Steve Smith Playing Drums (NAMM 2015)

[@doyoubelieveinghosts5482]

it's called Konnakol folks, it's South Indian (India) classical vocal percussion music, using vocal syllables in percussion form, Steve is using that classical form from India and recreating it using Western drums. So every syllable he vocalizes he plays it perfectly on the drums. but unlike Scat, this isn't improvised. very freaking impressive.

[@darthvader6845]

CapturedByFire this is too weird

[@maynardewm]

I was taught that this is takadimi. And it absolutely can be improvised. It's taught in most western music schools as a way to learn rhythms and is used a lot by jazz musicians today as a form of vocalized rhythmic improv. Konnakol is a bit different and uses different syllables.

[@rbjax2001]

Awesome info. If you can’t say it you can’t play it.

[@philiprea8340]

Yeah just play the drums... it's stupid... not saying he's not GREAT... one of the best ever

[@tmoddison]

Steve Smith is an example of a lifelong learner. Imagine how easy it would have been for him to sit back and chill after having recorded with Journey all those years, but what is he doing instead? Getting better! Bravo Steve!!!

[@krusher74]

journey is such a small unexciting part of his drumming history, i wish he was know much better for all the other parts.

[@davidnissim589]

I can see Tomas Haake (back right) and Chris Adler (left, directly behind Steve) watching Steve play. Legends watching legends.

[@JamesSSWayne]

From Meshugah?

[@davidnissim589]

@@JamesSSWayneyep!

[@Lol-h1g7o]

​@@JamesSSWaynei don't think that's Chris Adler.

[@allabouthh]

They say, "if you can sing it, you can play it" - Steve exemplifies this.

[@Rondo2ooo]

Phil Collins said that too.

[@tjroy870]

I just said the same lol

[@JOEDRUMS2112]

I was very fortunate to take lessons and jam with Steve Smith a few years ago at the Drum Fantasy Camp in Cleveland Ohio. Vinny Valentino the Guitar player was there as well. I got to play a song with Vinny, Barron Brown, and Chrissi Poland at the end of the week, it was ROCK & ROLL from Zeppelin. I sang and played the drums, I got a standing ovation, and something I will never forget was Steve Smith came up to me after it was over and tapped me on the shoulder and said I was an awesome drummer, and told me I did a great job. It is now the highlight of my whole drumming career. Thanks Steve Smith.

[@jakes1591]

great channel, long time fan!

[@highstickpercussioncustomb1914]

JOEDRUMS2112 From somebody thats watched, followed, dissected, been frustrated by (I'll stop short of using the word "stalked") and bought tickets to anything/everything "Steve Smith" in the last 30+ years, I have to be so jealous of your experience! PLEASE write a book about that camp! (O.K., maybe not a book, but at least every detail re: anytime he was in the room!)

[@user-tz6jl7qt8k]

bapaknya calon istri Nobody was trying to impress your dumbass.

[@davincimotorworksinc6710]

And I care why?

[@MichelLinschoten]

DAVINCI MOTOR WORKS INC nobody tagged or asked you to care. Why you comment?

[@Hrkortegaard]

I can see Tomas Haake from Meshuggah hang out in the background (right corner) admiring this drum monster!

[@dorian2112]

+Kristoffer Bæk Kortegaard admiring? he looks bored!! but i do know Vital Information would kill anything from Meshuggah. SS to me is right behind Buddy Rich.

[@joshuac6657]

+Dorian Samaniego Nah, he's just trying to drain the life force out of SS :(

[@TheWitchOvAgnesi]

Bored? He's slack-jawed. And sorry, SS>Buddy, just barely.

[@TheWitchOvAgnesi]

Nah, that's not him. Looks a lot like him, but isn't.

[@musicmusic6595]

Joe morello > All

[@TheCheerios777]

Seeing this was so freaking amazing!!! Especially how Steve was doing COMPLETELY different rhythms with his vocals and on the set, that's what I call one truly talented drummer!

[@ivanolmedo.1]

I love the part that he say "Dangwirangirudangdanggirangurungdangdangdang DANG? dung!! dangwirangirudangdanggirangurungdangdangdang" so cool

[@dorian2112]

+Ivan Olmedo bunghole!! haha

[@Ananggadipa]

thanks for the transcription

[@bonesheadbanger2688]

Thanks Steve & Ivan..Tongue Twistin Beat's to Keep it Groovin.. Sayin It Like it is.. and Layin it Down for you baby Smooth like Honey.. Now that's "The Shit".. Keepin~It~Real~N~Rockin~Baby.. Brutally So.. \m/ O_ x\m/ "BONES"

[@ngingango]

It's interesting: that's my favourite part too!

[@schwedy5782]

guschn

[@salemetro]

Absolutely LOVE watching this guy. Always entertaining, frequently mind-blowing with his skills, and one hell of an educator....not to mention the fact that he always has fun with his craft. Definitely in my "Top 5" list of favorite drummers.

[@drewper73]

Steve Smith never fails to amaze me.

[@ayushdunk]

Take that all you people who think I'm dumb when i talk like that. This is how they teach drums in india.

[@kushagratamrakar8061]

Bhai...tu kisi BAMD WAALE k pass seekha hoga...kisi achhe k pass ja.. :P ..n yrr KZbin pe to apni buraai na kr..

[@Oneness100]

+SPROJO Well, then. Maybe you need to study some of the tabla/indian percussion masters. Get into Zakir Hussain's catalog Trilok Gurtu catalog These guys are tabla masters. Trilok also plays drums and other quirky percussion instruments.

[@jamesroelpatacsil4937]

my teacher taught me how to play drums with this method and my classmate said my teacher is teaching me autism

[@bastidepp2]

i need to find an indian drum teacher here in bavaria x)

[@prod_adrian]

Trilok Gurtu!! great dude

[@Mike383HK]

After he left Journey he studied intensely! I changed my style a little because of him. He plays from an open base pedal. I did it also and what a difference. He's officially a Monster now. He really gave me some great pedal techniques and I'm 61 now!! Great teacher!!!

[@ultraroadmap]

I've seen a lot of drum performances in my life but this is easily in my top 20 all time....it's that vocal drum scattin he does!! Great performance.

[@Jackofhearts214]

Lyrics please

[@PROTEUS_SEER-OF-EONS]

Jack Lloyd hahahaha

[@himanim4279]

Its carnatic math system from india for music.

[@ThomasistheTwin]

Scat around you'll figure it out. Talka to 'em talka to 'em Talka to 'em go git 'em go git 'em

[@sushantsalve2347]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@donniemiranda2926]

Digidi-dum-badi-gidi-ta 😅😂

[@DrummerGrrrl]

Steve Smith was THE drummer that made me want to learn to play drums, waaaaaaay back in 1980. This man is a treasure!

[@sarahs.9340]

This is brilliant. It shows how Steve Smith processes the beats n his head, how fortunate a moment to witness this.

[@garyking3470]

Hands down, my favorite and most inspirational drummer of all time!

[@shannonpincombe8485]

He's a superb drummer and entertainer Steve Smith. I love his work and his enthusiasm is infectious and inspiring.

[@amandajackson.83]

*_Steve Smith changed my life and is my favourite drummer (alive)._* I first saw him play with _'Steve Smith's Jazz Legacy'_ on a DVD my high school band teacher loaned me of the 2006 Modern Drummer Festival, and it changed my drumming career in such a significant way. Within a month, I sold my double pedal (I played heavy/death metal at the time) to invest in a solid ride for jazz and started taking lessons with the best jazz drummer in town (and British Columbia), who only had 2 students. He was a huge player in the 40's-70's, playing constantly at the Cellar Jazz Club and collaborating with some of the biggest legends of the time . He was majorly influenced by Max Roach and Tony Williams, so soon, so was I. Soon, I was playing in various jazz bands 6 days a week and who I was as a creative and a collaborator expanded hugely. Although now I live in an apartment in the city as a professional filmmaker and production sound mixer and don't get to play as much, jazz drumming is such a huge part of my soul. If not for all of this, there's no way I would be where I am today since jazz collaboration and music led me to film. Finding him and jazz at the beginning of my career *and* discovering who I was was so instrumental to who I am now (no pun intended). A couple of years ago, I was on a date during the Vancouver Jazz Festival at a cafe and was browsing through the festival book. Lo and behold, something caught my eye. A jazz trio I had never heard of in a small writeup with no picture or feature was playing that night. *'Groove Blue Organ Trio' **_...Steve Smith's_** Blue Organ Trio.* (/w Tony Monaco on Hammond Organ and Vinny Valentino (from this video) Guitar I was speechless, and my date told me to do what I knew I had to: I paid for our drinks and booked a cab across town to Frankie's Jazz Club. It was sold out, but they told me I could wait until intermission and then slip in without a ticket, so I sat on the sidewalk listening to the drums for 45 minutes until I could go in. He was hanging out, so I introduced myself and explained that he was my idol and absolutely changed my life - he was lovely about it, if not a little confused (I don't think any drummer is really expecting something like that), and I got my picture with him. (For perspective, I work with many celebrities and famous actors due to my job and NEVER get caught up in it, but when you meet your jazz hero, all bets are off). I treasure that damn photo. If anyone is interested, I took a video of his solo from 'When Johnny Comes Marching Home' and posted it to my main account. You can clearly hear my laughter and joy in the background at what I was getting to witness firsthand. Just search _'Steve Smith DRUM SOLO - Groove Blue Organ Trio: Live at Vancouver Jazz Festival 29/06/19'._ It's posted on the channel, *'CAI$H'.* If anyone happens to be reading this and is a jazz musician in Vancouver B.C., I'm planning to get back into professional jazz when I'm done with my Occupational Rehab (I fractured my elbow on a film set in March). If you want to play with a _very_ passionate drummer dedicated to jazz with tons of experience arranging tunes and gigs. I'm going to rent a room at a local studio and finally set up my 1972 vintage Slingerland.

[@Frankcruzmusic]

super versatile! one of the greats of all time from journey to jon luc ponty ,tony macalpine and a host of others!and he killed it in every style!!!

[@47_10]

Steve smith started as a bowler, then became a great batsman and now he is a fking maestro drummer. He just keeps getting cooler and cooler.

[@BenMichalowicz]

The second percussionist (I apologize for not knowing the name of the drum that man has) should have had a microphone as well for the unison konnakol moments

[@christophmeirich5928]

Steve ... you are such a smart brain ... thx for sharing... greetings from germany Christoph 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@felixdmello1]

The Indian rhythms have sunk deep in him, Good job

[@steveelam4810]

So many greats, Steve stands out from the variety of skills,great rock,fusion and also world music,we should all strive to expand our horizons

[@Vicdelcien]

The girl behind Steve. So cute enjoying the music hahaha

[@cbluenote]

Did you notice Thomas haake behind the girl? Lol

[@audhen1]

It's Heather Thomas - singing drummer. :D

[@DaisyTheSadboi]

That blonde lady in the back is having a fun time.

[@timpark6459]

wouldn't you? hahaha Steve honestly has the best vibes

[@badmeme2937]

0:13

[@audhen1]

Heather Thomas - singing drummer^^

[@hugorezende199]

@@timpark6459 always nice to see someone passionate about their music and playing, this make us happy and inspired. Also, its funny to hear those weird sayings.

[@stevenpurdy2235]

Yep Steve Smith is a real pro! I learned from my concert band teacher Mr. Anthony Femiono in Riverside NJ, he always told us that if you can say it, you can play it. I still use that concept when learning new songs with my band THE CATS. T Y S.R.PURDY 🥁 GOD BLESS

[@GrahamCostellomusic]

Anyone interested in the merging of Indian rhythmic language and the drum kit should absolutely check out Dan Weiss. He takes it to a whole new level. The fact that Dan studies tabla too adds to his amazingly unique voice on the kit.

[@amisfit5391]

This is just genius. I used to listen to Journey but you could never really tell just how good Steve is as not called for in Journey and then I was handed a Steps Ahead video when I was at school and absolutely blew me away. I thought the height of playing was emulating John Bonham, who I still love by the way, but drummers like Steve Smith, Steve Gadd, Vinnie etc took drumming to the next level. Those 74 dislikes are clearly from non drummers as actual drummers will know how impressive this is and players like this paved the way for newer genius drummers like Benny Greb.

[@cheemooo]

Steve Sounds like an insane genius rolling those rhythms from his mouth so furiously then playing them on the drums.

[@waqqodonkey]

thank you Drumeo for posting this, please have Steve in the studio , and could you please make it for at least 2 hours? that would be amazing! Thanks.

[@oscarbaezsoria1650]

Damn, this short awesome piece as more musicality, rhythm and flavor than all the last 10 years worth of pop music.

[@hehs3469]

❤❤❤ , "*". THIS. IS. EXACTLY WHY. STEVE SMITH. WAS. GREAT WITH. STEVE PERRY AND JOURNEY. ,. FOR. STEVE SMITH. WAS A. VERY. EXPERIENCED DRUMMER. WITH. AN. ASTRONOMICAL STYLE. AND. SOUND. THAT. WOULD ROCK. FOR AEGIS "*". !!! ❤❤❤

[@davidnissim9203]

One of the top 5 drummers out there right now.

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

Steve is an extraordinary Drummer, He cut his teeth learning & playing Jazz for years among some of the greats, Like Jean Luc Ponty, Allan Holdsworth, Ralphie Armstrong, Darryl Stuermer

[@rhythmista7707]

That Sonor vintage series kit sounds absolutely fantastic..And as for Mr. Smith.. Sheer genius..

[@baddazzgarage2953]

Outstanding percussionist!! I no metal drummers are fast and loud but their is something they lack!!! Class and finesse !!

[@mitsunischii]

i love how Thomas Haake watches him playing in the beginning :D

[@naccibobacci]

So as I'm watching Steve Smith Play I'm thinking; man Steve sits up high and because I absolutely respect SS as a drummer I went and did the same with my throne and only adjusted my snare height and it made all the difference in the world. It pays to watch the best in many ways.

[@TheRealSandman]

I noticed that as well! I might have to see if it makes a change for me as well

[@larson_shook]

To look over top of the drum set gives a sense of confidence to me. It's like the drum set is a toy. It plays like warm water and is very welcoming, instead of intimidating ice.

[@BenMichalowicz]

Larson Shook That is probably the most beautiful way I've ever seen someone describe a drum kit... or any drum in general!

[@larson_shook]

Ben M A bit inspired from pianist Kenny Werner. Check him out. Listen to his look lectures and clinics. He's like a musical guru.

[@naccibobacci]

Spencer WhyDoIHaveToEnterMyWholeName OK, that makes sense. You're saying that on the rare occasions when he plays matched he raises his seat to get over the rim then lowers it for his normal traditional gip playing?

[@TheDRUM2112]

Soooooooo Good!!!!!!! Steve smith is in the GOAT conversation!

[@MrBostonrobb]

Mind Blowing!!!! Steve Smith is truly a World Class drummer.

[@winoINC]

tomas haake standing in back?:D

[@francotenorio730]

I see Chris Adler as well

[@sharrythedave4758]

Franco Tenorio Pete Lockett also , maybe I also saw Dominic Howard somewhere there at the back and Tre Cool , but his face was blocked .

[@BubbleNestMusic]

winoINC he looks bored as fuck

[@russell_szabados]

Tomas Haake has got impeccable taste. He's not bored by Steve Smith, he's bored by people who think they know him putting words in his mouth.

[@thedave000100]

Good spot!

[@jorgerafaelvidela1584]

the lyric reached my soul, especially the part that said "daradungdarawaradunduruwaradun"

[@mogambogaming567]

Thats amazing fusion of indian vocals and western music😍😍

[@suprchickn7745]

Yes, this is the classic era drummer for the band Journey. He is often overlooked as an incredibly accomplished musician.

[@broyle7332]

I saw an Indian drummer talking about how he cherished his teacher's every lesson on tabla given this way...verbally, then physically...one concept per meeting sometimes...deep culture very genuine...love

[@TheWitchOvAgnesi]

LOL, don't know much about Indian culture, do you?

[@broyle7332]

Just the drumming handed down thingy I learned, oh and eating with your hands sharing spit with your family every meal. Just kidding.

[@TheWitchOvAgnesi]

LOL

[@toolband1992]

Amazing! Genius, SS. Incredible musicianship and fantastic performance from all members. Loved it. Thanks. :)

[@XiaoLong1988-v3y]

An era where everyone living the moment

[@barrybecker3706]

The Maestro does it again!!! Bravo!!

[@OfficialWildfires]

Loved it when Tomas Haake smiled when Steve was getting some great double bass chops in the beat...

[@duffthepsych]

I love the looks everyone gives each other when he gets all stanky with his bass foot at like 2:36

[@Defensive_Wounds]

Yeah, I get that in my band when I do some crazy stuff here and there like that or doing opposite beats to normal but it still matches well then roll smoothly back into the normal beat. They do that look when watching. :)

[@FallenWake]

Defensive Wounds lol.

[@larson_shook]

I find it so fascinating that a drummer knows of a mathematical world that can either make you dance or be confused.

[@moniemaker27]

Hey guys! It's Robert.

[@ryanhendrymusic]

wow its crazy seeing you on the comments of a video like this. fellow drummer here!

[@misfit2022]

One of the few rock drummers who can match classic jazz drummers for technical ability

[@austinch3]

misfit well he started as a jazz drummer. He went to Berklee to study drums where he'd obviously learn quite a lot about jazz drumming and he also worked with big bands in high school and did some other jazz gigs before being called to work with Journey. Now he plays with Vital Information, a jazz group. So I'm pretty sure he'd be as skilled if not more than many great jazz drummers

[@acu112]

I'm lost after the 3rd lyric, absolute genius, I'll keep practicing and studying for the rest of my life.

[@Christophergarcia-pt2qj]

Steve is really one of the best.

[@gautamrajendrannair400]

I am learning Mridangam and I am astonished to see this man playing the same thing in drums.

[@nuurnwui]

I don't think I ever saw him having so much fun.

[@TheRealSandman]

Actually can't stop watching this!!!

[@davidnissim9203]

I just noticed Tomas Haake standing in the back on the right, and Chris Adler standing directly behind Steve on the left.

[@philwittke2983]

Lols...your favorite drummers favorite drummer

[@mikek.3694]

Steve's tongue is almost as fast as his hands and feet! Truly an amazing percussionist!

[@akashghosh7068]

I'm an Indian... and man IT WAS AWESOME!

[@philphilison1623]

you can really feed off of the blonde girl's excitement. it is always a great inspiration to go back into the practice room when you see a young person's fun and excitement.

[@jaydoode15]

not only does he play the drums, he speaks the language too!

[@HorrorKidd88]

mind blowing.... love the part at 2:16 - Let the drummer gets some!!!!

[@AGoodBuzz]

I love that cute girl behind him who radiates that big smile when the music really swings. A woman who not only appreciates music like that, but shows it so beautifully, is truly a prize.

[@buhiriko5303]

Steve had been playing with Hiromi before, and it was fairly good trio. Here is another side of Hiromi which I found recently. In the first tune, Hiromi leaps in at 5:25 (Mix List - 6 tunes) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaSTnX-XmsSphNE

[@varunaakash8515]

despite of his awesome skills he kicks in a next level of drum goals for local indian drummers!

[@angelotomol5337]

Tomas Haake in the back smiling makes this performance extra amazing. Image blowing the mind of the drummer who blew the mind of Danny Carey sheeesh

[@tjroy870]

Awesome. Just awesome. If you can sing it, u can play it is what i was always taught.

[@roamlikekane]

He's come a long way from the checkerboard half- tees, mustaches, and air-guitaring on a dock for a music video back in the day:) Even though that was good stuff too, but this, wow, it's on a whole nutha level!

[@juanignacio1548]

Increíble...siempre estudiando y sorprendiendo...siempre vigente. Grande Steve!!

[@Fwuckle]

He’s the Heisenberg of drums Sensational !!

[@AndreVanZark]

GUYS A BRILLIANT >>>>SUCH A CREATIVE/ DYNAMIC DRUMMER

[@FijiFresher]

Steve Smith...Groovin' all over the place...

[@sharrythedave4758]

Was a here my very favourite drummer , Andrew Oliver !!!!???? Please say yes !

[@danidodge7]

that was the most amazing thing i've ever seen.

[@MrHalfblood70]

Steve is always Steve... So awesome!!!

[@NIKKO500]

Steve you are one of the best

[@ferdinandwang1165]

Wow, Rob Halford also plays drums! Decent!

[@TheWitchOvAgnesi]

[yawn]

[@ferdinandwang1165]

***** Oh, well, no one wins them all :)!

[@trism3gistus]

Tony Levin dude

[@danpen9373]

There is no one better also a great teacher

[@cav28drummer]

OMG what a genius! I wanna be Steve Smith!

[@ianhendrytube]

WHAT WAS THIS RECORDED WITH THE SOUND IS AMAZING SORRY FOR THE CAPS SPILT MILK

[@simcHyt]

Was it a cat?

[@frodislover1007]

thank you sully so much for your quick response. any idea on how to learn this Indian patern Steve sings? what an incredible person he seems like! so inspiring.

[@ThomasThomasT]

frodis lover I don't know how to explain learning it. I just listened to it and worked it out by ear. I think if you give it some time and practice you'll pick it up. Enjoy the process!

[@desfrias]

Learn indian percussion, particularly these sort of patterns are played on an indian instrument called a tabla, but you could really learn the fundamentals of it vocally or on a drumset like he probably did.

[@tyomkaf]

frodis lover there is an instructional video made by guitarist John McLaughlin on this rhythmic system, it's called Konokol - The Gateway To Rhythm. definitely check that out

[@gerardtorterolo296]

Fantastic Steve Smith..... Great among greats....

[@AChadWardenProduction]

I like how Tomas Haake is casually chilling at the back of the crowd.

[@bluesborn]

I'm ready to learn that Indian rhythm system - it just seems so intuitive.

[@samcooke343]

DAMTIKITUMDAMTIKITUMDAMTIKITUMDAMBABATUM DA!

[@krishnbimanagar]

so much stuff in my own backyard. Sometimes I fail to see how great Indian music is

[@shredsixsixsix9218]

The only other place i heard of this was guitarist Shawn Lane . I like Shankar with philip glass also

[@williambird1234]

Thank you! So great. Okay, I fell a little bit in love with Steve and the girl behind him. :)

[@StartdrummingDe]

Great performance! WHATCH!!! / Grandiose Performanc! UNBEDINGT ANSEHEN! Have fun/Viel Spass! LG, Jürgen.

[@areminderofwhatweare]

This is like the musician's version of Babe Ruth pointing to the exact spot in the stands he was gonna drive the baseball out to.

[@vocalpro]

Wow this is outstanding. What a gtoove master too!

[@thedrumminghalloffame4038]

Fun and educational! Can anyone spell out what Steve is saying here? (j/k) Amazing! We love it. #stevesmith #drums #NAMM #kenmary #thedrumminghalloffame #dhof

[@vipullal7689]

Loved it! Beautiful rendition

[@drrunner]

Steve is amazing!

[@lappe18AS]

I want to be as cool as this dude when i get old!

[@jimrileymusic]

Fantastic....reminds me blues for L.W. By John Mclaughlin.

[@sharrythedave4758]

Hee !

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

still love your work!!

[@Indoman_71]

This is how Indian tabla players learn first....vocalize the BOLS (sound syllables) of the drums and create stanzas like in poetry, THEN master the finger/palm technique to express your acquired syntax, depending upon which GHARANA (school) of training you came from. Whether its North Indian or the Carnatic rhythmic system - SAY IT TO PLAY IT!