Gadd speaks exactly how he plays. Super relaxed and with lasting conviction. You don’t realise the gravity of what he’s actually said until he’s onto his next phrase.
Steve Gadd is a groove master and has the most expressive body bopping behind the kit. Love watching him move and bounce around as much as listening to him play!
Brother Gadd I live in Birmingham AL. Ive followed your work since the late 90's. I appreciate all of your interviews. You teach more in interviews than the average college professor!! Thanks.
Thanks, amazing! I met Steve Gadd in person in 2010 at a drum clinic in Karlsruhe, germany... he is most kind human being you can imagine, not the slightest wind of arrogancy or anything. So patient and open from the bottom of his heart, very glad I had the luck to experience!!!
No one makes very difficult drum parts look easy to play more than Steve Gadd. Also, no one makes them catchy and groove better than Steve Gadd. His drumming on Aja is unmatched.
💙🙂👍As a life-long drummer (began at 2 yrs.), Gadd has been one of the biggest inspirations and teachers in my drumming escapades. Both he and Weckl have helped me to set a bar so high for myself that I'm forever endevoring to reach some place close to it. I'll likely, never acheive it but it's a goal to work and strive for. 👍🙂❤️💙
What a legend. Thanks for the interview. I saw him play with his band a few weeks ago in Sydney and I can tell you his playing wasn't tired or lacking energy, the band was pumping all night, one of the best gigs I've ever seen. Long may he reign!
Hi This is Sheng Sheng Studio in Taiwan, We find out your RUclips channel and you made so many amazing and helpful videos. We are your big fans! We have a request if you can accept, can we download the video which is Steve Gadd interview to translate into Mandarin, because Steve talked about the metronome. We think Steve’s talk can give many Taiwan’s musicians some ideas In recording or in live, because of language, many musicians in Taiwan don’t easily understand what Steve talked about, of course including other videos you made. If you can accept this request, we all thank you and we will post your video link that more and more musicians can get help or idea. Thanks Best S.S.Studio
I've watched every one of these interviews at least once and they're all fantastic. Love the "off the record" segments at the beginning of each video. Looking forward to more from you guys. Keep up the great work!
hey Seth! thank you very very much! makes me really happy when someone mentions a little detail here and there but your compliment easily goes beyond what is already flattering ;-) And no worries -- there are already new episodes in post production -- stay tuned! cheers/phil
Very neat interview! Thanks to the producer(s?) for creating this and thanks to Steve for communicating this approach to things. Most of the line of thoughts he presents apply well to alot of things in reality, not only drums or music. :::)
Was thinking the same thing. I laughed out loud at the part where he likened being in your own head to being in a bad neighborhood. I'm laughing again as I type this.
I always liked Steve Gadd as a musician, and this is my first time hearing an interview with him (as of Oct. 2019). His commentary about being able to hear the click or the drum sequence in your earphones more loudly than what you are playing is definitely significant to me. I always liked Michael Landau’s guitar playing also, and this is my first taste of him playing Jazz or R&B.
To say that Steve plays tired is some one who is a damn fool and doesn't know how to play drums passionately. Steve is still a first call drummer, but he makes so much money dividing his time between playing with Clapton and James Taylor that he doesn't need to take other calls. Lets see how many of these ass hat, commenting drummers could serve a song and play what is required of it any better than Mr. Gadd, who still has it at 72. Dummies
I always learn so much and get more curious about things. Click Track goes way back. Tap Dance used in drumming, so on. Forgot to ask about “Pocket”, oh well next time😊
As we age we do things differently .. in life, in work in music.. all drummers changes their styles a bit here, a bit there.. it may be tabla, congas or a drum set..as longs as we can swing and enhance the music we are playing...it is enough.. Gadd is a master and he will remain one even if he doesn't play another beat again in his life
I like the interviews but can you also add a drum gear breakdown for the drummer ? I think it would be nice to hear them talk about their gear, what they are using and why. Just a suggestion....
thanks man! the gear question? I know some drummers are interested in those informations, but to be frank I've never been one of them and I doubt that I ever will be....
on Talent ,i would like to ask why is it that if a 100 regular drummers played a song and then gadd played that same song the majority of listerners and musicians alike would probably prefer his version . what is it that he and the other top guys have that the other guys dont have ?the specifics of song drumming song craft dont seem to be talked about enough .
I just got into a dumb flame war about an opinion that said Gadd sounds tired and should hang it up. I disagree. I think he sounds as great as ever and has a lot of wisdom to offer younger players. I like that Gadd talks about playing with headphones and a click, how to relax into a groove. As ever, it's astonishing to me how quickly discourse can degenerate into ugly ad hominem arguments. I deleted all my shit because I fell right into it too.
Yeah, Gadd is total humility and wisdom. He talks about how music "feels good," which is exactly why I love playing . Levon Helm said the drummer knows he's doing his job when he lifts everyone up to play "a joyous noise." When I was a youngster, I bought a copy of The Gadd Gang's first record, hoping for a collection of insane licks. What I got instead was a bunch of really groovy tracks where all the players were really enjoying themselves. Super tasty with only the occasional glimpse of the immense power behind such simplicity. The way Steve plays is something I aspire to. His feel is unparalleled.
Slagging on Steve Gadd. Seriously. Why would anyone do that? This interview is all good vibes and humble advice. You're alone in your negative opinion. www.drstevegadd.com/accolades.htm
Joshua Carroll Mr Gadd tired? Ha, right? He might be- but in an age sense only…to paraphrase Mr Gadd, drums are him, he is drums.. so true to anyone that has been or is there…so in his defense- he's been there and done that, if you will. Once there I would guess that one does what he does(according to this great interview) and stays in shape with practice and be ready all while enjoying the ride. The man represents anybody that knows how to approach the kit in a musical way while allowing a drummer dexterity within a given piece of music(without stepping on anybody's toes)…The independence he has playing within a group and the song itself is a treat to watch. I honestly believe his approach influenced thousands and ironically inspired the advent of the drummer mills al la VHS, et all … perfect timing (pun intended)
Steve is a world class player but his best chops have never inspired me the same as percussionists like Vinnie Colluita , Terry Bozzio ,Billy Cobham and Lenny White , Ralph Humphries and Chester Thompson playing together with the Mothers of Invention with Ruth Underwood on the mallets was the most inspiration I've ever gotten from any percussionist or percussion section .
Some guy was recently telling me about how the big thing now is using electronic triggers in acoustic drums, and/or replacing the natural drum sounds in post-production (for rock and pop, presumably). Listening to Gadd's sound underscores how dumb that stuff is (IMO). His drums sound so awesome. If you're gonna change the whole sound, why not just program the drums to begin with?
and why would you down vote the brandnew Jojo Mayer episode? so much knowledge from Jojo and so much work on my side though no viewer has to pay anything for this education -- but how do they say? in the internet you can be anyone you like, but too many people choose to be assholes...
Saw him a couple times..once at a clinic..he seemed drugged up another at a club where he hit drums so hard I thought he was goin to put holes in skins...its a rough life being an artist cause your not always in right mood in your Head
I know that everyone loves Steve Gadd, but his playing never resonated with me for some reason. He's no doubt a great musician, but he's not in my personal top 10 list of "go to" drummers for inspiration. Good interview though.
I grew up listening to guys such as Lee Ritenour, It's the subtle things Gadd does, and his swagger, might sound simple, but nobody creates his pocket, or colours a track so beautifully. But yeh, he's different to Weckl, Vinnie, and todays drummers, got to look at it from a different perspective.
![Dave Weckl - drumtalk [episode 26]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8_1HUcHUqkw/mqdefault.jpg)
![Dave Weckl - drumtalk [episode 26]](/img/tr.png)
![Steve Smith - (Journey, Vital Information, Blue Organ Trio) - drumtalk [episode 47]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/7dMjrlsHulc/mqdefault.jpg)
Gadd speaks exactly how he plays. Super relaxed and with lasting conviction. You don’t realise the gravity of what he’s actually said until he’s onto his next phrase.
This channel is criminally under-subscribed. So much good stuff!
thank you! 100% agreed :-)
65 Drums so many great interviews!
Just started watching it today beginning with a Stewart Copeland interview.
that was my first as well! @@rhythmantic
Indeed, I just found out that I did not subscribe myself. Though I always watch those interviews. Great material!
The true greats never lose it. Thank you Steve for over 40 years of musical joy.
Steve Gadd is a groove master and has the most expressive body bopping behind the kit. Love watching him move and bounce around as much as listening to him play!
Brother Gadd I live in Birmingham AL. Ive followed your work since the late 90's. I appreciate all of your interviews. You teach more in interviews than the average college professor!! Thanks.
251 :)
Thanks, amazing! I met Steve Gadd in person in 2010 at a drum clinic in Karlsruhe, germany... he is most kind human being you can imagine, not the slightest wind of arrogancy or anything. So patient and open from the bottom of his heart, very glad I had the luck to experience!!!
very cool interview...
Hey Bernhard, vielen Dank!
hatte Dir früher mal ein paar Mails geschrieben -- freut mich, dass Du mal vorbeischaust :-)
No one makes very difficult drum parts look easy to play more than Steve Gadd. Also, no one makes them catchy and groove better than Steve Gadd. His drumming on Aja is unmatched.
Steve Gadd is my hero!! He's perfect and consistent
mr. Gadd on drumtalk...thanks for your words, feelings, & time
Great musician and great personality. Thanks for giving that to the world Steve.
💙🙂👍As a life-long drummer (began at 2 yrs.), Gadd has been one of the biggest inspirations and teachers in my drumming escapades. Both he and Weckl have helped me to set a bar so high for myself that I'm forever endevoring to reach some place close to it. I'll likely, never acheive it but it's a goal to work and strive for. 👍🙂❤️💙
Wow, this is so damn cool!! Steve Gadd is so musical!! His words are golden!
Simply the best of those who are still alive.
I'm so thankful for the example that this ICONIC man has set for for us all!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU STEVE GADD!!!!!
What a legend. Thanks for the interview. I saw him play with his band a few weeks ago in Sydney and I can tell you his playing wasn't tired or lacking energy, the band was pumping all night, one of the best gigs I've ever seen. Long may he reign!
Steve is the FATHER ....of ALL Modern Day Drummers!
No other gives the drums and time so much air and groove like Gadd.
Thank you mr Gadd for everything
Great job guys...Steve will go down in drumming history for sure. A unique style and approach all his own.
I loved his opening statement, about his brain. Always been a big fan of his creativity.
Great Interview. He really makes sense. I wish it went on a bit longer.
there was only a little time frame available unfortunately
but like Steve said -- maybe talk some more in the future
So humble.he dosent need to prove anything.AMAZIING drummer
Hi This is Sheng Sheng Studio in Taiwan,
We find out your RUclips channel and you made so many amazing
and helpful videos. We are your big fans!
We have a request if you can accept, can we download the video which is Steve Gadd interview to translate into Mandarin, because Steve talked about the metronome. We think Steve’s talk can give many Taiwan’s musicians some ideas
In recording or in live, because of language, many musicians in Taiwan don’t easily understand what Steve talked about, of course including other videos you made. If you can accept this request, we all thank you and we will post your video link that more and more musicians can get help or idea.
Thanks
Best
S.S.Studio
Nice to here from the guys who have paved the road.age just seasons your sat.aft.thanks drum talk
Wow !! Great interview DRUMTALK . In Gadd we trust !
I've watched every one of these interviews at least once and they're all fantastic. Love the "off the record" segments at the beginning of each video. Looking forward to more from you guys. Keep up the great work!
hey Seth! thank you very very much! makes me really happy when someone mentions a little detail here and there but your compliment easily goes beyond what is already flattering ;-)
And no worries -- there are already new episodes in post production -- stay tuned! cheers/phil
drumtalk kudos
thanks for the high grades :-)
This is so awesome, at so many levels. Thanks for sharing this!!!
Thanks, Drumtalk.....great interview!
you're welcome!
A divine drummer and a great man
Very neat interview! Thanks to the producer(s?) for creating this and thanks to Steve for communicating this approach to things. Most of the line of thoughts he presents apply well to alot of things in reality, not only drums or music. :::)
thank you Alex! Steve was a real gentleman -- I'm still so glad this happened
So great to experience!
Gadd, a true professional. Great interview!
thank you Bill
the first minute is an instantly quotable classic.
Was thinking the same thing. I laughed out loud at the part where he likened being in your own head to being in a bad neighborhood. I'm laughing again as I type this.
Not exactly sure what he was saying...but I found it interesting and humorous.
Too funny...and so true. The curse of intelligence.
Thanks to DrumTalk for the interview with this legend!
you're welcome!
wise words from the master
I always liked Steve Gadd as a musician, and this is my first time hearing an interview with him (as of Oct. 2019). His commentary about being able to hear the click or the drum sequence in your earphones more loudly than what you are playing is definitely significant to me.
I always liked Michael Landau’s guitar playing also, and this is my first taste of him playing Jazz or R&B.
Awesome...thanks a lot
that was amazing
So great. Love the tour manager interruption. ;)
hahaha -- yes! like "....whatever you say man....but would you please stop interrupting our thing here?...." :-)
Awesome itw! What's the name of the track during transitions? It Sounds so cool, smooth groove!
Great interview man! 🤘☝️
glad you dig it! cheers Greg!
My all time favorite drummer!!!
To say that Steve plays tired is some one who is a damn fool and doesn't know how to play drums passionately. Steve is still a first call drummer, but he makes so much money dividing his time between playing with Clapton and James Taylor that he doesn't need to take other calls. Lets see how many of these ass hat, commenting drummers could serve a song and play what is required of it any better than Mr. Gadd, who still has it at 72. Dummies
I always learn so much and get more curious about things. Click Track goes way back. Tap Dance used in drumming, so on. Forgot to ask about “Pocket”, oh well next time😊
As we age we do things differently .. in life, in work in music.. all drummers changes their styles a bit here, a bit there.. it may be tabla, congas or a drum set..as longs as we can swing and enhance the music we are playing...it is enough.. Gadd is a master and he will remain one even if he doesn't play another beat again in his life
Legendary!
Thank You...
1:31 can somebody tell me what song this is, that groove's been in my head for a few months honestly lol
Thanks for doing us all a favor
I like the interviews but can you also add a drum gear breakdown for the drummer ? I think it would be nice to hear them talk about their gear, what they are using and why. Just a suggestion....
thanks man!
the gear question? I know some drummers are interested in those informations, but to be frank I've never been one of them and I doubt that I ever will be....
Great interview!!
thxalot!!! one of my favourites!
Steve is the Best !! CTI Salute
gadd is just gadd, he has his own personailty and he plays himself, very very very good musician with a long history
👍 Steve...STEVE-O!!! Barron Von-Steve! "the STEVE..." 🙂👍A true MASTER!
👍
;-)
Listen to the master!
First Takes are the best.
on Talent ,i would like to ask why is it that if a 100 regular drummers played a song and then gadd played that same song the majority of listerners and musicians alike would probably prefer his version . what is it that he and the other top guys have that the other guys dont have ?the specifics of song drumming song craft dont seem to be talked about enough .
Anyone know the name of the song Steve's playing to in this video? I know it's an oldie.
It's called 'The Windup' -- it's on Steve's record Gadditude
Thanks!
Jules5 - It's a Keith Jarrett tune!
Most influential drummer.
he's been playing forever and still practicing .... some 1 play this vid to Lars :)
There are PLAYERS....and then there's...... those that think about it.
merci pour la traduction en Français....y a pas de batteur en France????
I just got into a dumb flame war about an opinion that said Gadd sounds tired and should hang it up. I disagree. I think he sounds as great as ever and has a lot of wisdom to offer younger players. I like that Gadd talks about playing with headphones and a click, how to relax into a groove.
As ever, it's astonishing to me how quickly discourse can degenerate into ugly ad hominem arguments. I deleted all my shit because I fell right into it too.
Yeah, Gadd is total humility and wisdom. He talks about how music "feels good," which is exactly why I love playing . Levon Helm said the drummer knows he's doing his job when he lifts everyone up to play "a joyous noise." When I was a youngster, I bought a copy of The Gadd Gang's first record, hoping for a collection of insane licks. What I got instead was a bunch of really groovy tracks where all the players were really enjoying themselves. Super tasty with only the occasional glimpse of the immense power behind such simplicity. The way Steve plays is something I aspire to. His feel is unparalleled.
Slagging on Steve Gadd. Seriously. Why would anyone do that? This interview is all good vibes and humble advice.
You're alone in your negative opinion.
www.drstevegadd.com/accolades.htm
Joshua Carroll great advice fo sho.
Hang up what ????? Groove !!! Who ever told u that is a real moron !!!! Fuckin original icon !
Joshua Carroll Mr Gadd tired? Ha, right? He might be- but in an age sense only…to paraphrase Mr Gadd, drums are him, he is drums.. so true to anyone that has been or is there…so in his defense- he's been there and done that, if you will. Once there I would guess that one does what he does(according to this great interview) and stays in shape with practice and be ready all while enjoying the ride. The man represents anybody that knows how to approach the kit in a musical way while allowing a drummer dexterity within a given piece of music(without stepping on anybody's toes)…The independence he has playing within a group and the song itself is a treat to watch. I honestly believe his approach influenced thousands and ironically inspired the advent of the drummer mills al la VHS, et all … perfect timing (pun intended)
Goat
Thumbs down 👎 PinHeads ! Steve Gadd, you’re kidding, right. One of the best !
👍🙂 Indeed!
Still INSPIRES Me @ 87
I wonder if he's a fan of the brutal death metal guys you've got on the other episodes. Nice variety.
thnx..
I like that he is a tap dancer
Whats the name of the track he's playing throughout the first half??
It's 'The Windup' from Keith Jarrett's great 1974 album "Belonging".
He talks like he plays the drums. :-) It grooves....
Steve is a world class player but his best chops have never inspired me the same as percussionists like Vinnie Colluita , Terry Bozzio ,Billy Cobham and Lenny White , Ralph Humphries and Chester Thompson playing together with the Mothers of Invention with Ruth Underwood on the mallets was the most inspiration I've ever gotten from any percussionist or percussion section .
Some guy was recently telling me about how the big thing now is using electronic triggers in acoustic drums, and/or replacing the natural drum sounds in post-production (for rock and pop, presumably). Listening to Gadd's sound underscores how dumb that stuff is (IMO). His drums sound so awesome. If you're gonna change the whole sound, why not just program the drums to begin with?
If you program the drums, you don't get the feel.
Brother sticks top!
It is indeed more visual...
You know what i mean?
Goddamn!! He looks 150, give or take 10 years
Now what sort of idiot down votes these priceless pearls of wisdom from one of the all time greats?
Philistines.
and why would you down vote the brandnew Jojo Mayer episode? so much knowledge from Jojo and so much work on my side though no viewer has to pay anything for this education -- but how do they say? in the internet you can be anyone you like, but too many people choose to be assholes...
100%
SG needs more tattoos!!
Sage.
Saw him a couple times..once at a clinic..he seemed drugged up another at a club where he hit drums so hard I thought he was goin to put holes in skins...its a rough life being an artist cause your not always in right mood in your Head
guys just invite Zach Hill already
koleś this needs more thumbs
what he did on Aja is better than anything from Buddy Rich...Period !!
esta re gaga el viejo.. pobrecito
sorry for this, but, cosmetic surgery? or no?! little nip tuck strechy strechy?
He looks and sounds completely out of it. Geez...
hugolafhugolaf I love gadd, but it really looks like they woke him up in the middle of the night from a long day of drinking for this interview
I know that everyone loves Steve Gadd, but his playing never resonated with me for some reason. He's no doubt a great musician, but he's not in my personal top 10 list of "go to" drummers for inspiration. Good interview though.
Aditya Tyagi no worries man. That is the great thing about music. It speaks differently to all of us.
Neither did with me until i heard his work with Al DI Meola.Cheers mate!
Ok, I will check his work out with Al Di Meola. Thanks.
I grew up listening to guys such as Lee Ritenour, It's the subtle things Gadd does, and his swagger, might sound simple, but nobody creates his pocket, or colours a track so beautifully. But yeh, he's different to Weckl, Vinnie, and todays drummers, got to look at it from a different perspective.
Buy Steely Dan Aja ...
🤓🥁👍🏼 I love Gaddiments