The Smith Center, August 10
This week, Ira spoke with Steve Gadd, who (along with The Grammy®-winning Steve Gadd Band) will be performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center August 10. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Steve talks about not remembering when he never played drums; his move to Las Vegas; how he got into studio work; what works in the studio vs. live performing; his experience working with Frank Sinatra; why his ears go to the drums when listening to music; how his creativity was increased during COVID; writing Gaddiments, a book about the rudiments of drumming; always learning; how the industry keeps evolving; the joy of performing with his son; and doing more live playing than recording.
Steve Gadd is one of the most sought-after studio musicians in the world. Regarded asone the most influential drummers in contemporary music, Gadd can play anything,easily bridging different musical styles. His feel, technique, and musicality on such tunes as Paul Simon's "Fifty Ways", Steely Dan's "Aja", and Chick Corea's "Nite Sprite" were so awe-inspiring and his concepts so innovative that they instantly assured his special position in the history of the percussive arts. Gadd attended the Manhattan School of Music for two years, and then went on to finish at Eastman School of Music. Prior tothat, he studied privately with Bill and Stanley Street and John Beck. He establishedhimself with the great Chuck Mangione, and then spent three years in the Army prior tocoming to New York City for studio work in 1971. Gadd rapidly rose to prominence onthe studio scene. His resume includes a variety of artists, including Carly Simon, Phoebe Snow, Aretha Franklin, Al DiMeola, Stanley Clarke, Rickie Lee Jones, Tom Scott, Frank Sinatra, and Stuff. After a period of touring and recording with his own band, the Gadd Gang, he provided the spark that ignited Paul Simon's South African inspired, Grammy Award-winning recordings and dynamic live touring band. Today, Gadd is as busy as ever, balancing frequent recording dates with a hectic touring schedule that includeshigh profile artists such as Eric Clapton, James Taylor, Kate Bush, and Paul Simon. He has been equally passionate about producing some personal projects on which he also plays drums: The Gaddabouts (w/Edie Brickell, Andy Fairweather Low, & Pino Palladino), Mikarimba (w/Mika Stoltzman & Eddie Gomez), Steve Gadd & Friends, L’Image (w/Tony Levin, Mike Mainieri, Dave Spinozza, & Warren Bernhardt), Pedro Martinez Group, and Steve Gadd Band.
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