Steve Gadd by Geoff Tesch

Any comments, questions, or messages please write us here at:
sk@drstevegadd.com

Last Updated 2.27.07

Steve signs autographs for fans at Borders
in Pittsford, NY 11.25.06 at the CD release
party for Joy! Celebrate Upstate Holiday Vol.1
*Photo by Steve Czubara

Steve: Thank you very much for your performance in Japan!I had a chance to listen to your playing with Toshiki Kadomatsu and Japanese top musicians on Dec/15th, 2006. I was very, very, very HAPPY! How did you feel? I'm looking forward to see your performance with Japanese musicians again.I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! Sincerely, tomo

Hello to Steve and all the others who make the website so much wonderful. My name is Mickey Raimi ram and i live in Israel. As you probably know israel is suffering alot from terror and fear and me as a drummer your website is a ray of light for me and steve gives me alot of confident and joy in these difficult days.Just wanna say thank you steve and everyone else for this wonderful and great site,i really try not to immitate steve in my private life but he's the great drummer i have ever see. Thank you! Steve come to Israel everyone here are waiting to see you in some hot stuff clinic.   Shalom from Tel aviv ...(goodbye and hi from israel). :) cheers!

Dear Steve, My name is Mike Clark and I am the drummer that played with Herbie Hancock in the 70's. Once while on the road Hancock came to my room  and brought me a tape of the record you made with Chick before it was finished. Herbie was on a track or two and when I heard it I was like man that drummer is killin'. Of course it was you and I have been a fan ever since. If you want to check me out my website is mikeclarkmusic.com. I was a child drummer as you were and played a similar style coming from Buddy and Gene at eleven or twelve and I remember you from that time period as well as later. I later got into Roy, Elvin and Tony etc. as you did. I am about the same age you are. All this to say I think you are a great drummer and wanted to say hello as we have never met. Sincerely, Mike Clark

Hi there,   I just wanted to comment on the above concert I went to see at Birmingham last night.   It was a wonderful concert for me, and made extra special as Steve's playing was awesome, his timing exceptional, and his love of playing the drums with such talented artists alongside Paul Simon shone throughout the concert. He also came across to the crowd as affectionate and caring.   I look forward, and am sure I echo the thoughts and feelings of the rest of the crowd there last night to seeing Steve again in the United Kingdom.   He has given music that extra bit of magic and sparkle!   Many many thanks.     Carol, Derby England.

Mr. Gadd, My name is Anthony, I'm 13 and I'm am a student of Joe Morello ( his youngest student) just want to say I've seen and heard about every thing you have ever done. you are the best and no one can touch you. you are such an inspiration to me. I'm learning from the best and hope to be as great as you guys some day. I've been playing since I'm 4 years old, watching and listening to you makes me work harder and play stronger. hope you are doing well ...Anthony "Ant" Wagner Hello Steve Gadd, I've been a big fan of yours since the Chuck Mangione, Steely Dan, Paul Simone ("One Trick Pony"/Live-At The Tower Theater videos), Pat Methany, Al Jerreau, Tom Scott live performance & recording (the list goes on). I met you in Las Vegas, NV, back in 1987 at UNLV. You performed at a drum clinic sponsored through 'MaHoney's Drum Shop' (Marty Mahoney). And we briefly talked about some drum stuff. My memory is indulible, and to this day I remember how nice of a person you were with me and the others in attendance, above & beyond your demonstrations. You are one of my biggest influences and reasons why I ever wanted to play drums (besides pre-listening to allot of rock drummers). Your talent and influeneces with a world of drummers are admired....I'm one of them as well. Then later in years I became a professional fine art artist.....but still playing the drums with friends at local clubs to date. My pleasure to write you, Jon Hul p e a c e

Mr. Gadd, I've been enjoying and thriving on your playing for over 20 years, and I just purchased tickets to see you perform live at the Blue Note NYC November 14 with Chick Corea. I absolutely cannot wait, as I've never seen you perform live before. I won't bother you with the 100's of comments that you've already heard 100's of times before from 100's of other fans, even though I could certainly go on and on with praise of your approach to music. I realize that there is no real way to stand out in what must be an ocean of e mails and compliments, so I will just say "thank you" for everything that you've contributed to music in general and to drumming specifically. I'm looking forward to my first trip to the Big Apple, but I'm even more excited to see you throw down live on stage with Chick Corea and the rest of the Leprechaun Band. Thank you so much for everything, Nathan Zickefoose

Dr. Steve Gadd, My name is Jim McGhee and I have been teaching for 28 years.  I just recently purchased Eric Clapton's 2001tour DVD and watched in amazement as you and the entire band blew the crowd away with your excellence and energy.  The DVD has been an inspiration for me because when I see professionals such as you and the other guys giving 100% it makes going to work and doing the same thing in the classroom much easier for me.  The entire experience of watching the Concert was an inspiration and when I need to get a little pumped up I just put it in and I am ready to go and educate the Youth of America.  I guess I just wanted to say thank you.  You are truly a Gifted Man. Jim McGhee

Dear Steve, I pray that you and your family are well and also hope that this message finds you in good health. My name is Mike Leasure and we met on the last day of NAMM last year and you were so gracious to pose in a picture w/ me along with Luis Conte ( you might remember me because when we met, I started balling like a baby, a moment I'd like to forget.) Anyway, since then a LOT has changed! In March I got an audition w/ Edgar Winter and have been his drummer for the past 11 months.  Needless to say, it's been a wonderful year and I hope to see you again at this years NAMM. If you happen to have a free minute after reading this, I would be honored if you would stop in at drummerforgod.com. There are some cool pages(like the gallery page w/ our pic together, video and sound clips, and a testimonials page. You could also sign the guestbook if you're so inclined, it would mean the WORLD to me. God bless you. Your  drummerbruthafromanothermutha. Mike

It was great to see and hear Steve at the Mission From Gadd 2 tour stop in Mesa, Arizona. I think he is the only one of my heroes that I've ever gotten the chance to actually meet. What an additional thrill it was to find out first hand that not only is Steve a fantastic musician, but a genuinely good-hearted person as well. His long career is proof that great talent combined with the "good old-fashioned" traits of being humble and respectful will go a longway to getting you asked back. Thank you, Steve, for setting such a high standard both musically and personally. Andrew

Hi: I wanted to let you know that Steve's website was an such an inspiration, I actually sat down and started working on my own. (Steve might get a kick out of the photo of my kit.) I love his site.... I feel like I have so much work to do to get mine to look really sharp, but at least it progressing!! He is responsible for so much when it comes to how I've personally turned out as a drummer!! Neil www.neilbettencourt.com I got to see Steve play in Utah recently on his tour, and he is the most influential & nbsp; drummer in my learning and playing right now. I don't know if it's worth your time, but I just wanted to say that he is a really great guy. I couldn't believe how genuine and humble he was. It was a great show. Thanks, Scott

10.15.05 Don Bennett Drum Shop Bellevue, WA

Hi SK: Thanks for the information, as you may well know that I am a great fan of Dr. Gadd (a real professional and gentleman). I've admired his playing since I first heard him play in Jim Halls' "It's So Nice To Come Home To" recording back in the seventies. I do own a lot of his recordings and videos and I still look out for his futures recordings as well. The official site is great and you're doing an excellent job. I am residing in Hong Kong, a place where Steve visited and played with Gadd Gang, Paul Simon and Al Jarreau, however I missed out on all of these dates because of my work. He also did a clinic in one of the music stores here in HK, I again missed out on that . Please convey my regards to Dr. Steve and his family (I saw them in the AADA video), One more question; will there be a video coming out from the 2 Gadd Missions, and how about one from his tour with James Taylor? Hope to hear from you and thanks again, best regards, Avelino. Hi Avelino, I appreciate your patience while I was looking into this, what those cuts more than likely are come from 2 old Mary Travers solo records Steve recorded quite a while ago. One is from 1974 called Circles and the other is 1978's It's In Everyone Of Us, which were both on Reprise records if I'm not mistaken, which does happen occasionly. I hope this somewhat clears things up for you, it was a great question. Stop back and check out the site, we do have some more interesting things coming up shortly. Peace, Steve Kiener The Official Steve Gadd Website

Brilliant website-congrats to all who arranged it.   I have many questions, but I will limit it to only one......  Who is the lady standing next to Richard (Tee) in the photo from Feb 92?   Was this Eleanor, and was this their wedding?  As a big admirer of the playing of all of the NY gang I would appreciate your clarification. Best wishes,  Clive Yes, Clive,...it is Elenor and it was their wedding. sk@drstevegadd.com

The site is fantastic!  Everything a Steve Gadd fan wants to know about Steve and more!! Love the Timeline, the family, pets, arts, etc... really nice touches.  I remember the old GretchBD/Pearl toms days -- I had an identical set made for me in the early 70s!!  I was way into Steve and traveled to NYC to see him w/Stuff at Mikells.  It was totally smokin' and I loved it.  Congrats on the great work.  Steve Smith (www.vitalinformation.com)

Signing autographs at Ontario Music 10.6.05

Hello: I just wanted to thank Steve and all involved with the drum clinics. I had the pleasure of bringing my 12 year old daughter to the clinic in Ontario Ca. last night. She is a talented young drummer and the info and inspiration she walk away with last night was incredible!! She was raving about it all last night and this morning and I am very pleased to have been able to turn her on to something new .This is something that is going to effect her and her playing forever and Steve was a very kind and gracious man which left a great impression on her. Thanks again!!! -Bill Salisbury

Hello:  I REALLY ENJOY THIS WEBSITE AND I FORGOT TO CONGRATULATE FOR THIS GREAT SITE...SO NOW ONE CAN  SAY : STEVE GADD IS ONLINE... Thank you again and good luck for the future and this wonderful website... My best wishes from North-Italy Ciao  Stephan Koler Steve Gadd at Milano's Music 10.5.05 I went to the Steve Gadd clinic tonight (10.5.05) at Milano's Music in Mesa, AZ. For those who don't know the geography here, Mesa is a small city in the greater Phoenix area. This was by far THE best clinic I have ever been to. It was so refreshing to see someone who did nto get out there and play to a sequenced track playing 32nd notes on the kick and out of control double stroke rolls on a huge kit at FFFF volumes! :-) He started out playing brushes and humming the melody to Bye Bye Blackbird. I had not seen Steve play brushes before and needles to say, it was great. EVERY note he played tonight was all about making music. I never heard a single note that even had a hint of ego. He took a ton of ?s from the audience and it was really interesting to hear the stories of his musical upbringing. All I can say is that if anyone here is anywhere close to where he is doing this clinic tour, GO! I had to leave a little early, after 90 minutes, but still everything I heard on the drums or verbally was inspiring and musical. -Robert Schuh Steve Gadd is synonymous with groove, musicality, pleasure, beauty... Steve Gadd makes drums sing, smile, cry, laugh. There is no praise that hasn't been said or written about Steve Gadd. No words will ever describe how unique his playing is. Steve Gadd is a living legend. A music genius. His influence in modern music cannot be put in writing. Steve Gadd is amongst this very select and small club of musicians who REALLY changed the course of music and the instruments they are playing. He's right up there with Miles or Coltrane. I had the pleasure of being introduced to him by Neil Stubenhaus and John JR Robinson in Koblenz in 2002. Steve was very gracious and friendly. I know that he is a wonderful player and I am happy to say that he seems to be a wonderful human being as well. Kudos for a great website. Thanks for the efforts and good luck! Laurent

Hello: My name is Jorge Vassalo, I'm from Portugal and I will be 27 next September. As you must receive many mails each day about your Gadd website or about the man himself, I shall, if you are kind enough to read the next few lines, take few moments of your time. Since I began drumming at the age of 6, because of my father's love for Paul Simon, Dr. Gadd was very influential to me. I always wanted to meet him in person because of my personal story and to thank him. That has proven to be impossible. So, my true hope is that, through here, you can tell him my story and deliver my thanks, should you consider it to be worthy of it. I don't expect any replies, nor will I contact this email again. So thank you. I had a meningitis at the age of three, wich developed to a brain hemoplagy (paralesis) or the right arm and foot. it was very hard for me to make any movement, and was very awkwerd to feel a love for playing drums as I couldn't play them straight. But as an act of love, I decided to give it a go when I saw Gadd playing on tv. I had never seen such passion and feel in an instrument. With great effort of blood and tears, and many failures and patience, I began drumming without moving the wrist on my kit, right-hand put. And through hearing music and going through the feeling rather that explosive technique, I've managed, after 11 years, to become a professional musician, a drummer, focused on groove and feel. And now I can move my wrist and fingers, I can stretch my arm just as the left one, even play fast jazz and move my right foot straight. I have Dr. Gadd to thank too, as an inspiration, and I would just like to say that was through his influence and music that I could gather the strenght to overcome handycapcy and perform such a "miracle". So, thank you so much , Dr Gadd. Keep on with the good work. So, if you think this small note could be worthy, I ask you to deliver it in the hand or eyes or ears of the Master. I have no other way to contact him. Thank you very much for your time and patience, With best regars, Jorge Vassalo

Steve, I've been a fan of your work for decades; you have always amazed me with your ability to span musical genres and styles so effortlessly. My question pertains to your work with Steely Dan in the 70's.  I have heard conflicting reports about how Becker & Fagen were to work with.  Did you enjoy your sessions with them?  It certainly sounds like you did, particularly on the Aja album. Keep up the great work Steve! Regards, Mark Hall  PS - GREAT website!

Hi: Thanks for your e-mail. I think, that Steve Gadd is one of the master drummers, up "there" in the echelon of the greatest musicians to ever play the instrument. Steve's a classic (and an exciting one, at that ). I think, that The Official Steve Gadd Website is more and more better. Thank you, Steve. Peace, Jarek

Hello:  I read this week that Steve Gadd will be in the Phoenix area on October 5. I plan on attending his drum clinic, although I do not play the drums... I went to high school with Steve, at Eastridge High School in East Irondequoit, New York.  I was only in the beginners' band, but remember Steve being in the band room with us part of the time.  And I remember Mr. Castle, our band director, telling us "Remember the name Steve Gadd. He's going to be famous someday!"  I believed him, but didn't hear about Steve again until 1982.  Since then, I have been a big fan of Steve's!    I look forward to meeting Steve again. Please let him know that my husband and I will be there. I'm sure he won't remember me.  I only went to Eastridge for my freshman year, but he did sign my yearbook, and I purchased the record album of the Eastridge Dance Band. Jane Gerber Class of '64    Salve Mr. Gadd: Il mio nome è Carlo Stella, scrivo da Roma Italy, suono la batteria da diversi anni, ho una Yamaha recording custom 9000 identica alla sua, quando suono cerco di imitare il suo stile, volevo congratularmi con lei e dirle che sarà sempre il mio punto di riferimento nel suonare. Spero di poterla incontrare un giorno in Italia. Un saluto Carlo Stella ENGLISH TRANSLATION: Greetings, Mr. Gadd.  My name is Carlo Stella.  I'm writing from Rome, Italy.  I have been playing the drums for many years.  I have a Yamaha recording custom 9000 identical to yours.  When I play, I try to imitate your style.  I want to applaud you and tell you that you will always be my point of reference related to playing [the drums].  I hope to have the opportunity to meet you one day in Italy. I salute you {or simply "Good bye.") Carlo Stella Hey, What's happening? Glad to get along of you. I'm a drummer in grade 11 up in Canada. I just wanted to say thanks for inspiring me to play more. I saw a few vids of you ripping and listening to your music. It truly move me. Thanks for being such a great player. Thanks, Spencer Madden Steve: I saw you on the last James Taylor tour,and what stuck with me is the sheer joy you gave the music. We had seen James Taylor many many times before,but this time my wife said this show made her feel great. She is not a musician,but asked me who is the drummer? Compilments from my six year old daughter who danced for most of the show up in the grass seats. Thanks Richard DeClemente