Danny Gottlieb (1953)
I was a 26-year old musician when I started my 3rd year as a degree - seeking student at UCF, University of Central Florida. This was 1977-1978.
I was standing outside the music department, fine arts building when the Pat Metheny group arrived. They pulled up in 2 Econoline vans and proceeded to set up on the small stage.
There was very little, or zero “fanfare” of anticipation to hear the group. My guess is this was a student body sponsored event. It wasn’t an official music department event. Very few even knew about it.
I was familiar with the Bight Size Life (ECM 1976) recording with Jaco Pastorious and Bob Moses. If my 1977-78 date is correct, they had just released their 1977 record Watercolors. This group included Lyle Mays, Mark Egan and drummer Danny Gottlieb.
The same band played again a year or so later. It was an inside the cafeteria event.
Pat and that band “Paid Some Dues’ it wasn’t a free success award. I’ve seen interviews with him speaking of those early days. Those Econoline Vans ran up some miles on the odometers.
Danny Gottlieb was one of the first drummers I saw and heard play flat ride cymbals. If I didn’t have one, I would soon add them to my sound. The Swiss cymbal company Paiste, has always been my favorite. The early 602 series are very collectable. My favorite flat ride recordings are the Airto and Roy Haynes records. Many of the ECM recordings with various drummers have that sound.
I liked what Danny Gottlieb did in the Metheny Group. He brought the ECM, cymbal thing to Pat’s music. Even, 4/4 Rock N Roll had a unique sound.
I saw and heard Danny Gottlieb in a couple other settings. He was a resident in Central Florida for awhile. I saw him with my guitarist friend Michael Leasure, in Winter Park.
I also saw Danny when he presented Joe Morello at the Orlando, PAS event. Danny was a friend and student of Joe Morello. It really shows in Danny’s technique, the influence of Joe Morello.
Danny Gottlieb is currently on faculty at University of North Florida and tours with the Lt. Dan Band.