Steve Gadd - Drums

For the past 25 years Steve Gadd has been one of the world’s most acclaimed drummers. His technique is precise and emotionally intense, spending the best part of the 70s honing his skills and forging a new era in studio craft. Gadd’s real skill lies in his diversity; his ability to seamlessly adapt to any musical style, from pop to jazz, R&B to fusion, adding his own unshakeable groove and unique musicality.

Born in Rochester, New York on 9 April 1945, Gadd started playing drums as a child, as well as tap dancing with his brother at a local club. Soon he could be found drumming alongside visiting artists, most notably sitting in with trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie at age 11. With his appetite suitably whet, Gadd went on to study music at the Manhattan School, when back home in Rochester he would play with Chuck Mangione. After three years in the army, brushing up on his big band skills, Gadd set off for the Big Apple. He quickly reached the top of the session hierarchy, playing countless dates and wowing all who witnessed Gadd behind his kit. The breadth of his work is truly exceptional. He has recorded with Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Barbara Streisand, Paul McCartney, Rickie Lee Jones, Carly Simon, Al Jarreau, James Brown, Joe Cocker, Nancy Wilson, Bob James, Stanley Clarke, Al Dimeola, George Benson, Carla Bley, Paul Simon, Cick Corea and dozens more.

By the mid-1970s he was making historic recordings. These include virtuoso outings such as ‘The Leprechaun’ with pianist Chick Corea; ‘Aja’ with Steely Dan; and several cuts with Paul Simon (including ‘Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover’ and ‘Late In

The Evening’) – grooves which lent such startling originality to a popular context that they are now forever part of drumming folklore. The impact of these recordings shook drummers worldwide and Steve became the most imitated player of his generation.

As the recording scene diminished over the past decade Steve moved his base back home to Rochester and in recent years has spent more time on the road. He has recently toured the world with Eric Clapton and such luminaries as Paul Simon and James Taylor.

Steve Gadd's official website: www.drstevegadd.com