Perhaps the most swinging video on YouTube | Reaction Video 

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Ed Thigpen was my teacher, when I was young. He lived in Copenhagen, and I used to bike to his rehearsal room. Often I ended up spending two or three, up to four hours of playing, listening and talking music, life, nature and rhythm and drinking a soda on the stairs. He was not a normal drum teacher, but much more a sensei. He is buried close to where I live now, and I occasionally go for a walk to the cemetery. He sure was a great drummer, artist, thinker and human.

This isn't so much "reaction" as it is expert play-by-play analysis AND I LOVE IT. Love how you draw attention to the subtle communication going on. 🙂

As a drummer, there's so much to learn from Thigpen. He knew how to serve the music.

One of the greatest trios ever. Ed was a friend and he was not only a great drummer but also a great person. One of the tastiest drummers ever.

Ed Thigpen's Hi-Hat work is so crisp. The pitch, the touch, the pocket. An all-time great.

During my very first gig playing jazz with an acoustic trio in 1968, I was only 18 years old and scared to death. The bass player leaned over and very quietly said in my ear, "Don't worry son, I've got your back." He saved my life that night. If that had gone wrong, I would have given up on playing drums forever. Ever since then, I have always maintained close contact with all the bass players and given them the respect they deserve. This video reminds me of that night. Thank you!

As a Dane, I know it was recorded in "Holbæk Jazzklub" in 1964. The music is smoking, and the audience is also smoking in the literal sense. Ed Thigpen lived in Copenhagen for the last part of his life. I visited him a few times and talked wire brushes. P.S: I would love to hear your drummer's reaction to a concert I attended in 1986 in the beautiful Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GTkMghTOsEY.html

I just want to say, there's a jazz thing that's in some bones, and I try and I play, but no, that jazz is not in my bones--it belongs to these guys--and you know what? that's where it belongs--so great man.

Loved this, thank you! I dig that you pointed out their tight, intimate setup. One thing I noticed also was how Ed controls the tone and the length of the note with the left hand by muting with a little pressure at times. He's also accomplishing this by playing from a higher angle and rotating his wrist toward the body to use his fingers. I grew up as a child listening to this music and somehow at the age of 11, I understood the intensity, beauty, and hard swing of this trio. My dad was an excellent jazz pianist and educator who loved Oscar Peterson, so we had his records. I used to look at the album photos and study them while listening, laying on the floor under my dad's piano. I remember one of Ed in a white tee-shirt sitting at a Ludwig sparkle kit and he had his mallets stowed on the floor tom between the shell and the top of the leg as it comes out of the bracket; the handles coming out at almost a right angle. I thought that was so cool! I'm sure it was a "quick change" method because on this record "VERY TALL" with guest Milt Jackson they play the best version of "On Green Dolphin Street" you'll ever hear and he switches seamlessly between brushes, sticks, and mallets. There was also a picture of Milt leaning back with a slant to the side with his eyes closed, arms extended while playing in a state of emotional rapture. Just that picture said so much to me about the emotional content of the music, and at this tender young age I heard it, saw it, got it. It literally directed the trajectory of my life forever, and shortly after I got my first snare drum and taught myself to play the brushes. It's mesmerizing listening to Ed play them, he has a magical way that goes beyond the strokes. I remember listening really hard and VISUALIZING what he was doing to get that; what a master. We also had "Oscar plays the Swingin' Brass"; a big band setup with the trio, and you should hear Ed playing that stuff man!

Nobody swung like Oscar. Imagine being in his trio. These cats are top notch!

Thanks for your analysis pointing out the nuances- crisp hi hat, etc. I saw Oscar in a quartet setting including Joe Pass at the Blue Note in NYC and I remember them doing a version of Sweet Georgia Brown where they didn’t state the head at the beginning. Oscar just improvised all the way through, then Joe did the same. They did this for 6 minutes and then the rhythm section kicked in and that’s when they played the head. That was almost 40 years ago and I still get goose bumps thinking of it.

As a pianist it is very refreshing to see the opinions around the drum or bass players or the harmony with the rhythm section in general. It’s very easy to always have Oscar at the forefront of ur listening cus he’s just so mind blowing. But the outstanding work behind the piano’s boastful shimmering is often under appreciated or entirely forgotten.

The interaction between Ed and Ray is perfect! When I play drums in gigs like this, I don't always know who the bass player will be or the setup for the venue (stage, floor, dinner/dance, dance or just cocktails with a small dance floor), but I ALWAYS try to be as close to the bass player as possible while seeing the piano player's hands. Visual or verbal cues are required, not just optional. Like you said, "...in constant conversation with each other". There is no way to describe this because it is more of an experience than just watching or listening. The music just flows when it happens naturally. The cymbal changes should happen naturally and not interrupt anything, it should supplement the feeling. Can you tell that I'm smiling? I've been playing jazz with small groups since the early 70's .

This is an example of transcendent artistry. Thank you for honoring this iconic, humble artist. Love your channel. Your teaching is so deeply heartfelt. Thank you.

Thanks for this Quincy. I have used this video with students for several years but didn't talk through it even though I know what's happening. Your commentary is great and I enjoy it very much, so I'm going to play them your thoughts on the video. This OP trio was the first OP material I heard and I was hooked instantly. I get on the stand now with too many players who want to "over-interact" instead of creating time that a bolt of lightening couldn't crack. I had a drummer argue with me about this video because of Ray directing things. I told him, "Ray knows what Oscar wants and knows what will move him!' They had already worked together for 8 year when Ed joined them. I met Ed once....what a supreme gentleman and musician. I was fortunate.

This is so much better than the usual "reaction" videos. Your deep knowledge of interplay shines through

It’s so therapeutic to watch Ed hit the drums and Cymbals! Swingin!

Wonderful video, interpretation and fantastic music! This universal music will never die as long as people listen with their soul.

Wow this was sweet! Been listening to Oscar Peterson for my whole life (he’s from my hometown ❤) but never watched any videos of him play. As a dancer I really appreciated your breakdown of their physical communication through the music. Really excellent video/reaction! 🙌

Thigpen’s lead ins after those beginning breaks are outstanding. When he changes rides later on, when Peterson starts the block chords, he chooses a dryer ride. I think he purposely went for that to get more definition. That sound is more percussive than the washier ride. That percussive sound with those percussive block chord adds a new level of intensity without playing louder or faster or any other thing. Brilliant! FP

You just made me think that swing is not just about "swinging hard" but as much about timing, restraint, sensitivity and listening. At the same time, it's not just technical virtuosity, it has just as much heart, soul and emotion! The Oscar Peterson Trio is having a great conversation, but unlike a real one, everybody is SUPPOSED to talk at the same time, and make split second decisions about what to say. I wish there was a word like GENIUS that applied the highest level of human feeling (the word PASSION doesn't quite capture it for me). This is it!

I think more cats should be talking about the importance of this trio. Thanks for this Q

“Tight or loose” is an eternal theme in jazz playing. Ed's play here, while intensely tight, offers great space and freedom to the other two, Oscar and Ray, without making the listener feel suffocated or constricted at all.

I had the incredible honor of getting to literally just hang out with Ed Thigpen at PASIC in New Orleans in '91. He will always be one of my all time favorite role models. Mr. Taste!

Count Basie's C-Jam Blues 😂. I always thought, Duke wrote it 😉. The additional 4 bar pick up each chorus is also from Dukes original recording. I also perform it with this additional 4 bars with my trio. It's real fun to do it like this to break the bluesroutine and upsets everyone when they has to do the first time.

Watched, and listened twice in a row......you are correct about Complimentary playing . Each member,has the groove.....but they are also in the correct Space.......you can hear each instrument,any time you selectively listen......No One is mashing over anyone else's part. I picked up this theory listening to Steely Dan back in the 70's.....and it applies to All Bands,to my Ear.....when they are all In Time, on the Chord Changes, and in the Space......that is Magic to my Ear. The Jazzy Swing though.....Wooooo! Thanks for the share😉

This right here!! Young drummers everywhere listen to the man!! QD is giving you the stuff!

OP is one bad man, and his trio work is stellar....

I think this is a great demonstration and lesson in listening. They are all locked in together and totally in the groove!!!!!! Fantastic. It doesn't have to be loud and busy to be powerful!!!! All the money and all the fame cannot put on a smile on your face like these guys have from just playing music together!!!!

I'm glad to discover people who feel what i feel listening to this! I agree, this Is the most swinging video on RU-vid! Thanks for sharing man! I loved It!

Quincy, this is a great lesson. I got to play with Ray Brown one time and I will never forget the feeling. Thank you!

Amazing new series! I enjoyed a lot watching this killer video with your comments! And learned a lot about they verbal communication ! Also the part about the ride cymbal change over the block chords is a gem! Thanks as always! 🙏 Have a nice week!!!

Simply fantastic. Both the original video of course, as I have always been a fan of this trio. But also your analysis, because as you show there is so much to learn by just watching those fantastic musicians closely. And I love your excitement about this music, which I feel too listening to it.

Oscar Peterson is my favorite Jazz piano player. I listen to these songs all the time. Great stuff! Thanks Q!

Quincy - this is by far the best educational Video that I have seen in a long time! Great breakdown and analysis of the trio, song, groove, dynamics and especially the cues from Oscar and Ray! Love it!!!

These reaction videos you're doing are so important to me and many others. It allows me to see things I never noticed and in turn will improve my playing and listening skills. Thankyou! Ps. That little hi hat open hit Ive been doing for a long while. Not because of Ed but Gavin Harrison. It just found its place in my jazz playing.

Best reaction video I've ever seen. Thank you, Pr. Q!

Swing is right! Wow! Fantastic! What a tremendous band. Like Oscar Ed Thigpen was so swinging & cool (and the best brushes player ever in my humble opinion). Cheers mate.

Thank you, Quincy!! I love this format!!!

Love this post It’s gold Thankyou Quincy😊

i was searching for this kinda video for quite some time. jazz reaction/analysis by the guy who truly knows whatss up whats happening!!! pls moreee thank youuu this teaches a lot this teaches how to listennn

thank you! getting these insights from a master like yourself is invaluable for all drummers!

certainly one of the greatest and swinging tunes shown on youtube with the greatest Trio ever, Oscar, Ed & Ray. watching this video since many years and it so inspiring and great. Great to hear and see your feel and your comments and observations

Yes Sir!!!! This video said it all 👍as you mentioned before mr. Davis it's the most swingin' stuff ever 💫 GREATEST OSCAR PETERSON TRIO FOREVER!!!! many swingin' greetings from Prague 🎹🎉🙏

Yeah man. I love Ed Thigpen's playing. I was lucking enough to meet him a couple of times and have a lesson with him.

Just repeating the comment about the "expert play-by-play analysis" which I greatly appreciated and would love to see more of! Just a great job on this video. Bravo!

Fantastic break down of a fantastic performance. Thanks Quincy!

Have you ever Dimenuendo and Crescendo in Blue by Ellington live? That is another piece that swings!!!!!!

This is laugh-out-loud wonderful! What a groove - doctors should prescribe this video for low mood issues…😎

I love this trio. They were so amazing together. Night Train is one of my favorite recordings of all time. Ed doesn’t always get the king of recognition that others like Art, Max or Elvin do, but I think he should always be included in any list of the greatest players. More importantly, however, is how he anchored the band. Whether it’s was with sticks or, more famously, brushes, Ed just drove the band perfectly. Thanks for the video and commentary.

This is one of my top 3 videos ever! Great to hear a musician explain the magic I hear! 😃

This is an awesome analysis, Prof Q, thanks!!

Loved this ! Absolutely brilliant commentary too . Three cats at the top of the world right there

I hear this on a regular basis. When I play this vid I have to watch it multiple times each visit. I've been playing the recording for over 55 years. Ed definately drives em once released following Oscars fantastic intro. These guys were always on fire when they played together Thank goodness and the Universe that it was captured this way. Terribly missed. Thank you for playing it and sharing your feelings. Lets hope it comes back into vogue again

Man!! Thank you for that!! I was so locked in and it was as if I was playing. So many good things are going to happen when I get a kit in my house again. Now I know where to go when I need my timing belt adjusted.

Loved this video, Quincy!

Excellent message. So happy that I stumbled upon your channel.

Those are some crisp sounding hi hats. Great tune. Thank you Q!

Great analysis Quincy. Love your channel.

Thanks for breaking this down Q! Intend to watch this plenty! Love how Ed has a triangle as part of his trapset too🥁💯

I can't tell you anything, because I am speechless after seeing this! Thank you! Smoking bro!!

Well done Q! Great teaching method, and very entertaining!

Can’t stop swingin now! Thanks again Q!

C Jam Blues was written by Duke Ellington. (But Basie's played it.) Oscar's original trio was piano, bass, and guitar. That's the one where he copied Nat Cole's trio from the 1940s. The guitar player was Herb Ellis. I got a chance to drive him and Barney Kessel through a blizzard for five hours to Syracuse, NY back 1980. They had just done a concert at SUNY Potsdam in early Feb 1980 with the group The Great Guitars and had to catch a flight next day. Both of them had played at some point in their careers with Oscar, and told me a LOT of great stories on our way down to Syracuse. They were a couple of really nice guys. Of course, to honest, the album that inspired me to pursue a career as a jazz pianist was Oscar Peterson Live In Russia. The drummer on that album? Ed Thigpen. Thanks for allowing me to post this, and thanks for posting such a great video. Have a great Christmas. PMH

Great way to start a day! I started laughing at few points due to the intense swing! Especially when Oscar started in on those block chords! I´ve recently watched another Oscar trio vid featuring NHOP on a bass solo that....well you can only imagine! :)

So good,thank you for sharing.

Brilliant ❤️👌🥁 So grooving that swing thing Ed Thigpen a master at work...And great analysis from an expert in the field 👍

Hello, first time by. Mrs and I enjoyed the music and your narrative. We will be back for more. Thanks so much

Quincy I just found your vid and really liked your analisis. Now I have to say that this was the best line up that Oscar Peterson had. Ed Thigpin and Ray Brown, then he changed it and for me it never was the same.

That was it, Wow! Never seen before! Thank u!

Wow incredible! Oscar Peterson may be the greatest musician that ever lived. Thanks for sharing. I'd like to throw a name into the mix when it comes to swinging. Eddie Costa the great pianist from the mid late fifties and early sixties. Here's a link to a nice version of "Lets Do It" Although not as broad and dynamic as that super performance above, and I believe Eddie would even tell you that, there is a special place in my heart for Costa's swinging and intense style.

I've seen that video many times, and had the same thought: swingingest video on the internet! Their groove makes me feel joy every time!

I love how into this vid you get!! Gets me worked up to go shed!

Thank You! I found this years ago and have to listen to it frequently.

Wow this is so cool how you are indicating the cues. Good stuff

This was awesome! More of these please

Bravo Q! Great video! I've watched this video many many times but loved your insights! What a joy to see and hear you! Miss you in the big apple bro!

Oscar Peterson is one of my top 3 pianists and this group is another level. You captured how I feel about them so well - swing hard, friend! 💃🕺

Loving this react video! Please make it a series!

I absolutely love your channel Q! Kind regards & Happy Holidays, George

Unbelievable swing. Great stuff for sure!

This is cool. I like your comments, Quincy. You obviously dig it and it is super swinging for sure. I had a lesson with Ed Thigpen here in Vancouver back in the early 80's. He didn't really say a lot, but what he said had weight. He was getting across that feel and swing wins over chops every day of the week.

Y E S ! ! ! ready, of course, always for Oscar Peterson. His where some of the very first jazz albums I bought when I still was a teenager. Thx for the lesson!

Sounds like a modern recording masterpiece -- great performance and sound engineering to boot!

I love that trio!

What a sick sick lineup

more video reactions/analysis please! your insight is incredibly wise and helpful ~

You sound exactly like me showing this video to my friends for the 10th time😂😂😂. Keep swinging man!

Excellent video! Love the play by play

This is awesome

Great new concept, Q! This video will receive many more views from me. Was fortunate to see Ed a couple times and Ray once. Sadly, never Oscar. I love swinging drumming without a lot of comping and fills. Connie Kay was fabulous at that!

amazing man!

I've always loved Ed's playing ever since I 1st heard him play on vinyl back in 1983. I was and still am HOOKED!!!

This is great! Man, the Remembering Ray Brown concert video with Gregory Hutchinson is killing!! Would be super cool to see you react to that one!!

We’ve transitioned from this brilliance to a bunch of freaks with blue hair who play three chords on a guitar. Or worse, rap.

Excellent analysis of a great jazz piece.......well done.

I grew up listening to these cats on cassette tape. Still have them today and I also have some of these on vinyl. Amazing stuff.Also love the tunes that Bobby Durham plays on especially Waltzing is hip. Incredible drum solo.💪💪👍👍

Beautiful ❤

I wasn’t ready. And I’m happy