Every now and then the bar gets raised. A DVD comes along that sits there at the top of the newcomers list and for me, this is it.

As more and more DVD’s become available I think an important aspect is that the host is a good communicator.  In my experience, not all good drummers who make DVD’s are good presenters who are able to hold the viewers attention.  However, throughout the four and a half hours of this DVD or “smengi” (you will have to watch it) Gregg not only manages to get across what he wants to say very well, he also shows he is a good motivator too. I liked the fact he uses a lot of humour and it’s good to see someone with such enthusiasm, not only for drums but also for education. If you need any motivation to practice then this just might help you get it!

Musical Drumming In Different Styles

Gregg works through ten original tracks that have been recorded in different styles. Each track is broken down and Gregg explains the different parts and how he plays them.   He really makes the point of how important it is to be a musical drummer and to understand the form of the song you are playing. Some of the styles covered in this two disc DVD include playing a shuffle groove, playing in 7/8, Afro Cuban and playing with a Big Band to name a few. The DVD also covers beat displacement as well as fills and how they should be played in a musical way. I really liked the fills section as personally I got a lot out of it..

Other topics covered include playing the Clave, articulation, solos, phrasing as well as practicing, warming up and a brief guide to playing in a studio with hints on being a working drummer. I think the topics covered in the DVD and the information Gregg gives could be very useful to all drummers, whatever your playing ability or preferred style.

I loved the way the DVD was put together. Some DVD’s on sale lean towards being either performance based or educational, however this one has clearly been put together with a good mixture of both.  The topics are very well structured throughout; but occasionally Greg’s enthusiasm takes him off on a lot of tangents while he’s explaining things. I didn’t find this to be a problem as you get to realise how enthusiastic he is about his work and this certainly pulls you in making the whole experience more enjoyable. Gregg talks a lot about his favourite drummers like Ringo and Tony Williams, what he has got from them and why it’s important to listen to other drummers.

On the flip side, I have seen a couple of DVD’s recently from Hudson where the scene cuts into a black and white shot for a few seconds. I’m not sure if it’s an attempt to make the DVD “cool” but it’s really ANNOYING. It’s just a small thing so don’t let it put you off.  But Hudson – why?

In summary, I’ve looked at LOTS of DVD’s over the past couple of years and I can safely say that this DVD is excellent.  It should appeal to all levels and not only is it packed with loads of stuff to get your teeth into; it’s enjoyable and above all, very motivating.   

RRP £39.95 - You can purchase a signed copy from this very site!  Click here for details
 
Dave Prior
April 2005