Customer Reviews

Bill Bruford: Bruford & the Beat

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is not your father's instructional video - actually, for some of you it is, chronologically. But Bill Bruford's not the type to play a beat, describe it, show it in slow motion, etc. This video is more about drumming concepts than particulars. Two excellent solo pieces bookend the program, and the rest is Bruford discussing his style and technique and showing us how he built a King Crimson groove (with 80s-mode Crimson) from scratch. Again and again I find myself nodding and thinking, "That's exactly why I'm a drummer." An absolutely inspiring piece of work, well worth remastering for DVD for a whole new generation of players.

I am at somewhat of a loss when reviewing this movie. It was the 2nd video I ever saw as a drummer. I was of course blown away by Bruford's dexterity on the instrument; blazing around the toms and simmons pads with the greatest of ease, never breaking a sweat. The other interesting thing about what I saw that is still a Bruford trademark, is the really peculiar way he sets up his drums. The way he mixes his electronic pads in with the acoustic drums, the roto-toms, the log drum, etc. It's not so much what is in his arsenal, but where and how he sets it up. I would have a time tackling his drumset, but Bruford makes if work. Effortless work, buy this movie.

Being a big fan of Neil Peart's expansive drumming dvds, I was a little edgy to find out this Bruford dvd was only half an hour in length. But, it is a high-quality half an hour, in my opinion!

"Brevity is the essence of wit" applies here. Bill doesn't seem to waste time drawing out any subject too long, and his demonstrations and comments about gigging etc were very good. I'm glad he didn't rip Yes or cast dispersions upon anyone he's worked with here, he always works from a positive point of view in this video (but this was about 30 years ago, before he got more jaded as well).

The sound quality is very good, and the video is of non-stellar quality but certainly gets the job done with effective camera angles so you can see what Bill is doing.

It's a nice 30 minute introductory clinic with Bill Bruford. It's pretty, erm...concise, and certainly more would be appreciated, but when it ended I felt pretty satisfied. Any musician and especially drummers would appreciate this.

How great to watch Bruford explain how he creates drumming riffs and patterns. His insight about his left hand technique, and what that has meant to him as a musician, was particularly valuable. A real treat to watch him drum up close, and to watch the King Crimson footage. The interview of Steve Howe concerning Bruford's contribution to YES was dead-on. Nice video.

A great treat, this one. Worth the price for the live segment of King Crimson playing "Discipline." The rest, all of it interesting, is a bonus.

Good Sound-Lousy Video Quality.
Duplication-Crappy At Most.
Center Video Line Shown,Pretty Much Thru-Out.
At Least On This One.

Do I like Bill Bruford ?
Is he a great technical drummer ?
Both a given...

YES !

Do I think 30 mins of footage with an elaborate explanation of how he holds his sticks and with tease of footage is worth $20's ?

NO !

Thanks for very little Bill .