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Last Call Review: Steve Gadd Band/ 70 Strong/BFM Jazz

Last Call celebrates the 70th Birthday of one of the drum legends of our time, Steve Gadd.

To say he has been an in-demand drummer would be an understatement. Gadd is arguably THE man to call when drums are required--as his credits indicate: He was the drummer for Paul Simon's "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover", Steely Dan's "Aja", Al Jarreau's "Spain", and Chick Corea's "Nite Sprite". Chick Corea has described Gadd as "The Master of Creative Grooves." Steve Gadd has toured with artists such as Eric Clapton to James Taylor and is known for his essential contribution to Grover Washington, Jr's/ Bill Wither's megahit "Just The Two Of Us".

Born April 9, 1945, Steve Gadd has just released   70 Strong, an excellent album and the second recording by the Steve Gadd Band. Their inaugural 9-song debut, Gadditdue, was released in 2013 and wasa  brilliant combination of groove and grace. The Steve Gadd Band is Walt Fowler, trumpet and flugelhorn; Larry Goldings, keyboard, accordion; Jimmy Johnson, bass;  Michael Landau, guitars and Steve Gadd, drums.

Eleven tracks are presented on the current recording. "Foam Home" starts the date with a funky 70's inspired groove delivered to perfection. There's a very pleasing rendition of "Freedom Jazz Dance" that follows.  Other highlights include Walt Fowler's "Duke's Anthem" which is a soulful gospel tinged anthem, and a very engaging Larry Goldings number "Elegant Squares". All in all this is a richly satisfying session from one of the most important drummers of our times.

For more information you may visit     http://www.drstevegadd.com/

Chris Cooke has been a voice on public radio in Omaha since 1989. Working at KVNO-FM during college, Cooke hosted a weekend progressive jazz show on the station in addition to working as an on-air announcer. In November 1992, Cooke signed on at KIOS-FM and has been there ever since. He has hosted the Tuesday and Thursday editions of Jazz in the Afternoon since 1996 and has hosted Last Call since that year. A long time fan of jazz music, Cooke enjoys talking with the musicians who make jazz music and presenting those conversations with listeners. When not hosting or listening to jazz, on record or in person, Cooke maintains a busy schedule as a self-employed web design consultant.
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