Steve Jordan: The Groove is Here

I just picked up the latest issue of Drum! and was very excited to see Steve Jordan on the cover.  Steve is one of my favorite drummers because of the way he approaches playing the drums.  He is one of the most musical drummers out there and always plays what’s best for the song.  Since watching him play and listening to some of his insight, I have picked up a lot of valuable knowledge on playing the drums and being a musician in general. 

For a long time I was far too interested in being able to play the fastest or being able to play the craziest fills.  I thought that’s what being a great drummer was.  Although they were in the back of my mind, I never really thought of the groove or being a great time keeper.  That sounds funny as that those things are the most important aspects of drumming.  It’s all about the feel and playing in the pocket (which is very self gratifying but not in that kind of way.)  Steve taught me that simplicity is not stupidity and that the groove is what drumming is all about.  Here is a clip from his dvd The Groove is Here.  This instructional video is my favorite of the dozens in my library as it teaches drumming as an art rather than a technical motor skill.  This is a dvd in which all musicians and not just drummers can take valuable information from.