World Famous Comics: John Blackwell Technique, Grooving and Showmanship DVD
John Blackwell Technique, Grooving and Showmanship DVD
Starring: John Blackwell, Rob Wallis Paul Siegel Directed By: Rob Wallis, Paul Siegel Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) Binding: DVD Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC Label: Hudson Music Number of Discs: 2 Number of Items: 2 Release Date: February 10, 2003 Running Time: 240 minutes Theatrical Release Date: 2002
Description: This double disc set features over four hours of incredible material by one of today's most exciting players. John Blackwell, world-class groove master and drummer with Prince, offers his approach to developing the amazing technique he has become know for, including key exercises that he used as a student-and still uses-demonstrations with bassist Baron Browne, performances with his great band, Matrix, and more. Segments include: Heroes and Influences, Practicing, Teachers, Building a Solo, Single-hand Rolls, Single-pedal Technique, Building a Groove, more. Included is footage of John's entire performance at Modern Drummer Festival 2002 with Matrix.
Great drummer, average teacher In looking for drum technique DVDs, I look for DVDs where the drummer teaches you clearly what he is demonstrating on the set. John is a fantastic drummer. However, the "teaching" side of the DVD is weak. This is true particularly compared to the gold standard of teaching DVDs like Steve Smith's and even Tommy Igoe's Groove Essentials. John doesn't slow down much of what he is doing, so whatever you pick up will be a full speed. So, it is better if you are a highly advanced, professional level drummer.
That said, watching this DVD I picked up some amazing things to imitate -- his amazing ambidexterity with the high hat; why play it with the right hand when it's on the left side of your set -- just play mainly with the left hand. Also the single handed roll and bass techniques are amazing and advanced.
Buy it only if you are an advanced drummer.
John Blackwell Blows Me Away John Blackwell is an absolute inspiration. He is so in the pocket his grooves just make you want to dance. This DVD is a must for any drummer who loves to groove because merely observing John play teaches you more than can ever be expressed with words. On top of being an incredible drummer, he is extremely humble and so sincere and thoughtful in everything he says. It is very interesting to hear him explain who all of his influences are and share his ideas and how he developed all of the showmanship he has. My advice to any serious drummer is to buy this DVD and observe the master as he plays.
John Blackwell is amazing. John blackwell is one of the best drummers of our era. He is a fantastic drummer and a fantastic teacher. By this fantastic funky DVD.
Pretty Good I get the sense that Drummers tend not to be very good teachers on camera. Blackwell seems to be distracted, constantly searching for words. However, you do get some pretty cool tricks from the video like the one-handed roll and some stick tricks. Have fun with it.
A bit boring... John might be a great drummer, but I wouldn't say he's a great teacher. The DVD is a bit boring with John's constant gaps between sentences and words making you feel like he's still think about what exactly he wants to say while you sit and wait... A lot of the times on the DVD, John will talk about something and the demonstrations are often either too short or just not enough to fully understand what hes doing. I must admit, I watched this DVD after watching Steven Smith's Drum Technique/History of the US Beat DVD which is possibly why I find this DVD rather disapointing...
Anything Goes Trivia
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