On Sunday, November 24 Drummers Collective celebrated its 25th Anniversary with an incredible evening of music in NYC. The Collective has been a haven for musicians from all over the world, since 1977.
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Steve Gadd and the Gadd Gang, closed out the day, with their first performance in ten years. Steve started off his set solo, with a brilliant rendition of “Bye Bye Blackbird” and then did the rudimental solo, based on “Crazy Army”, that has become a trademark. The Gadd Gang, featuring Cornell Dupree on guitar, Eddie Gomez on bass, Ronnie Cuber on baritone sax, and Larry Goldings on Hammond B3, capped everything off with a set of soulful, R&B.
Dave Weckl, and The Dave Weckl Band, featuring Tom Kennedy on bass, Steve Weingart on keyboards, and Gary Meek on sax, performed a burning set that culminated with a drum solo that brought the house down, showing all of the swing and explosiveness that has led to Dave being recognized as one of the top drummers of his generation.
Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez and John Patitucci, along with Cuban keyboard player, Oriente Lopez, followed, and played a set that showcased the amazing rhythmic artistry of El Negro and the beautifully expressive bass playing of John Patitucci.
Victor Wooten then mesmerized the entire audience playing solo, demonstrating the staggering level of musicality and virtuosity that he has become known for. Vic then introduced Felix Pastorius, son of the late, great Jaco Pastorius, who performed a beautiful solo in memory of his father.
Steve Smith then took the stage and offered a brilliant, solo performance that encompassed everything from an incredible piece on just a hi-hat, to a beautiful brushes solo and a tour de force on his “jungle kit”. Steve was then joined by Victor, and the two of them played an amazing piece of largely, improvised music together.
Kenwood Dennard, who was part of the school in the early years, started things off playing drums and keyboards simultaneously, followed by outstanding performances by three different Collective Faculty Ensembles, featuring Michael Lauren, Kim Plainfield, Leo Traversa, Memo Acevedo, Bob Quaranta, Irio O’Farrill, Fernando Hernandez, Cliff Korman, Tim Ouimette and Louis Bauzo.
Special DVD Features: Disc Two, offers an array of special features, including, 5.1 Surround Sound mixes (one per The Dave Weckl Band, Horacio Hernandez and John Patitucci, Victor Wooten and Steve Smith, and The Gadd Gang), Steve and Victor’s rehearsal, Artist Interviews, Alternate Edits with FootCam, More about the Collective, The Gadd Gang Soundcheck, a Photo Gallery and more.
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artists Drummers Collective 25th Anniversary Celebration & Bass Day 2002
