Steve Vai - Vinnie Colaiuta's Sight Reading

[@karllager2214]

He's prob the best all round drummer alive.

[@DaGretschguy]

100%

[@webstercat]

That is probably true. What a career.

[@king-manu2758]

You can think whatever you want about Vinnie, love him or hate him, no one does what he does. Nobody can. And I don't think there will be another Vinnie in a very long time. The way his mind is wired is just too unique.

[@kdub1242]

Over the decades, I've seen Vinnie live multiple times. However great you may think he is, he's even better than that.

[@golferal]

And no matter if you think you've seen his most insane playing, there are 10 more videos with even MORE mind blowing stuff!

[@firstnamesurname6550]

@@golferal Vinnie is the only westernner that the 'Asian kid doing it better your thing' doesn't apply ...

[@fundorgon]

He's always been my favourite drummer and I've had that experience multiple times..

[@MyTEEsharp1]

As a church wanna-be drummer back in the 90s, I was fortunate enough to come up with older dudes who listened to Patitucci, Chick, Weckl and Vinnie, so I knew then about Vinnie! In 2001, I was dating a girl who I was SUPER IN TO! Conversations would get stagnant bcuz I liked her more than she liked me. In one occasion, we started to talk about an artist we both knew and a recent album he had just dropped that she bought (Alejandro Sanz MTV Unplugged). I asked her who plays the drums? “IDK, It says Vinnie Ca-lei-uta!” What???? You mean “Vinnie Colaiuta?” I spelled out the last name for her, and she said “yes!” him! Since then, Vinnie had become my hero bcuz he helped me with that chick that day! Later in that day, she asked if I could take her to the mall bcuz she needed to buy some things for school. She ended buying me the CD (2001) because she saw how excited I was. Things didnt work out with her, but I still liked Vinnie, and this album left such an indelible mark in my heart because its show me how versatile Vinnie was and he had a bad-ass drum set black n’ white gretsch! I fell in love with that set! A girl, I started dating in 2005, and who saw my passion for this drum set, help me place a down payment for “A GRETSCH VINNIE COLAIUTA Sig SERIES” drum kit! It was ready for me to pick up 07/11/2005 at a guitar center!!! That girl/eomen is now my wife! 14 years of marriage and 3 kids later, the gretsch still sits in my garage!!!!

[@musicalala]

@@MyTEEsharp1 Great story! His work with Alejandro really made me realize the same. He is Latino but I just didn't expect him to have such an authentic feel for the musical forms primarily bcuz I had never heard him do it before. I listen to and play lots of Latin music as an offshoot of small jazz group work and bcuz I love it. They tend to go hand-in-hand. I'm often cynical when players play stuff they typically aren't known for mainly bcuz I know how hard it is. Rod Stewart singing jazz and Neil Peart playing in the Buddy Rich Big Band. It was immediately apparent Vinnie wasn't play-acting Salsa etc...He is so friggin good and legit on those dates and CD. It's not that I don't believe in his abilities but being really great at Latin along with all the other stuff is a rare thing.

[@Royale_with_Cheeze]

As good of a story that it is, Steve's telling of it is just as good.

[@shawnbruce6934]

I never get tired of this Story. Steve and Vinnie. Vinnie IS an Alien.

[@binkwood]

Frank credits Vinnie as being "a freak" and he said he couldn't imagine anyone else could do what Vinnie could.

[@ArmenChakmakian]

I've seen Vinnie adjust his glass in mid fill on a Faith Hill video.

[@CaliforniaSasquatch]

He left out that Terry Bozzio was also there watching, then turned and left the room after Vinnie's insane demonstration!

[@MrFchank]

BS

[@michaelmoore7975]

Did he become a missing person?

[@TheTralfaz]

@@MrFchank not bs true

[@briandavis2885]

@@MrFchankit’s totally true

[@ArmenChakmakian]

That's the version I saw on Vai's website about 20 yrs ago. Terry threw up his hands and laughed.

[@StonyRC]

Were ALL of Frank's musicians as nice as Steve Vai and Vinnie Colaiuta?

[@barbamatteo]

Steve is really a good storyteller, i can stand and ear him for hours! God bless him!

[@streetsmartdrumming9567]

Agree ❤

[@patricktiglao]

Thanks!

[@greggassen5548]

Music critics, and fan boys will say Bonham or moon are the best. New drummers will say names like Rich and Gadd and Peart are the best. Metalheads will claim names like the Rev or Mangini or Portonoy. All of those drummers are S tier no doubt, but Vinnie stands above them all.

[@ThePsho]

Gotta agree with this. Subjectively, Gadd is my favorite since I'm a drummer that appreciates groove and pocket presence, but objectively I can't argue against Vinnie being the goat. Incidentally, any drummer that passed a Zappa audition has earned at least a spot in the consideration. Ralph Humphrey, Chester, Terry, Wackerman etc. All of them were the best of the best, and Vinnie was arguably the best of the best of the best.

[@JamesSmith-xs7sr]

WAY above!

[@davyboy9397]

All the real drummers know Vinnie is number 1 and Jeff Porcaro is number 2

[@doubts]

I love drumming. I love the community. RIP Dom

[@bataleon112]

This story was posted on Vai´s website YEARS ago, hearing it from Vai himself is sounds like brand new. Perhaps one of the best stories on the drumming community.

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Yes...and to see Vinnie's reaction as well, together for first time in decades!

[@chicanochops]

I agree man, one of the best stories I’ve heard in the drum world… and told so well

[@shanecovey1901]

Wow, so grateful to hear stories about Frank Zappa's musical genius and the brilliant musicians around him.😃

[@brucemackay6766]

Vinnie is one of The Best drummers of all time.

[@garydonnelly100]

"one of..." ha, that's cute.

[@albertofernandez6140]

Vinnie is a genius on drums , period .

[@jonasandezekiel1109]

Ya think? I say he's the greatest alive.

[@dalezjc]

My Wife and I were fortunate enough to see Vinnie when he was playing with Sting during the 90s, during an afternoon sound-check at Red Rocks Amphitheater. To see up him up close was amazing, humbling, and completely mind-blowing. I'll never forget that day. Plus, as a bonus, Sting and the band jammed on some Beatles tunes for about 20 minutes!

[@joshuajuaire8757]

He is a good drummer and his gift comes from God

[@jamesdefrancesco7765]

Got to see Vinny with Herbie and I was able to take my then 13 year old drummer son. What a great experience and positive influence that had on my son.

[@RockMacDonald23]

See here's the thing I've been obsessed with Vinnie for the past 13 years. I can completely imagine Vinnie doing that in his rehearsal and with great ease. It sounds just like him to do.

[@Dave-lr2wo]

It's a somewhat famous (in wonky drumming circles) story that is much more true than not ture, which is unusual for those kinds of stories...

[@belindametz5130]

Fantastic!!!! I saw Vinnie so many times live, however the best was at a small club that used to be in The Valley called Charlie’s, and all these musicians on a small stage, I couldn’t see who the drummer was, BUT the energy and groove, I kept saying to my friend “this drummer sounds like VINNIE C-then I caught a glimpse of the drummer! And it is VINNIE C, when the set up as over he came to the table beside us, where Pete Christlieb’s wife was sitting who I met, she introduced me to Vinnie, I am 5ft 10, first thing Vinnie says is “JEEZ your tall!” Ha second thing “do you want drum lessons?!” Ha! I said I was in town to work on another project, very serious he said “well I have a few openings then I’m off to tour!” To this day I think WHY did I not take those lessons!!! Even though I’m not a drummer! Ha! Vinnie C is my all time groove master drummer! And in person a funny down to earth human! Thanks for this share! It makes sense! 🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🙏🏼🔮

[@donzulaica9172]

Vai told me that story over the phone in early 2000s when I interviewed him for a long-gone web site called Drumstuff. The story/quote was later used in a Zappa-drummer retrospective I did for Drum! magazine. Absolutely unreal. Wonderful to see Vinnie right next to him, blushing.

[@BangFestChangedMe]

Yes! I read this in Drum! magazine, cut out the clip and put it on my folder in high school that had all my drumline charts. It was really motivating.

[@TheSessionsPanel]

That was a great story! Thanks for sharing yours & our interviews.

[@lucafogliati6050]

In the full story i remember also Bozzio being involved...like he is in the room and just after this Vinnie's number he leaves his seat and walks away....

[@johnricci7264]

Wow! I knew that Zappa wrote incredibly complex and details arrangements. I had not idea the anyone on this planet had ever even tried to sight read them, let along succeed! Colaiuta, much like Zappa, is on a different plane.

[@drtimoshea4087]

More like a different rocket ship....

[@johnricci7264]

@@drtimoshea4087 ...but maybe from the same planet!

[@joe-e-geo]

Whenever I need to feel happy I'm gonna come back here and watch this again.

[@augustusbetucius2931]

As good a sight reader as he is, Tommy Tedesco was every bit as good, if not better. There's the notorious story of Tedesco reading a piece of music upside down and not even realizing he was doing it until someone went over and turned the music around.

[@JamesSmith-xs7sr]

Frank was in awe of him!

[@AnaamSings]

Steve & Vinnie - two of my ALL time GOATS...who is this Steve I'm talking about? guess! :)

[@studgerbil9081]

Gotta be Steve Gadd.

[@stretch54]

In 1982 Vinnie played a few nights a week with the Dave Boruff Band at a club called The Flying Jib in Encino CA. It was Dave on sax, Michael Fisher on percussion, Vinnie on drums, Neil Stubenhaus on bass, Pat Kelley on guitar and Barnaby Finch on Keys. These guys were incredible to watch and Vinnie was still the star. He was just trying to break in to the studio scene at that time but I knew he was going to take over in LA and become one of the most in demand drummers. Those are some great memories.

[@chrisgoudy1954]

That’s awesome. Great stuff and told so well. Vinnie and Steve are legends.

[@MDB274]

I came across Vinnie a little over 20 years ago. There’s no one like him, really the man’s a genius. Steve Vai is not of this earth , just ahead of his time. The booming voice & laughter of the late great Dom Famularo. Awesome clip .

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Well said! Thank you for watching & sharing!

[@imarriedabrkfsttaco3737]

The incredible Steve Vai! Student of Joe Satriani. Frank Zappa's "Little Italian Virtuoso!" An Insanely talented musician,guitarist & performer with a unique style and great stories!

[@marcwhy]

Fun! First saw Vinnie back in 1982 or so with Jeff Berlin and Scott Henderson; we were young rockers just getting into jazz, and our minds were blown! Been worshiping him ever since!

[@drtimoshea4087]

Saw Vinnie with Sting's band a few years ago in San Jose. He is the only drummer ever who can add so much integral embellishment to a song without ever for one second even thinking of losing The Pocket. And then you're shocked to realize - all that IS the pocket! How many drummers today even know what the pocket is?

[@crissignori7482]

the pocket = the groove

[@davyboy9397]

In all my top Drummer lists I have ever made, Vinnie is always number 1. He has played every style you can think of and killed it. Vinnie Colaiuta and Jeff Porcaro are my favorite Drummers of all time (what is it with Italian Drummers man?)

[@Hemstrought]

Brilliant storytelling by Mr. Vai.

[@comotocarbateria]

Best story ever!

[@jkorshak]

I saw FZ several times during that period. Stand out shows, got my money's worth. When you amaze FZ you've done something really fucking amazing.

[@RandyHanley]

Vinnie is magic.

[@augsdoggs]

Wow. A story of praise and admiration from someone who is also a bonafide legend and master of his instrument in his own right, makes an already funny and cool story even greater to watch.

[@gustafbstrom]

Love the story. Love Vinnie. Love hearing Steve praising his excellence. Love knowing that Steve happens to be a great storyteller.

[@julesdrumsofficial]

Love that story! The master! 🔥

[@michaelcoprada9287]

i have read in an article somewhere about Steve Vai telling this story many years ago, but it was so great watching Steve tell the story with Vinnie by his side. absolutely fantastic.

[@michaelwhitlow8467]

God love Vinnie. Fantastic story Steve!

[@dakotablack2003]

I’ve seen him live only once along time ago with Sting. Live is a different level. Nothing like it

[@musopaul5407]

Vinnie is a ridiculous reader. I went to see him at Ryles in Boston in 1986. He'd been flown in by Rick Beato (at that time a guitarist no-one had heard of) to do a gig with Aydin Esen and Kai Eckhardt. They were playing Aydin's tunes, which were all odd-metres and weird phrasing. Vinnie's plane was late so he'd had no rehearsal and was sight-reading on the gig. The first time through, he was reading and it was perfect, world-class playing. When they came back to the head at the end of each tune, he wasn't even looking at the music and was playing the crap out of it. I was with another drummer friend of mine and we both felt like Steve Vai; what's the point?

[@peterbustin2683]

There is some great videos of Sting's excellent album, Ten Summener's Tales, on which Vinnie is playing. You can really see what Steve Vai is relating to...

[@BoomerMusicCompany]

This is the story of all studio stories! Vinnie has been my on my favorite ever since the first time I saw him on Zildjian Days in New York. Then Buddy Rich Memorial #2 of which I paid $60 for the new VHS tape! After that, there was no other until I discovered Tony Williams in college. Then after hearing the them over and over again, everything musically started to make sense. How awesome is Dom Famularo!? Met him a couple years ago at Pasic and it was like we were old friends.

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Yes, they're all pretty awesome! Thanks for watching & sharing!!

[@alessandrorossini8704]

Sometimes, when I'm down, I come back here and there's no way, doesn't matter how sad, or angry, or whatever negative I am, I laugh to tears, ev'rytime, and it helps, it surely does. 👍🏼👍🏼😂😂 R.I.P. Dom 💖💖

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Agree...grateful to have so many fantastic interviews by Dom, will always be remembered!

[@WhyTheHorseface]

Their children must face so much pressure. Vinnie, Steve, and Frank’s I mean. To be a child of such genius… wow.

[@hansvandermeulen5515]

I love this story.

[@bimbettocavallo]

Very old and very well known story that Steve Vai told in an interview in the past, but nice to see him narrate it in person. A whole new level of fun!

[@Rigge64]

Vinnie is the man🏆🎶👏👍🥁

[@batouttahell454]

I sure hope the FINANCIAL Rewards are there for that kind of Talent!!!!

[@scottyg5403]

Great story! Vinnie definitely one of the greats! Love those Zappa albums!

[@TommyGadd]

I had heard this story before and there are many that have to do with Vinnies sight reading ability I’m sure. I saw him with Tom Scott doing a version of Nite Sprite where he actually explains to Scott how a part goes note for note. Unreal

[@loucontino4804]

Great. I heard this story from Terry Bozzio a long time ago about Vinnie picking up and eating in the middle of reading. Steve must have been maybe 20 back then.

[@richards1816]

A nice observation about almost all top musicians, they are humble regarding their own abilities and quick to praise their contemporaries! A breath of fresh air!

[@burroughs334]

OUTSTANDING story! So well told. Love it

[@ciadella1971]

I saw Vinnie do a drum clinic in 1988. I was never the same afterwards. Even to this day.

[@luckylicks3497]

Absolutely hilarious and amazing at the same time!

[@JerryT21]

Vinny🔥🔥🔥

[@SweeetJohnny]

I love this short stories from lifes of interesting persons. I hope I will still find a chance to see Vinnie live performing.

[@neaituppi7306]

That is how I want to read notes. I don't feel like quitting ever, when i hear stuff like that, I get more determined, because I am not competing with someone else's mind which there is always some people that can process things easily, that other people cannot.

[@mikegrigg11]

Brilliant story but not surprised !!

[@sunnibird]

He does the glasses thing on the Jeff Beck Live at Ronnie Scott's and Jeff laughs and mimics it :D

[@leddygee1896]

You're not too shabby yourself, Steve! That story was priceless...

[@lhair02]

The Works/Still drummer for Nik and Tony! Vinnie is a phenomenal drummer

[@Stevo_Drums]

Great story! I’ve heard someone else tell it before (maybe it was Zappa). Steve’s version is hilarious!

[@funkster007]

I think Terry Bozzio mentioned it in an interview somewhere as well.

[@golferal]

@@funkster007 I think this story used to be on Vinnie's Wikipedia page. Bozzio was (allegedly) watching this session and threw up his sticks and walked out after "the sushi incident." 😂😂

[@TheRealHucasys]

What an awesome story, you can tell the genuine admiration as he tells it, pure gold.

[@cfyves]

The masters.... much much much respect. (and love)

[@albertofontana3480]

Oh man I've been flashed out by Buddy, Weckl, Dennis, Hakim, Donati, Tony, Erskine, Gadd, Stewart, etc. But Colaiuta is from another galaxy, is from another cosmos, he is the best drummer of all time.

[@alvarocordova3664]

He's no better than Tony, Elvin nor. Dennis.

[@fredyandressuarez8587]

@@alvarocordova3664 he was indeed the evolution of Tony Williams in my opinion... Elvin Jones and Chambers are great but Vinnie is just a different animal, the guy has been playing and recording from heavy metal to jazz, he's practically played everything, the guy is a groovemaster, his sight reading is top notch and his phrasing is just incredible!

[@cheeneedejesus6004]

I would respectfully add Porcaro on that list

[@Astral-Projector2389]

@@alvarocordova3664 disagree. He is the best ever in my opinion.

[@KPac1234]

He’s better than Tony, Elvin and Dennis, it’s ridiculous to even say that

[@craiglizt8074]

Friggin love this story

[@kennethschweighardt4920]

Some of the greatest, and timeless music ever played by some of the greatest players to ever record. We were so blessed in that era to have the creative music we did, untainted by greedy record companies pushing filth down teenagers throats to get as much of their money as they can. God save us...

[@hayalaln2302]

He’s a perfect storyteller

[@paulyost3283]

I've seen Steve Vai's testimony on this numerous times over the years. However, this is the first time seeing it with Vinnie sitting next to him! What a great moment!! Vinnie is such an all purpose, can do anything monster No wonder he's been in such demand all these years. He's my personal favorite and I am sure, many peoples' personal favorite. He's a fantastic and very friendly guy on top of it, not a hint of arrogance!

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Agreed Paul! This was an amazing event and reunion for Vinnie & Steve, was great to hear this story with both together again! Thanks for watching & sharing...

[@menziepittman81]

Such a good moment !!!

[@Babassecretchannel]

The BEST story I've ever heard. 101%!

[@iwanzf]

Legend.

[@avatacron60]

Just incredible!

[@nzbradmorgan]

Great story. Legends. So good to see Dom there as well 🙏

[@ChristopherDillman]

Awesome story about Vinnie's sheer God-given natural ability. #VinnieLegend

[@AndreaAustoni]

Why not praise his parents and all the hard work he's done? Why praise a non-existing entity instead?

[@ChristopherDillman]

@@AndreaAustoni Ok

[@RonTimmonsM1]

This story made my day 😂

[@toomuchfandango]

coming from the Vai master too!

[@KhalDrogo76]

Anyone who plays drums knows Vinnie is the GOAT it's really not up for debate

[@javlohudzlin4829]

Drumming, like other things, is vast. No GOAT. Readers, non-readers, fast, slow, feels, styles, etc... VAST.

[@augustusbetucius2931]

It is up for debate because *everything* is subjective. Otherwise we'd all have to agree on everything all of the time, and that isn't possible.

[@RobGarlandLA]

Amazing story!

[@Meiyor]

love this!

[@tribalistaforca]

…and he was probably thinking:” next time I should order the mackerel “ 😂

[@NigelKaz]

Not only that, but... it was recorded. This may be a later take, but it's the same rehearsal session. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHjNdqagab56jqM Arthur Barrow tells the same story in his book, "Of Course I Said Yes". Zappa had given Barrow and Colaiuta the sheet music a few days beforehand, a bass-and-drums-only version called "Mo's Vacation" and Barrow had studied and practiced it for about 15 to 20 hours, At rehearsal, he asked Vinnie to run through it with him. It had never been played or performed before. Vinnie said he had not had a chance to look at it, but agreed to run through it, sight-reading. The rehearsal space was Circus Krone in Munich, Germany and the date was at the end of August, 1978. According to Barrow, Vinnie was also smoking a cigarette at the same time.

[@OverDriveSpecial1]

Great story!

[@fabricebay68]

Great !!! Thank you from France Steve for this moment of laughter, and thank you Vinnie The Alien!

[@DrumMenace]

Hilarious! And Steve tells it very well.

[@zebulondudora]

Oh guys, as a struggling wannabe musician, I just worship you as badass gods! :D

[@lucafogliati6050]

I've read a version of this story that also mentions Bozzio was in the room and after he saw Vinnie doing this raiser from his sit and had a wall around the room.....

[@RvP6384]

I can watch this forever ❤️

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Be sure to check out the full event too! Thanks for watching! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnrPgImirsZ1h8U

[@drowdaba]

oh holy shit. steve, vinnie and frank. the wholley trinity lol

[@loudrimshot]

Great story

[@Travmon]

Steve didn't mention the fact the Bozzio was present when this happened. Bozzio of course is a genius (you have to be to play the Black Page) but this demonstration by Vinnie was so next level that even Bozzio was so awestruck in the area he was supposed to be the king of, that he just couldn't take it and left. I suspect he has never quite gotten over it as despite his cordial relations with other Zappa drummer alumni in round tables he has hosted, Vinnie has been conspicuously absent and not referred to (by Bozzio). This could of course be an availability issue but I suspect it may be the same reaction Eric Clapton had to hearing Hendrix play for the first time and it was reported that it impacted him so deeply that he couldn't even hold his cigarette without shaking so awe struck was he by Hendrix's virtuosity. Of course the respect was mutual and they went on to become great friends which is not something that appears to have happened between Colaiuta and Bozzio.

[@thebeatclinic9000]

How do you know Bozzio was present?

[@Travmon]

@@thebeatclinic9000 On Colaiuta's website he has this story as written up by Vai and he mentions the Bozzio incident.

[@Typical.Anomaly]

Damn. I never knew he was such a skilled storyteller. Gotta start digging into the depths of KZbin now.

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Check out the entire NAMM event in 2019. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnrPgImirsZ1h8U

[@tonyv47]

vinnie is one of the best but he always though jeff porcaro was it but they both are & were one of the best on earth

[@fiddlestix3025]

Great story, and great storytelling 🤣

[@NickSadkov]

Amazing stories 🔥🔥✨

[@19tet]

i watch this at least once a year bruh 😂