Terry Bozzio and Chad Wackerman Solos and Duets

This is actually a two dvd package.

The main dvd was filmed a few years ago in Hollywood, California after Terry and Chad did a small tour together. It is based around both drummers’ solo exploits and their playing together - hence the ‘duets’ part.

The dvd opens up with two solo pieces by Chad Wackerman and then progresses to a solo piece by Bozzio. As both drummers played with Frank Zappa, the next piece played is the infamous The Black Page solo piece originally written for Bozzio. The last part of the programme is the two drummers playing together in several extended duets.

The second dvd is Terry Bozzio on his own in concert playing some of his orchestrated solo drum kit pieces, with some additional Drum Workshop and PDP promotional films as well after the main section.

There probably isn’t a drummer in the western world that hasn’t seen Bozzio’s immense drum kit at some point and questioned how he plays it or why he needs so many drums - well, here’s a perfect way to see how and why. With some nice camera angles and decent sound quality, this dvd highlights Terry Bozzio doing what only he really does.

These dvds are fun to watch but can be a little hard going if you’re not totally into solo drum music and what both drummers are doing. However, notwithstanding this, they are great examples of two world class musicians creating music on the drums.

http://www.terrybozzio.com/

http://www.chadwackerman.com/

Stick Tricks by Chip Ritter

I can’t remember the last time I watched an instructional dvd and actually laughed. I mean, yeah, you sometimes laugh because what the individual’s playing is that good, but with this dvd it’s more laughing because of what you’re watching is humorous. Don’t get me wrong though, you do also laugh because Chip Ritter’s playing is indeed that good.

Chip Ritter is a talented guy. I can say that because, as I said, it’s fairly evident from his dvd. What is also evident though is that he has spent a huge amount of time learning how to play the drums and practicing the thirteen tricks he demonstrates within this dvd. To be honest, I’m not quite sure which would have taken longer to perfect as he’s very proficient at both.

Ritter starts off with the some of the most basic of tricks - spinning - and demonstrates how to do these within the context of a playing situation both on his own and with a band during a solo break. The tricks detailed then get progressively more interesting - and for clarity, that means harder in this context - as the dvd progresses. A lot of the latter tricks involve different types of throws and catches and then some three-stick juggling whilst playing a groove.

Whilst it could be argued a few of the thirteen overall tricks are variations on a theme, they do still warrant explanation due to the fact they’re pretty difficult to master.

Ritter’s explanations throughout are clear and easy to follow and he gives good demonstrations/methods on how to practice the more difficult tricks both on and away from the kit. I think the fact numerous live clips are mixed in with the instructional content clearly show how well this sort of thing is received by audiences and should provide some inspiration to sit and master these tricks.

This is a really fun dvd, in fact, possibly the most fun dvd I’ve yet seen and for that I can’t recommend it highly enough.

It does possibly get a tiny bit too light hearted in places I think, but that really doesn’t matter and I challenge anyone to show me another dvd where someone juggles three sticks whilst playing several funky grooves on the kit.

The subject matter will, of course, only really appeal to those interested in making their playing a little more showy, however, at the end of the day who doesn’t want to look good in front of a crowd?

All in all, this is a nice package which has a real personalised vibe to it and one for all ages and levels.

It emphatically shouts that drumming is great fun for both us as drummers and the people we play to and I think you can‘t help but be inspired Ritter‘s obvious enthusiasm. And if you don’t smile or laugh or want to start putting tricks into your playing after watching this dvd, there’s most definitely something wrong with you.

www.chipritter.com

Billy Cobham - Live At 60

The list of people Billy Cobham has played with since the early 1970s is huge. That said, I’m not going to list them here as it makes no difference to this particular dvd. Cobham’s also a well known and highly respected solo musician, writer and educator. This dvd, filmed in Paris a few years ago, was to celebrate Cobham’s 60th birthday and features him and his band of Wilber Gill (percussion), Marcus Ubeda (keys), Stefan Rademacher (bass) and Per Gade (guitar) in a 75 minute performance.

The performance features a range of music within the context of what Cobham is known for, including the track Spectrum, which is possibly one of his best known pieces. What is also featured within the music is Cobham’s unique sound and style of playing, which in itself is worth noting.

One for all Cobham fans and those interested in seeing and hearing an all time classis drummer.

www.billycobham.com

Phil Maturano: Afro Cuban Drumming - An Overview For The Drumset

I have to confess that I’ve only recently heard of Phil Maturano because he recently did a clinic tour here in the UK. That said, it’s quite clear from watching his dvd that he is an established player and very knowledgeable about Afro Cuban music.

As you may guess from the title, this is more of a niche subject instructional dvd about how to apply some of the basics of Latin music to the modern drum kit. Now, I know nothing at all about Afro Cuban (other than it features some pretty cool music), but Maturano and company explain the subject in a practical, concise and interesting manner which is easy to follow. In fact, not only do they explain about the music, they also explain about the actual instruments involved, their function and how to get the most of them too.

The chapters included on the dvd involve playing the clave, mambo, cascara on the timbale, contra campana on timbales and drum kit, how to play the coro bell (cowbell), playing with a timbalero and congero, soloing with a band and basic cha cha cha patterns. Personally, I think the sections which deal with playing some of these patterns within a band/percussion section are invaluable as any experienced musician or teacher will be able to tell you, music is not about playing patterns or rudiments, it’s about interacting with other people and using technique to serve the music.

The backdrop for the dvd, although actually set in a studio, seems more like a small drum shop with the amount of percussion instruments on view. Having said that though, from what might sound a cluttered and busy background, the whole setting is actually bright, colourful and not at all distracting. Visually, the dvd is well filmed and much of the time there are clear [multiple] angles showing what’s going on. A lot of thought, research and preparation has obviously gone in to this dvd and I think Phil Maturano and his team should be commended for this.

This isn’t really a dvd for those just starting out on a drum set who want to learn the basics of kit playing. It is, however, for those just starting out in Latin music, but it’s certainly not limited to just beginners either as it‘s obviously intended for all levels. If you are a complete novice in this area of music, or less experienced but have enough of an understanding of the drum kit and time, then you should be able to understand what’s being said/going on and on that basis you should be able to get a lot out of this dvd.

Like I said at previously, I know nothing about Afro Cuban music, however, I think if I was going to start studying it on my own, this is probably where I’d start. Recommended.

http://philmaturano.com/

David Bateman

July 2008