The Pocket Queen - 5 Songs That Changed My Drumming

Faster Hands & Feet (in 10 days)
► www.Drumeo.com/faster/
The Ultimate Drumming Toolbox
►www.drumeo.com/ultimate-toolbox/
As musicians, we’re all influenced by the music we listen to, even if we aren’t consciously trying to learn a drum part. Taylor Gordon - aka “The Pocket Queen” - talks about five songs that changed her drumming, and demonstrates her favorite sections of each song.
0:30 - “Where Are You Going?” - Dave Matthews Band
2:32 - “What A Fool Believes” - Doobie Brothers
3:54 - “Cissy Strut” - The Meters
6:37 - “777-9311” - Morris Day and the Time
10:33 - “Message In A Bottle” - The Police
What are your top five songs and how have they influenced your drumming?
Follow Taylor:
►KZbin: / taygrumm. .
►Instagram: / thepocketqu. .
►Facebook: / thepocketqueen

[@patrickfoster4586]

Damn! Anyone who can play that LinnDrum pattern from 777-9311 has my respect. Lots of people do a faulty version of it but the Queen has it down perfectly! Incredible!

[@cranstonlumpkin9858]

The Pocket Queen is an excellent musician. I wish her the best.

[@emaced7867]

Same bro

[@ColeAubreyJosephFleenor]

Same bro

[@AllenIverson444]

Cissy Strut is the song that got me into funk. First time I listened to it I could'nt believe how catchy it was.

[@jedwing]

It's the song that made me ask my dad for a drum set. I got to tell Ziggy this and he was grateful, humble and touched by my comment.

[@waterjack3]

I love this young lady's talent and dedication to her craft!!!

[@vlove888]

1 Earth,Wind&Fire = in the stone 2 Steela Dan = Black Cow 3 Heat Wave = Boogie nights 4 Thelonious Monk= Epistrophy 5 Earth,Wind &Fire = Runnin

[@MickeyDs14]

Solid choices!

[@winstonwolfe5733]

That's serious gourmet shit !

[@patrickfoster4586]

Excellent selections for sho!

[@jessejohnson3770]

Hello PQ, You are an incredibly musician. 777-9311 Is actually a stock drum beat that came in the LM 1 Linn Drum Machine ($4000 )The beat was programmed by Tower Of Power’s drummer David Garibaldi for Roger Linn who’s a guitar player. Hope this helps. LovePeace, Jesse Johnson

[@paulyb-englishmaninhangzho3609]

Jesse Johnson Thanks JJ for sharing your insider knowledge with us, 9311 is simply THE jam, and I’ve always been fascinated by that groove.

[@lnapjr76]

Brother Jesse, just want to say thanks for all the great music you've given us over the years. I still rock your 80's classics all "The Time." I also enjoyed the work you did with D'Angelo in recent years. Keep slaying that ax, brother. You are among my personal favorites with Hendrix, Prince, Eddie Hazel, BB King, Ernie Isley, etc. Salute to you. ✊🏽

[@CozmikForever]

Thats for being Awesome and collaborating with so many legends! Lil' Red Corvette was the first single I bought in 1982!

[@justmyself1000]

Mr. johnson! Very cool of you to come here! Agreed, this young lady is an incredible musician!

[@TIGGRRrr2]

Thnxya Jesse!!!

[@officialjfuzion]

*777" was programmed into the Linn prototype by David Garibaldi of Tower of Power. That prototype was given personally to Prince. Prince took that preset, added a clap and tweaked the hi-hats some and used it for the basis of "777" while writing the album for the Time.

[@rickyqueen2621]

List your sources! Where's your receipts??

[@NotYourTypicalNegro]

@@rickyqueen2621 everybody knows this. This is common knowledge. In fact, I heard Jesse Johnson talking about this in an interview.

[@bigdap100]

Wow, great info.

[@BennoSattler]

@@NotYourTypicalNegro I have heard that, too, but I know that my sources were not the ones who would know that first hand - so I am still calling this a rumour/one possible origin story, until someone who was present at the scene gives testimony - would you have a link to an interview or such? Appreciated!

[@patrickfoster4586]

His info is correct except Prince didn't change the hi hat pattern at all. It's the stock pattern you hear in the song. He did add the handclaps though.

[@Jason-vn5xj]

That was so tasty, my mom asked for the recipe. Holy shit, that was fun to watch.

[@vitormd86]

please invite more drummers for this question! Very nice!

[@hugorezende199]

Great sounding hihats! Also the playing on its very tight. Very nice choice of songs

[@Randy-zk5cn]

Amazing! Love the sound of your kit!

[@tmbcmn]

My favorite drum beats are Good to your Earhole (Funkadelic), Do that Stuff (Parliament). What about it (Eddie Hazel) Soulmate(Funkadelic) I've been watchin' you (Parliament). I have many others but I just mentioned these because I would take up the page. You go GIRL!!!

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Was pleased to see a couple songs here that I have been influenced by and consistently come back to visit...What A Fool Believes and Message In A Bottle. Excellent playing...great video. Thanks.

[@oliverturner81]

You are awesome, I love your energy and your musical gift. Keep up the good work.

[@alexkozub]

Awesome video! Great drumming & insights about drumming!

[@habibseyedi259]

Beautiful, loved it, cheers

[@ivankaspeadsforquincyjones9273]

Great drumming pocket Queen ! Your passion for what you do is contagious, and what a great personality.

[@arsonne]

Holy bejeezus that kit sounds amazing.

[@emlix1]

Both the snares are brilliant.

[@TheEleatic]

Holy bejeezus she sounds great. She is Tight.

[@Maria-kg1nh]

great to see your passion for your craft! we can all learn from that! God'd love and blessings!!!

[@MouleMcCreath]

Great drummer & from what I hear a lovely person. Songs: 1. Aja - Steely Dan - [Aja] - not for the obvious solo stuff by Steve, but the overall feel/groove & particularly for the dynamics which so many drummers have no concept of 2. Third Wind - Pat Metheny - [Still Life Talking] - Paul Wertico just makes this bounce along, almost effortlessly (though it's obviously not!) 3. Says - Al Jarreau - [Lis for Lover} - Steve Ferrone showing how to make something funky essentially with hh/snare/bd. The syncopation is just magic. 4. Fred - Tony Williams - [Believe It] - a great example of fusion playing (from 1975). Tony's ability to take 60's jazz sensibilities & apply them to a rock setting - my goodness! 5. Frenchman's Flat - Larry Carlton - [Sleepwalk] - Jeff Porcaro's shuffle beats are unparalleled (as we know from 'Rosanna'). This is a doozie. (Can I add a 6? - well, hell, I'm going to!) 6. Blame it on my youth - Keith Jarrett - [The Cure] - Jack DeJohnette proves the Pocket Queen's point that drummers aren't just timekeepers, they're composers, integral to the piece. Jack does so little in many ways but it's vital to the overall feel/sonic soundscape & it's just wonderful. The space he leaves for everything else to happen is an art - one I try to replicate when doing similar jazz gigs & as my mother would say "light & shade" - meaning dynamics - couldn't be better illustrated here.

[@lucasjacks3594]

One of the best smiles on KZbin! She's great! Also I need a table like that.

[@rogertyler4131]

Amazon

[@ebonyavengerstevenson1321]

I LOVE this Your Majesty very informative especially The Time song.all good advice.

[@DavideDondiMusic]

Ok, now I can't let one day without listening to What A Fool Believes... incredibile everything, starting from the drums and the bass line, higher level of craftsmanship!

[@Constantijn09]

Keep on Growing (Jim Gordon, Derek and the Dominos), Dead on Time (Roger Taylor, Queen), For Your Precious Love (Al Jackson, Otis Redding), Holy Diver (Vinny Appice, Dio), Mushanga (Jeff Porcaro, Toto)

[@mainelymusic445]

Great teacher, drummer and person!! Thanks for sharing!

[@mattiemclean9882]

Oh my God! The sound of those drum's coupled with her playing is just beautiful.

[@tonikfoury1304]

Mattie Mclean it's a Tama

[@mattiemclean9882]

@@tonikfoury1304 I wasnt asking but thanks

[@johnnycockatoo1003]

all good but for me the bass drum is too compressed

[@eyeguy2476]

feel good grooves dude, i loved that comment about composing for drums because i feel like that can get lost some times

[@deedee_southerngirl]

This was really great to watch! Had to be a NOLA girl to know anything about The Meters. Be My Lady is my favorite cut. Be Blessed Pocket Queen and keep drumming!!!

[@samuelswinney120]

You are a inspiration to all drummers in the music world! I really love listening to your music. You are a professional.

[@tictocbang7443]

Great clip! 5 songs that heavily influenced my drumming over the years: "Knocks Me Off My Feet" - Stevie Wonder "Do It Again" - Steely Dan "Wishing Well" - Bob Mould "Fallen Angel" - Robbie Robertson "Mandjou" - Salif Keita And "Clockworks" by Meshuggah. Not that I'll ever be able to play along. :)

[@sspartan156]

This was an awesome video. Definitely need to listen to some of them. a few songs that inspire me are roxanne- police, ants-marching- Dave Mathews band, All the small things- Blink 182,

[@djstickxb2615]

Nice as always! Thanks QUEEN

[@LEONARDRUM]

BRAVA!!! Thanks for sharing and for the video!!!

[@justmyself1000]

Beautiful! Well Spoken and good communicator! Just a nice personality! A great and perceptive musician! Total Package! (Did I mention Beautiful!?! Looking forward to watching and listening to your future!

[@ronnieowens1978]

Love how you approach and appreciate the music also the message in the bottle was spot on ...love that type of drumming that a lot of these KZbin followers like to call overplaying...instead you seen the gradual build into something awsome...also the laying the bed down for guitar players and so on ...really enjoyed your video and your lingo...!!!!

[@LimpBizkit999]

She adds flavor to very simple grooves 🥁

[@ManelRuivo]

holy shit, what a drummer. and what a speaker!

[@_sonicfive]

She is 30 years old at least now. Not a kid anymore, she nows soft skills will take her where her craft will not.

[@Joesire]

I've always liked that 777-9311 song. The drums stood out to me while listening to that as a kid.

[@SPAZZOID100]

It was a drum machine.

[@fnk8833]

She broke down 7779311 in four hours. Shit it took me several day to perfect that groove. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@keithmounts1305]

Fool in the rain- JHB When the levy breaks-JHB Whole lotta love- JHB H. - Danny Carey In the air tonight- Phil Collins

[@SPAZZOID100]

That song does not represent Phil’s drumming abilities.

[@caryd67]

“Thrust” - Herbie Hancock. Changed my life.

[@hermanmelville3871]

"I Got The News" Steely Dan

[@thedayones4918]

You like white drummers eh? 😆✌🏽

[@christopher8220]

She is very articulate, and I loved the examples that she brought out. Excellent vid - thanks for posting!

[@patdavey7187]

TPQ sounding great. If your starting out with Cissey Strutt you might find it easier to get the feel playing Hats open handed (ala Zigaboo) but she makes it work this way.

[@justinshannon9076]

Sweet! Great great lesson

[@danielnance1607]

Good chops pocket Queen im 64 years old and I was playing that song 77 9311 back then that beat really take time for all you new drummers if it is to easy for you its not helping you

[@trk327]

That groove takes A WHILE to get right

[@danielnance1607]

Trk 327 playing drums it takes work I always went for the hard stuff I still play with single paddle

[@ryderthewatermelon611]

Funky Monks was my intro to Funk music and it really blew my mind

[@GeorgetheGrey]

Love love looove this!

[@drumsNstuff79]

Great choices! My faves are: "All Over You" - Live "Don't Stay Home" or "All Mixed Up" - 311 "Minute by Minute" Doobie Brothers or "Misunderstanding" by Genesis "Cerulean" - The Ocean Blue "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" -Bruce Cockburn Bonus: "Like the Weather" By 10,000 Maniacs "Satellite" by Dave Matthews Band "Hello Goodbye" by the Beatles "All This Time" Sting or Vinnie C's performance on "Fields of Gold" by Sting. It's all rim clicks but is just too tasteful and understated just enough but not too much by a guy who could play more but didn't, ya know? lol..

[@lnapjr76]

Happy to say all of those are favorites of mine...and all on my ipod except for the Police joint. I'll go check it out. Also, after enjoying your videos for a while now, it brought me great joy to find you are a "New Orleans girl." I'm a New Orleans boy. You represent us well. Lastly, can we get a video of you playing some classic Funkadelic...or Stevie Wonder?!

[@LedWolf7]

6:27 YESSSSSSSSSssssssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhh~~~~

[@josepablogomez4677]

I dont know about you guys, but for me that drum sound AMAZING ❤️❤️❤️

[@azulito2860]

Awesome Artist! Absolutely love The Pocket Queen!

[@lorenmerluzzo]

On my practice playlist. I love the entire concept of pocket.

[@botbeast9627]

My 5 songs that changed my drumming -Fool in the rain -Rosanna -Scentless Apprentice -Schism -Toxicity

[@otrie]

That first groove actually sounded like Harvey Mason from Herbie Hancock's album Chameleon

[@mjespo125]

My favorite drummer at the moment!

[@xgreco]

My favourite drum beats are: 1. Herbie Hancock - Actual Proof 2. The Police - Driven to tears 3. Led Zeppelin - Fool in the rain 4. James Brown - Funky Drummer 5. Tool - Schism

[@goyolake]

Driven To Tears, fucking great drums there (and in the others as well)

[@emlix1]

I don't think Stewart Copeland ever did anything wrong.

[@SPAZZOID100]

Nobody asked.

[@bobmcentyre3607]

Thanks 🙏 So awesome 🎶❤️

[@alexanderb.jordanjr.1265]

you have a beautiful drum set and I just love your shiny symbols I'm in Lubbock Texas

[@victorjohnson6244]

Loved it!

[@nathanmcclellan8078]

Taylor Gordon is simply THE best new drummer to hit ANY scene in a couple of decades!

[@vocalone23]

Good work Queen👍🏼💪🏽

[@guitarsword1]

Ur a terrific drummer. Enjoyed ur playing .

[@mr.p1850]

Great clip and awesome songs to work on. I'm a huge Carter Beauford and Copeland fan. Their approach to each dong are almost otherworldly in their interpretation, composition and willingness to adjust. I worked for hours upon hours on Message In A Bottle for a cover band I was in and it quickly became one of my favorite songs to play.

[@corrodesthefilm]

You have to change your approach to each dong, agreed.

[@ponylockz7371]

Pocket Queen you're awsome! I am a piano/ keyboard player but I Absolutely love the drums. One of my all time favorite drum beats is to the song "Yes We Can Can" by the Pointer Sisters. This song was released some time in the early to mid 70' s not sure exactly what year.an arranged by your fellow New Orleans man the late great Alvin Toussaint.

[@ponylockz7371]

Tetheorance Gordon thank you for your imput

[@mariamgorjian]

I’ve been following you since your Din Da Da cover! I’m new to drumming and you have inspired me so much. I have been practicing so many songs and wanted to say thank you for sharing your talent and passion for music I was unfamiliar with. Also to Drumeo....I was rooting for you to get on their radar! Congrats!

[@MrRogerjowens]

Love her, but wasn’t into her tracks until she reached 777 9311, and Stewart Copeland from police is one of my favorite drummers

[@michaelhale7991]

The sixteen counts felt internal is the heartbeat of any groove.

[@louislanfear9403]

she's absolutely amazing but that aint the cissy strut beat, if you dont have the doubles on the kick it just doesn't have the right swing

[@michaelfinley4440]

She didnt play the high hat accents. I feel like didnt didnt swing enough either. Thats said, she's a good player..

[@thedayones4918]

@@michaelfinley4440 let me hear your take. Also check her out now, she is one the best drummers in the world. ✌🏽

[@spidafingaz1]

Oh my GAWD can someone PLEASE tell me who that kit is made by!? I love that finish!!

[@chuva6488]

Green Day’s basket case got me drumming ☺️

[@mikehock6236]

Héctor C. Green Day started it all for me too :) drums and guitar

[@jmfs3497]

Wooo! Tay-Tay!

[@djalexia]

777-9311 it is a very complex drum programming... In music productions "Accidents" at times can turn into such trendsetter and unique artistry. Love your story of studying it and found out that what may appear a simplistic "thang" can be a great challenge. XOXO

[@Sonnejen]

Tell me the name of that snare please!

[@ssarora1000]

Shout out to Beauford, hells yeah!

[@stickytnt]

Well said, demonstrated and yo feel is undeniable and I have been playing pro for 30+ yrs my only regret was the lack of support at 10 when i started so im pretty much self taught re-learning the importance of practicing to a metronome and creating the solid pocket timing b/c I play and sing/rap at the same time...keep doin yo thang PQ!

[@rakkup7572]

I love pocket queens attitude as always she has stucksmile. 😊 great back story too.

[@jimfair3215]

Love your drumset!

[@mkdush2]

the cissy strut was my best. that was super dope

[@Nick_Magliano]

Good Times Bad Times changed my entire life as a kid. I heard it and NEVER thought I’d be able to get my bass drum foot that fast, let alone play the song in its entirety. Zeppelin and Bonham really lay the foundation for tasteful chops and a solid groove.

[@robertcortez8139]

this is dope

[@giannibadeau3344]

Love the pocket queen! Its all about the groove!

[@TheActualJae]

She has this amazing hold on the subtleties of the feel of the best. Love that, super important reminder there for every drummer.

[@fishmanporgy]

She just broke down the human mind.its a natural computer..always has been..teach SISTER teach..

[@DAPOOLPARTY]

Yeah Taylor!!! Gettin it.

[@dannew]

The decay on that snare is just delicious

[@familytreemusic]

love the drumming, the upbeat personality... and that gorgeous smile

[@shavonelangley4695]

such good taste. I love alladoes!

[@jonn443]

Most influential for me: When the Leve Breaks/Fool in the Rain, Rosanna, Ants Marching/#41, SLTS/In Bloom, Message in a Bottle, Stash (Phish).

[@user-fu5rv4ud3l]

Love you queen!!

[@willisratcliff2285]

777-9311. Yes ma'am, press ham! One of the coolest grooves ever. Jimmy Johnson on the guitar.

[@jaymatic23]

Carter Beaufort is an absolute beast as is Zigaboo...as a drummer when I learn 777-9311, I’ll feel I’ve arrived. I also love John Blackwell & Michael Bland of Prince & The NPG, John Bonham, Al Jackson, Jr. & Stewart Copeland POCKET QUEEN YOU ROCK!!!

[@imuawarriors]

the tone of that floor tom is beyond great...

[@patrickfoster4586]

She definitely knows how to tune those heads! The snare, toms and even the kick are perfectly tuned.

[@nickdenardo6479]

super surprised that we have very similar tastes. 👍🏿

[@jmag579]

12:09 That beat from Message in a bottle is also the beat from Whip it. 😆😆

[@seanbean4682]

It takes an open mind to draw from every corner. I'm a guitarist, but for me Bill Bruford and Dennis Davis *changed my life* What a Fool Believes is so goddamn sneaky.

[@larrytemp3063]

Sean Bean YOU KIDDING MAN REALLY DENNIS DAVIS WAS ( R I P ) AND STILL IS THE MAN I WORKOUT WITH HIS RECORDINGS WITH ROY AYERS

[@Monstergrooves]

One of my favourite drummers.

[@dosgos]

Her timing is infectious. Funny how a metronome is just boring but a few people have the ability to make a simple groove sing.

[@ModernVintageFilm]

Metronomes are so groovy ;)

[@SoloNecr0zis]

Cissy Strut is top 5 catchiest song ever played. How can you not bob your head to it

[@Atarijunkie72]

Hats sounds killer!

[@robsolf]

Copeland, while I have a completely different style than he does, really opened my eyes to how important the hi hat is. It's the constant, and it can add or release drama at any point in the phrase. O My God from Synchronicity is another great one to listen to for understanding why the hats aren't just a timekeeping throwaway device.