The Function of a Studio Musician, and the Father of Session Drumming
Before I discuss the function of a studio/session musician, I must give a brief description of the profession. Before I moved to LA to be a professional musician, I had no idea what a “studio drummer” actually did, I just knew I wanted to be one someday. Having done some session work now, I have an understanding of what the purpose of a studio musician is. A studio musician is an individual who plays a given instrument (or multiple instruments) typically very well, and gets called to record on lots of different projects. Someone who does sessions for a living can get called to record on just about anything, including various artists records, television commercials, and movie soundtracks. In fact, most of the major commercial artists that are getting massive radio play, and touring on a major level, have session players on their records. A big misconception among people is the idea that major artists have original band members that they write, record, and tour with. This is not to say that this doesn’t still happen, (however rarely) but The reality is that the artists producer(s) will hire session musicians to record on the record, and then a completely different person (usually the musical director aka “MD”) will put together a touring band for the artist.
The one thing that I was always confused about in terms of session work is how the session player knows or learns the material before the job. I came to find out that (at least with the work that I’v done) most of the time, you will not know the material before showing up to the studio. The usual scenario is me walking into the studio and setting up my gear, going into the control room and listening to the song once or twice, charting it if need be, and then immediately going and recording it. This obviously requires the ability to more or less learn a song in one or two “passes,” and then record it right after having not practiced it or worked out any parts before hand. Usually the producer will provide some guidance as to where he/she wants the song to go before and/or during recording. This sounds intimidating; however, it doesn’t always play out this way. I have also done session work where I received the tracks or charts in advance, and had time to prepare parts, work with a band, practice the grooves etc…
This all brings me to one of my favorite drummers ever, (there are a few of those haha) Steve Gadd. He is basically the father of modern session drumming, and is flat out one of the greatest drummers (if not the greatest) of all time. His pocket is infinitely deep, and his feel and sound behind the kit will be forever renowned. His resume is a mile long and includes names like Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Steely Dan, Eric Clapton, and tons of others. Below I have posted a few videos of Steve Gadd playing a some different styles, and some of his own famous grooves. Enjoy!
Famous Groove From Paul Simon’s 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
One of Steve’s Innovative Paradiddle Grooves
Steve Playing Swing
Famous Crazy Army Drum Solo
