Customer Reviews

Billy Ward - Big Time

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

 

 

I bought this dvd because of the high rating it received in modern drummer magazine. I was really disappointed with the content. I am assuming that this was based on a clinic he may have been giving with some performances mixed in. The dvd really was not edited well and seems to jump around. For example I would be getting into a concept he was talking about then it jumps to him performing with a bass player which has no connection to the concept he was talking about. As an experienced drummer we all should have internal clocks to help us count, help with the groove and, to keep the music going he really is not covering anything new or unknown. There are some morsels of knowledge but I am actually shocked that this is highly rated for anyone other than a beginner.

I've had the pleasure of 2 lessons with Billy and if you can't find your way to NYC to study with him, or have and want a refresher course within your reach, this is a great video.

Billy is one of the most insightful musicians on the scene today. The video will give you a wealth of tools to take back to your playing immediately -- technique as well as psychological approach. If you had one DVD in your collection, this would be the one to own!

This is an hour and a half of Billy listening to himself talk. You won't find any good ideas, exercises or even captivating soloing here; it's just boring, pompous monologue. I recommend instructional videos by Thomas Lang, his are filled with good exercises.

The individual who complained about the content seeming to jump around is missing the point. Billy's instructional DVDs aren't meant to be digested in a single sitting. As such, he doesn't worry so much about making sure there's a linear progression from what's being explained to a musical example that follows. Everything's related to everything else in this video, so the formula is quite different from what most might be used to. If you watch the DVD a few times, it will all click.

If you're looking for an instructional DVD that rewards repeated viewings, or if you already have his other DVD "Voices in My Head," you'll want to drop the cash on this one. His concepts of practice playing, big time, and mechanisms crop up again and again in his instruction because they're important. If you're willing to approach drumming from a slightly different angle that harmoniously melds technique and creativity, you stand to learn a lot from this video. "Big Time" is a great addition to any drummer's library.

Gets beyond licks and tricks and focuses on building skills to get better at making music, the skills that will get you hired as a musician, and will open new levcel of creative freedom in your playing,

it really is that good.