Search - Steve Jordan - The Groove is Here (DVD) on DVD

Jordan -- Master of the Pocket Groove

E. Sutherland | Chicago, IL United States | 03/03/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Steve Jordan has been a force in the world of session drumming and producing going back to the 70's, and his vast knowledge really comes through on this DVD. However, individuals should be warned that this DVD favors more of a PHILOSOPHICAL approach to drummers and drumming rather than a highly TECHNICAL approach. The DVD is replete with interviews and jam sessions featuring a fairly wide variety of musicians, including Keith Richards, Bernie Worrell (Parliament), and Levon Helm (The Band). They address such topics as the drummer's place in the band--especially their place in the rhythm section; the best way to play drums to compliment the song; and the best way to find a pocket groove and stay there.

Steve does give a lot of examples of some of the beats he's played over the years, but he doesn't really break them down piece by piece form a technical standpoint. He basically just says, "Here's what I did for Cheryl Crow" and plays it. And while this practice does prove to be insightful at times, about half of the beats he chooses to illustrate are fairly simple ones, and you could really figure them out by just listening to the record without purchasing the DVD. (This is why this DVD gets 4 stars instead of 5, in my opinion.)


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Must have purchase for serious drummers/musicians

DAlexander | Seattle, WA USA | 05/17/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Steve Jordan has been a staple in popular, funk and jazz music for over 40 years and his list of credits is a whose who in music (Keith Richards, Donald Fagan, James Taylor, Eric Clapton, David Letterman's Band, SNL, Don Henley, etc). Why? Because he is musician first and drummer second. This is not to suggest that he lacks skills-the man has serious chops. However, he focuses on playing for the song and making the song groove versus constantly trying to prove how good he is. This is what this DVD is all about. You will not see Steve play 10 minutes solos, showcasing his ability to play odd time signatures and polyrhythms. What you find is a serious musician demonstrating how to lay down musical tracks in the pocket. By the way, he lays down many of the guitar and bass tracks himself (impressive). This is a lesson on vibe and groove, not a technical showcase. Steve works steady for a reason, purchase this DVD and you will learn why. Enjoy!"

A breath of fresh air

M. Germano | San Francisco, CA USA | 04/05/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are a song drummer, this is the DVD for you. Just good groove playing. Plus, some great quotes that put the drummers role into perspective. He doesn't spend time on analysis and never overplays. Just nice, tasty playing, and that to me, is more inspiring than a bunch of solo's."