Product Details

• Actors: John Blackwell
• Directors: Rob Wallis, Paul Siegel
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: All Regions
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Hudson Music
• DVD Release Date: February 10, 2003
• Run Time: 240 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00008K9HV
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #70,610 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

John Blackwell Technique Grooving And ShowmanshipStick twirling techniqueHe also shows, in detail, his amazing stick twirling technique, and explains how he was influenced and inspired by heroes like Lionel Hampton, Sonny Payne and Gene Krupa.Modern Drummer Festival 2002Also included on Technique, Grooving and Showmanship is incredible footage of John's performance at the Modern Drummer Festival 2002 with his band Matrix, featuring Tom Coster, Baron Browne and Bruce Bartlett. A great segment on grooving features John in the studio with Baron Browne on bass, playing and discussing styles that include funk, jazz, blues and funk ballads.Special DVD Features:A camera-switching option an optional commentary by John historic clips of some of John's biggest stick-twirling influences, with a narration by John interviews with John and with his father, John Blackwell Sr., backstage at the Modern Drummer Festival 2002 a photo gallery and more! Running Time: 4 hours.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Will definitely improve your drum skills, December 2, 2004

By 

Victoria Tarrani "writer, editor, artist, des... (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: John Blackwell Technique, Grooving and Showmanship DVD (DVD)

This DVD starts out somewhat slow, but once the teaching starts you'll learn some amazing techniques. I'll preface with the fact that Blackwell's overall style and approach does not match the direction in which I am going, but he is a master drummer who is also deeply intellectual and highly effective when it comes to imparting knowledge.

Among the "secrets" I learned was how to do single-handed drum rolls. I've carefully studied Buddy Rich for years and could never come close to his single-hand roll technique. However, Blackwell shows how to do it is a straightforward manner. In less than two days of practice I have it down. That alone is worth many times the price of this DVD, but there is more. If you've ever heard Blackwell play you'd swear that he is using a double bass pedal. Not so - his amazing bass pedal work is single pedal, and he shows how to achieve the same speed and bass groove in the same straighforward manner as he did with the single-handed rolls. It comes down to doing coordination exercises with your sticks and fitting in the bass patterns. Simple on the surface, but extremely effective.

Throughout this video I learned one technique after another. Blackwell does not jealously guard his secrets - indeed, he is effusive in giving credit to his many influences - and he comes across as sincerely interested in sharing them. He is also a font of knowledge when it comes to the history of great drummers and, in one fascinating discussion connects the dots of influences back to Baby Dodds. Another thing I enjoyed (and learned from) is his ability to recreate the style of drummers who influenced him, then combine those styles into composite solos.

Like those who came before him, Blackwell - thanks to this video - has a profound influence on my own playing. I mentioned earlier that his and my styles diverge, but the techniques he imparted have been incorporated into my own playing, and if anyone asks me who my major influences were Blackwell will be on the short list.

If you want to take your skills to the lext level get this DVD and practice (and practice some more!) I also recommend getting a copy of Tommy Igoe's "Groove Essentials" (ASIN B00064YTKM), which will augment Blackwell's techniques and expand your range and technique even more.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars John Blackwell Technique DVD, September 2, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: John Blackwell Technique, Grooving and Showmanship DVD (DVD)

John is one of the great drummers out there. He has an amazing groove and chops like I have never seen. This dvd shows both. The foot technique section is worth the price the of a 2 disc set. There is a lot of playing on this dvd. John is an incredibly nice man that clearly wants to share as much as he
can. There is a section on showmanship and stick twirling that I have never seen on any video or dvd. It is great and after watching it a few times, I was able to start doing. I highly recommend it for any drummer serious about playing the
drums. It is well worth the money.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars get this, December 12, 2003

By 

tom (chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: John Blackwell Technique, Grooving and Showmanship DVD (DVD)

this dvd has it it all. great angles, great sound and incredible playing. i have learned alot watching this over and over. john is a great guy and that comes across as well. his groove is amazing and his chops are too. this dvd is well worth the money. every drummer should have it.