Today was a milestone for me. I’ve been such a huge fan of this man for years and I hope I hide my nervousness well enough in this conversation. This week’s guest is James Gadson…one of the funkiest drummers out there. He gave life to the 16th note groove and used it on countless records with Bill Withers, The Jackson Five, Beck, Cheryl Lynn, Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band and many more. For a time, it was rare to go a whole day without hearing James’ drumming on the radio, and probably still true to this day on some stations. We discuss the top records on which he played that best represent his career in the studio. I had a blast talking with James and he is a gentleman through and through. If you’re a drummer, his DVD ‘Funk / R&B Drumming’ is a must watch. Honestly…must OWN. It will get you paid. I guarantee it.
Elevator Music by Beck off the album The Information – 2006
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=theer88rQ5g
Let A Woman Be A Woman - Let A Man Be A Man by Dyke & The Blazers - 1969
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_moB85G7xI
Express Yourself by Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band off the album Express Yourself - 1970
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW4VZ5J0fNQ
Use Me by Bill Withers off the album Still Bill - 1972
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuYDKzky4z0
Kissing My Love (Live) by Bill Withers - 1972
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqCNIhJzc2c
Dancing Machine by The Jackson 5 off the album Dancing Machine - 1974
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_tiKaNzx-8
Got To Be Real by Cheryl Lynn off her self-titled record - 1978
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI569nw0YUQ
Reunited by Peaches & Herb off the album 2 Hot! - 1978
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu3OQFCsKXQ
Paper Tiger by Beck off the album Sea Change - 2002
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnkaIEfealU
This episode is also sponsored by Waves Audio. This podcast would take me soooo much longer to edit if it wasn't for the Waves Vocal Rider plugin. It "rides" the fader in real-time and keeps both my and my guest's audio at a consistent level without the need to overcompress. I also use an endless of amount of their plugins for my musical recordings such as Abbey Road Saturator, CLA Drums, the SSL Channel, and many more. We are an affiliate member of Waves and if you purchase any Waves plugin via the link below, you directly support the show and me. I love you.
To view the entire Waves Catalog:
Podcast Artwork by Trevin Frame