The great Isaac “Redd” Holt!
A giant thanks and Rest In Peace to the great Isaac “Redd” Holt. A MAJOR drumming influence for me. From Young-Holt Unlimited/Trio to his work with Ramsey Lewis, he had groove for days and so many layers to his playing. The classic “Wah Wah Man” break (see my rendition in the video below) is one of the more common examples. The ‘clicked’ rim shot on third bar is one of my favorite recorded drumming moments, though likely inadvertent and that’s what makes it so great and soulful. No ProTools to fix it, no YouTube videos about “if every snare hit isn’t identical in volume and tone you’re an amateur” to make us overthink it, life goes on with what was the best take of the song overall and we’ve got gold (Organized!). I’ve covered this at least 2-3 times before on IG and done my own renditions of that groove my break volumes, but every time I revisit I find something I missed before and it’s still a work in progress – that’s a testament to the man’s genius. Just paying homage, as there can only be one. RIP Mr. Redd Holt.
