The Art Of Jazz Rock Drumming | Danny Seraphine 

Watching Danny play “Introduction” all these decades later with such amazing technique makes my heart smile. He’s still one of the greatest of all time. While I can appreciate Chicago’s success in the 80’s, it was those first 11 albums that changed the world - and for we drummers, redefined the art of drumming forever. Thanks, Danny) 🙏🏻

Danny's drumming on those early Chicago albums is top drawer. I love that phase of their career. The music was melodic, sophisticated and full of great twists and turns. The arrangements were fantastic, particularly the pieces that heavily involved that great horn section.

Danny is playing better than ever theses days. Such a great dynamic musical style. He swings rock grooves like no other. So happy to see him behind the skins again. Thanks for having him on.

I loved hearing Danny play from the days of Chicago back in the 70's and continue to be amazed at how he intertwines his drum accents with the horns in perfectly syncopated form, putting complex drum fills in between horn hits, and still maintains a marvelous groove. At 67 yrs old he plays as strong as a teenager and makes it look easy. Does anyone really know what time it is? Danny sure does! Keep it strong Danny!

I saw CTA at Fillmore East , 1968. I can't explain how good Danny was. No disrespect to the other guys in Chicago....but Danny and Terry Kath sounded like they were from another planet.

drumeo is the greatest thing that humanity have created. after the drums

I learned how to play drums by playing along with and studying Danny Seraphine in the '70's. Wish I had this back then! He's still got it too... A pleasure to watch.

I've always loved this man's playing. It's just got such a unique feel to it. Was always mad I missed him at the Modern Drummer Festival years ago. Ah well. If he really hasn't been inducted before, it's absolutely fantastic that he's making it in now. The man absolutely deserves it!

danny im a 60 year old drummer an you have always been an inspiration to me you are one of the best drummers out there an your dw kits always smoke keep on rocking brother

I met Danny briefly in 1973 and he gave me an impromptu lesson. Heavy foot and groove. A great person and he would never recognize me. CTA was one of my favourites that I quite often played along to in my parents basement. I went on to play overseas classic standard and soul. When I returned my agent couldn't believe how much better I was. I decided around then to quit playing full time and got a job with my college training. After being married I quit playing and started back playing in retirement. I have contracted MS so the sticks Danny designed would be great to hold without then continuously sliding out of my numb hands. I also wrote an article in the latest Electronic Drummer issue as I was the very first drummer in North America to play electronic drums professionally, Simmons. Just seeing one of my idols playing on your site and now even better gives me great memories of that time. Danny keep up the great work and keep exercising the foot, I have had foot and knee surgeries to and it will get better.

Great to see he's still 'got it'! My favourite drummer from my favourite band & the reason I picked up the sticks in the first place. So privileged to see him demonstrate that incredible fusion of jazz & rock up close. Thanks Drumeo - awesome!

Danny at 12 I became a drummer because of you and I'm still a drummer at 58 because of you. My mother was a single mom who had to work and couldn't afford a babysitter it didn't matter I practiced to you and Chicago 10-12 hours a day. Thanks for watching over me and preventing from being a gang member in Cleveland Ohio. Now I live in Chicago for 25 years and still feel your presence.

I actually saw Danny in Chicago at Barnaby's on Rush street in 1967... they had just formed the big thing and then CTA, when I first heard Terry Kath sing and play this I couldn't believe what I heard, he was a force of nature. Danny was just a kid but played like no other rock drummer of that era... we have to remember when this was, they were innovators bridging rock and jazz, and no one has touched them since. Danny thanks for all the great playing over the years you were always an inspiration to us guys of the 60's and thanks for the autographed copy of "street player"....Mario

Jazz Rock: An art not forgotten, yet unappreciated, but has more power than one might realize. Drummers like Danny Seraphine and Bands like Chicago are prime examples of this. Thank you for your great drumming, Danny!

This is the guy who got me started on drums in 1980. Hard to beat his combination of taste, style and technique. So glad to see him keeping alive the early Chicago tradition of jazzy rock music.

Danny's fills are classic and sound as great today as when I first heard them in the 70's. It really wouldn't be a Chicago song without his signature drumming style. Thanks Danny and Drumeo for the insightful lesson.

I've been drumming for 30 years, and I'm out of breath just watching the best living drummer! There's only one song I would not want to do live and it's "Introduction"

That was wonderful. Growing up, Moon got me interested but Danny taught me how to play. I'd spend hours in my parents garage playing along to the early Chicago albums on my Slingerland's (much to the delight of their neighbors). I had the pleasure of meeting Danny at a clinic in Indianapolis and he was just as friendly and warm in person. Thanks so much!

Danny Seraphine has a great groove! Very identifiable signature fills. Funky and rockin' with influences from past jazz giants. One of the great drummers of his generation. And man ... those DW's and Zildjians sound SWEET! Thanks, Drumeo. Great lesson/ show.

Danny is one of my All Time Hero’s. Danny is one of the first drummers to combine Jazz and Rock rhythm’s together. Plus hearing him on the radio everyday was a massive influence. I just got to meet Danny at the 50th DW Anniversary, I got to sit in with the band after Danny played. Danny came up to me afterwords to ask who I was and he was so genuine, kind and personable. Danny is one of the most important drummers in Drumming History. Thanks Danny💙💙💙💙💙

Saw Danny and Chicago with Jimi Hendrix in 1969 and it blew me away, influenced my drumming to this day. He is on my list of my favorite top 4 drummers: Danny, John Bonham, Joe Morello and Bill Bruford.

I started drumming in 1966 and Danny Seraphine is my absolute idol. I patterned my play after his, imitating and duplicating everything he did, adding my own and developing my unique style of play. He is truly a Master and an innovator for Jazz/Rock Fusion. Speed and power, instinct and ability unmatched by anyone in the world, Mr. Seraphine can hang with the best of all time. It was my destiny and honor to perform a tribute drum solo (from "I'm A Man") to him at Bentley's Drum Shop in Fresno a few years back during a Zildjian Cymbal Weekend Event. He was most gracious in his reception. Great guy.

Huge influence! Born 1963 I was listening to Saturday in the Park for the drums when I was about 10 years old, and my favorite, Make me Smile, was my favorite drum solo. So happy for him and glad to see him still playing after all these years. Rock on sir!

My favorite drummer. I learned my drumming in 1969 listening to Chicago Question 67 and 68. He still have the chops. Thanks for this time and the joy of seeing it so alive.

this is the guy I wanted to be since about age 12 (1973)! Modeled my style after Danny for awhile. Saved paper route and lawn mowing money up until I could buy a black Slingerland set like you had back in 70's. Thank you Danny for your inspiration and influence. I still want to play like you more than any other drummer! Thanks for being available like this. I was not sure if you were still playing. Obviously better than ever it looks like.

When Danny Seraphine came along, he was the drummer who influenced and changed everything in contemporary rock music drumming. He challenged us to be better drummers !

Incredible that he can still play like that at his age! Mad respect

Chicagos first album is a freakin masterpiece i wish i could feel that emotion when introduction comes on for the first time.

Really appreciated Danny's outlook on the "groove" playing that so many drummer's today don't really appreciate. Even at my age I can learn just by listening. I can truly understand Buddy Rich's comment on his playing. Both of them are high on my pedestal.

During the late 60's and the 70's I didn't know what style I was, was tough to find band-mates to play with, lived in NY, I was self taught by ear and listened to a lot of Big Band music and jazz and all rock but didn't play like anyone else' style until I heard Danny play one day on the radio, grounded me and i was a Jazz/Rock/Rhythm drummer and was happy to be one, eventually in 1970 found a group of guys that I could play with and was history from there on.

As a drummer in the 70's, Chicago was one of my all time favorite groups. I'm so glad they a featuring Danny.

At the end when he is playing Make Me Smile, you can see on his face he is going back in time. Wow. Make Me Smile is one of the great drum pieces of all time, imo.

Danny, I started drumming 46 years ago at age 12, and you were the single biggest influence on my style. I had never heard anyone play with such finesse, fluidity, and musicality before, and learning how to play your parts note-for-note on every single Chicago record was literally my "school". I was in the front row for your 2010 clinic at Donn Bennett's drum shop just outside of Seattle, and I hope your lesson here on Drumeo introduces a whole new breed of drummers to the beautiful jazz flow that you bring to rock drumming. Thank you for being my greatest musical inspiration, and for the warmth you exude as a human being. And finally, not to disrespect anyone else, but Chicago has never sounded the same without your soul. God bless you. Warmest regards, Ron

Even the Hi Hat stand is grooving to the beat.

Danny's sounding great. "Street Player" was a great read, couldn't put it down. Thanks drumeo and thanks Danny!

Danny Seraphine ... what a true legend :) ... This lesson was great in highlighting how important it is to be a musician and a drummer and an emphasis on "organic musical playing" from the heart rather than some of the clinical guff we get to see so much of these days. I believe this is the reason why Danny was one of of the favorites for the master Buddy Rich and not so approved of by some of the clinical only folks who have given thumbs down to this great video lesson from Drumeo. I know who I'd rather listen to and feel great to be alive and well... Thank you Danny and Drumeo all the way for Melbourne Australia (Thumps up borthers) ---- Taleb :)

Danny Seraphine can turn any beat into a funk groove very easily! Thats really inpressive! Thanks to Drumeo again for the great opportunity to learn with the best of the best!

Man those signature snare rolls. Made me Smile...ha ha .. Love that guy.

Fantastic! was 15 and just starting playing in bands and getting serious with my drumming. Mitch Mitchell and Hal Blaine's stuff was the well from which we all drank then until Danny Seraphine and Chicago..The bar was raised forever..Thsnks for having Danny on..

Danny Seraphine is without a doubt one of my all time favorite drummers

Without a doubt my all-time drumming hero! Danny keep on playing it like you do! Your style brings me back to the way music used to be ... human with feeling, groove and pocket. In this "on the grid" new world, it is refreshing to remember music can swing and groove and breathe. You are playing better then ever. I can't wait to see you play with Chicago at the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame! Congratulations you and the band deserve it! You guys invented jazz rock ... It is about time they acknowledge your contribution!

I just want to say about the intro, when your playing that many notes, and you can play it that tight, that is incredible. I am truly inspired by that performance.

Many many years ago I had a chat with Walter Parazaider ( saxplayer) from This great band Chicago. I was 16 y then, but he took his time. All these guys from this band are so humble. Also let's not underestimate the influence of Chicago in today's modern music. Take care D.!

One of the most amazing drummers of all times!

What I learned from this lesson is that a great drummer can add a lot of colour and shine to a song by knowing how to provide drumming flair and tasteful symbol work. It is also about expanding your drumming palette to include all the drum and symbol sounds available in front of you. I was most impressed with how Danny tastefully uses all the drum and symbol sounds as "song notes" within the song.

Man, this was sweet!! Danny was one of my biggest influences growing up. I'm now 51 and still wishin' I could play like him...lol. Great job guys!!

My first Chicago song I heard was from, Chicago II (Silver or Chrome) album in 1970... Wake Up Sunshine. Went out and bought it and have been a huge fan of yours ever since! My favorite album to present is Chicago III with the tough bluzy "I Don't Want Your Money", and still practice with it weekly. Thanks Danny for your incredible contributions and playing as one of the great drummers of the 1960s to today. A drummer myself for almost 30 years... still rockin' and teaching in Maine. All the best. Mark M.

I went to a Jimi Hendrix concert in Charleston, WV, in June 1969 and CTA opened up for them. Their album hadn't been released at the time, so they were unknown to the audience. When it was time for Hendrix to play, the whole auditorium screamed, "Not yet! We want more of these guys!!!!!" I went to see CTA in Miami, FL, and Roanoke, VA, over the next two years. To this day, Danny Seraphine remains my favorite jazz/rock drummer. I still have my CTA album -- well, my daughter has it but I have access to it. I've played drums since the mid-60's but I cannot hold a candle to Danny. He is the best! Today's Chicago bears no resemblance to the original group.

Make me smile at the end, that was the song that was all over the radio that turned me and so many on to Chicago. The changes, the horn arrangements, the bass , Terry's voice and guitar. You got more for your money on that song than anything else in 1970. Love seeing the drum master play it. The song is majestic and punchy.

Thanks for having Danny Seraphine on your show, I totally enjoyed it.

I made the mistake of starting to watch this at midnight for a short diversion before I went to bed... couldn't turn it off! Danny Seraphine for the Win! Thanks Drumeo for a great interview, lesson and show!

Drumeo...thank you for bringing such great artists from the past and present into the now! Danny Seraphine...one of the best!

As a young teen in the early 70's I started out worshipping Louis Bellson but it high school it was a Chicago poster that was on my wall, and Danny was my idol. I still have my original 1973 6-piece Red Onyx Rogers drum set...the poster is long gone.

I grew up listening and playing along with Danny Seraphine and Chicago. I molded much of my style after the patterns that he played. Always loved listening to him. Some of his best early stuff was on the Live At Carnegie Hall albums. Good stuff.

And I forgot to say that, in my opinion, Chicago V still stands as the greatest jazz/rock album ever, built upon the very finest blend of jazz and rock drumming ever recorded.

Can't believe I missed this one. Glad I found it. Really admire drummers like Danny who have that perfect balance of groove and musicality.

Legend is a word I use to describe Danny. There are many great drummers but a legend in my opinion, is someone who not only plays great but enhances or becomes a big part of the music they play. It's sound. They do it in a manner different then others would typically do it. That's Danny S. I am such a fan of the Original version of Chicago and Danny was it's backbone and all around badass of the band. Was never the same or as great, in my opinion, after him.

One of my favourite drummers ever. I remember him playing with Chicago T.A. in concert on 1976.

Glad, I got a chance to see Danny live with Chicago, I believe 3 times as far back as 1987, one of my favorite drummers

that's how jazz fusion music is played...simple sounding rock beat but just adding a little intricate patterns like funk and shuffle on the right/left hand

I saw Chicago in the 70's and DS really inspired me to see beyond garage rock banging. Now almost 50 years later I'm still a happy garage rock banger but I often try to conjure up DS's groove. I love everything about his style. Thanks Drumeo!

One of my all time favorites and an influencer to endless generations

30 years of drumming for me and I'm finally digging in to learn Chicago II. Wish me luck. Thanks for the amazing playing, Danny!

Thanks for this....my favourite drummer of all time!...I have drummed along with him on every Chicago and CTA album ever since I picked up a pair. In fact that is how I taught myself to drum.

Danny and Chicago Transit Authority were, like the progressive nature of the Beatles from album to album and the creativity and playing abilities of Cream and the Jimi Hendrix Experience yet another indicator that pop/rock music was on an infinite road to creative nirvana. That debut album is still stunning testament to that idea. And 'Chicago II' was a great reinforcer that music would only get better and better. Sadly, that was not to be. Yet still the great(est) music from that era endures. And as a drummer, Danny's playing on those records still sounds so vibrant and exciting...so inspirational for me. And that will forever be the case in my life. Mitch Mitchell, Jon Hiseman, Danny Seraphine - the drummers who defined the jazz-rock concept. Thank you Danny and Drumeo for this fine and insightful episode.

Excellent video! Danny Seraphine is my favorite all-time drummer and Chicago is my all-time favorite rock and roll band!

After 12 years I'm just getting back to drumming and I enjoyed this video.

Maaaan Danny Seraphine is a maestro! I bought a Chicago compilation with studio and live tracks like five years ago and his drumming was stunning!! Thanks drumeo

RESPECT AT 67 YEARS OLD AND STILL ROCKING LIKE A KING !!! Great player man wow like him verry good job, long life !

still has all the chops. what a beast!

Fantastic lesson from a living legend. Thanks Drumeo!

What a great drummer great guy and a very unique player w the combo of jazz rock funk he’s got it all

Buddy Rich when still living called Danny Seraphine the 2nd best drummer in the world! Now Danny is number ONE!

No wonder I loved Chicago so much when I was a kid and now. I don't think any drummer would sound as good in that band. So distinctive. He more than anyone else is their sound.

This is amazing. So insightful, as he's one of my favorite drummers. Thanks for uploading!

Awesome session. Seeing Danny again brings back a lot of great memories...

Wow!! An incredible down-to-earth straightforward introduction to Danny's style... He's by far the best drummer in the world now, inspired by jazz greats who are no longer with us. I'd love to take some lessons from him... I just got a drum set and I'm rigging it up as I develop my personal style

Omg Danny Seraphine!!! Chicago is my favorite group!!!!

Well, I'm four and a half years late, but DELIGHTED to have this master class experience with Danny Seraphine. He puts into words what my ears have told me about his drumming ever since I was in high school. What a fine, fine musician and such a generous guy as well.

What I love about drums (or any instrument at that) is that theres always, ALWAYS...something new to learn from somebody.

Outstanding Danny! We miss ya here in Chicago!

Awesome job Danny. You give the young guys a run for their money

Thank you so much for making this drumming lesson. I play traditional grip and Danny is a perfect example showing this traditional grip technique

In 68Danny was the whole inspiration for me wanting to play drums. "The Drummer" of all drummers. In my opinion.

So much better that the instructional DVD he did for DW. Much more insight into his playing here. Thank You!

Danny - you're one of the greatest drummers of all time. Thank you to Drumeo for giving us this in-depth look. What strikes me most is - while performing his classic Chicago parts, Danny is spot-on in the accuracy of the parts, exposing to us how composition-oriented he is coming up with the perfect parts for all those classic tunes. After reading Danny's book, I'm convinced that between his former band-mates & David Foster they created a bad working environment for him, slowly diminishing his confidence and ability to perform. I'm so thrilled to see this video and realize Danny has brought himself back from those dark times - I don't believe I've ever seen him play this well. Put on the studio version of the song "Goodbye" from Chicago V and you'll witness pure genius behind the drum kit. I cannot believe the founding members of Chicago agreed to replace him. Lastly, it's quite interesting that Chicago as a band haven't had notable chart success since Chicago 19 - Danny's last record with the band. More recently, they have parted ways with both Bill Champlin & Jason Scheff, the two primary architects in Danny's firing. Funny how karma works. Keep playing Danny - there's no one else like you.

Its hard to watch these song performances without a smile on your face :)

a fantastic lesson! that has given me very good ideas to include in my drumming learning thanks!

Now that’s real music and a world class drummer!!

Have followed Danny since the first Chicago album on vinyl. He rates in my top 5 all-time! I think the song he begins with is called "Introduction". How appropriate!

This guy is amazing! And those cymbals!

Wow! Loved that lesson, you really have to respect the feel! Loved the switch between match grip and traditional. It was something i was working on myself and to see it here was inspirational. Got the mojo now to perserve. Thanks

Wow, just Wow, on every level. Danny's not only still got his chops.....I think he's playing better than ever. And, I want to know all about that band that did the recording. The vocalist sound like the guy that was with Tower of Power for many years, then left to pursue a solo career. Great guitarist too.

A tremendous, tasteful, musical drummer.

Introduction from CTA just might be my favorite Chicago track of all time. Amazing arrangement and great vocal by Terry Kath. I was like "WHOA!" watching Danny recreate it here. What a treat. Guy can still play his ass off at 67 and following foot surgery no less. "Now we've put you through the changes" indeed.

Go Danny..takes me back to Chicago playing at Festival Hall here in Melbourne way back in about 1969.

I think this lesson has opened my eyes more than any other. The concept is so simple, but so very strong and creative. I plan on sharing this video and telling my other drummer friends about this. :-)

Cool style of music, and even a better drummer!! enjoyed it very much

Danny , great drummer. Watching this from the chgo. Area. Great band, still and always.

Great lesson! Amazing drummer.