November DVD Reviews

Colin Bailey - Bass Drum Technique

First of all let me start of by saying, Colin Bailey’s right foot is AMAZING!

The control and precision he has over it is incredible, and - saying with respect – for an older gentleman, he puts all those young speed freaks to shame.

This DVD is based on the exercises presented in his book ‘Bass Drum Control’ and although he stresses that you don’t need the book in order to appreciate the DVD, the two would work best hand in hand. In fact one of the reasons for shooting the DVD was because he felt he couldn’t get the technique across as well on paper. This is one of those DVDs where, if it is possible, you need to watch it whilst actually sat at the kit, so you can mirror the movements Colin is doing, or at least with a pedal and kick pad. He is a jazz player through and through, so this is not Derek Roddy, Jason Bittner type speed, but more control, dynamics and musicality. He takes us through the techniques he uses slowly but surely, and assures us with practice we can all get to his stage.

A highly recommended purchase, probably better with the book as a package but not essential. Comes with special features including a one off drum channel interview, downloadable e-book, and a performance with Colin’s trio.

Drum Channel DVD

John Toomey – Footwork. Developing Six Way Independence.

John Toomey’s debut drumset production is based on six way independence, with each foot taking on at least two percussive instruments at one time and is co produced by Johnny Rabb and is for advanced players only.

John presents his approach by way of ‘builders’ which break down what he’s doing bit by bit to make it easier to take in and digest. He firmly believes that the parts he plays on this video are within everyone’s reach, at first viewing it all looks impossible but once John has broken it down, with a bit (well, a lot) of practice and dedication it probably can be achieved.

Besides the obvious drumkit, John has an array of cowbells, tambourines and all sorts of drums laid out on the floor waiting to be operated with his bare feet. We are shown ways of playing more than one pedal at once with the same foot, not only both pedals coming down on the same beat but also alternating beats and he uses the cowbell in more ways than the obvious, showing us that there is more to do with it than just the clave.

We are also treated to three solos, an interview with Johnny Rabb, in studio play-alongs and much more.

This is a DVD with a very definite aim and focus, which sets it apart from some other more varied and vague alternatives and is well worth a look.

1hr 33mins

www.johntoomeydrums.com  

Your First Drum Lesson – Drum Channel Masterclass DVD

The name says it all here - ‘Your First Drum Lesson’ is definitely for beginners only. Throughout the course of the DVD we are treated to six different lessons on the basics from the likes of Stephen Perkins, Greg Bissonette, Ralph Humphrey, Joe Porcaro and Chad Smith.

The lessons are based on how to approach the drums as an absolute beginner, most of the DVD is devoted the subject of how to hold the sticks and strike the drums, which is a good place to start because you don’t want to fall into bad habits with bad technique from the offset. Stephen Perkins takes us through the different components of a drum set and shows us how to set it up while Greg Bissonette shows us how to tune the drums, from then on its onto the pads with Ralph and Joe for the holding of the sticks, bouncing the stick, and turning the wrist. The lesson ends with actually being taught how to play a basic rock beat with Chad Smith who takes us through it clearly and slowly.

In my view this DVD would be better suited coming as part of the package with beginners drum sets as it starts right at the very basics ( as Stephen Perkins explains – " This is a snare drum, it goes ‘Crack’. This is a kick drum, it goes ‘Bmmph’ ") and I think it serves its purpose as a very first drum lesson well.

Drum Channel DVD

2 Hours $24.95

Ashley Hallinan