Harvey Mason Performs 'Chameleon' by Herbie Hancock

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Released in 1973, "Chameleon" is a popular funk tune composed by Herbie Hancock in collaboration with Harvey Mason, Paul Jackson, and Bennie Maupin. The track later evolved into a jazz standard in 1974 and has become a staple for small jazz ensembles.

Harvey told us the main drum groove was born straight from the bass line. He wanted to follow closely with the bass instead of providing a simple backbeat overtop. If you're craving to learn it, we have a course inside Drumeo where Harvey dissects his popular grooves and explains his approach behind creating them.

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[tobleroni]

I love that Harvey is still doing his thing. 71 years young and smooth as butter. Drummers of every genre owe a big debt of gratitude to his contributions to drumming and music.

[Cpayne]

This is as smooth as it gets. Those ghost notes are out of this world...

[royterrell]

OMG! He never ceases to amaze me with those ghost notes and subtle rolls in the midst of the groove. Been a fan of Harvey over 40 years. Never gets old.

[alexmook]

I met Harvey at Guitar Center in 1984 when I was 16 and had been playing drums for a few years already. He was such a gentleman giving tips on sticking technique there at the register when he was buying some gear. I will never forget it. I am glad to see him still going strong after all these years. My drum teacher at the time said he was one of the greatest drummers in music and I have always felt that wat to this day.

[jr]

I was in the mood for a good practice session today, then, I watched this video....now I'm eating a whole pizza pie, and won't look at the drums for at least a week. Harvey is smooooth!

[sbdeluxe]

Every accent is so impactful. Such a full, textured groove

[ARDrummer]

Very smooth drumming! Never seen a flat top hi-hat like that before

[SamuelGriffin]

Ahhh love his light touch and dynamics

[tablameister]

One of the funkiest tunes ever written.

[janetteolivier]

Our new generation of drummers can learn from this legend. Drummers today makes a lot of noise. Learn young once....soft hands and passion makes the sound. 🔥🎵

[samleo]

i want him to teach me the technics.. so masterful with soft touch grooves with the various notes. so Colorful and masterful. i can tell that every touch of his ghost notes is completely under his control.

[ibleebinU]

Harvey 'The Mase' Mason. When I heard Head Hunters as a young drummer I realized that this is art and Harvey was the artist. He is truly an amazing talent and inspiration!

[blackoutblaze]

Stunning performance! Fantastic control and dynamics, truly outstanding! Take note people, this is REAL drumming!

[canste]

Definition of finesse and smoothness I'd aspire to be this relaxed and in the pocket as this man. Those ghosts notes are so nice.

[absolutedrumsya]

What a feel, what a depth, what a musicality! Such an amazing and outstanding musician!

[spidermight]

He makes it look so easy and effortless!

[LNZROCKS]

Such a master musician!!! Thanks for the music Harvey!!!

[incognito_tk]

I feel a longing for those days..Harvey's great drum performance is alive & well! 👍

[marianorivera]

I may not the greatest connoisseur, but that was the best drum performance I’ve actually seen, I’m speechless ; BRAVO!!!

[musicmusic]

Superb playing, nice to hear a musical drummer from time to time they are rare these days.