Bernard Purdie
Bernard "Pretty" Purdie was born on June 11, 1939, in Elkton, Maryland, as the eleventh of fifteen children in his family. His journey into music began at a young age; by the age of six, he began experimenting with rhythm, using sticks to hit cans and other objects to create beats.
Purdie became a significant figure in the music industry, particularly as a studio drummer, starting his professional career in the early 1960s. He is renowned for his precise and influential drumming style, which has left a lasting impact across various music genres including R&B, soul, funk, and jazz. Notably, his first major recording featured the iconic drum beat that opens "Wipe Out," which has become one of the most recognized beats in popular music.
Over his career, Purdie has worked with a plethora of artists and has been credited with developing many famous drum beats that span jazz, funk, and hip-hop. His extensive body of work has earned him the title of one of the most recorded drummers in history. Purdie's innovative approach to drumming and rhythm has influenced countless musicians and continues to be celebrated in the music community.
He developed a signature groove, a triplet-based rhythm against a half-time backbeat, famously featured on Steely Dan's "Home at Last" and influencing iconic tracks like Toto's "Rosanna" and Led Zeppelin's "Fool in the Rain" (which uses a variation).
He leads his own band, "Bernard Purdie and Friends," and was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2013, recognized as a living legend in drumming.
Known for being a "groove drummer" with precise timing, fusing swing, blues, and funk, he is considered one of the most recorded drummers ever, his style provided the foundation for countless hits, earning him the nickname "Pretty"
Bernard Purdie’s Soul To Jazz
2 Superstition
Backing Vocals – Jane Comerford, Sharlie Pryce
Trombone, Soloist – Nils Landgren
Vocals, Soloist – Martin Moss
6:08
3 Iko Iko
Accordion, Soloist – Gil Goldstein
Guitar, Soloist – Dean Brown
5:45
4 Senor Blues
Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – Eddie Harris, Michael Brecker
Trombone, Soloist – Nils Landgren
6:51
5 When A Man Loves A Woman
Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – Eddie Harris
Vocals, Soloist – Martin Moss
4:35
6 Freedom Jazz Dance
Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – Eddie Harris
Trombone, Soloist – Nils Landgren
4:29
7 Sidewinder
Flugelhorn, Soloist – Randy Brecker
Piano, Soloist – Frank Chastenier
7:15
8 Brother Where Are You?
Guitar, Soloist – Dean Brown
Vocals, Soloist – Martin Moss
4:14
9 Wade In The Water
Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – Eddie Harris
Trombone, Soloist – Nils Landgren
4:42
10 Work Song
Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – Eddie Harris
3:51
11 Land Of 1.000 Dancers
Backing Vocals – Jane Comerford, Sharlie Pryce
Trombone, Soloist – Nils Landgren
Vocals, Soloist – Martin Moss
3:09
12 Gimme Some Lovin'
Backing Vocals – Jane Comerford, Sharlie Pryce
Guitar, Soloist – Dean Brown
Vocals, Soloist – Martin Moss
3:44
13 Moanin'
Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – Eddie Harris
Trombone, Soloist – Nils Landgren
Trumpet, Soloist – John Marshall
7:40
Label: ACT – ACT 9242-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1996
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Soul-Jazz
Bernard Purdie's Soul to Jazz, released in 1996, is praised as a well-produced, enjoyable collection showcasing Purdie's signature drumming, strong vocals, and top-tier musicianship, blending soulful grooves with jazz, making it accessible even for those unfamiliar with his famous "Purdie Shuffle" and a great audio experience.
Reviews highlight the album's sheer audio quality and the seamless integration of funk and soul elements into jazz, cementing its status as a solid entry in his extensive catalog.
Considered by some fans as the "best produced volume of his work to date," with excellent audio fidelity. A seamless fusion of soul, funk, and jazz, featuring excellent vocals alongside Purdie's impeccable drumming.
Enjoyable for both devoted fans and newcomers, offering "sheer audio enjoyment," with "top-shelf" players, complementing Purdie's consistently flawless performance.
Overall, Soul to Jazz is seen as a fantastic showcase for Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, offering a polished, groove-heavy experience that emphasizes his influential drumming style within a broad, accessible jazz framework