11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant DVD!!! New weapons for the drummer's arsenal., August 16, 2003
This review is from: Rhythmic Visions, With Gavin Harrison (DVD)
I downloaded a short promotional mpeg of a segement from the DVD and really liked it, so I figured the DVD would be worth it. As it turns out, it's MORE than worth it. This is one of the best instructional drumming DVDs that I have ever seen. Just a note of caution here: this DVD is not for beginners.
Gavin has played with many bands over the years, so that explains why his playing is so smooth, polished, and creative. His DVD is based on his previously release books (Rhythmic Illusions and Rhythmic Perspectives) in which he explores the concept of time in a unique way. He is the Thinking Man's drummer.
The DVD is very organized, with chapters for Lessons and Tunes. The lessons are grouped by subject: Displacement, Modulation, Subdivisions, Spacings, and Master Modulation exercises. During each lesson, Gavin explains the concept (or theory) behind the material he is covering, then demonstrates it on his drum kit. The viewer can choose to listen to the drums with a click track or with accompanying music via an alternate audio track feature. This was a GREAT idea that Gavin incorporated into the DVD for all of the lessons. During the demonstrations, there is some "on-screen" notation of the pattern that is being played, which helps bring together the material.
Multiple camera angles are used throughout, making it easier to disect exactly what is being played and how. The sound quality is superb, and I don't know if I've ever heard a better sounding snare drum.
The DVD also contains a "Tunes" section, where Gavin plays five full length pieces that feature his inventive drumming. Each piece offers examples of the techniques he covered in the lessons, showing how the mastering of this material can be applied. His drumming is so tasteful, I kept saying to myself "Man, this guy can PLAY".
This DVD isn't about speed, chops, licks, etc., so as long as you can play, you should benefit from the concepts. Everyone is familiar with "time", but Gavin decomposes it in such a way that you say, "Wow, I never thought of it like that". The concepts of Rhythmic Illusions will empower your playing by helping you to THINK in new ways, and the Tunes he plays on the DVD prove it.
This DVD should be in every drummer's collection and it's worth every penny.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nice one, November 3, 2003
This review is from: Rhythmic Visions, With Gavin Harrison (DVD)
This DVD is a great way of generating new ideas for drummers who have been playing for a while. Once you get the concept of what he's doing, the possibilities really are endless. He's not the first drummer to cover this stuff but he makes a potentially dull topic very musical & interesting. The coolest thing about this DVD is that he explains the concepts directly & thoroughly, then plays clear examples - avoiding flashy solos and blinding chops. These concepts can easily be applied to different instruments as well.
In a nutshell this is all about increasing your understanding of rhythm, so that you can learn cool new tricks that don't depend on rudiments/speed/power, etc.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is GREAT stuff!, August 1, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Rhythmic Visions, With Gavin Harrison (DVD)
This DVD is very cool. It's like learing all the mystical grooves that Vinnie plays. Gavin though is an incrediblke player, great technique, and killer grooves. His teaching is VERY clear and the material is fresh and exciting. A must have for all serious drummers!
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