Steve Gadd - Up Close & In Session Book + Audio

Up Close & In Session – Steve Gadd

Overview

Take your playing inside the mind of a legend with Up Close & In Session, the definitive educational release from Steve Gadd. This fully revised and expanded edition builds on the iconic DCI videos that helped shape modern drum education—now enhanced with detailed transcriptions, in-depth explanations, and integrated video and audio content.

Limited Time Offer: Receive the digital edition FREE when you purchase a print copy. 

What’s Inside

Up Close

Dive deep into the foundations of Steve Gadd’s playing:

• Rudiments & Drum Corps Concepts – Including a full rudimental solo and applications to the drum kit
• Jazz & R&B Styles – Shuffle grooves and a detailed five-page solo transcription
• Time & Studio Playing – Learn how to construct parts, read charts, and build tracks
• Includes transcriptions of:
  • “Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover”
  • “Late in the Evening” (by Paul Simon)

In Session

Step into the studio with Steve as he records with world-class musicians:

• Performances across R&B, funk, reggae, shuffles, samba, bebop, and Latin styles
• Features collaborations with:
  • Richard Tee (piano)
  • Will Lee (bass)
  • Eddie Gomez (upright bass)
  • Jorge Dalto (piano)
• Includes note-for-note transcriptions by Terry Branam, capturing every detail of Steve’s performance approach

Bonus Content

• Video & Audio Files synced to the book’s transcriptions
• Exclusive transcription and video from Zildjian Day 1984
• Expanded educational material supervised by Steve Gadd

Why This Book Stands Out

This isn’t just a method book—it’s a complete masterclass from one of the most recorded drummers in history. Whether you’re studying groove, phrasing, or studio technique, this collection gives you direct insight into the musical thinking behind Steve Gadd’s iconic style.

Ideal For

• Intermediate to advanced drummers
• Students of groove, session playing, and musicality
• Fans of Steve Gadd and classic recordings
• Anyone serious about developing professional-level drum skills