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Dave
Weckl: Back to Basics
DVD
An
Encyclopedia of Drumming Techniques
For nearly twenty years Dave Weckl has been one of the
most respected drummers in contemporary music. This DVD is a re-release
of Dave's work that was originally released on VHS and includes eight
chapters plus
some
bonus
features
that
make the DVD format a vastly superior instructional medium.
Let's take a look.
Opening
Dave opens up with a drum solo that shows off his technical
prowess and then treats us to a display of his groove-ability as he
plays along with a track from his Contemporary Drummer + One album
(also available from Warner Bros. Publications).
Hand Technique
Sitting behind a snare drum, Dave discusses the difference between matched
and conventional grip, and covers stick basics such as finding the
ideal balance point and gripping the sticks. He also demonstrates the two-finger
control method, as taught to him by James
Petercsak, and includes exercises
to help you develop the technique. He then demonstrates his favorite
rudiments, which are the Single Stroke Roll, Double Stroke Roll, Single and
Double
Paradiddle,
Flam,
and
Buzz Roll, and shows how he applies them to the drumset.
Dave reintroduces what he considers to be a "lost
art": Drumming with Brushes. After playing his
favorite brush techniques on the snare
drum alone, he applies them in context on the kit as he plays
along with another track from his Contemporary Drummer + One album.
Foot
Technique
Seated behind a bass drum and hi-hat, Dave explains his style of foot
technique in which he uses his toe on the footboard with his
heel up. He also demonstrates his favorite foot exercises and briefly
discusses his double bass approach and the mechanics of muffling the
kick drum.
Put the Two Together
Dave briefly discusses and demonstrates some exercises from his two favorite
books for developing coordination on the drum set.
Drum Kit Setup
In this segment, Dave covers the whys and hows of his drum kit and cymbal
set up. He demonstrates his point while playing both jazz and rock grooves
and concludes with a drum solo incorporating all of the techniques previously
discussed.
Interview
Dave talks about his early days in drumming, his approach
to practicing, choosing a drum teacher, what it takes to keep your
inspiration going, and more.
Tuning
Using a tom that is totally out of tune,
Dave shows us how to tune it into playing
shape.
Conclusion
Dave imparts some valuable advice and then proceeds to "take it home" by playing
along with another tune from his Contemporary Drummer + One album.
Special Features
These include:
- "Time Check" featuring Dave playing with the Buddy Rich
Big Band
- A Funk/Rock Demo with Dave on drums and Walfredo Reyes Sr. on
percussion
- "Questionable Arrivals" featuring Steve Smith
- The complete Warner Bros. Dave Weckl Catalog
- Printable exercises
from Dave's out of print books
- Internet connectivity
Back to Basics Bottom
Line
The title "Back to Basics" fits this DVD well. It's perfect
for beginning drummers and even some intermediate players may be able
to
pick up a tip or two along the way. At a retail price
of $24.95, Back
to Basics is a solid value. I recommend it. From Alfred Publishing.
Click here
to purchase Back to Basics DVD at the lowest price online.
Until next time:
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