Tiger Bill Reviews

Gene Krupa: Swing, Swing, Swing

DVD

When I was first starting out on the drums, Gene Krupa was my idol. As far as I was concerned, Gene was drums. Although he didn't have the greatest chops in the world, Krupa single-handedly brought the drums out of the background and into the spotlight. He turned the drums into a solo instrument and he influenced practically every drummer who came after him. Even rockers like Carmine Appice name Krupa as a major influence.

Buddy Rich, who played a series of drum battles against Gene in the 1950's, summed it up best when he complained, "I played all the drums and Gene got all the applause!" Why? Because Gene was the first drummer with charisma.

As the producer, writer, and narrator of this video, Bruce Klauber says, "Gene Krupa was the first and perhaps only matinee and movie idol ever produced by jazz. Gene was a natural for TV and the silver screen." And this video contains 14 complete, rare performances of Krupa with Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Charlie Ventura, Anita O'Day, Louis Armstrong, and others that prove it. Also included is an interview with Gene himself who discusses, among other things, his successful comeback after an arrest on marijuana charges.

The Bottom Line
I recommend Swing, Swing, Swing! A Tribute to the Legendary Gene Krupa to anyone with an interest in drums. You owe it to yourself to check out the man who made the drums a solo instrument. And at a retail price of $29.95, it shouldn't break the bank.

Follow the link to buy this online at a discount: Gene Krupa Swing, Swing, Swing DVD