Nah! Hes a punk!!! How can he say he was the Steve Gadd of gospel drumming when Dana Davis and Kevin Brunson were out there inspiring younger gospel drummers LONG before Gerald came to fame! I was learning their licks long before Geralds!
Dana Davis back in the 80's and early 90's was what Calvin Rodgers is today, playing on everyone's records! The only reason he was able to go right from Church to the road was because Aaron Hall used to sing on Hezekiah Walker back in the day who became part of GUY who had Teddy Riley heading it up.
I think that if more Gospel Drummers back then were educated that we could be out there making money sooner there would be a lot more Geralds out there, but we were all taught that it was bad to go out in the world and use our talents to make a living,
Nah! Hes a punk!!! How can he say he was the Steve Gadd of gospel drumming when Dana Davis and Kevin Brunson were out there inspiring younger gospel drummers LONG before Gerald came to fame! I was learning their licks long before Geralds!
:o :o WOW I've got to add my 2 cents when I come back from Rehearsal.
Nah! Hes a punk!!! How can he say he was the Steve Gadd of gospel drumming when Dana Davis and Kevin Brunson were out there inspiring younger gospel drummers LONG before Gerald came to fame! I was learning their licks long before Geralds!
Dana Davis back in the 80's and early 90's was what Calvin Rodgers is today, playing on everyone's records! The only reason he was able to go right from Church to the road was because Aaron Hall used to sing on Hezekiah Walker back in the day who became part of GUY who had Teddy Riley heading it up.
I think that if more Gospel Drummers back then were educated that we could be out there making money sooner there would be a lot more Geralds out there, but we were all taught that it was bad to go out in the world and use our talents to make a living,
great post!
the more i see gerald the more i realise he always comes back in on the one with a crash cymbal but then adds another crash on the 'a' of the 1st beat...
i guess even the greats get into certain phases or habits!
There is Nothing New Under the SUN"[/b]
Okay Gerald was coming from LEFT field stating that he felt he was the STEVE GADD of Church Drummers, There has always been Drummers going from Church to the Clubs starting with the Jazz and Blues drummers way back, So the Transition from Church to Stage is Ancient history Bizzness,Now more than ever guys and doing both secular and Gospel Studio and Live performances
Now what he said about having BIG EARS and the NBA and Streetballers comparison needed to be thought about, Furthermore as far as him being a major influence,I don't agree, a influence yes,a Major one No,What we get is the Trickle down Syndrome, Our Gospel
favorites study and Copy grooves and licks from Dennis Chambers,Steve Gadd,Weckl,Vinnie etc.....etc.....and place them in a Gospel content and we cop it from them,And usually once its has been put into a Gospel content it becomes MORE FIERCE in its application.Jus' my Opinion.Like it or Not."There is Nothing New Under the SUN"
alright i do agree with you on how he was kinda saying he came up with the foot tom thingy and how he said he was the steve gadd of the church but we DO gotta admit that dude aint lost it he STILL bad lol i can listen to gerald and eddie not all day but i would wish i could sit in with them u can learn alot from them.... BUT he seemed pretty coo but he seemed alittle arrogant as well.... but i cant say that cuz he is getting all these gigs so he must be coo i aint never met him yet.. but i was kinda offended by that part cuz NONE of them foos was touchin ma boy reppin the westcoast JOEL SMITH CHANGED the game hands down
ooooh alright cuz i met eddie and hes REAL REAL REAL coo person so i would think gerald was coo like that too i aint gonna say nothin tho till i meet him cuz people said spanky was arrogant then i met him he jus seems shy lol
Gerald is one of the nicest guys i've ever met. He's all about the drums. He is still growing as a player and still trying to push his playing. I hope I have the same passion when Im his age.
Hey Guys, it's Calvin. I wanted to reply to this topic because I wanted to make sure we don't get the wrong impression, with what G was trying to say. Gerald is like a brother to me. He's known me since I was a teenager. I've admired his work looooong before I ever met him. If we're all honest, we'd have to admit that those of us who were actually playing when "Alright Now and Oh Lord We Praise You"(I'm saying this because I'm starting to realize that to some....I'm becoming an old man. Even tho I'm only 26)came out, we immediately went straight to the the set! When I heard those songs as a kid, I didn't know anything about Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl or anyone else. I was straight up church! I knew Dana Davis, Bill Maxwell, and Joel Smith. Joel was(is) my favorite. But none of those guys were playing like that!!! It was a sound I'd never heard before. It sparked creativity and made me work harder on my foot. Now, when you hear drummers like Weckl, Vinnie, man....anybody, talk about the first time they heard Steely Dan's "Aja", they say the same thing. I think this is what Gerald was trying to say. People credit him with revolutionizing gospel drumming. And in my eyes, he did! When I heard those songs, it changed my whole approach. I can honestly say that I'm sure I wouldn't be the drummer I am, without the the influence of Gerald Heyward. And that's what Steve Gadd did. Some people credit Tony Williams for revolutionizing drums. In our world, you'll hear the names Kevin Brunson and Ray Bady or Dana Davis, Mike Williams or Joe Bruce, if you're from the Midwest. East coast, Gerald Heyward and Jeff Davis. West coast...Joel Smith or Mike Noble. And that's not even including the guys that played locally or at our churches! Whichever way we see it, let's embrace our brother who is one of our own. I happen to know that G is a happily married man, who promotes fidelity. He's an active member at his church. And he does sooooo much to help gospel drummers get the recognition that we rightly deserve.
Holla~
C. Rodgers
It's all for the love ya....
I agree with you with most of what you're saying BUT guys like Dana Davis, Bill Maxwell and others were the real ones who changed the face of gospel drumming long before Gerald was on the scene! Try to find stuff from the 70's and listen to the drummers.....Brushes, bearly there, terrible timing, on and on! But when Bill, Dana, Kevin came on the scene things changed! I started playing back in 84 and Im not that much older then you and I can tell you, I was trying to be those guys long before Gerald! Yes Gerald took it to another level but to say Steve Gadd heck no! Gerald just fell in the line of progression, just like you and me...Let me explain;BBD...I gotta disagree! First of all, I'll say again that before those two Hezekiah Walker albums came out, no one in gospel was playing like that. Yes Dana and Bill were two drummers who changed the game up, I'll agree with you there. But in my opinion, Gerald took it to another level. And I still say that we are misunderstanding exactly what Gerald was trying to say. I don't think he was comparing himself, in greatness, to Steve Gadd. He was kinda making an analogy. You said that "Gerald just fell in the line of progression". But in order to be in that line, you gotta have something to say musically. In essence, it seems to me that you're saying that he was only recognized because of a time frame. I don't know much about gospel drumming before Bill Maxwell and Joel Smith. But I do know that they had to be inspired as well!! Someone or something was played and caused these two, and others, to think outside the norm for that time.
Gospel drumming sucked.....then came Bill Maxwell (Bill was a beast for his time!) and Joel Smith.......Progression.......Dana Davis, Kevin Brunson, Mike Knuble....Progression.....Gerald (Others were playing like him but he just had the most exposure!).....Progression.....Big Mike Clemons.....Progression.......Guys like You.........Progression.......Aaron Spears.......Now all the young kids try to play like Aaron and are copying his style.....Progression.....Future till Jesus comes!..... You are being called old now because everyone has learned your licks and Aaron Spears is the new thing, just like me and you with Gerald heyward licks! Gadd is Gadd and even Gerald is a product of Gadd!!!! Gerald the Steve Gadd of gospel drumming heck no! Its almost like he blasphemed !!!!!
Agreed fully! I was kind of ticked of at the interview...Why is he self proclaiming hes the Steve Gadd of Gospel drumming! Steve single handedly started a new revolution in drumming across the world that everybody had to have him! Gerald didnt! It was the working of people like Dana Davis, Jeff Davis, Kevin Brunson and Gerald who raised the bar and raised Gospel drumming to where it is! As for the sound in R&B Stokely was killing it on Mint Condition long before Gerald was big in the R&B world and listen to the stuff he was doing its not Geraldesk at all! Gerald was a big influence but he was no Steve Gadd and I was offended he said that! (He just sounded more pro then most of us at the time and we saw how to use the kick and toms to sound like we have a machine gun foot!) He disrespected so many other gospel drumming greats by his statement!!! But that was classic Gerald! Also again if you ever had the chance to see J. Haynes back in the early 90's he was killin Gerald in every way!Stokely is my dude, and you are CORRECT!!!
BBD...I gotta disagree! First of all, I'll say again that before those two Hezekiah Walker albums came out, no one in gospel was playing like that. Yes Dana and Bill were two drummers who changed the game up, I'll agree with you there. But in my opinion, Gerald took it to another level. And I still say that we are misunderstanding exactly what Gerald was trying to say. I don't think he was comparing himself, in greatness, to Steve Gadd. He was kinda making an analogy. You said that "Gerald just fell in the line of progression". But in order to be in that line, you gotta have something to say musically. In essence, it seems to me that you're saying that he was only recognized because of a time frame. I don't know much about gospel drumming before Bill Maxwell and Joel Smith. But I do know that they had to be inspired as well!! Someone or something was played and caused these two, and others, to think outside the norm for that time.
As far what me being old, I kinda think it's because I've been on the scene since I was about 12 or 13. I have gone from a kid to an adult, right in front of the industry. It seems like a long time, and to an extent, it has been. But I started young. You said "me and you just fell in a line of progression"....that's kinda wack in my opinion. I don't know about you, but I don't want to be anywhere just because time permits me to. I wanna be there because I deserve to be. I'm a drummer, and have worked hard to be what whatever I am. I believe that hard work pays off. I don't want some to recognize me because I showed up at a certain time. If people want to say I set a standard, I want them to mean just that. Don't say I set a standard because I was around when others were setting them. That make any sense to you guys?
Stokely is my dude, and you are CORRECT!!!
Ya man everyone forgets he came out with the R&B drumming of today before anyone else! That was Stokley on most of the Mint Condition songs from back in the day!!! Gerald gave us fast licks but Stokley taught us how to play the stuff with groove, creativity and finesse (Musicality)!I'm playing all that old Mint Condition in my truck today! Stokely is the truth and did it way before Gerald, and tastefully too.
Caveat emptor: there isn't live drumming on every track of the Mint CDs. The ones that does feature live drums are nice.
cdrums116: I still have that "Halleujah" CD from back in the day (not that far, though). I remember when Oscar (Seaton) used to play for Soul Children and was the hotness back in the day, as well as the every third Sunday concert taht the Tommies used to put at the chuuch... Were you there when Teddy killed it at the Chicago Mass recording in '96 (at Kennedy-King)? Wow (enough said)... Enough of the rambling. I just wanted to go thorugh memory lane with ya... ;D
One time for the Midwest drummers!
Skinny dude, yeah... He's still on the scene! He was a major force in the voice of drumming back int he day in the Chi (amongst others).
Personally, LaDell Abrams revolutionized gospel drumming for me...I first saw him play with John P. Kee on the "Show Up" video and I have been hooked on his drumming ministry since...I have been exposed to just about all the greats in drummin, both in the church and secular but Ladell is still on top FOR ME!!...I think the deciding factor is PERSONAL PREFERENCE...errbody has their own influences, ideas, and opinions...Sooooooooooooooo....if Gerald revolutionized gospel drumming for you, then he did FOR YOU!!!....What happens is that some drummers are mainstreamed more than others resulting in major attributes...If the truth be told, any drummer you see whether it be Gerald, Calvin, Dennis, Vinnnie, Colaiuta, etc... can be matched with some cat that hasn't been discovered(and may not ever be discovered for various reason)...The word says that, "many are called, but few are chosen"...I know a lot of cats that would make a person quit the drums but their lifestyle is a MAJOR henderance to their god-given gift!!
Let me start of by saying man I do respect your drumming and what you have brought to Gospel drumming...As for you being 25 I dont know cause you told me you were that age two three years ago when I saw you with Fred Hammond in Toronto.. ;D Anyway I have to disagree with you! You're wrong! There were other drummers playing like Gerald before those two Hezekiah Walker albums came out, again they didnt have the exposer that Gerald had doing albums and touring with Hezekiah! Again like I said previously, One of the first times Gerald came to Toronto some light skin guy came with him who was doing all the same licks he was.....Who was that guy? Who knows!!!
I do admit he changed the way our generation looks at Gospel drumming WHY!? No one known was playing like him at the time......Progression! Progression does not mean you are a has been not at all but for real, you aint doing the things Aaron is doing so for today and this time in progression he set the new standard! Like us with Gerald all the kids now are trying to be Aaron, just watch You Tube and you'll see what I mean. I think your playing is getting better as you get older, you are becoming seasoned and I really enjoy listening to you play! When I said "me and you just fell in a line of progression"....I mean in the Gerald time frame, that's why we were more influenced by him then any other Gospel drummer (Trust me, I use to get up before school and watch the boot leg videos...Audio tape the bootlegs and play them in my Walkman on the way to school...Practice at lunch and after school to the boot legs.....Walk home listening to the boot legs....come home fight my brothers fore the TV to watch the boot legs or practice in my basement...so yo! No one was a bigger Gerald fan then me!)
Ill use you as an example! Until rain on us who really knew you!? You might have had some what of a name in Chicago (sp?) But world wide heck no! The solos and your licks in the time of progression (in Gospel) so like Gerald was to us you were to another generation....like Aaron is to this generation...Do you see what Im saying!? Sorry man, I aint scaird of Aaron but I know in a competition Id have to practice...and you too!
Gerald is amazing. I first saw him with Blackstreet on a show called "Later with Jools Holland" that we have here in the UK. Blackstreet totally blew away the other bands on the bill and most of that was down to his explosive drumming style. I was already using similar right foot orientated fills to him at the time and he definatly inspired me (and a lot of other drummers) to persue that style of playing.
My favourite thing about his playing.... the way he bounces up and down on the chair when hes really going for it lol! Never seen anyone do that before or since.
Yo man, when speaking in terms of opinions, there is no right or wrong. Maybe you're not reading my messages, in their entirety. So, I'll repeat what I said. As far as you saying that there were drummers playing the way Gerald was, but not getting the exposure...I totally agree. Everyone has an influence. Something had to be played to inspire Gadd, to play the way he did. The thing is, we don't know WHO it was. And it doesn't really matter that much. There are drummers all over the world who we copy and imitate, and none of our peers know these guys. But let's stick to the subject here. To this day, Gerald isn't on a lot of gospel projects. When Gerald played those albums, he had the same experience we've all had all our lives....CHURCH! But, his sound was so big, and commanding, and aggressive, and everything else. It was his time bro! He took all the things he liked from Jeff Davis, and Steve Gadd and whoever else, and came up with his own thing. And we he put it all together, it was sick! Everybody started playing Gerald Heyward licks. And if I'm wrong, prove it. Bring me and album B4 those Hezekiah albums. Because I know everywhere else I went, drummers were playing those licks! And to go a step further, Gerald did exactly for Gospel and black RnB live drumming, what Gadd did for fusion and jazz! There would be no room for players like myself, Tony Royster Jr., Aaron Spears, Rex Hardy, Spanky, Teddy Campbell, etc...if Gerald hadn't started that revolution man! Drumming in our community changed, when Gerald stepped out. I grew up in church bro....straight up church! I didn't know anything about Steve Gadd, Tony Williams, Billy Cobham, and a host of others. I was about 11 or 12 when I started learning about those guys. Now, am I the only one who grew up like that? Feel free LGM to answer back! We didn't have the tools that this generation has...at least not in the beginning.
I don't know what your definition of progression is, but in my book it means forward advancement of higher stages. So, I'm not sure how you relate progression with "has beens". You said I'm not doing the stuff Aaron Spears is doing...my response to that: You are correct. However, and I say this in a total manner of professionalism and with confidence as to who God has made me, Aaron isn't doing what I'm doing! Me and Aaron are two totally different individuals, two totally different musicians, who live in two different parts of the United States, and who have had two totally different musical journeys. So, there is no need to COMPARE or COMPETE as to who is doing what. Because for one, we have a huge respect for each other as men, and an even greater friendship. And for two, we have the respect of artist and our peers as two musicians who have our own language and sound, when we get behind the kit. When someone wants Aaron, they call him. And when someone wants Calvin, they call him. I can mock and imitate Aaron's sound, and from time to time, I do! But my sound aint Aaron's sound! That's his story and his language. And that's why he's working like he is! I never think of drumming as a competiton, because I can only play what's in my heart. And drums and music are in my heart. So, if I have to sit down with Aaron Spears, and I have before, I believe that some will enjoy what I have to say, just as much as they will enjoy what he does. I've known Aaron for years! And in my opinion, the WORLD was late! Because he has BEEN the monster that he is! And he gets better and better with time. In a couple years, there will be someone else. But because of the musician that Aaron is, he will always work!
Lastly, you made reference to how many people knew me before "Rain On Us". But I know a lot of people who've heard that song a million times, and never knew it was me. I know a lot of people who never heard the song, at all. That song didn't bring me to where I am. Not to be all deep or spiritual, but if I never recorded the song, I'd still be here today. Because this time is ordained...plain and simple! If Gerald never recorded those songs with Hez, he'd still be here today! Because his time is ordained! So Is Aaron's, and so on and so forth!
I've known Aaron for years! And in my opinion, the WORLD was late! Because he has BEEN the monster that he is!
Yo cloud9mission !!!!!!!Yeah same here, didnt know his name back then but thanks to the wonder of the internet, I tracked him down ;). Ya know you can get one of the songs they performed that night on the Jools Holland Hip Hop and Soul DVD. He also plays with Mary J Blige on the same DVD, good watch for Gerald Heyward fans!
i thought i was the only one that saw that show.
I still remember that show like yesterday. Gerald was all over that drum like a rash, with timing, technique and showmanship.
You should have seen that show to believe it. Remember Teddy was mad with that Vocoder. Then I did not know Gerald by name but after recognised him in all the shows
I saw him play as the the Blackstreet drummer.
T
Yo man, when speaking in terms of opinions, there is no right or wrong. Maybe you're not reading my messages, in their entirety. So, I'll repeat what I said. As far as you saying that there were drummers playing the way Gerald was, but not getting the exposure...I totally agree. Everyone has an influence. Something had to be played to inspire Gadd, to play the way he did. The thing is, we don't know WHO it was. And it doesn't really matter that much. There are drummers all over the world who we copy and imitate, and none of our peers know these guys. But let's stick to the subject here. To this day, Gerald isn't on a lot of gospel projects. When Gerald played those albums, he had the same experience we've all had all our lives....CHURCH! But, his sound was so big, and commanding, and aggressive, and everything else. It was his time bro! He took all the things he liked from Jeff Davis, and Steve Gadd and whoever else, and came up with his own thing. And we he put it all together, it was sick! Everybody started playing Gerald Heyward licks. And if I'm wrong, prove it. Bring me and album B4 those Hezekiah albums. Because I know everywhere else I went, drummers were playing those licks! And to go a step further, Gerald did exactly for Gospel and black RnB live drumming, what Gadd did for fusion and jazz! There would be no room for players like myself, Tony Royster Jr., Aaron Spears, Rex Hardy, Spanky, Teddy Campbell, etc...if Gerald hadn't started that revolution man! Drumming in our community changed, when Gerald stepped out. I grew up in church bro....straight up church! I didn't know anything about Steve Gadd, Tony Williams, Billy Cobham, and a host of others. I was about 11 or 12 when I started learning about those guys. Now, am I the only one who grew up like that? Feel free LGM to answer back! We didn't have the tools that this generation has...at least not in the beginning.
I don't know what your definition of progression is, but in my book it means forward advancement of higher stages. So, I'm not sure how you relate progression with "has beens". You said I'm not doing the stuff Aaron Spears is doing...my response to that: You are correct. However, and I say this in a total manner of professionalism and with confidence as to who God has made me, Aaron isn't doing what I'm doing! Me and Aaron are two totally different individuals, two totally different musicians, who live in two different parts of the United States, and who have had two totally different musical journeys. So, there is no need to COMPARE or COMPETE as to who is doing what. Because for one, we have a huge respect for each other as men, and an even greater friendship. And for two, we have the respect of artist and our peers as two musicians who have our own language and sound, when we get behind the kit. When someone wants Aaron, they call him. And when someone wants Calvin, they call him. I can mock and imitate Aaron's sound, and from time to time, I do! But my sound aint Aaron's sound! That's his story and his language. And that's why he's working like he is! I never think of drumming as a competiton, because I can only play what's in my heart. And drums and music are in my heart. So, if I have to sit down with Aaron Spears, and I have before, I believe that some will enjoy what I have to say, just as much as they will enjoy what he does. I've known Aaron for years! And in my opinion, the WORLD was late! Because he has BEEN the monster that he is! And he gets better and better with time. In a couple years, there will be someone else. But because of the musician that Aaron is, he will always work!
Lastly, you made reference to how many people knew me before "Rain On Us". But I know a lot of people who've heard that song a million times, and never knew it was me. I know a lot of people who never heard the song, at all. That song didn't bring me to where I am. Not to be all deep or spiritual, but if I never recorded the song, I'd still be here today. Because this time is ordained...plain and simple! If Gerald never recorded those songs with Hez, he'd still be here today! Because his time is ordained! So Is Aaron's, and so on and so forth!
To clarify what I MEAN...
Aaron Spears is a decent musician, you know? However, I don't hear the ability to authentically play a myriad of genre's. I don't see the incredible technique. My neck is in no danger of being snapped, when I'M listening to him. Not to say he doesn't groove, but I've not overly impressed.
In my opinion, he's a decent drummer with a great deal of energy. I think people are drawn to his energy, for the most part.
To clarify what I MEAN...
Aaron Spears is a decent musician, you know? However, I don't hear the ability to authentically play a myriad of genre's. I don't see the incredible technique. My neck is in no danger of being snapped, when I'M listening to him. Not to say he doesn't groove, but I've not overly impressed.
In my opinion, he's a decent drummer with a great deal of energy. I think people are drawn to his energy, for the most part.
Great point! However, in knowing Aaron as long as I have, I've had the opportunity to hear him wear a couple different hats. Aaron was on the American Idol tour. And it was a totally different sound. However, I know and like a lot of drummers that only have one sound. I am always able to learn something, from someone. The first time I heard Neil Peart, he was playing with a big band. And I was like "what is the big deal?". I really didn't get it. But then a buddy of mines showed me a Rush DVD. And man, in the element, Neil is incredible. But that's just how I am. I understand your point tho.
Ah now thats a drummer! Neil Peart! For as long as Ive been on here Ive been trying to get these guys to listen to other drummers like Neil, Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Phil Collins.THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! dude, I saw neil peart on some show on VH1 classic................................ .......wow and Mike protnoy has been my man since I first heard dream theater. Them boys is bad
...I'm curious; What drummers have your attention? Oh yeah, welcome to LGM. ;)
Whats up Calvin hope all is well, ok now to start: Tony Williams changed the face of fusion and jazz...You talk to Gadd and he himself will tell you that! Chick Corea told Gadd back in the day to go and start listening to Tony Williams...That's what changed Gadd into what he is today...History lesson over..You just proved my point BBD!!!!! Thank you sir...LOL! You said Gadd credited Tony Williams with changing his approach to drums. BUT....Steve Gadd doesn't sound like Tony Williams. His approach to drums, and the way he revolutionized it was definitely reminiscent of Tony tho. Tony inspired Steve Gadd, a great deal. And so he went and started working on his approach towards the drums, based on what Tony had opened him up to. But somewhere in there, he came up with his own thing. We know it as Steve Gadd! And that's the point I'm trying to make with Gerald! Yes, other drummers were playing great stuff! And yes, some of them HELPED revolutionize gospel/RnB drumming. But Gerald changed a whole generation! It's cool to agree, to disagree. I can talk drums all day man! The wonderful thing about these conversations....NO ONE IS RIGHT OR WRONG. This is a matter of opinion and preference. Holla back!
Anyway Yo we both agree on the role that Gerald has played on Gospel drumming but the argument is, is Gerald Heyward the Steve Gadd of Gospel Drumming and I still say no! A huge influence yes but so are Marvin, Jeremy, Coon, Jeff Davis, secular: Stokley! How small is your Gospel world to give such a huge credit to only one man! Gadd is a modern day Buddy Rich and you want to put Gerald on that level, now that's cracked!!
Each drummer I mentioned has had a huge impact on my playing just as much as Gerald....Gadd Had and Has it all, everything, finess, power, speed, musicality, innovation, can play everything (music wise) like he was born playing it....Can we say that for Gerald...NO! Marvin, Jeremy, Coon, Jeff Davis, Stokley musically speaking can play way better then Gerald but when it comes to raw none of them can touch Gerald!
All of them have helped make gospel drumming what it is today, NOT ONE MAN!
Line of progression, you just dont understand it...lets drop that
You just proved my point BBD!!!!! Thank you sir...LOL! You said Gadd credited Tony Williams with changing his approach to drums. BUT....Steve Gadd doesn't sound like Tony Williams. His approach to drums, and the way he revolutionized it was definitely reminiscent of Tony tho. Tony inspired Steve Gadd, a great deal. And so he went and started working on his approach towards the drums, based on what Tony had opened him up to. But somewhere in there, he came up with his own thing. We know it as Steve Gadd! And that's the point I'm trying to make with Gerald! Yes, other drummers were playing great stuff! And yes, some of them HELPED revolutionize gospel/RnB drumming. But Gerald changed a whole generation! It's cool to agree, to disagree. I can talk drums all day man! The wonderful thing about these conversations....NO ONE IS RIGHT OR WRONG. This is a matter of opinion and preference. Holla back!