b. 09.04.1945
Nationality: American
Genre: Jazz, pop, fusion, Latin, session work

Drumming can be defined as before and after swing, bebop, rock... and it can be defined as before and after Steve Gadd. His impact is that important. Steve brought to the studio a clarity and precision which foretold the digital age.

Slipping linear grooves into impossibly hip pockets, no wonder every other drummer suddenly sounded old hat. Gadd clones abounded. But what set apart the original is not just the perfection of technique. It’s when you add in the passion and intensity, the deepest groove of all, then you understand why he’s revered like no other drummer alive.

Essential downloads:

Paul Simon: Late In The Evening
Steely Dan: Aja
Chick Corea: Sicily; The Trial
Stanley Clarke: Silly Putty