Customer Reviews

David Garibaldi - Tower of Groove: Complete

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

 

 

I love Garibaldi's work - especially with Tower of Power and recently saw them perform live. I wanted to learn more about what goes on inside David's mind and learn a few of his chops. This video was a worthwhile purchase because not only it is well produced and sounds great, you get to watch over Garibaldi's shoulder while he plays.
I gave it 4 stars because I find Garibaldi doesn't do that great a job explaining his techniques and drum patterns. He doesn't slow anything down enough for you to feel like you can understand it anymore than without a video tutorial. He basically explains what parts of the kit he strikes with what stick, counts it in, plays it, fade to black, fade up again and on to the next pattern. I was hoping for something a little more dumbed down - even though I am a professional drummer of 30+ years - I can pick things up quite easily - this video doesn't educate as much as it entertains.
Still, worth having because the guys a monster when it comes to complex linear drum patterns and what looks like an effortless playing style. He's a marvel to watch.

"Tower of Groove, Parts 1 & 2" by David Garibaldi is a frustrating DVD. Frustrating in the fact that he makes it look so easy, and it probably is, but "listening" is frustrating because it just sounds so damn hard! There are many great rhythms to work on, a couple of which I seem to remember in another music book of his. My only complaint is that in his demonstrations, David never breaks down each limb individually. You get the entire 4 course meal at the same time with little explanation of what, or how, he is playing what he's playing. If we had some individual limb instruction, things may have been easier to comprehend and play. That being said, however, after you know the basics drumming is mostly listening and feel anyway. After listening to David play with and without a band (Tower of Power is not on this set of CD's which was made after he left the band in the mid-1970's), it inspires you to go to work. By listening and disecting his lessons we'll probably learn more from him than if he handed to us separately.

Thank you, thank you, thank you Alfred Publishing for taking classic videos like this and putting them out on DVD format!!

If you are inspired by linear-time concepts that drummers like Dave Weckl, Dennis Chambers, and Vinnie Colaiuta use in their playing- Garibaldi's style is a primary foundation that current drummers have built upon. This video is a standout to have a behind-the-kit veiwpoint to watch and learn how David gets his sound, and how those paradiddlish linear patterns look off the page. If you are studying any books like Garibaldi's Future Sounds, or Gary Chafee's Linear Patterns- this video is a Holy Grail of insight into seeing these linear musical phrases being applied in music. To top this all off, David has a wonderful warm sense of humor and such humility for a musician of his caliber.
Thank you David for this great teaching!

There is a crucial difference between merely reading an exercise or transcription and seeing them played. One can try to explain how the "english" of throwing a bowling ball is done, but you really have to see it done to understand how to try it yourself. This combined Vol.1-2 is excellent for two reasons: First, Garibaldi is articulate. His insights and explanations are personable and thorough. Second, you can see how relaxed David is when he plays the music. So many drummers play with tension because they think it's how to achieve the energy necessary to play these styles. NOT. Just watch Garibaldi for yourself, and learn how to play this wonderful stuff for real. David Garibaldi: Tower of Groove, Vol. 1 and 2

This DVD is great for ANY drummer at ANY skill level. David introduces new and dynamic funk grooves that you can utilize in many interesting ways around the kit. Plus, every guy in this video has an insane shirt on.

David Garibaldi is not just a great drummer. You find great drummers all over the world. David Garibaldi invented a new way of playing drums! This video is a must see!