Session Greats...

I bought Megadeth's 'The System has Failed' when it first came out back in 2004. I was astounded when I read a few weeks later that the drummer on the album was Vinnie Colaiuta. It's a hard and fast album and Vinnie isn't known for his metal drumming, but my word, what an incredible job he did! Check it out!

Session drummers are the most versatile players around, the guys that are called into the studio to make an artists music that much better and I personally have 5 favourite Session Greats that I'd like to share with you here. They are Steve Gadd, Vinnie Colaiuta, Bernard Purdie, Steve Jordan and Josh Freese.

Steve Gadd
You can tell instantly that Steve Gadd is playing on a track. But he isn't bombastic, shouting 'Hey! Check me out', he's an immensely subtle drummer, playing only what's needed but with real taste. He is the master of playing paradiddle grooves and has worked with some of the worlds finest musicians. His discography is on Wikipedia - Wiki/Steve Gadd

Vinnie Colaiuta
Vinnie Colaiuta is the chameleon of the drumming world. He truly can play absolutely anything! The range of different musicians he has played for is awe-inspiring! He has worked extensively with Frank Zappa and Sting but has also contributed to the success of many other artists. His discography is on his official site at - Vinnie's Discography. Check out the video's below. Can you believe the same drummer played on those two tracks?!

Bernard Purdie
If there was a drummer I would love to hang out with it would be Bernard 'Pretty' Purdie. He seems like such an amazing guy! And what a drummer... He has worked with all the stars of Funk and is considered the world's most recorded drummer. His 1/16th Note Shuffle is the stuff of legends!

Steve Jordan
Steve Jordan in my eyes is the King of Groove! His playing is truly immaculate. He always thinks what is needed for a track, the ideal session player! He has played with many artists including Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens and John Scofield. He was also the in house drummer for the 'Late Night with David Letterman' show. Check out his DVD 'The Groove is Here' to really see how good he is!

Josh Freese
Josh is the kind of drummer you call upon to play hard and heavy! He has worked with NIN, Guns N' Roses, Ween, Sting, Rob Zombie, Lostprophets and is the full time drummer for A Perfect Circle. He is always in-demand and on a lot of your favourite records! His discography is - Freese's Discography.