The level of professionalism on display here is a real pleasure to watch. Pay attention kids, serving the song and playing without ego. Note how many times, Paul uses the word “please”, manners make it a pleasure for everyone.

Please understand. This session was about doing my lifelong friend a favor and he one for me by letting Vic Firth use bits of his session and song to simply show a short session. If we had played the entire song there would have been licensing issues. If we had put vocals on it, they could have been copied as song ideas and that would have been bad. The gloves are because of sever arthritis in my right hand from playing 50 years. I tried just using a right glove. Then some folks said I was trying to look like Michael Jackson. So I went to using both. I guess they are right when they say there are folks out there that just have to find something bad in everything. Thank you to 230,000 viewers and the 95% nice comments. Happy Holidays to all. Here's to another 50 years of music. CMA Country Christmas will re-air on ABC TV Christmas Eve. Lots of different styles on that and we all sight read it, mostly first takes on the pre-record. Just sayin. God Bless. P

@boobj

6 жыл бұрын

I did not meet you in Nville. I met Eddie Bayers just when he came to town. After reading this ,your a top shelf fella.

@dxates1

5 жыл бұрын

I am a session drummer and work with several different producers. I found you to be inspirational, and educational. Thank you Paul!

@DrumManCG

5 жыл бұрын

Paul can you tell me what the mutes are on the heads in this video?

@VanAnon51

5 жыл бұрын

Paul Leim you're brilliant sir. You've played on countless records and songs that millions have grown up on. Thank you for your brilliance and God bless you. Well done for all your years that you have dedicated to music. 😊👍🏻✝

@pablovarela1358

5 жыл бұрын

What is the name of this band??

This is how it's done, folks. 90% of drum recording is just playing a steady, fatback groove to support the ensemble. I really like the part when Paul removes a fill he did earlier because it steps on the lead vocals. I've been playing professionally for almost 40 years - and no one ever paid me to play like Dave Weckl. This video is a great glimpse into the nuts and bolts of studio recording - and Paul Leim is one of the best!

@aenima3174

3 жыл бұрын

100% this.

@jdblack9120

3 жыл бұрын

Thats was very pro

@2028end

2 жыл бұрын

yup, less is more!

@brandonmuir8944

Жыл бұрын

I once got hired by a producer who told me "I don't want you tearing up the set and I'm not paying you by the beat" and I laughed and said i won't be tearing up the drum set because I can't! A few tunes into the project and he could see my ability to just lay down a beat and he told me I was just what he wanted!

@feslerae

Жыл бұрын

I knew a drummer who hated certain songs because the drum tracks were boring to him. Drummers just want to solo all the way through the track.

Yeah! More of these behind the scenes drum sessions at the studio. I could watch these all day.

I see a lot of comments on this video Vic Firth asked me to do for them. Most folks get it. We have a very limited budget for my dear friend Robin Hood. And we are trying to get 5 songs recorded in 3 hours. It is a pressure cooker. If we don't get them everyone is disappointed and he has wasted his money on my selection of musicians for his music and session. Thank you so much to those who understand what this session was for and about. And that was Not Me. Doing records it is never, ever about me. On Master sessions we have more time than that. Most of the Country hits of the 60's and 70's were recorded exactly this way. That is what I was trying to show. Basically Time is Money. For those geniuses (JB comment below) asking for a drum solo and putting down what I have made a living at for 50 years. I have this to say. If I had insisted on a drum solo (like you probably would have to assuage you overblown ego) I would have ruined this session and recording. Vinnie and Steve, Dave and Peter are all good friends and would tell you exactly the same thing. You stuff your ego in a bag when you walk into a session with a professional attitude. Play what the songs needs. Steve would take a bullet before playing a drum solo in the middle of Fire and Rain with JT. I have been on over 300 million records with all kinds of music, from Doc Severinsen, to Roy Rogers, and Tom Jones to Shania Twain, Whitney Houston, and Kenny Rogers, and Chesney. The London Symphony, and Star Wars soundtracks. Big Band and Live TV. So I have nothing to prove to JB here on anyone else. And yes, I became a financially successful record making expert in the process. Thank to everyone for listening all these years, and to my response now. Even those who find being successful repugnant or evoking jealousy. When I was doing 450 sessions a year in Dallas in the 70's guys, out of North Texas State University (one of the finest musical educations in the world) would as to come into the studio with me and see a session. Then they would say, "I just want to Move to NY and play Jazz and starve!" I would say, "Well then that is exactly what you should do". I wish everyone to have their dreams come true playing music of all kinds, like I have. Be blessed my friends. Life is Good. P

@RepJock88

7 жыл бұрын

Paul Leim You rock! Got the pleasure of seeing you live with Mike Nesmith couple years back!

@paulleim2119

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bud.. Had fun with Nez back in the 70's and in 12-13.. Thanks for coming. Happy New Year. Paul

@IgorMuller

7 жыл бұрын

Man it really warms my heart that after all you are a human with feelings. I mean its the irony - you play great, but even an internet troll can hurt you. Yeah, because you are a living being, not an half digital internet spawn. Keep it up, those who understand admire your work.

@stevebowers8047

7 жыл бұрын

Are you still on here IDIOT, you are not for real, nobody is this stupid, but there is a first time for everything LOL!!

@goodandfruity

6 жыл бұрын

So, wait JJ, how many Diamond selling albums have you played on? Okay, how about Platinum? Gold? Number 1 hits? The joke is, while you troll away, Paul is working as he has for 50 years and with the biggest artists in the world. So your comments have no weight or value other than giving those of us who get it a chance to reiterate how brilliant Paul is. Word of mouth is everything in this business and so far the word on you is dick! The internet remembers. Good luck!!

There's one thing this guy does so incredibly well that I'm sick to my stomach even just thinking about it. His snare hits are SO EVEN across the board. It's like his hands are made of pure MIDI and can be programmed to hit at a specific level every single time. He is every engineer and producer's wettest dream. The only problem I can see recording him is that I wouldn't feel like I was actually doing any work behind that mixing desk :)

"You guys ought to do this for a livin'. You're really good. You'll get paid for this." LOL, the producer is phenomenal. He cracked me up.

@davidkellymitchell4747

2 жыл бұрын

The producer is Robin Hood Brians. Robin engineered the first three ZZ Top albums at his studio in Tyler, Tx. as well as recording their live album. He's been a hit record engineer/producer since the 1960's. His first big hit at his studio was Judy In Disguise by John Fred and the Playboy band. Robin has been a good friend of mine for 50 years. Paul is from Troup, Tx. and started out playing on sessions at Robin Hood's studio in Tyler. Paul set in with my band one night. Great drummer. Solid as a rock.

As a drummer for 40 years, 22 years with Big Bands,professionaly,etc... I can only say how impossible is to play like this on such level ! Most people don"t get it ! I"m learned a lot from people like Paul...You are Great,man...!!

Paul was the co-producer on this session. And the producer (Robin Hood) is the guy who got him started when he was 15... Robin produced all the great ZZ Top recordings (La Grange, etc). All great guys!

@anthonyn1312

Жыл бұрын

What is a Co-pruducer?

I retired from playing bass 5 years ago after playing for over 40 years....there is nothing like playing with excellent tight pure musicians!!!

love... love.... love this video. thanks Paul & Vic Firth. very insightful!

Awesome! Thanks Paul!

WOW,what a bunch of great guys!

Crazy that this is only a demo. I can’t imagine the precision and discussions in the master recording

Love it...God Bless Paul...

Love the behind the scenes on how music is produced and recorded!!

As a producer who's come up through the garage punk, indie rock, and now producing synth-pop for the majors, I'm absolutely blown away by the DISCIPLINE -- more than anything (I mean, killer playing ability is a given with Nashville vets...they're just untouchable!). Wonderful video. So glad I stumbled across it while doing late night trolling on KZread;-) Inspires me to be better in every way.

i love this so much. please do a series of in studio videos!

Thanks for sharing this, it's awesome! please do more Studio Recording Sesioens for us!!!

That sir, was a whole lot of fun. Thanks so much for sharing this look inside a session. Loved it!

That punch in was sooooo tight. People have no idea how long you must hang around in studios as a drummer to get it so tight the engineer can punch you in at exact moments, with the same tempo/expression/dynamic/etc. The reason he is Paul Leim.

Thanks for the look inside. You guys are fantastic!

Groove, consistency and efficiency....love it!

How fun is that!?? ❤️❤️❤️. I love it. Thanks for makin this.

Really cool to get a glimpse at these sessions. Thanks!

What a cool insight into how it is done!! Thanks so much for posting this!!

even though i really dislike pop country music... i have to admit, they get the best drum sounds in music today... that snare has a lot of body with a good pop

I swear I watch this every few days. I admire how professional these guys are. His pocket, groove, flow and style is admirable. I love it

Much respect for your skills and for what you do. Thank you for sharing a session with us!

This was so fun to watch!

This is awesome. Very creative, very fast and it sounds killer. Love to see how the pros make this song come alive. Well done!

Wow Paul this was great!! Been a fan of your work for years! You are a beast Sir!!!

One of my all time favourite country drummers!!

Very cool to see professionals in action. Thanks for sharing a glimpse!

High level professionals. Thanks for the clinic, Paul!

Way cool!!!! These guys are top notch musicians.

Love the tempo and groove of this song. Really like his feel and approach to his drumming.

What a great video! It's really fascinating to see how things are developed in the studio. Paul Leim, you are a CLASS act, sir!

Thank you Mr. Leim!!! Incredibly educational and you make the very very hard work seem effortless. Great tone and feel!. Fantastic time! Again, Thank You!!!

Thank you for the video. Professional players who strive to work together and do their best gets my respect, nice to see how you accomplish this.

Much respect Paul from New Zealand. Your body of work has inspired me over the years x

Great work!! thanks for sharing this its really fun to watch. Cheers.

What an awesome glimpse into a pro session. Thanks Paul!

Paul - thanks for sharing this. Very interesting collaboration, workflow, and personalities!

Great share, thanks. So cool to see this being done.

Wow, these are real pro’s at work. Thanks so much for posting this!

As an engineer nothing is better than musicians that can really PLAY!! love it

@AudioWonderland

10 жыл бұрын

Except that they never play more than the most vanilla stuff possible to appease the sheep they are shilling this stuff to. What difference does it make how good they are when all we get is the same boring shit over and over again out of Nashville?

Thanks for giving us a peak behind the curtain Paul! Really great seeing some pros laying it down! Back to the woodshed I go.

This guy was a major influence on my studio drumming. Awesome player!

Thank you for this insight into the process. Amazing to see real pros at work.

Paul, thank you. You are one of the finest musicians that there are, period, and so much taste, sense of form, articulation and feel. I've loved everything you've played on from old Amy Grant records to Lionel Richie etc... Always the exact right thing for the music - You're an inspiration.

And this is how its done, amazing process. well done Paul, it is a stunning view on how extremely well versed everyone is with how a song is constructed.

This is amazing, vic firth! Thank you for this! I need to practice!

Great vid! Cool to see pros like these guys in action.

Paul you are a fantastic drum arranger and even a better player! Your creative energy really makes the song.

I remember watching this a long time ago. I found it again, wanting to check the personnel of "(I've had) The Time of My Life", since it's grooving so hard. This guy shows up. What an amazing and groovy musician! Big respect, Mr Leim!

Paul love how your snare sounds!

Paul, thanks for posting this awesome video. You've been an inspiration to me for most of them 40 years! Please keep posting more. I'm still a wanna be!

Paul Leim's pocket is so beautiful. Thank you so much for this! Just wow

I love learning about drums, music and the business. thank you for the time and insight.

Thank you for the inspiration

I SO need these guys on my songs!!

Perfection brought to you by Vic Firth and Mr. Leim.

Paul Leim is a living LEGEND!! Thank you Sir for your great inspiration!!

Those drums sound so good.

Great playing, and exactly what the song called for!

Thanks Mr. Leim!! It's so great to get lessons from one of the Masters of country music!!!

PAUL LEIM=LEGEND! Had a the pleasure to watch him in person a couple of days ago on a session. He was incredible!

Incredible. They make it look so easy. Few people will ever understand how good these musicians are.

Loved watching this process and a small insight on how leading and taking input to come to a finished product. And...I don't even do country music. Paul you are living the dream.

That was fun. Studio musicians, the unsung heroes.

Really informative. Amazing, the talent assembled in that room.

Wow what a treat! Running across Paul some 30 years ago and learned a tremendous amount. He was my Carter Beaufort before Carter Beauford.

At 5:58 he sums up what it's all about, I've never played a session, but I did do voiceover work while I was in Nashville, and trust me, when studio time is booked and the meter's running, you'll feel the pressure..

That level that these guys are showing in there needs just one word: GODMODE!

This is an outstanding video that should be required viewing for anyone interested in studio work(be it musicians, engineers, producers, etc) in Nashville, or any of the larger professional music scenes. Nicely done.

Paul is a legend. Right up there with Greg marrow , Lonnie Wilson , Dan needham, John Robinson, Shannon Forest, Redmond etc. One of the OGs. The definition of a pro session player. Awesome insight.

@dannymuhammad8321

9 ай бұрын

If you left out several..

Wow this was fascinating!

The knowledge provided here is INCREDIBLE!

WOW! Thank you so much for making this video. My 15-year-old son, who is my drummer, and I just watched this video and loved, its been a while since I've been in the studio, but to let him watch you write number charts and redo them, and punch in, and create like a fine oiled machine, was poetry in motion. Such a blessing. Thanks again to both Vic Firth and Paul Leim for doing it. Oh and my boy loves playing his Vic Firth sticks. They're his favorites.

Love this guy. So solid.

Great glimpse into the high pressured world of a session musician.

Paul, i played in bands for years that rehearsed and rehearsed and.......WENT NOWHERE. To see how rapidly you could put a track together left me speechless, WOW. IMPRESSED!

I"m in pure heaven! Love seeing this process!!!!

I most certainly learned alot from being that I'm currently recording myself and well have less experience. I digged the double layers and the "punch in" i just love how he took control of the whole situation like a true profressional and that's something I'm still learning. OWN IT! Mistakes and all. Thanx for this PAUL!

Why do people who are utterly clueless insist on commenting on videos like this? Do you have any idea how hard it is to play this well? If you could play as well as Paul Leim, you'd be working in Nashville. But I guarantee all your "innovative feel chops and drum sounds" would get you fired off this record in a heartbeat. Paul overdubbed the tom fill because the part was asked for by the producer, after the main take was done. The idea that this is "business-people's music" is ludicrous. These guys are on this session BECAUSE they can get it done fast, so that it doesn't cost a lot of money to the person who actually wrote the song. It has nothing to do with what they want to play. It could very well be that the songwriter spent 5 months working on the song before this. It's irrelevant. The arrogance it takes to insult some of the best, most consistent, and musical players in the world is also the reason you are not one of them.

@Goosedrum4

9 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@IgorMuller

9 жыл бұрын

davidfmmacd amen.

@danielschroder6678

8 жыл бұрын

+davidfmmacd And then again, it DOES sound like all the other millions of country takes, regardless how well Paul Leim played the parts and how well theyfir into the style of music - but that's not the musicians fault, it's the song writer's. And this still is a demo tape. He overplayed the HiHat though. Strange that even Pros still do that. It clearly overpowers the snare in the mix. I first suspected this was because it was just a rough mix for this video, but if you look closely you can observe him smashing the hats harder than even his snare drum.

@paulleim2119

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you David,, appreciate the comment.. I cannot believe how nasty guys can get. All the best. Paul

@davidmacdougall7412

7 жыл бұрын

Wish there was more studio video of you Paul - even though it might bring more idiotic comments - there is so much that serious players could learn from watching you

Paul I've been a big fan for a long time. Your a great musician, great video and they'll get it one day. Happy X-mas.👍🤘

Wow. So much talent

Paul, you are a pro and a machine! You were kind enough to speak to me on the phone for advice about 20 years ago. I’ll never forget it. I wish you had more videos like this. Thank you for everything that you do!

Paul, I play in a band that plays entirely improvised sets of music, and in that context I aspire to do exactly what you're doing for these musicians; make the song sound beautiful and stick to simple embellishments that enhance the melodies. Your playing is so beautiful! Love this!!

i learnt so much watching this, thanks

Man, I wish the entire session had been videoed. 🙁 Absolutely loved and enjoyed watching this, please do more like this (a series if you will)?? 🎚🎧🎸🎙🎹 🙂👍

Pros at work, loved it.

Paul Leim laying that solid foundation down. Everything Paul talked about and the way he led this band is how it goes down in a Nashville environment. I suggest watching this video to get an idea of what it's like to be in a Nashville session if you're thinking of making the move there. Truly a Nashville/Texas professional making it look easy! Thanks for the video Paul!

Love that part about walking on the vocal. I'm working with my very favorite vocalist, who used to sing with the guys in STP in the 90's. He's in SoCal, and I'm in Detroit, so I did a demo for him here, and one of the things I was very conscious of, was not to step on his vocals with a fill... Free education from Paul on so many points

High school with money. Great line. Great insight on how talented Nashville musicians are. It's a business folks, and you gotta be damn good to be able to be part of it.

Im 21 love here in Houston and I would love to meet this legend Paiste all day !!!

Thanks for your insight, Paul. Great playing, and highly professional. “Time is money” is the studio mantra, to be sure. From an ex-Navy drummer and friend of Kenny Malone, I say, WELL DONE!

Found my way here looking for a record producer.. The brilliance and energy of this group sure gives a perfect picture of what I had in mind.. the question is how does a beginner get a foot in THAT door with new songs and a new artist...??

Wow. So much experience and professionalism. I aspire to be like you sir. Talent is dripping off of you!