Download the sheet music here: bit.ly/2JGdRZT Subscribe or I'll steal your cymbals: bit.ly/2AyH1Fb Check out the new podcast here: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drum-show/id1482650244 Jeff Porcaro Rosanna. Jeff Porcaro Hold the Line. Jeff Porcaro Toto. Jeff Porcaro Boz Scaggs. Jeff Porcaro...ok, ok, you get it...I could go on and on. Few names in drumming inspire such awe, such reverence, such admiration. Jeff Porcaro's drumming and drum career, not unlike Steve Gadd's career, speak for themselves...he's drummed on more albums than most of us have listened to in our lifetimes. He created some of the most iconic pop music drumming out there, was a part of the rock super group Toto, and has inspired countless drummers to follow in his shoes. In this drum lesson I break out my all time favorite drum beats by Jeff Porcaro: Lido Shuffle, Lowdown, Mushanga, I Keep Forgettin', and Hold the Line. These are MY personal all time favs...what's your all time favorite Jeff Porcaro drum beat? Like this lesson? Here's some more you might dig: TOP 5 STEVE GADD DRUM BEATS OF ALL TIME: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-QZw-OFnQb2o.html 3 John Bonham Drum Beats Every Drummer Should Know: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-i4wThWyBHG0.html 3 John Bonham Drum Fills Every Drummer Should Know: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fuV9VUpulA0.html 3 John Bonham Intros Every Drummer Should Know: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ohZpiwKzFn8.html Top 5 Stewart Copeland Drum Beats Every Drummer Should Know: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Mwojr-12xK4.html Top 5 Stewart Copeland Drum Fills Every Drummer Should Know: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cLjGWN4sb-4.html Top 5 Steward Copeland HiHat Licks: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-dWXp92oion4.html 3 Neil Peart Drum Beats Every Drummer Should Know: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8J-PCLiEBYY.html 3 Amazing Neil Peart Drum Fills: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-JjHHnPY_XhI.html 7 Josh Dun Drum Beats Every Drummer Should Know: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-i9Z47_wkGxg.html 5 Travis Barker Drum Beats Every Drummer Should Know: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-azdYHqjrIlQ.html 5 Dave Grohl Drum Beats Every Drummer Should Know: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0lzqpgQYVXU.html 5 Dave Grohl Drum Fills Every Drummer Should Know: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-NWJDJR4FQE0.html
The Porcaros are easily one of the most talented musical families in history. Jeff and Mike provided a rock-solid rhythm section to Toto's music, while Steve provided a wide array of synths to layer upon their already massive sound (their father Joe also played percussion for Toto as a session member).
I have just re -read my collection of Jeff Pocaro interviews and tributes in Modern Drummer magazines. It seems to me that to play nice grooves like he did , first of all , you have to be a nice human being , and this he was and still is .
Jeff played on a plane so far above most drummers it was unreal. It is not until you really critically listen to his grooves and break them down that you really come to grasp his genius
This could have played anything, he was technical ona prodigy level, still he never showed up and put is talent too the song. And that why he is not mainstream. Its like Ringo Starr you have to be a drummer to really appreciate the talent behind their grooves
Any lesson about Porcaro and a drummer who can teach it and play it the right way has my attention... One of the best drummers ever! Thanks for the lesson!
My favorite drumming was Jeff on Boz Scaggs' "Georgia" off the Silk Degrees album. Every beat, every stick stroke, every cymbal hit is absolutely perfect. He was a drum God!!
Jeff Porcaro is the defining beat of my childhood and early adulthood. When I discovered how much of his work was represented in that time period I was blown away.
Jeff is I think one of the most disciplined drummers. He never plays too much and it is all spot on. Even live he is so tight, duisciplined and all the while relaxed and open. It is a breathtaking everytime.
I completely agree with you. Watching him is so pleasant, it literally makes me smile and cry just a little since he has been gone for so long now. He always looks like he is enjoying himself so much and it just really draws you into his performance and the song overall.
"Wrong Side Of The Tracks" - David Roberts "Original View" - Ryo Okumoto "Automatic" - Pages "Love Dance" - Bugatti & Musker "Nite Crawler" - Larry Carlton "Running Man" - Al Stewart "Lady Love Me One More Time" - George Benson "Lovin' And Losin' You" - Dwayne Ford "Carribean Sunsets" - Fee Waybill "Himlen Är Oskyldigt Blå" - Ted Gärdestad "Isn't She Lovely" - Lee Ritenour "Dirty Laundry" - Don Henley "Look Who's Lonely Now" - Bill LaBounty "Gimme The Goods" - Boz Scaggs "Yumedono" - Kenji Omura "Hunger Pains" - Eye To Eye "I Want You" - Brothers Johnson "Assault And Battery" - Les Dudek "Cherish" - Madonna "Stay The Night" - Chicago "Torture" - Jacksons "Pieces Of Ice" - Diana Ross "Mornin'" - Al Jarreau "Crazy" - Valerie Carter "You Should Hear How She Talks About You" - Melissa Manchester "What Good Is Love" - Bill Champlin "You Night Need Somebody" Randy Crawford "What A Fool Believes" - Aretha Franklin "Running With The Night" - Lionel Richie "Princess" - Elton John "Green Flower Street" - Donald Fagen Needless to say, "Jake To The Bone" with Toto. Everything he did with Toto and Boz and Steely is pure gold.
' Nighttime in the switching yard ' was the first time I heard Jeff Pocaro play drums & I still love it. his technique and feel is compelling. Even when I play it at half speed his kick drum is phenominal.
The whole "On every street" -album is a study in how a dummer can assist in making an album great. The accents, the subleties, the feel, the groove, the pocket.....
Jeff Porcaro . Is a great drummer and in my opinion he’s very underrated. So I’m glad you are bringing some of his material to us. This is good stuff. And I’m looking forward to practicing and learning these grooves. As always thanks Stephen
I don't think he's underrated, he's all over the net. Ringo is underrated by musicians and overrated by Beatles fans. My opinion is that he slotted into that band perfectly.
Jeff Porcaro was one of the drummers that my drum teacher gave me lessons to. I have my transcription notes from Rosanna...everyone can take something from his time and feel especially.
Same here. I was a kid at the time who hadn't taken up music yet, but that groove caught my ear. I eventually learned bass and drums. This one is one of his best.
Love this segment Stephen 👍Jeff Porcaro is by far one of my all time favorite drummers. His studio work with different artist is impeccable. One of my favorite songs that Jeff played on is the song Gaucho from the Steely Dan album by the same title. His timing and openness just makes this song special.
This is excellent! My dad introduced me to Porcaro’s groove years ago and I’ve always marveled at how easy and tight he made his work sound. My dad tried to teach me Rosanna and always laughed at how it stumped a lot of the 80s hair metal guys (he was one of them)! Lido Shuffle is easily my favorite drum beat of all time so thanks for that! 👏🏻 Now, how about a video on some Nicko McBrain!!! Please! Haha
One of the best live drummers when he was with us, and he didn't do drum solo's just great drum fills. And it's simple but i love the fills in the song waiting for your love.
Outstanding job Stephen! Thank you so much for posting this video. Jeff was my favorite drummer and the reason I picked up a pair of sticks to begin with. When he passed, we all felt his loss not just from Toto but the music community in general. You guys picked 5 great patterns - I loved them all.
Difficult to choose. Right now I would say ”New York minute” by Don Henley, ”Mama” with Toto and ”Mother” by Pink Floyd. And always Dire Straits track ”Calling Elvis”
Stephen, I absolutely love that metal snare drum sound you have there. There's nothing like a good metal snare drum ring. And they sound awesome wide open without any deadening! Yes.
I feel just the opposite. A snare should sound like a snare, not an over tightened tom. I love the sound of a 70s Ludwig Supraphonic snare (Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, etc...) Don't like the ring. At all.
I like how quickly this drum tutor breaks down the groove drum placements. the count, where the respective drum voicing fall within that count etc. Also, notice in his break down of the first shuffle groove. He plays a detail that porcaro also played. Porcaro would accent the right hand hi hat shuffle on the strong beats and even more so with the left hand back beat when struck together. A detail in Jeff's playing that made his grooves have a human touch rather than a mechanical consistency, this detail not missed by this drummer here in his own performing of the parts broken down here. Great job and educational for me personally! Drum sound post production wise not like porcaro s though but don't let that distract from the performance, demonstration and valuable tecahing oresented here. Only mention that as my only caveat as a jealous drummer haha, but earnest student more so. Learned alot from this, got homework now
Great selection of Porcaro's beats... He sure had a ton of them back in his day, and to only only choose five is quite the task. I too loved Porcaro's pocket on Africa... To have the stamina and surgical-like proficiency of his craft... Unbelievable!
Some drummers said the first time they heard this song(Lido Shuffle),they thought the snare drum was an echoplex effect..Mike Baird and others said they had no idea it was his ghost strokes..
I have been into Toto and Boz since 1978. I have enjoyed Jeff's shuffles and his choice to let the cymbals ring over the bar line...... Good for you, These Chains, Wings of Time.......just a few of my favs..... My holy drum trinity---- Porcaro, Bonham and Purdie.
I find myself returning to this video quite a bit. Back again, as it is a couple days after Jeff's birthday and I've been on a bit of a Porcaro bender. Great choices for the Top Five. You play and break down these grooves so beautifully. As one who got to know JP a bit later in his life, I'm pretty sure he would've loved this - and that he really would've dug what you're doing in general.
Thank you so much for this. When I was first learning to play bass in the mid 80's I focused a lot on Toto songs. Africa was one of the first songs I could kind of play. OK, My version was crude! But it was something. I already loved the musicianship of the band, but as I grew into being a better bass player, I really bonded to what Porcaro did. Who knows... If my little brother hadn't already latched onto drums and was obviously going to be great, maybe I would have done that instead. I DO have an electric kit now and am trying to learn... MAN THIS SKILL IS HARD!!!! I appreciate you guys even more, if that's even possible. :-)
Jeff was truly an amazing drummer with a " feel"for the groove you cant learn or buy. He was taken well before his time. Check out "Jake to the Bone" live at the Montreax Jazz festival in 1991, its on You Tube. Just amazing.
Excellent video. Jeff was such an amazing player, no wonder he was chosen to play with so many great artists. His playing and drumming persona a surely missed.
Check out the album "Anonymous Confessions of a lunatic friend" by Bryan Duncan...not only do you get Porcaro on drums, but also the phenomenal Nathan East on bass! Great sessions!
I never understood how good of a drummer you are till I watched you high, your sound is perfect. And especially on your 20 fun songs to play your hits are perfect 🔥it got me so into it
One of the all time greats, and he achieved it purely on grooves and not doing solos when when we think about it. Long list for all the tastes including: Calling Elvis - Dire Straits, Hanky Panky- Madonna, Good for you-Toto, The girl is mine -Michael Jackson and so forth. Happy drumming everyone.
I would like to hear your thoughts on "Somewhere tonight" on the album fahrenheit! Its an awesom collab between Castro and porcaro, and the groove is amazing!
Stephen, thank you so much for sharing the breakdown of these numbers. Sadly I don't read sheet music so It's a pleasure to get the actual details....... Thank you .........Dave from Pittsburgh..
Great tune! I only have a handful of songs 'living' on my iPhone (taking up memory) for those times when i can't get free wifi (e.g., air travel) and Pamela is one of them
Always pro, funny, & educational. The best part of presenting songs & grooves like this is for people checking you out. They may never have heard these examples & you bring them to our attention to expand our repertoire! Kudos & thanks again Stephen! Later. JF
That LIdo Shuffle is great! It's subtle but adds so much to the track! I just came across a video of a Boz Scaggs concert. His drummer didn't even attempt the shuffle!!!!! C'Mon Man!!!!
"I Keep Forgettin" "Rosanna" and "Hold the Line" are some of my personal faves of Porcaro's, he makes them pulse along with those ghost note - and dont forget he is th eking of dynamics within a bar.
These Chains...Good Bye Girl...Endless...you're right there are too many! Anything off Kingdom of Desire...the fills off Boz Scaggs (forgot the song but all Jeff fans know...insane fills)
Have a listen to an album by an Irish artist Paul Brady... the album is called ‘trick or treat’ and it is all Jeff ... think many of the tracks also feature world class bassist Freddie Washington who is an absolute groove master. The album is a wonderful ‘drum’ album and for me perfectly showcase Jeff’s wonderful ear and musicality ... ALWAYS serving the song so well and always giving it what it needs and picking his moments wonderfully... this for me, not only his playing, but his instinct and feel to know exactly what the song needs made him so special... a wonderful talent and just a tragedy he was lost to us all so young. A legend
You all gotta check out Jeff's playing on Ivan Neville's Not Just Another Girl. Again famous super cut-time feel at beginning, continuously ramping to ferocious (hard playing a la Hold The Line) to the end. Drums sound is heavy, too. Peace + hapi vets' day
Girl Goodbye. Check out the 25th anniversary live version with Kimball. Although Jeff`s groove is the original.... Simon Phillips plays jaw droppingly well too.
How on earth you and your editor managed to pick any beats from Jeff is unreal! Some I would of gone with are Girl Goodbye, Waiting for Your Love, Without Your Love, Somewhere Tonight, These Chains, Out of Love and Jake to the Bone
On Les Dudek's debut album there is a song called It Can Do that has some major league groove. The whole album has some terrific playing. And Les is an unsung player!
Thank you so much, Stephen :D As soon as this video lesson was over, I headed straight to the gums and practiced Groove # 4 while singing the backup vocal part. Love it ! :D
If you listen closely on lido shuffle he does a lot of subtle little shifts, the bass drum pattern changes verse 1 and chorus 1 the way he drops it is some Jedi master stuff
Stuff like this really makes me wish that Toto was mixed more like Dream Theater or Dave Matthews, where you have excellent drumming that's mixed to stand out instead of being far in the background.
Thanks for a great video!! Jeff could unleash the beast within also. Check out the last 30 seconds of Boz Scaggs - Gimme the Goods - whoa, talk about fast hands!! Jeff plays on all of Larry Carlton's first album, Room 335 - lots of great grooves there. I never got to see him play live, but I did meet in once in LA at the PAS Convention - a super nice guy!! RIP
Stephen Taylor, your sound and drumming is amazing! In the jungle of great Jeff-grooves, my fav is Toto's "Last night" from the album "XX" Would love to see/hear you break it down.
Stephen, you're not playing the Mushanga groove correctly. In the Rosanna video you cited there's also a section on the Mushanga groove, check it out. Especially your missing left hand double HiHat stroke at the end of the bar makes a great difference.
Rÿtcho Bÿtcho we transcribed what was on the album, near as could be heard. Two of us listened through it and agreed. We also agreed he demonstrates it differently on that video you reference. This is a very common thing...to see a studio drummer demonstrate a groove differently than they actually played it in the studio. Maybe they changed it to play live, maybe they haven’t played it since they cut it...any number of reasons. I’ve seen Ndugu Chancellor do this, Steve Gadd, etc. So yes, I agree with you, I demonstrate it differently than he does. But it’s because that’s what can be heard on the recording. Hope that makes sense. We have A LOT of discussions about this stuff before we approach dissecting a legend like Jeff. Great discussion
@@StephenTaylorDrums Hi Stephen, thanks for answering! And thanks for all the great stuff you do and put online! I don't mean to be a pain, and I agree that it's hard to hear. I've also found a video of Simon playing it quite like the way you described it, without the double stroke. So that's certainly a legit version. I'm sure though Jeff did the double stroke, if you listen closely you can hear it pop through the mix now and then in the original recording... it's just so quiet that most of them go unnoticed but they add to the feel. Here's another guy playing it like Jeff demonstrated in his video and I think that sounds VERY much like the original. The big quarter note / half note (depending on how you count) "Swish" sounds that you play on the HiHat are overdubs in the original recording I'd say, that's why the actual drum groove can skip those: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-dK_POKJRPsA.html. And here's two live versions where you can clearly hear the double strokes plus more (the left hand stays on the HiHat a few strokes more): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Kj3NPbQ0fCo.html. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-udbUAoox_qc.html. Cheers!
Stephen Taylor Agree 100%, this is exactly the same scenario that crops up with Rosanna. People tend to call out any drummer who covers the track and doesn’t consistently drop in the ghost note following every single snare hit, because that happened to be the way Jeff played it for a couple of bars during a demonstration. However if you listen to the drum only version of the original and also when Jeff plays it live at the Monterey’s jazz festival his ghost notes are all over the place (in the best possible way), he plays with the grove and sometimes they are present and other times they aren’t, gives it so much more character and depth. I think the same applies to the album recording of Mushanga, if you listen closely I think you can occasionally hear the dotted hihat 16th note is there and other times it isn’t. Apparently Jeff recorded the majority of his drum parts live in one take and I reckon these little quirks are just another factor in his legendary technique. Great lessons by the way 👍
