Search - Chris Adler and Jason Bittner: Live at Modern Drummer Festival 2005 on DVD

Grab those sticks and drum.

Ken Pierce | Brooklyn,, NY USA | 06/14/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Filmed at the 2005 Modern Drummer Festival this DVD is a Heavy Metal drummers dream. How else could you describe a video that gives you knock down performance footage from the drummers of both Lamb Of God and Shadow's Fall. Clearly the two bands are delivering among the best Metal heard in recent years and it would sound a lot different if these two gents were not in the respective drum chairs. Being a former drummer myself I enjoyed this a lot because there was also a lot of dialogue from both players and not just straight performance pieces. Chris starts out the film and tells a lot of his origins and from this the most interesting point is the fact that he has only been drumming since age 21. Hearing the music of Lamb Of God and knowing what Adler does for the band should serve as some inspiration to those who might feel it is too late to begin playing the instrument. Chris performs three LoG songs with the assistance of his Brother (fellow band member Willie) on guitar but he does not do a solo of his own citing that he is more about the songs with the band than that display. Chris also manages to treat the viewer to some rough tracks he is working on with Ron Jarzombek (Brother to killer drummer Bobby). During the talks Adler is very personable and affable, making a sharp contrast to the type of Metal that Lamb Of God plays. I enjoyed his segment very much and feel most viewers will take away the same view.

Jason Bittner gets a few more songs to perform than Adler and his demonstration also seems more of a tutorial at times. Bittner is a graduate of the Berkley School Of Music and he jokes about his being referred to as the "double bass guy" in his dorms from that time. For Bittners demonstration he plays along with a tape of the Shadow's Fall music and the close-ups will really impress drummer and Metal fan alike as he does them. He gets one song more than Adler did for his segment and also performs a solo which was fantastic to see and listen to. It featured a lot of creative double bass work as well as many other interesting patterns that I think students can find very useful if not a bit intimidating. On top of the performances Jason delivers some bass drumming explanations which are rock solid tips for any player interested in this style of music. There is a brief question and answer which allows you a little more insight to where he comes from as a musician. The bottom line from both players is they stress just do what you can and practice at your own pace. Never worry about what others think, worry about yourself.

Bonus Features: Interviews with both Adler and Bittner at the MD Festival 2005, Chris Adler "On The Road" (which is a great segment since it offers a cool look backstage and on tour), Jason Bittner's drum lesson for "The Light That Blinds" and a Bittner Drum Clinic from Germany.

You don't have to be a drummer to enjoy this DVD, and perhaps watching it will spark some interest in you picking up the sticks. You never know.

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