Jonathan ‘Sugarfoot’ Moffett Plays Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ in Drumeo’s Studio
Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett performs Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” in Drumeo’s studio, with the drum kit at the center.
Drumeo identifies the drummer and song, and notes Moffett’s long association with Jackson’s music. The complete recording shows how the details fit the event. The full sequence helps the viewer follow how the parts work together.
The studio framing keeps several parts of the kit visible as his hands and feet coordinate across them. The complete recording shows how the details fit the event. The full sequence helps the viewer follow how the parts work together.
The familiar song provides a structure for the drum performance rather than leaving it as a detached solo. The complete recording shows how the details fit the event. The full sequence helps the viewer follow how the parts work together.
The complete video follows the groove and its variations across the arrangement. The complete recording shows how the details fit the event. The full sequence helps the viewer follow how the parts work together.
Watch the performance
Cymbals mark parts of the pulse while snare and bass drum add their own emphases. The complete recording shows how the details fit the event. The full sequence helps the viewer follow how the parts work together.
Moffett’s movement shows how changes between kit pieces create the shifting rhythmic details. The complete recording shows how the details fit the event. The full sequence helps the viewer follow how the parts work together.
The close camera view presents a studio performance rather than a distant concert scene. The complete recording shows how the details fit the event. The full sequence helps the viewer follow how the parts work together.
Returning rhythmic figures give the song continuity, while fills signal movement into new passages. The complete recording shows how the details fit the event. The full sequence helps the viewer follow how the parts work together.
Consistency and variation work together to support the familiar composition. The complete recording shows how the details fit the event. The full sequence helps the viewer follow how the parts work together.
Drumeo’s presentation gives listeners a clear view of the performance and the drum kit. The complete recording shows how the details fit the event. The full sequence helps the viewer follow how the parts work together.
The source image introduces Moffett in the studio; the video shows the complete rhythmic sequence. The complete recording shows how the details fit the event. The full sequence helps the viewer follow how the parts work together.
Moffett’s “Numb” session offers another example of his drumming with different material. The complete recording shows how the details fit the event. The full sequence helps the viewer follow how the parts work together.
Drumeo’s feature on Moffett provides broader context about his work. The complete recording shows how the details fit the event. The full sequence helps the viewer follow how the parts work together.
The performance highlights how multiple parts of the kit combine to support a song’s groove. The complete recording shows how the details fit the event. The full sequence helps the viewer follow how the parts work together.
Watching the full recording keeps those rhythmic roles connected across the piece. The complete recording shows how the details fit the event. The full sequence helps the viewer follow how the parts work together.
More videos to explore
Drumeo’s “Numb” video is a separate studio performance by Moffett.
Drumeo’s Moffett feature presents related material about the drummer.
Further reading: Performance background and source. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRM2Gn9nU7Q
