Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett on the iconic drumbeat of “Billie Jean” 🕺

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  • čas přidán 21. 06. 2023

Komentáře • 1,1K

  • @DRUMSandBUBS
    @DRUMSandBUBS Před rokem +7033

    Playing with conviction and feel is the key to drumming

    • @Chris_Stanley007
      @Chris_Stanley007 Před rokem +33

      Hell yea it is. No matter if you're playing soft or loud, conviction is the true test of a good drummer. You gotta own that part you're playing 💯

    • @justadingus1665
      @justadingus1665 Před rokem +24

      Absolutely, I think it applies to all of music really. If you’ve ever wrote a melody on a computer with perfect pitch/timing/etc you know how sterile and bad it sounds. Takes that human element

    • @joeymiller3907
      @joeymiller3907 Před rokem +4

      It definitely is the key.

    • @Kainebadonmusic
      @Kainebadonmusic Před rokem +2

      Bro absolutely

    • @callanc3925
      @callanc3925 Před rokem +4

      @@Chris_Stanley007 Ironically, conviction is the reason my groove and feel is smoother when im playing hard. Its way easier to play a note confidently if my sticks are moving with power.

  • @dudeymcduderson
    @dudeymcduderson Před rokem +5685

    Fun fact: Atomic clocks are actually set to Sugarfoot's drum beat

  • @AdyStark
    @AdyStark Před rokem +320

    Holy crap, it’s so perfect I could hear music that wasn’t there

  • @coolhatadventures8111
    @coolhatadventures8111 Před rokem +2562

    Absolutely, a humans sense of time as a musician is portrayed through his or her emotions.

    • @SirNilzey
      @SirNilzey Před rokem

      Bullshit he just hit it harder.

    • @zacri9434
      @zacri9434 Před rokem +12

      “their emotions” is a better phrase to use :3

    • @justrandomthings8158
      @justrandomthings8158 Před rokem +5

      @@zacri9434neither is better. “His or her” is as conventional as “their” here

    • @SantoshKumar-wl7yb
      @SantoshKumar-wl7yb Před rokem

      Man I didn't get OP's comment, can someone here simplify it?

    • @robeddy3722
      @robeddy3722 Před rokem

      What's really funny is that both versions sounded almost identical. He was trying to pull the emotion out of the first version but just couldn't.

  • @professorpancakes6545
    @professorpancakes6545 Před rokem +974

    Not just playing a straight groove, he’s playing the song. Sounds great.

  • @sixuk902
    @sixuk902 Před rokem +683

    It's weird how for the first one, I hear in my head the counting "1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4", but for the second I hear the bass line. The difference is subtle but strong

    • @dreichert1438
      @dreichert1438 Před rokem +30

      Absolutely! I just thought how simple this beat was but how funky it was with the baseline. Then I thought about how it just facilitates the music and nothing else. A drummer myself and he's better than me all day, but sometimes overrated by people. But he shows some real musical intelligence here. Nuance and dynamics always adds the flavor even if you aren't the best drummer, but he knows that's what the music needs here and I just gained more of respect for him

    • @ryzimm2949
      @ryzimm2949 Před rokem +1

      Bank. Tryimg

    • @humungushumungus213
      @humungushumungus213 Před rokem +2

      I hear it too

    • @blake_mathis
      @blake_mathis Před rokem +8

      Tried typing a comment to explain this feeling but couldn’t find the wording. This right here folks! Something about the way he plays it the second time, makes me hear the song. A freakin legend

    • @zfrazier3121
      @zfrazier3121 Před rokem +1

      100% this, well put 💯

  • @F.87.T
    @F.87.T Před rokem +298

    His soul makes his shoulder bounce!

  • @user-uk3yo3ec6g
    @user-uk3yo3ec6g Před rokem +451

    Some of the best advice ever

  • @DrummerByron69
    @DrummerByron69 Před rokem +584

    That was the first song I ever learned on the drums. It was simple, but you have to learn how to emote through the sticks. Sugarfoot is 💯 correct.

    • @ddppbbqq
      @ddppbbqq Před rokem +2

      what is emoting through the stick? is that like hitting with accents and dynamics?

    • @ChaosZ8502
      @ChaosZ8502 Před rokem +1

      Yes,and Jonathan plays it not.

    • @SaucyOperator
      @SaucyOperator Před rokem +9

      ​@@ddppbbqqIt's feel. Like what Steve Gadd has. Just the utmost ability to groove. Even playing diverse and technical parts, the goal is to make it breathe. Back when drumming was a job for me, I often got hired for my "feel". I never really understood it, because if myself and two buddies played from the same page with the same charts, i felt like we played the same thing. You know click involved and notation on the page, etc.... But apparently it made a difference to the artists.
      Side note, I always love Adrian Young's hella good groove vs. Billie Jean.

    • @motophone8794
      @motophone8794 Před 4 měsíci

      I am in awe of drummers' skills, keeping the timing throughout the song.

  • @Goodpizzaa
    @Goodpizzaa Před rokem +81

    there's that little oomph of "im feeling this fucking beat man" the second time

  • @TheGlutenFreemason
    @TheGlutenFreemason Před 8 měsíci +5

    This man is a treasure. How amazing that we have so much access to the knowledge of these music legends! What a time to be alive.

  • @jcstevegigs
    @jcstevegigs Před rokem +37

    Very profound what he’s saying here. I’ve been in touch with that soul energy and it’s changed everything. Some nights it’s harder to find, but once I do I’m gliding on air.

    • @FusionKush
      @FusionKush Před rokem

      I get what you and him mean I also have this on and off connection with my soul when I play my guitar. When I lock in place it's just an Amazing feeling that's quite hard to explain.

    • @memenation9494
      @memenation9494 Před rokem

      do a speedball touch the soul and fly high

    • @memenation9494
      @memenation9494 Před rokem

      works 60% of the time 100% of the time

  • @Heavyperro
    @Heavyperro Před rokem +64

    Groove machine.

  • @chadstokes6532
    @chadstokes6532 Před 11 měsíci +10

    This dude is a master

  • @carpediem4179
    @carpediem4179 Před rokem +42

    The simple the more difficult, the feel is really something

  • @nashmcbride1541
    @nashmcbride1541 Před rokem +91

    the way my head automatically started bouncing when he played with his soul

  • @solomonbisrat4006
    @solomonbisrat4006 Před rokem +3

    Jonathan your a legend! I love all your rhythms you’ve played with MJ. You’re highly gifted, talented and blessed. Thank you so much for touching billions of people hearts with your rhymes. Much love ❤️

  • @Mr.FranciscodeMiranda
    @Mr.FranciscodeMiranda Před rokem +7

    God that first kick alone makes me feel the music!

  • @thomaslazarski3596
    @thomaslazarski3596 Před rokem +7

    A master of the art, focused, intense and at peace. That’s a reward when you’ve become one with with the flowing cosmic energy.

  • @user-uh2cr9so8l
    @user-uh2cr9so8l Před rokem +22

    By emoting his soul he means technically being more transient in the hits, e.g. louder hits on some beats of the hats, cracking the snare, "kicking" the kick. And also adding the "groove". On a drum machine, adding a "groove" means to slightly splay the notes off the perfect center of the beat. But its a fine line between being in the groove and just being sloppy.

    • @jzac77
      @jzac77 Před rokem +2

      Nah he means getting his brain into alpha wave state. That “technical” stuff happens automatically as a result

    • @user-uh2cr9so8l
      @user-uh2cr9so8l Před rokem +2

      @@jzac77 Im not sure about "alpha wave state" but yes, "being" in the groove is what results in a good groove 😁

    • @storm2661
      @storm2661 Před rokem +2

      ​@@jzac77these kinda things make me wonder if the technical stuff is indeed needed in these kinda situations. Is it better to have it be these kinda asbtract concepts like soul and feel, or would music evolve more proffeciently by focusing on the technical? Im sure there is fine line to be found but i do think trying to realize these kinda things can help artist choose routes that work best for what they like do. Or whatever idk sorry for bad spelling.

    • @jzac77
      @jzac77 Před rokem +1

      @@storm2661 totally! There’s more to life than were told to think

    • @user-uh2cr9so8l
      @user-uh2cr9so8l Před rokem +1

      @@storm2661 Behind every tight soulful expression/ groove is however many hundreds or thousands of hours of hard work, drills and practice on technical aspects.

  • @jamesmehaffey7611
    @jamesmehaffey7611 Před rokem +9

    I felt it brother RIP to the king

    • @charliewilliams8750
      @charliewilliams8750 Před 8 měsíci

      I share his thoughts his views and grooves and birthday I am also drummer 🥁 a 🔝 one 1⃣ .I hide behind a kit practise makes me feel good it's better to have a dream now Ringo then Steve gadd

  • @animenerdlolo8898
    @animenerdlolo8898 Před rokem +31

    I can hear the bassline

  • @ronwootang537
    @ronwootang537 Před rokem +6

    Absolutely on point, play with your soul, and you hear and feel the difference ❤️

  • @ElPatron-sw7gb
    @ElPatron-sw7gb Před 6 měsíci +6

    Best drummer ever.

  • @saltykrug
    @saltykrug Před rokem +3

    A drum machine can never replicate the feel of great drummers like this guy right here. I've played drums for a long time and when I finally learned to play the easy stuff with the same conviction as everything else, I started getting requested for gigs. Thank God for older drummers that taught me that at a younger age than most.

  • @jimmyneutron312
    @jimmyneutron312 Před rokem +4

    One of my biggest drumming idols right here 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

  • @lornestein7248
    @lornestein7248 Před rokem +2

    Will always fondly remember seeing "Sugarfoot" on the Jackson's Victory tour 1984. A true master..

  • @ballistixwearesilent5576

    Same with all art. As soon as you commit to it, it just gets better.

  • @baseline_hitchshalhoub2686

    Alright it's simple and all.But not all drummers can make it feel that way!

  • @kendo5862
    @kendo5862 Před rokem +4

    Try listening to this without automatically imagining the bass kicking in! 🕺 🎶

  • @pauquintana6345
    @pauquintana6345 Před rokem +1

    Pull the bit behind. Simply amazing.

  • @michaelmcglaughlin9383
    @michaelmcglaughlin9383 Před rokem +4

    Sooo good. Am I the only one who immediately heard the bassline in my head when he started playing the second time?😆🙏

    • @defaultHandle1110
      @defaultHandle1110 Před rokem +1

      Nope. You’re the second commentator to say that, and I’ve just started scrolling. Anyhooo, I didn’t really, but now I do, so I dunno. Does it count ? Who knows.

  • @rutherfordBHAZED
    @rutherfordBHAZED Před rokem +5

    "Sugarfoot"....nice guy too. Got to meet him on a bill when he was with Cameo in Plainfield, NJ.

    • @SaucyOperator
      @SaucyOperator Před rokem +1

      Yes he's cool as hell. John Blackwell introduced me to him at NAMM back in the day, and I enjoyed his calm down to earth sensibility immediately.

  • @robfraser33
    @robfraser33 Před 7 měsíci +1

    You can hear and feel the difference. Greatness

  • @blurphy
    @blurphy Před rokem +1

    The bass is already played in my head once he play that drum❤

  • @thebodybeatdownDiTi
    @thebodybeatdownDiTi Před rokem +12

    great drummer, great King Of POP MJ, Legends,Icons..This will live on 4LIFE..

  • @antoninodimalta9202
    @antoninodimalta9202 Před rokem +5

    When you just play simple drums, and I can hear the whole ass beat, it's when you did a pretty good job. Music is not only about technique, never tired of saying that

  • @manny2092
    @manny2092 Před rokem +2

    He lays into it! He's "feeling" it! Right on!

  • @DickDickerson01
    @DickDickerson01 Před rokem +1

    A true artist always put their soul into it.

  • @EthanHGray
    @EthanHGray Před rokem +50

    “I play with soul”
    *plays louder*

    • @shannonstumpf1861
      @shannonstumpf1861 Před rokem +11

      And accents

    • @EthanHGray
      @EthanHGray Před rokem +5

      @@shannonstumpf1861 lol I know, I was just making a joke. Technically accents ARE just playing louder, but yeah playing with some accents... I.e., playing louder/harder

    • @shannonstumpf1861
      @shannonstumpf1861 Před rokem +3

      @@EthanHGray i was just adding to the joke. i don't believe in souls. i do believe you can play with more energy and more creativity and more imagination if you focus. but everyone is acting like soul is magic or something however the reason it sounds better is because he played with intent not because of angels and stuff. lolol. feel free to disagree :)

    • @EthanHGray
      @EthanHGray Před rokem +3

      @@shannonstumpf1861 😑

    • @EthanHGray
      @EthanHGray Před rokem +2

      😂

  • @hudaif1451
    @hudaif1451 Před rokem +10

    I didn't know that Mike Tyson could play like that!!

    • @ihavetubes
      @ihavetubes Před 11 měsíci +1

      more like dan severn from the UFC

  • @ty53148
    @ty53148 Před 9 měsíci +2

    Drumming wisdom shared here. Remember this, kiddos.

  • @powerboon2k
    @powerboon2k Před rokem +8

    Humble dude.

  • @FM-nl7ky
    @FM-nl7ky Před rokem +3

    Thats called Groove!!!!!

  • @joshuaschmidinger3993
    @joshuaschmidinger3993 Před rokem +2

    This man is a legend and an all around humble and loving human being 😎👌 master of the "soul" groove.

  • @theartofgoldenlily
    @theartofgoldenlily Před 7 měsíci

    That kick drum sounds like a punch in your soul. Love it.

  • @williamgamez2399
    @williamgamez2399 Před rokem +6

    The fucking sound of that drum is on point. I wanna know what mics are those

    • @logandutka9256
      @logandutka9256 Před rokem +1

      Sm57

    • @williamgamez2399
      @williamgamez2399 Před rokem +1

      @@logandutka9256 THX a Lot man

    • @timcummings6581
      @timcummings6581 Před rokem

      Yep...like how he lets the snares rattle a bit. I tend to over-tighten mine.

    • @m.vonhollen6673
      @m.vonhollen6673 Před rokem +1

      The snare mic does seem to be a Shure SM-57. That’s the snare mic, and guitar amp mic, of choice; and they are only around $100.
      Now if you had more money and wanted to do a full kit then you’d get a kick drum mic (Sennheiser E-902 for $260), 2 condenser mics for overheads (Neumann KM-184’s for $1100 each), say two tom mics (Audix D4 and D2 for $230 each), and a hi-hat mic (CAD e-70 for $260).
      - Those were my choices. -
      Now add in cables and stands… it can get expensive!

    • @williamgamez2399
      @williamgamez2399 Před rokem

      @@m.vonhollen6673 i have a 7 piece set but not from any of those series, ill take your advice. i think even the neumann its afforable for me... so, do you have recommen for the left and right air sound mics in specific?

  • @WordToMomsYo
    @WordToMomsYo Před rokem +6

    Some drummers will play for 50 years and never quite master putting their soul into it... While others just do it naturally.

    • @Heatwave9000
      @Heatwave9000 Před rokem +1

      Lmao soul isn't a real thing

    • @nckhed
      @nckhed Před rokem

      ​@@Heatwave9000 You've never seen people play an instrument as if they couldn't be less enthused? Compare that with someone who actually enjoys playing and has fun doing it. You *should* see a difference. 😂

    • @Heatwave9000
      @Heatwave9000 Před rokem

      @@nckhed they ain't none its all in ur head mate

  • @seanleaf3165
    @seanleaf3165 Před 8 měsíci

    Shout out for the love of music and working on your craft. This guy's a legend

  • @jamesheskey4797
    @jamesheskey4797 Před rokem +6

    Every time I hear this guy… he gives me goosebumps… and perhaps only musicians can hear the difference… but man oh man… Sugarfoot is a man of the people let me tell you… probably the most grateful saw to ever truly hit the really large big stages… and let me tell you, every time that guy plays…: he gives his all… I can say this, because I met him… add a clinic in Boston… many years ago…e.u. Wurlitzer… and he put a hell of a show on. Let me tell you… Sugarfoot is the man!!!

  • @diegoswaddipong6196
    @diegoswaddipong6196 Před rokem +1

    one of the things that makes you hear the bassline is that he's accenting the 1 and 3 the second time around-same beats the emphasis of the bassline is, and by adding that variation it feels more dynamic

  • @Cybothron
    @Cybothron Před rokem +41

    Hardest thing to do is adding soul to your beat.

    • @Altria_not-Yuk0
      @Altria_not-Yuk0 Před rokem

      yeah drummer are not playing midi notes

    • @spanzotab
      @spanzotab Před rokem

      I established an emotional connection with music very early in my journey, it's just natural for some people.

    • @and-Anthony
      @and-Anthony Před rokem

      In my opinion something just as hard is controlling that soul and emotion when you've learned how to add the soul.

    • @Cybothron
      @Cybothron Před rokem

      @joenewman4586 The perfect balance between precision and emotion is indeed the hardest skill to master.

  • @MajesticDemonLord
    @MajesticDemonLord Před rokem +6

    This is something all Drummers need to hear. Playing to a Click, keeping time, playing the right notes is all required - but to get to the next level, you have to play with feeling.

  • @ivansargent4481
    @ivansargent4481 Před 11 měsíci

    Great musical insite, the snare tone is amazing! A soulful groove ❤

  • @IAMSEYMOURMUSIC
    @IAMSEYMOURMUSIC Před 11 měsíci

    that tiiiiiiiiny shuffle, that little hint of syncopation, it makes so much difference

  • @fraz006
    @fraz006 Před rokem +3

    I thought he is always angry, his face.. Voice also sounds like Mike Tyson's.
    Funny ,I have those. He is my idol drummer.

  • @stephenkavanagh3560
    @stephenkavanagh3560 Před rokem +3

    You , my dear fellow are talking nonsense .. it’s just a simple beat, nothing else 🤓

    • @nckhed
      @nckhed Před rokem

      He literally said it was a simple beat, lol. He's just explaining how to hit harder and put more feel and emotion into the drum beat. It's the same thing when I bang on the strings on my guitars. If I play lightly and timidly, it's nowhere near as convincing as when I play with some actual feeling and energy.

  • @JulesBox
    @JulesBox Před 8 měsíci

    Tried this last night in a gig, it totally changed the vibe of the song and made it a million times better.

  • @uwe2512
    @uwe2512 Před rokem

    I can feel it ❤

  • @satanicconservative1855
    @satanicconservative1855 Před rokem +3

    People do not understand this. Musicians are special.

  • @edgarfernandez2848
    @edgarfernandez2848 Před 2 měsíci

    I can feel it indeed! What a legend! A true master!

  • @louiezollman3794
    @louiezollman3794 Před rokem +1

    On another level of talent education and ability shown. Keep up the good.

  • @orlandovftw
    @orlandovftw Před rokem

    Holy crap, when he started drumming like himself, I swear I could hear the bassline in my head.

  • @InYourDreams-Andia
    @InYourDreams-Andia Před rokem

    Emote that beat! Underrated and often overlooked method 💫

  • @motownmusicschool1281

    Beautiful... So nicely played.

  • @tevetorbes456
    @tevetorbes456 Před 7 měsíci +1

    This is so true. When an entire band gets into that same emotion stage magic happens.

  • @jjrossitee
    @jjrossitee Před 6 měsíci

    This guy is freaking amazing.

  • @legalizexit
    @legalizexit Před 11 měsíci

    one of the best advice I ever ear .. respect this sir such along career

  • @zaka0781
    @zaka0781 Před rokem

    That gives me chills...

  • @douglasoverholt1463
    @douglasoverholt1463 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Words of straight wisdom

  • @owenwaters4318
    @owenwaters4318 Před rokem

    So snappy i love it, deffo one the greatest

  • @jonathanmitchell3733
    @jonathanmitchell3733 Před 11 měsíci

    It’s so hard to teach youngsters that the song or music will only be good if you live your emotion through it.
    And you are absolutely right, you can immediatly hear the difference

  • @RStevenPage
    @RStevenPage Před rokem

    Drummers look like they have the most fun on stage.

  • @SpaceSpud96
    @SpaceSpud96 Před rokem

    What's great is when he plays it properly you can hear the space for the bass line around it 🔥

  • @dan082476
    @dan082476 Před rokem

    That snare sounds amazing

  • @HulkmanManhulk
    @HulkmanManhulk Před rokem

    Wow. So glad you played it. That made the difference!

  • @deathbreaker06
    @deathbreaker06 Před 6 měsíci

    it's crazy we almost hear the beginning of billie jean's song when he plays it in his emotional state - it's unbelievable

  • @t-nanners
    @t-nanners Před rokem

    And we can all hear the song playing in our heads as he's drumming away.

  • @judgedredd3568
    @judgedredd3568 Před rokem

    1st beat I learned in 1975....so simple...but the application and emotional intent can make it hypnotic

  • @YuvalAlonithe
    @YuvalAlonithe Před rokem

    That’s amazing. It’s like “there’s no difference”, and then on the other hand there’s a tremendous difference

  • @gregwickstrom5479
    @gregwickstrom5479 Před rokem +1

    Ndugu played drums on Billie Jean and half of the Thriller album. We miss him.🙏🥁

  • @Sysaphys
    @Sysaphys Před rokem +1

    What this man calls playing with "soul" I simply call it striking harder.

  • @deeznuttz905
    @deeznuttz905 Před 11 měsíci

    Dude been doing it so much even the drumstick lands on the same spot everytime 😂

  • @DavyMcWavy
    @DavyMcWavy Před rokem

    Snare sound is so good.

  • @totoyhell5773
    @totoyhell5773 Před 6 měsíci

    This is deep mindblowing

  • @RatraceDave
    @RatraceDave Před rokem +1

    And there ladies and gentlemen is the paradox of drums. This is by far the most important lesson with any instrument you have to evoke it from the place inside and project it .

  • @invisiblekid7374
    @invisiblekid7374 Před 11 měsíci

    Human feel is everything when it comes to keeping a beat!!

  • @juliangonzalez2953
    @juliangonzalez2953 Před rokem

    This beat is everywhere and there are lot of iconic songs that use it but when he started playing it I could hear the beat it bass line even though it wasn't there

  • @garymitchell4291
    @garymitchell4291 Před 11 měsíci

    Dude❤ I felt that love in that groove

  • @Motherboard1213
    @Motherboard1213 Před rokem

    I gotta say.. that snare sounds fkn delicious.

  • @shirelan-voiceofthetrees4492

    Soul of the drum is where it's at man!

  • @ToyLatrine
    @ToyLatrine Před rokem +1

    There is nothing like hearing something fall into or maybe even slightly behind a beat and kind of lay the rest of the music down it’s path. Aweman it’s the best

  • @DwayneCreates
    @DwayneCreates Před 5 měsíci

    Sugarfoot is the perfect example of why feel and dynamics in drumming matter. What a masterclass.

  • @machinesdeguerre
    @machinesdeguerre Před rokem

    I don't know if I can hear his soul but I can definitely can feel the emotional vocabulary in the playing. Simple beats played by pros are magic!

  • @fluffytail6355
    @fluffytail6355 Před 11 měsíci

    You can tell when a musician is just doing it to do it and when he’s feeling it

  • @lanetimepditty
    @lanetimepditty Před rokem

    He’s spot on, learning to identify the pocket & landing in it by default is the whole play

  • @Jonodrew1286
    @Jonodrew1286 Před rokem

    Love the match sticks - greatest groove ever

  • @joshuahull4312
    @joshuahull4312 Před 11 měsíci

    You can hear the bass part instantly when he plays with soul

  • @kik0le
    @kik0le Před 8 měsíci

    Whenever I hear that beat, my brain automatically prepares itself for that Billy Jean baseline.

  • @lauradewhurst2860
    @lauradewhurst2860 Před rokem

    Wow!! I heard I immediately.
    Wanna jump up and dance.❤