You're No Steve Gadd

I remember the line that Senator Lloyd Bentsen, the then Democratic vice-presidential nominee, shot at Dan Quayle (Potatoe) after he had made comparison of himself to the late President John Kennedy. "I knew John Kennedy. John Kennedy was a friend of mine, and Senator, you're no John F. Kennedy." Quayle's career never recovered nor did his spelling.

I can't say I know Steve Gadd. I've met and talked to him a couple of times, attended a few clinics, been to several concerts where he was the drummer, and listened to 90% of his discography (take a look--you know this guy, I guarantee it http://www.drstevegadd.com/discography.htm ). What I do know, is that he is an original. Is he the best drummer out there? No. There are guys out there, perhaps I should say German drummers out there, that are beyond human. You can watch what they do over and over and still have no idea what or how they do it. No, who Steve Gadd is, is the guy who broke the trail of innovation for everyone else to follow. We are all followers of Steve. A real drummer will never say differently. If you don't believe this, just ask. If they stare at you blankly they need to go back and start over, or at least take some lessons. What Steve brings, besides a tasty technique and bucket load of innovation, is emotion. He literally becomes the song, the rhythm, the beating heart. Watch him play in any live performance. Find him on Youtube or a DVD with Eric Clapton on the song, "Old Love." You'll see what I mean. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EklciRHZnUQ

When I first heard his solo on the title track to Steely Dan's album from the 70's Aja, I was mesmerized. I still am. It is a classic drum solo. It's now over 30 years old and I still find it fresh. Take a cleansing breath, take 8 minutes out of your busy day and listen to it. You can find the tune on the net. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaNt5S9pibQ Better yet, go down into your basement and go get the 33 vinyl, dust off your old turntable and play one of the best engineered albums of all time. Trust me, it will be better than any presidential debate you have heard.