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Prepared under Gadd’s supervision, the new edition combines the complete content of the original instructional videos with an expanded book that explores his influential approach to drumming. The original Up Close marked the first authorized book dedicated to Gadd’s playing and remains a landmark publication. This updated version includes detailed transcriptions of the performances featured in the videos, offering an in-depth look at the techniques that shaped generations of drummers.
The Up Close section focuses on three core areas of Gadd’s playing. The first explores drum corps techniques and rudiments, including a rudimental solo and demonstrations of how traditional rudiments can be applied to the drum set. The second section looks at jazz and R&B concepts, highlighted by a shuffle groove and a five-page transcription of a solo performance. The final section examines time and studio playing, showing how to build a track in the recording studio—including fills, chart reading, samba and Latin grooves, and note-for-note transcriptions of Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover and Late in the Evening, both by Paul Simon.
Steve Gadd: Up Close & In Session
The In Session portion places Gadd in a recording studio environment, performing with two different rhythm sections across a variety of musical styles. In the first lineup, he is joined by Richard Tee on piano and Will Lee on bass. The second session features Eddie Gomez on upright bass and Jorge Dalto on piano. Across these sessions, Gadd demonstrates his approach to R&B, reggae, shuffles, funk, samba, bebop, and Latin grooves, revealing how he crafts parts that serve the music. Each performance is documented with newly created, note-for-note transcriptions by drummer and educator Terry Branam.
The book also includes matching video and audio files that correspond directly with the written transcriptions, allowing readers to see and hear the material exactly as it is played. As an added bonus, the release features a transcription and video of Gadd’s memorable performance at Zildjian Day 1984.
The original full-length Up Close and In Session videos remain available separately through Hudson Music.
The book is available in print or digital format and runs to 112 pages, complete with accompanying audio and video materials.
Up Close & In Session
Available on Hudson Music as:
More Steve Gadd on Hudson Music
Up Close (Raw Camera Masters)
Featuring the raw, unedited camera masters from the classic DCI Video Steve Gadd: Up Close!
Up Close
Up Close features incredible music and dialogue by Steve Gadd with Will Lee, Eddie Gomez, the late Richard Tee, and Jorge Dalto. This classic presentation will give you a behind-the-scenes look at masters at work as they arrange tunes, work on grooves, and play funk, Latin, reggae, shuffles, and ballads. Also includes performance of Steve Gadd with Various Musical Legends.
In Session (Raw Camera Masters)
Raw Camera Masters from the classic Steve Gadd: In Session video.
Includes Bonus Performances of Steve Gadd with Various Musical Legends
In Session
On In Session, Steve discusses his influences, plays some incredible solos, shows how he applies rudiments to the drumset, demonstrates his bass drum technique, and more. Includes Bonus Performances of Steve Gadd with Various Musical Legends
