Product Details

• Actors: John Blackwell
• Directors: Rob Wallis
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: All Regions
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Hudson Music
• DVD Release Date: October 21, 2008
• Run Time: 180 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B001G8MGTS
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #30,007 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

John Blackwell brings his R&B/funk/pop drumming mastery to this enlightening educational DVD. Filmed in front of a live audience, John demonstrates the musical skills that have made him the drummer of choice for artists such as Prince, Patti LaBelle, and Justin Timberlake. John performs his original compositions with a burning band: Gary Grainger on bass, Mike Scott on guitar, and Corey Bernhard on keyboards. Interspersed among the performances, John touches on topics including grooving/playing in the pocket, foot technique, and showmanship, along with extensive commentary and demonstrations of the grooves and concepts that have influenced him. The three-hour DVD is divided into two main sections. In the first section, Blackwell performs with the all-star band and then explains and demonstrates the drum parts. Not only does the master drummer discuss the way the song and groove evolved along with the specific techniques that are involved in the performance, he demonstrates the patterns at normal and slow speeds to provide students with a deeper, fuller understanding of the parts and their musical context. The second part of the program covers topics such as playing musically, grooving and embellishing the groove without over-playing, fills and solos, showmanship and independence as well as Blackwell s Jazz, R&B and Hip-Hop roots. Also featured is special guest Marcus Williams, John s teacher, who leads an extensive master class segment on his amazing foot technique and soloing concepts. ALSO INCLUDED: A PDF ebook containing transcriptions of John s grooves, as well as other educational material.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars J. Blackwell Master Class DVD!, January 12, 2009

By	Justin Griffin (San Leandro, Ca) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This DVD is one of the best drum DVD's out there today. What I love the most about this DVD is John made it clear that this DVD was about getting drummers to playing in the grove/pocket and how important it is for drummers to do that. I also love his stories about his lessions in the industry when he got into trouble for not playing what the song called for. Not only will you enjoy the songs, but you will also enjoy Johns stories and lessions. This is a must have DVD for your connection and you will find yourself watching this DVD many times. I strongly suggest this DVD for every drummer, especially if you're having a hard time with drummers who likes to play all over the place and not in the pocket.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Powerful performance., February 5, 2009

By	N. Wilkins (Corning, Ca United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If this is your first masters DVD it isn't really an instruction video in the traditional sence. The master class DVD's are more centered around performance of the insturment in a band setting. Loads of info on how to play with people, some licks but mostly how to be a good musician.
This one is a little more performanced based than the Gadd or Sanchez DVD's. Very good none the less.