Steve's fingerprints are all over American music history. His creative genius isn't about flash. It's about amazing, creative drumming technique and feel.
That's right kids. Once upon a time we could sit down in a venue and enjoy listening to great people making great music right before our eyes and ears.
Steve is top tier drum - no over fills, no distraction from fellow musicians, no grandstanding. Anchors the song with an occasional foray where space allowed and back into the pocket he goes. You can hear the Art Blakely influence with Steve's own innovative touch and music intelligence. One of my favorite drummers.
Paul always calls him “Stevie” Gadd. His finesse on the drums is absolutely transcendent. Amazing, phenomenal artists. It’s where the divine truly lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Steve Gadd is an idol to me, I adore his sophisticated, very well thought and exact drumming Technic . It's always a pleasure for me to hear a drummer play a song and correspond with the song, within it's boundaries, so well.
^*thought out ^*technique ^…”play a song and correspond with the song (no comma necessary) within ^*its, not it’s boundaries (comma not necessary here either) so well”? Umm… huh?🤷♂️🤦♂️
@@ytubepuppy not really, and i say it as a drummer. Most drum parts in Rock, Pop etc. are kind of generic, could fit many similar songs and in no way bring a specific song to mind, as soon as you hear them, like in this case.
@@familytreemusic I would have to agree when it comes to most Rock and Pop music. It's because most people want things simple so they don't have to think. We've had many great drummers but the ones who really made it were the ones like Ringo, Charlie Watts, and others who followed the "Keep It Simple Stupid" rule. In most cases, people can't name the drummer in the vast majority of the most popular bands. Most know Ringo but have never heard of Joe Morello. And I say that as someone who drummed in his first "Top 50 rock band" in 1965. 🤭
Steve Gadd has big a big influence on me & probably 10,000 other appreciative drummers! We are blessed to have been witness to all of this great music ❤🥁😎 We are all sooo fortunate to live in these times!
Buddy Rich and Steve Gadd are my top favorite drummers of the 20th century. I am surprised he is left off so many lists of top drummers of the 20th century. The man is astounding.
Although I tend to think of myself as a "metalhead", as a percussionist, this is my favorite song and groove. Steve, Paul et.al are amazing! Have watched this for inspiration and instruction 1000's of times.
My favorite part of the video is when Stevie Gadd smiles. Paul smiles. If you look at alot of vids like I do, interactions are key 🔑. Steve Gadd is a very serious man. It's amazing to open up to an artist like Paul Simon. That's what us human. Smiles.
This beat is just iconic! Gadd is a GOD! Another favorite of mine is Mick Fleetwood’s playing on the song Sara. It just fits that song perfectly! Just like this beat fits this.
I can't remember if I've commented here before....I saw Paul Simon in 1980 in London with this band. It's one of the best gigs I've ever been to. I didn't know who Gadd, Tee, Levin or Gale were, but I kept the Melody Maker review (a UK music paper), which still hangs in my rehearsal room to this day (44 years later). When you get a great songwriter, backed by a great band, it's only going to be sublime, like this. Late in the Evening nearly took the roof off!
@@bpabustanJust listened to Sina. She plays formally and unevenly. Comparing her to Steve Gadd makes me dying from laughter. Gadd is a Musician, she's just a drummer, that's all. She would have better march in mini skirt drumming.
This drum beat came into fruition while he was doing a soundcheck in studio.. Funny how things come about..This beat has taken a life of it's own..He's even stated that it's bigger than he'll ever be.. Lol.. His humility also makes him one of the greatest ever.. On a side note, how freaking small is Paul Simon?? That Les Paul looks huge on him !..LOL.
I remember when this song first came out I was living in New Jersey and listened to WABC from NY all the time. They had a clever sound editor on staff who spliced this song into nonsensical bits, like "get on the bus, Jack". I wish I could find that presentation somewhere.
I love the Gadd and his drumming is pretty special, but just wanted to give P Simon some love, sitting calmly in the pocket and laying down his parts like the pro he is. ❤
My initial comment was going to be to rave about Steve, but we cannot leave Paul out of the equation even for a breath. This music takes me back. My ears plead for more. Beautiful LP guitar for one, with a beautiful tone for two, and the extremely beautiful chord progression for three. Coupled with this cooler than fuck drum riff that's played with deep, bottom corner-of-the-pocket groove. Ear meth. Jesus may or may not save, but this groove undeniably scores on the rebound. This kind of instrumental creativity is sorely missed in most, more recently created popular music. Steve Gadd's chops and the groove he lays down here, along with the chord progression and the ingeniously thought-provoking lyrics make this song one that will be listened to for centuries to come. Two extremely highly-skilled musicians come together to create this masterpiece. Beautiful...
When this tune was released I was a Paul Simon fan. I knew nothing of Gadd. But I heard that beat and I knew I wanted to learn it. So I wood-shedded it, and even know I didn't play it exactly like Gadd, I was a neighborhood hero for being able to play it. Little did I know that the drummer on the track would become one of the greatest ever.
He was already one of the greats when this came out. It's such a buzz when you manage to play this at any degree of competence, and it's just something he did while noodling, unbelievable.
The incredible thing is how softly he plays - he's really feathering that snare on the rolls. It's like when someone's such a commanding speaker that they can speak quietly and everyone will shut up and listen closer to hear what they're saying. The beat draws attention to itself by being played so softly.
Practice over and over Also, Gadd clearly worked on his rudiments constantly despite how great he was as all greats do. Paradiddles with a metronome You can do it.
They don't make them like this anymore. Watch some covers of this song and of Late in the Evening. And they all overdo it. The singing, the drums, the keys, guitar, everything. This original is so light, sophisticated, masterful...
Helluva band on this track with the words and vocals by Paul Simon. Those same guys without Paul Simon could probably do nearly any song and do it flat-out great.
Gadd, Gale & Tee made some good music as part of the band Stuff. The other half of Stuff was Cornell Dupree (guitar), Gordon Edwards (bass) & Christopher Parker (drums).
That’s what I came here to say. I wanted to see if anyone else noticed that Paul, in particular, was ready to run away with the tempo but Steve held them back! What a master.
The mid 70s were filled with artists hiring phenomenal sessions musicians for their albums and tours. Look at the people Carly Simon, Steely Dan, Jackson Brown, Carole King etc hired.
The drum groove by Steve Gadd is not from this world. He‘s is a drum class of his own🥁🐐
Agreed 100%
Steve's fingerprints are all over American music history. His creative genius isn't about flash. It's about amazing, creative drumming technique and feel.
ringo is better!!
@@tj03297 Ringo and Steve walk different routes to the highest place.
That's right kids. Once upon a time we could sit down in a venue and enjoy listening to great people making great music right before our eyes and ears.
Steve Gadd is the real star of this video. Amazing.
I think mr eric gale stoled the show with his solo.
@@ninjavigilante5311 Non-musicians (drummers) don't even know who Tony Levin is. LOL jk
It's Tee on the keys for me
This has to be one of the most iconic drum riffs of all time. Just sublime.
Ain’t that the truth 🎵
Steve and Eric played with Grover Washington on tours they are brilliant together
And one of the most unusual grooves ever for a #1 pop hit.
Steve is top tier drum - no over fills, no distraction from fellow musicians, no grandstanding. Anchors the song with an occasional foray where space allowed and back into the pocket he goes. You can hear the Art Blakely influence with Steve's own innovative touch and music intelligence. One of my favorite drummers.
Gadd is the greatest. He deserves a composition credit on that tune.
Gadd is the greatest drummer ever and the most complete
If he's got the crowd cheering before any chord or melody is sung, most certainly he does.
I agree with you - the song was built around the opening bars. It is on record as that being the case.
Steve Gadd & Tony Levin: Epic rhythm section. Man there must have been some serious jams going on back at the Eastman School Music in the early 70's.
Gadd is so chill while tearing that kit up. All great musicians
Also eric gale doing that solo with ease!
Steve Gadd is a genius!!!!!
What a fantastic live performance by some of the finest musicians that have ever stood on stage.
The great Eric Gale is so under appreciated.. his solo is so awesome and soulful
Paul always calls him “Stevie” Gadd. His finesse on the drums is absolutely transcendent. Amazing, phenomenal artists. It’s where the divine truly lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
That's why he is Eric claptons drummer to this day as well!
@@ninjavigilante5311 He's the drummer of anyone he wants to be the drummer of
Man Steve Gadd. I love this jam mostly because his drumming is so mesmerizing.
Oh that smile from Paul Simon near the end of this marvelous rendition, I share it with all my heart.
Steve Gadd is my man, holy moly amazing stuff!! This guy rocks in so many ways, a true master!!!
Something like 50..?!?
Steve Gadd is an idol to me, I adore his sophisticated, very well thought and exact drumming Technic . It's always a pleasure for me to hear a drummer play a song and correspond with the song, within it's boundaries, so well.
^*thought out ^*technique ^…”play a song and correspond with the song (no comma necessary) within ^*its, not it’s boundaries (comma not necessary here either) so well”?
Umm… huh?🤷♂️🤦♂️
November, 2023 - Steve Gadd currently on European tour, 78 yrs old
May 2024 - saw him on Wednesday with James Taylor in Wellington, New Zealand. He is 79.
WOW
Steve gadd! Amazing drummer!
What a band. Some of the greatest of all time.
When the drum beat is half of the song. What a masterpiece.
The drum beat is always half the song, at the very least.
@@ytubepuppy not really, and i say it as a drummer.
Most drum parts in Rock, Pop etc. are kind of generic, could fit many similar songs and in no way bring a specific song to mind, as soon as you hear them, like in this case.
@@familytreemusic I would have to agree when it comes to most Rock and Pop music. It's because most people want things simple so they don't have to think. We've had many great drummers but the ones who really made it were the ones like Ringo, Charlie Watts, and others who followed the "Keep It Simple Stupid" rule. In most cases, people can't name the drummer in the vast majority of the most popular bands. Most know Ringo but have never heard of Joe Morello. And I say that as someone who drummed in his first "Top 50 rock band" in 1965. 🤭
This version needs to be released on Spotify, it’s sublime
Steve Gadd has big a big influence on me & probably 10,000 other appreciative drummers! We are blessed to have been witness to all of this great music ❤🥁😎
We are all sooo fortunate to live in these times!
Pure brilliance
There will never be another poet and musician the like
Buddy Rich and Steve Gadd are my top favorite drummers of the 20th century. I am surprised he is left off so many lists of top drummers of the 20th century. The man is astounding.
Autumn Mist You do know the fools who make all the lists don't know shit about music and drumming right? :)
Casper van Helvoirt Steve Gadd is #24 on Rolling Stone’s drummer list.
Steve Gadd did a great job on this well composed song..
One of THE SICKEST drum grooves ever created.
Gadd is so relaxed. There are many different sticking strokes to play this beat.
50 ways in fact...
Actually, there’s one way, and Steve teaches it at clinics when asked to.
Тапанар каков што се раѓа само еднаш под сонцето..... Браво, докторе Гад! ...од Македонија
Although I tend to think of myself as a "metalhead", as a percussionist, this is my favorite song and groove. Steve, Paul et.al are amazing! Have watched this for inspiration and instruction 1000's of times.
Can't forget the great rhythm guitar and solo by the late great Eric Gale.
My favorite part of the video is when Stevie Gadd smiles. Paul smiles. If you look at alot of vids like I do, interactions are key 🔑. Steve Gadd is a very serious man. It's amazing to open up to an artist like Paul Simon. That's what us human. Smiles.
It's not that it's technically perfect ( although it is), it's that it's the most beautiful, effective drum riff ever! And suits the song perfectly
One of the most iconic drum parts from one of the most iconic drummers! Timeless.
This beat is just iconic! Gadd is a GOD! Another favorite of mine is Mick Fleetwood’s playing on the song Sara. It just fits that song perfectly! Just like this beat fits this.
Robert a huge part of that song and so many others by Fleetwood Mac. Hearing him live was awesome
Gadd is God! I love that!
Agree on “Sara”. Mick is an amazing drummer.
I can't remember if I've commented here before....I saw Paul Simon in 1980 in London with this band. It's one of the best gigs I've ever been to. I didn't know who Gadd, Tee, Levin or Gale were, but I kept the Melody Maker review (a UK music paper), which still hangs in my rehearsal room to this day (44 years later). When you get a great songwriter, backed by a great band, it's only going to be sublime, like this. Late in the Evening nearly took the roof off!
Nobody can play this beat like Steve ... ;)
I was so convinced that only Steve can play that groove, until this young lady from Germay: ua-cam.com/video/81APnS-T9pQ/v-deo.html
those ghost notes :D
@@bpabustanJust listened to Sina. She plays formally and unevenly. Comparing her to Steve Gadd makes me dying from laughter. Gadd is a Musician, she's just a drummer, that's all. She would have better march in mini skirt drumming.
@@DM1956x stick to the point when you wanr to make a good comment. Your sexism makes the (true) core of your statement ridiculous.
@@Rondo2ooo I agree, that idiot is such a sexist pig.
One of the best backing band ever
This drum beat came into fruition while he was doing a soundcheck in studio.. Funny how things come about..This beat has taken a life of it's own..He's even stated that it's bigger than he'll ever be.. Lol.. His humility also makes him one of the greatest ever..
On a side note, how freaking small is Paul Simon?? That Les Paul looks huge on him !..LOL.
blica 1 haha! Yeah Paul Simon is small :D 160cm
blica 1 It's not a Les Paul, it's an L5S
Wim T Ok, i stand corrected..But it still looks huge on him..
I remember when this song first came out I was living in New Jersey and listened to WABC from NY all the time. They had a clever sound editor on staff who spliced this song into nonsensical bits, like "get on the bus, Jack". I wish I could find that presentation somewhere.
Even without the fancy licks, his groove itself still is the greatest.
I love the Gadd and his drumming is pretty special, but just wanted to give P Simon some love, sitting calmly in the pocket and laying down his parts like the pro he is. ❤
Two Musical Legends Right there!
Who?
@@ninjavigilante5311 Steve and Gadd..!? Lol!
Nope gadd and Eric Gale, both guys know each other well.
Phenomenal band! Steve is in a class by himself!
Those blue evans heads! Perhaps my fave Gadd drum era..
You can't touch this guy. He's so great!❤😊
Que maravilha 👏👏 Que fantástico Steve Gadd!!
Love this song! Paul is amazing and so is Stevie💐❤️
My initial comment was going to be to rave about Steve, but we cannot leave Paul out of the equation even for a breath. This music takes me back. My ears plead for more.
Beautiful LP guitar for one, with a beautiful tone for two, and the extremely beautiful chord progression for three. Coupled with this cooler than fuck drum riff that's played with deep, bottom corner-of-the-pocket groove. Ear meth. Jesus may or may not save, but this groove undeniably scores on the rebound. This kind of instrumental creativity is sorely missed in most, more recently created popular music. Steve Gadd's chops and the groove he lays down here, along with the chord progression and the ingeniously thought-provoking lyrics make this song one that will be listened to for centuries to come. Two extremely highly-skilled musicians come together to create this masterpiece. Beautiful...
my god
I don't think anyone has a bigger resume than grads
one of the smoothest men alive
Steve Gadd! Awesome drummer!
😎🥁🎵🎶🎵🎶
This beat is so good it steals the spotlight from some sick chord changes from Paul.
Most definitely
Almost. I would love to hear Bozz Scaggs sing this.
Yeah this song without the beat is ....
@@TheEleatic Bro that would be killer!!!! He would be awesome at it!
Yes many folks don't have the ear to follow Paul Simon.
Stuff! Best band ever.
Yes they were.
i play it again again again and again because it stil sounds sooooo sweeeet in 2020
Genial Steve Gadd, Gracias por compartirlo.
Love it..brings back fond memories!
best drummer alive
When this tune was released I was a Paul Simon fan. I knew nothing of Gadd. But I heard that beat and I knew I wanted to learn it. So I wood-shedded it, and even know I didn't play it exactly like Gadd, I was a neighborhood hero for being able to play it. Little did I know that the drummer on the track would become one of the greatest ever.
He was already one of the greats when this came out. It's such a buzz when you manage to play this at any degree of competence, and it's just something he did while noodling, unbelievable.
This could be a disguised song a.k.a. the duo of Simon and the drummer. Of course with the instrumental accompaniment. Terrific.
We don't have to forget toi that Tony Levin is on the bass, Richard Tee on the piano...
STUFF... one of the best studio band, ever
They were awesome live as well.
What a lineup!
A few guys from Stuff, plus Tony Levin, and some cat named Paul Simon.
I’m reduced to ‘WOW’
I can play that groove, but I can't approach Gadd's level of touch and finesse. I sound like a chair falling down a stairwell compared to him!
I feel you, bro. It's such a groove full of notes and kind fast it's hard to play that soft
Same here
Gadd's feel sets him apart from the rest of us mire mortals
Steve God Gadd is the best drummer ever. This guy can play any time of music from any country better than anyone
The incredible thing is how softly he plays - he's really feathering that snare on the rolls. It's like when someone's such a commanding speaker that they can speak quietly and everyone will shut up and listen closer to hear what they're saying. The beat draws attention to itself by being played so softly.
Practice over and over
Also, Gadd clearly worked on his rudiments constantly despite how great he was as all greats do.
Paradiddles with a metronome
You can do it.
That smile on Paul's face about 3:13. He knows they all laid down some good stuff...
the greatest band ever
Masterful drumming from the master
That groove is all I need till I die
Love the broken ride cymbal
Steve gadd has the groove he has played with so many good people I love his plane with Eric Clapton
The Caravaggio of Drumming
God is eric gale smooth on this.. He was 1 the best underrated guitarists ever.. him and Cornell dupree made magic in stuff.
Finishing touch I thought, great sound and very tight lead any musician can appreciate, put a smile on everyone's face.
Steve Gadd. Eric Gale. Tony Levin. Richard Tee. Talk about an all star band. Yeesh.
Comments
Expectation:
50 ways to die in minecraft
Reality:
Gadd's performance was amazing!
They don't make them like this anymore. Watch some covers of this song and of Late in the Evening. And they all overdo it. The singing, the drums, the keys, guitar, everything. This original is so light, sophisticated, masterful...
Excellent !
As a singer songwriter that Simon is, you would have to think! how the hell did I have the backing band of world class musicians.
Gadd stole the show by a mile.
You think so? Eric Gale had a really awesome solo
That was great
I love this song.
Damn that's a sexy drumbeat! #RochesterNY
yes it is
Gadd - what a monster groove!
Helluva band on this track with the words and vocals by Paul Simon. Those same guys without Paul Simon could probably do nearly any song and do it flat-out great.
Gadd, Gale & Tee made some good music as part of the band Stuff. The other half of Stuff was Cornell Dupree (guitar), Gordon Edwards (bass) & Christopher Parker (drums).
Steve is the king of the grooove
Wow! Great!
Drums-fantastic
I love how Gadd holds the band back! They want to boot and scoot, as it were, but Gadd is like, “nope!” Hold it back!
That’s what I came here to say. I wanted to see if anyone else noticed that Paul, in particular, was ready to run away with the tempo but Steve held them back! What a master.
Whenever I think of the essential Yamaha sound, I think of Gadd and those buttery toms.
HoooYeah! And the Ludwig Superphonic he used before the Steve Gadd custom
Steve Gadd. Eric Gale. Tony Levin. Richard Tee.
Sublime!
The mid 70s were filled with artists hiring phenomenal sessions musicians for their albums and tours. Look at the people Carly Simon, Steely Dan, Jackson Brown, Carole King etc hired.
wow that was really nice
This group should have been called Stuff,featuring Paul Simon
cast390 And Steve Gadd
Kristian West Steve Gadd was in Stuff.
@@willygarciadrums3521 Gordon Edwards, Eric gale, Cornell Dupree, Chris Parker, and of course Steve godd.
Bravo senior Gadd!
Gadd is as high as a kite. Still killed it.
What a cool musical playing quality is going there…
sooo good!
Stuff featuring Paul Simon and Tony Levin, ladies and gentlemen!
2:36 Love Steve, but check out this amazing guitar!
🤤😮 a true God, Gadd.
what a crew...
so relaxed
Paul Simon would pick the best session players.
I just noticed Steve Gadd's ride cymbal was chopped up. 😄
That pattern at the beginning and in the verses is cool.
@@USDDave He had some of his cymbals milled.
Steve and Eric played together with Grover Washington RIP for some over the top licks