Drummer Steve Gadd wows the audience in Oakland!
It's a cold night in February, and its mid week...you'd think those two factors alone are enough to keep many people away, but not when it comes to seeing this drummer, Steve Gadd! Yoshis was completely packed! The music room at Yoshis holds 310 people. On this night 620 people came out to see this drum legend, Steve Gadd and his band. Two shows, one night, all sold out!
Being unfamiliar with Steve Gadd before this show would describe me. Now I will never forget Mr Gadds' gold star performance. Even for a non drummer, I heard his signature nuances of special gracenotes and Gadd drum rolls, not to mention his impeccable timing. I saw why people came out in droves to witness this drum icon.
Gadd's band was also incredible, especially his pianist. Personally I've never seen any pianist play like this. His entire band was insanely talented. As one would have to be playing with one of the worlds very best drummers!
Dr. Gadd won a Grammy in 2018 for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, 'Steve Gadd Band.' And in 2005 he got an Honorary Doctor of Music degree, from the Berklee College of Music. Hence the "Dr. Gadd".
Steve Gadd is originally from New York and is 76 years old. During his 50+ year career, he has played with just about everyone. From Eric Clapton to Barbra Streisand. Steely Dan, Bee Gees, Al DiMeola, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra and Paul McCartney to name but a few. In 1981, he played drums and percussion for the Simon and Garfunkel Central Park concert. Gadd is truly a drummer in demand, and anyone that plays with him is at a top level of excellence.