Drumset Freedom and Creation - Ian Palmer

Drumset Freedom and Creation - Ian Palmer

The DVD explores the four key areas in modern drumming - timekeeping, technique, independence and the discovery of your own voice on the instrument. The educational part of the DVD is split into bite size sections and are interlaced with live performances featuring Gary Husband and Laurence Cottle of who both need no introduction.

Ian Palmer has played with Georgie Fame, Alan Skidmore, Martin Taylor, and Ronnie Scott including a variety of sessions on many albums.

The DVD is full of energy and clearly shows Ian’s passion for music and drumming while targeting the main role of the drummer. The teaching style is a mix of the older drum DVD’s from the 80’s together with the vibrancy of the new styles of DVD’s which we have come to know from the top instrumental DVD’s. However, I feel a beginner or intermediate player may find this a bit daunting and the advanced drummer may find it hard to get the real meat out of the educational aspects between the instrumental grooves and the way the DVD is laid out. I also found to difficult to navigate through the chapters and sections.

Essentially this DVD reminds the drummer of the four most important parts of drumming which I believe we should all consider during our musical life whether you are in a garage band or performing at Wembley Stadium. However, I do feel the way the DVD is presented in terms of the layout makes this musical journey a trek in the jungle rather than a walk in the park.

Lick Library

Chris Persvia

Behind The Player Tommy Clufetos

Behind The Player Tommy Clufetos

For those who are not familiar with the American hard hitter from Detroit, Tommy Clufetos has performed and recorded with great artists such as: Ted Nugent, Mitch Ryder, Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie. In this DVD Tommy discusses his background, how he has managed to get where he is now, who has influenced him along the way and the gear that he uses. The DVD also contains in-depth drum lessons, where Tommy shows you how to play, ‘American Witch’ and ‘Lords of Salem’ by Rob Zombie.

Tommy Clufetos gives a valuable insight into the world of drumming, and sheds light on what it takes to play with the best. From watching this DVD, the viewer gains valuable information about how exactly to get a career in playing drums, Tommy explains how diversifying your ability to play different styles of music is key to getting anywhere in the music industry. Tommy also talks about the importance of counting, keeping in time, and being able to score out what your playing. In each track, Tommy gives a lesson, on how to play the song, a track play along where Tommy plays along to the original recorded song and a jam session where Tommy plays along with members from Rob Zombie.

All the rhythms and fills are well explained and broken down effectively to get to grips with all the different parts of the song. It is clear that Tommy has a large amount of passion and creativity incorporated into his playing, as well as having some well thought out and unique fills. Each note that this man plays has so much power and persistence put into it that it’s a little like being punched in the face repeatedly.
 
Overall this DVD has some useful information and ideas to improve your skills as a drummer, whilst still being enjoyable to watch. The DVD is suited to intermediate level drummers, as well as anyone who is into rock/metal music.

IMV Publishing

Daniel Kerr

Drums, Music and Friends – Gabor Dornyei

CD Reviews

Drums, Music and Friends – Gabor Dornyei

Gabor Doynyei is an up and coming drummer from Hungary. His playing is a colourful mix of traditional and contemporary grooves. His playing in his second solo album encompasses his love for latin, jazz and contemporary fusion. The CD is vibrant and includes some well known standards such as One Night in Tunisia, which is simply awesome.

Gabor takes you on a musical journey that will simply keep your feet tapping and have you reaching for those drum sticks, thinking about the rudiments you know you should really get into. Clearly his influences of Weckl, Colaiuta, El Negro to name a few make their presence know with drum solos between transitions together with a few odd time tracks for good measure.

If you’re looking for something to sweeten your latin, fusion and jazz tooth, give this one a listen.

Chris Persiva

The Sean J. Kennedy Quartet - Queen Anne’s Revenge

The Sean J. Kennedy Quartet - Queen Anne’s Revenge

Well, what can I say about this CD? The Sean J. Kennedy Quartet’s new album produces a blend of creativity, swing, groove and musical maturity that you would only expect from a band at the top of their game.

This CD is made up of some great standards with new arrangements, inter-twined with original compositions by the band. The line up consists of Sean on drums, John Stenger on piano, Erin Stroup on the Saxes and Mark Amentt on bass. The album is centred on a good tradition of swing and the occasional funky tunes for good measure.

With special guests from some of the world’s finest; Bob Minzter (The Yellowjackets and Buddy Rich Band) and Liberty Devito (Billy Joel), any hype surrounding this album was undoubtedly justified.

After listening to the CD on timeless occasions I can honestly say, I can’t find any flaws in Queen Anne’s Revenge. The band have clearly spent time working on not only the right pieces to make the album but also the order of play together their undeniable commitment to play their music with the passion, skill and creativity.

Adrian Graham

Gavin Harrison & 05RIC - Circles

Gavin Harrison & 05RIC - Circles

Gavin Harrison & 05Ric have now released their next album after Drop in 2007. Gavin, who is best known for playing in Porcupine Tree joined forces with the singer and bassist for a progressive rock fusion rock project.

Circles makes no apologies for being hard and the music is far from easy listening yet it seems to suck you in like an unexpected wave on the beach. The drums are relentless and the bass/guitars are hard hitting yet there are echoes of the euphoric 80’s and 90’s fusion band.

I don’t imagine this will be everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t the intention of the album. However, I wouldn’t let that frighten you off. It’s not the kind of thing you would listen to at a family party or if you want to chill out but then neither is Metallica.

The complex time signatures may have your head spinning around in ‘circles’ but if you’re the sort of person who likes something different and driving, then this is for you.

Adrian Graham