´ll realize that it really isn´t that simple. Record yourself and try to copy his sound and feel and you´ll see. Also, he has such a vast knowledge about music history that really comes through in his playing. I once heard Tom Waits describe Keith Richards as a musical archaeologist. I think that is also a perfect description of Steve Jordan. A rarity in todays mostly short-attention spanned musical climate, where short lived fireworks is required to even get heard. But if he doesn´t swing to you, fine. I think he grooves like hell.

[@criops]

"something that's timeless,... Is timeless" Steve Jordan.

[@MalikEmmanuel]

criops I discovered this comment as he was saying it.

[@vaughnwolf101]

I would like this comment but its at 69 likes and how could i do such a thing

[@mitchellhughes5180]

Vaughn Wolf fair

[@MrConnorTV]

Read the comment as he was saying it. lol

[@dylandenney3980]

I mean...he's not wrong

[@Atmosrainmusic]

“And then Pino just started doing that thing that he does” 😂😂😂 One of the best bass players for sure

[@michaelhorozko2347]

May he Rip....

[@woodstockjon420]

@@michaelhorozko2347 , huh? Pino isn't dead (yet)..🤔 You scared me there for a quick second 😉

[@SeanZetterlund]

the video that Reverb didn't need to make, but delivered. Love me some Steve Jordan!

[@jerbear97]

they didn't need to make, but *we* needed to see

[@Mathias9n]

I'm amazed of how he doesn't even play a single fill between those phrases or rhythms, that really shows his professionalism and quality as a guy that is more into the sound and quality of the drums and not into the complex unnecessary virtuosity

[@jerbear97]

his groove is enough

[@Mathias9n]

@@jerbear97 Exactly !

[@express49]

Less is More .

[@TheDrummer51]

I think it's interesting how he derides his earlier drumming with the Blues Bros. I think he was only 19 at the time. Yeah, he was busier but weren't we all at that age. What stood out to me on that live at MSG record was the B Movie Boxcar Blues track. The four bar intro to the cut-time he did on that was so tasty I literally had to wipe my eyes when I first heard it.

[@danielwhitaker3994]

very well said. likewise about the funkiest foot i've ever heard ... literally plays the pocket with his kick/s!..

[@Steffentrommelt]

The distance between two notes can be an ocean - great words, man!

[@A.M......]

Write this on my gravestone: "Something that's timeless......is timeless" - Steve Jordan.

[@oxouk]

I could listen to Steve all day. His playing and his wisdom are second to none.

[@marcjansing7339]

This should be mandatory viewing for any young musician. He seems to have a well crafted music philosophy that has been developed over deep thought and sweat equity.

[@joeywho534]

They wouldn’t have the attention span! 🤣

[@mattcontreras2661]

He didn't play with those music icons, those music icons played with him

[@jerbear97]

congratulations, you played yourself

[@alexandersomethingorother786]

Everybody played with everybody that they played with?

[@Schumanized]

Matt Contreras In...deed

[@kazimzaidi5854]

I love this. The best musicians I've played with have been the least flashy. Keeping perfect groove is sublime in itself!

[@pat6696]

Steve is that dude. What a fun guy to listen to.

[@vernontowing3010]

Steve. Your playing has influenced and shaped my whole approach to playing. You. Are the man. Can’t imagine my perspective on drums without your input. Thank you

[@danbowering7228]

The man is groove incarnate; he plays what is needed. A true virtuoso doesn't have to fill ever space with a drum fill or a note, they let the space speak for itself.

[@michaelhilson4043]

Thank you! Steve Jordan is one of my favorite musicians.

[@stigohara6593]

I heard that he got his big break during a major snow storm that buried NY, he was rushing from studio to studio filling-in for some of the top notch studio drummers, he blew everybody away, rock, blues, funk, oldies he made it look so easy.

[@TempoDrift1480]

I guess I don't understand how that happened. I don't recall studios just letting people come in literally off the street and how important is recording during a major snow storm🤨

[@FelixG2070]

The master of the 'Less is more' concept ... brilliant!!

[@flugplatz21]

Meg White. LOVE HER! Been at this 30 years, can't play like her. Steve is amazing, though. The skill with which he plays less makes it all soooo sweet. Blues Brothers Live is my Bible, groove for days!

[@martywilkinson6722]

Such a great drummer. Its even a joy watching him play drums. A true artist.

[@nhojasperin]

Thank you, Reverb, for this. This is a gem! His touch is amazing. No matter what gear he uses, his sound is there. The snare sounded like his signature snare, it's uncanny!

[@mrtyreus0]

And now it's a ubiquitous beat. All thanks to the rhythm composer Steve Jordan. 9/10 whenever I sit at a kit, this is the groove I attempt to emulate. Thank you, Mr. Steve Jordan. You are the man.

[@gabrieltribuzy4885]

Who did you think I was drums are INSANE! Steve is a freaking genius

[@_RLP]

Definitely one of the best drummers of our generation.

[@jearlpamable]

And as one can hear: He's a great singer, too :-)

[@thomasmuff3669]

Of all generations

[@KenHollowayshow]

Briefcase was and still is one of my favorite drumming records of all time. So much energy. So tight.

[@joecanzano]

Every drummer should watch this video.

[@newtojersey32]

He's 100% spot-on when he talks about 14 vs 17 hats. I remember Kenny Aronoff saying something similar--14s and 15s bleed all over the kit mics and are simultaneously everywhere but doing little for the music, while 17s are true musician's instruments.

[@DynamicRockers]

You should try 18" Hi-Hats, you can even crash them while open :)

[@llRoBoBinHoll]

I record cymbals with a spaced pair of overheads rather than close micing any single cymbal. I think that work better for ‘smaller’ hats like 14”. I like the sparkling sound of

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Music with character, feeling and groove - this is what we want. CCR were unique, from a rhythm and groove perspective no band did it better.

[@c.3636]

This guy is a genius. Love his work with Keith

[@JP4drumsFarrell]

One of my favorite musicians that was first heard on the Blues Brothers live album. A shuffle king that drove the music. Than Robben's Tiger Walk album etc etc. He has so much soul no matter what he plays and no matter the source.

[@jordanbrazinski8260]

Unbelievable how this he’s is killing it still at 63 years old. Goat

[@steveskocki2218]

Steve Jordan has always been a favorite drummer of mine. Thanks for the video.

[@johnredberg]

This man is 62 years old! Man, drumming keeps you young...!

[@deadlotCamper]

16 more hours of this please

[@musicalala]

Sly's drummer is badass. I used to dance myself into a frenzy as a kid of about 6 years old to their greatest hits album. 100%,it's because of how deep the drummer's groove was.

[@BrentonStirm]

Got to meet Steve that day at his clinic! He's definitely one of the greats!!

[@pjoker1000]

I listen a lot of amazing drummers, guys from progressive, session drummers, jazz guys, metal but I.don't know why Steve Jordan moves my soul in a way that no other drummer can.

[@popularbeats777]

5:34 understanding lenght of the note.. he teaches that on his dvd too and it changed my drumming right away.

[@DerekTJ]

Steve Jordan's musical ear is so good, that his sight packed it in.

[@stephenhatchersh]

Please do another trio record! Lock John and Pino in a room and make it happen!!!

[@kitano0]

Since he changes out snares more than any other drummer I know of, I would like to see a video of him explaining his "philosophy" of snares. I would also love to see the John Mayer Trio reform for a couple of albums.

[@Drumminsince89]

I thinks its an ear thing, I heard him say in an interview "play what the song calls for". Which makes sense, you dont want to hear a really tight and focused 13" snare on a rock ballad, you want something with some depth, plus Steve is past the point of his career of tuning one snare to fit a bunch of songs, thats what drum techs are for..Hahaha

[@doc2earth]

'' Something thats timeless..........is timeless'' Steve Jordan

[@billdemeter4593]

What a gentleman! His honesty about that learning less can be more, could give young players a jump on the learning curve, if they're willing to listen.

[@GabrielKerr]

His kick and snare tuning are super key (pun intended) to his overall sound too. He's awesome. I didn't consider the larger hats either...amazing!

[@Johnnygigdrummer]

I love that😂… 12:45 now there’s that thing where you don’t really want to know about it.. classic 😂. Very true!!

[@StephenFinsel]

I remember when the "Blues Brothers" movie came out, I was used to motown (growing up in NW Ohio listening to CKLW) and listening to Steve jordan blew me away. I have been trying to emulate him, Jim Keltner and Ginger baker my entire life. Very good video, I need more!

[@michaelhegyan7464]

Small world...worked at CK, back in 82', when Dick Purtain, in morning drive..

[@williamtomlinson6137]

Great piece on why he's so good and in demand. Did a good job explaining the grooves and use of the hi-hats (and changing sizes) that I didn't understand until now. Thanks

[@jwcross6110]

The five people who disliked this video have no groove.

[@LeeVing88]

I don't know about that, but they're definitely assholes.

[@fz0gtg]

Certainly have no soul!

[@salthedrummer1]

Sly "You can make it if you try". I too practiced to that song in my early years, drummer Greg Errico played a paradiddle between foot and snare at the end of the some. Legendary !

[@takethedayoffman8661]

steve’s the man

[@Station2Station-du2gh]

I never understood why he was my favorite drummer; why he was a grooviest drummer I'd ever heard. Now I understand. It's the beauty of what he's not playing.

[@davidoeberto]

This man epitomizes style, grace and musicality. Love his stories and teaching

[@keviniverson]

I absolutely love this drummer 👌

[@polara01]

I have a new appreciation for Steve Jordan now always loved him with the Blues Brothers scene and I think he is a little hard on himself with Soul Man and his rendition I think it works especially live in the context of Jake and Elwood jumping around but his thoughts and reverence for the original drumming just shows the respect he has and the reverence for those Timeless classics he is so modest he doesn't realize his version has also become a Timeless classic that stands up on its own as well!

[@MatthiasKrumm]

13 minutes of so damn much knowledge - incredible!

[@EDOGG62]

"What beat am I going to play on this song?" Love that. Ha ha.

[@lewisaalexander]

That interview could have went on forever.

[@ronj9448]

Genius common sense. These ideas can be applied to any instruments.

[@ReneAlexisPenalozaMunoz]

The way he plays the kick drum is surprisingly light.

[@DesignRhythm]

Steve Jordan is a national treasure.

[@esmeraldo7887]

fantastic! enjoyed the CCR mention and clifford's big hat sound. never thought about why it's so driving and choogling.

[@kitano0]

Choogling, indeed!

[@EddyG0rdo]

I immediately listened to Creedance after he made the reference. He so right.

[@scotsnead8972]

Doug used 16" hats. Big sound.

[@uptownmurda]

Trio please come back. Please just please come back.

[@c.jarmstrong3111]

My favourite snare tone in pop music!

[@Billfish57]

Steve, you are way to hard on yourself. I live for music, listen all the time and played drums back in my high schooldays and when the Blues Brothers Record came out, I played that damn thing as much as any record I ever played at that time, every day in the summer of '79, those songs and your drumming was just great, I don't think you have ever played a thing I don't love, I watched you play on David Lettermen with Paul, and Lee, you have always had my full attention, playing with Kieth, John or whoever, easily one of my favorite drummers ever. I really love your attitude sitting back there, driving the song along, if you played those blues songs in a bad way, I wouldn't have loved them so much and they wouldn't have sold millions like they did. So many people want you to play for in their music, for a very good reason.

[@adamisaac4685]

That's what I'm talkin bout man, honest delivery. This Kat is one of my favs. As a Bassist, I happen to know, your only as good as your drummer. So make sure it's a good one.

[@dplumpp]

someone explain to me how this man is 62 years old...

[@damiankamineth2389]

62? DAMN!!!!!

[@GoodLifeMedicine]

Wow, I'm 56, and still trying to find my groove. Gives me hope.

[@fretbuzz59]

Because he was born in 1957.

[@MarsLonsen]

@@fretbuzz59 i was about to go there

[@satriapg666]

62?? Really??

[@terrancep.peeples6523]

My drumming hero !!!

[@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION]

The original Drummer Late night: David Letterman Show ( 1981).. Those dudes. Jordan, Hiram Bullock, Will Lee & Paul Shaefer... Best ever ..tight, funky, groove masters..

[@petersensalas8643]

Love ur work on all john Mayer albums...I dont get tired of listening to ur drumming.......great video...thanx.

[@nathanielbrice8725]

Steve Jordan = feel + groove + musicality + ultra cool

[@mathstar4176]

Oh this is so educational, Steve, just really beautiful and outta sight, as Jimi would say.

[@bucknasty5374]

Good Fucking damn it that KIT SOUNDS AMAZING. That snare, and those cymbals.. woooowww

[@peteasarisi2536]

Love the sound of him playing those drums he's such a monster

[@hunterbrown4585]

Why am I here, I can't play drums

[@FROMJASP]

Because Steve Jordan.

[@somemod8045]

Same but it’s still a great video

[@jerbear97]

there are life lessons in this video

[@adrianlyord5300]

Hunter Brown that's because he's cool! One badd ass Drummer too!

[@Billfish57]

Because when you are hearing from the very best at anything, it's fun to listen to their passion and Steve Jordan is the king of traps these days and has been for a lifetime. He such a nice guy, that is who you want in a band. Tons of talent and a guy you want to hang with.

[@nickcalavitta9337]

This dudes a beast!

[@k32460]

wow wow wow this is just the way it should be ... Steve Jordan ... thanks god !! just love this ...

[@user-vs2hp2pd1r]

Thanks Steve, I think you are GREAT, IM 78YRS. OLD & LIVED ALL THE GREAT SONGS, IM STILL POUNDIN THE SKINS @ HOME (FOR THE HELL OF IT) LOL, &.THANKS FOR GIVIN A SHOUT OUT TO CCR , ESPECIALLY " GREEN RIVER " GLAD YOU BANGIN THE SKINS FOR THE "STONES " TOO, DUDE! I THANKS!

[@joshmoule1161]

Love steve Jordan’s drum sticks, it’s all I use

[@stevemcmahon7676]

Wow, I know what he’s saying but BCFOB is my absolute fave drumming album…hey bartender, messin with the kid! Etc -awesome!

[@Perrythedrummer]

This guy has thought deeply about drumming. Interesting to hear

[@Casey_J96]

I could just sit and listen to him drum away all day long. Don’t need any other instruments just Steve

[@davidkaplan8310]

Steve is king !!! Loving those open tones on the kit !!!

[@moritzmark3418]

I love what he is saying about big hats. So true all the way!

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

Totally unique musician . Do another album with Mayer , I love it !!

[@FadjarMoeljarto]

Unique groove, great Steve jordan🥁🔥👍

[@abase6610]

Just legendary

[@diegoa.morera3000]

The best way to describe Steve's playing is Tasty. Love this man's drumming!

[@Mr01Parrot]

Steve Jordan and Steve Ferrone are from a different planet. Great stuff here....

[@edouglaspratt]

He did "it" for Neil Young... and Chuck Berry??? Now I'm payin' attention to Steve Jordan! -Doug Pratt, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

[@brotendo]

He might be embarrassed of that version of Soul Man, but that's him putting his fingerprint on it at a certain time, making it kind of a signature of that era and they put their own voice to it.

[@bpivr]

He’s right about Al Jackson. He was an incredibly tasteful drummer.

[@iiWNMii]

The distance between 0 and 1. Steve Jordan is a philosopher.

[@probablynot9998]

The beat at the end is gold.

[@pauls3946]

I could listen to him all day!

[@Alanoffer]

I’m glad he mentioned the drummer from credence I always thought he was good

[@coyumbo3427]

Same here! Doug Clifford of CCR and Ringo were the 2 guys I always tried to emulate on drums. I don' think J. Fogerty appreciated Clifford as much as he should have.

[@matthewcox3510]

I don’t think J Fogerty appreciated anyone as much as he should have...

[@abelincoln5698]

watch live version of KeepOnChooglin. He's a badass

[@JeffRandallDrumming]

THANK YOU.

[@richmccoig743]

Outstanding!

[@williampurgason]

He’s so far in the pocket he found lint

[@diovdL]

1:30 "And then Pino... You know just.. started doing that thing you know that he does and eh.." Best description of Pino I ever heard. By far.

[@yourtulpa]

This guy is a wizard. And never do I stop admiring him but... I have tried to hop on that big hi-hat train and I failed. 14's are and always will be the perfect hats for me. There's something exciting and challenging each time you try to tame the beast those 14's are. And that's every time you hit 'em.

[@hle144]

I used to do jingle dates with Steve.. He and Neil Jason are good friends and I was Neil’s assistant/engineer. One time (I swear this happened), Steve came by for a date. He said that he only wanted to hear the click for the count in and to mute it off after. I did as instructed but well into about 2 mins, I accidentally unmuted the click... He was still perfectly in time... We never did more than 2 takes with Steve...

[@salrodriguez51]

Jordan is Legendary absolutely on of my favs! great that he mentioned some my heros too, Al Jackson jr. Greg Errico, Doug Clifford... Thanks Steve !.