This song to me is one where subtle dynamic drumming shines. It’s all about touch and feel on this song. Russ Kunkel was the original studio drummer who created the chorus part that is so subtle. The part is an amazingly difficult part to grasp. It is a sensitively played part on the record, but speaks to me.

Now, my favorite version of this song and the one that hooked me on trying to play this song is Rick Marotta playing this classic live clip of the song from Sesame Street (see below)

   • Sesame Street: Up on the Roof with Ja...  

Both drummers are amazing song drummers that play with feel, groove, dynamics, and pure emotion. This song is a great example of a session drummer who plays for the music, not chops.

One other drummer to mention is Carlos Vega, who made all of these great classic tracks his own playing with James Taylor. He is worth studying too.

This is another personal favorite song of mine. Made with another Xtrax Stems 2 drumless track.

So I give you my two best imperfect takes. It is always my hope that I have this level of dynamics in my recorded or live playing.

Enjoy!

Equipment:
Gretsch - 8x12, 16x16, 14x20
DMR Cast Aluminum - 6.5x14
Paiste - 14" 505 Medium HH, 16" 2002 Thin Crash, 22" Big Beat, 18" Giant Beat Thin, 11" Paiste Splash

Logic Pro X
Presonus StudioLive 24.4.2
Seventh Circle Audio Mic Pres (2- J-99, 1 N72, 1 A-12)

OH - SM 81 pr into J-99s
Snare - SM 57 into N-72
Kick - Beta 52 into A-12
Tom 1 - SM 57 into Presonus
F Tom - AT Pro25 into Presonus

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