Search - Classic Drum Solos and Drum Battles DVD on DVD

This is a drummers video

C. Upthegrove | Marin County, California | 04/30/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a video shot for drummers. In most cases the clips cut in directly as the drum solo starts and cut off when the solo ends. There are some great examples of solos by Rufus "Speedy" Jones, Joe Morello, Sonny Payne and others that don't get much attention anymore. Since this focuses on drummers from years gone by the video is a bit rough in places but that is only caused by age and the technology that was available when these clips were shot. The trade off is that you see film of people and drum solos that you would otherwise only hear on record. The Louie Bellson clip is really something. One clip will appeal to some non-drummers. The appearance of Buddy Rich on a 1955 Jerry Lewis show. A little corny but that was the style of the day. I would recommend this to drummers, especially ones who have or want to gain an appreciation of early jazz drummers and their syles."

There must be better footage than this?!

Jay Gee | 08/19/2002

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I'm pretty disappointed with this video. For starters, I wish that Hudson Music could've provided better audio/video examples of Rufus "Speedy" Jones (poor audio), Elvin Jones (not enough), Sonny Payne (poor video) and Chico Hamilton (not enough). Maybe it wasn't possible to get better examples, but i don't see the point watching a video where it's next to impossible to make out Sonny Payne's stick-twirling display while he solos. I also wished that Hudson Music played a few bars of music from each act leading into the drum solo, rather than have the drum solo already underway as the video appears. The drum battles were very short and for the most part a waste (they almost always are). Highlights for me included the Buddy Rich (not the bit with Jerry Lewis), Louie Bellson, Joe Morello and Sam Woodyard solos. I'm glad i didn't pay the retail price for this."

Great survey of some great drummers

Victoria Tarrani | Betwixt FL and CA, USA | 12/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I could dissect this DVD, but am going to resist the temptation and cite only the drummers who I admire the most and who held my attention.

My idol is Louie Belson, and the clip showing his does not disappoint. I loved the clip with Cozy Cole and Gene Krupa. I think Krupa was a great drummer and superb showman, but Cozy Cole blew him away in the short clip with the two of them.

Joe Morello is another favorite who works wonders with odd time signatures. His short piece in this video is classic Morello and exposes a lot of his technique since he starts the set by playing his kit with his hands! I learned much from that segment.

Blakely is another drummer who I thoroughly enjoyed watching and hearing, and like the Morello clip, I was able to add to my technique. However, as good as Belson's work on this DVD was, the highlight in my opinion was the Lionel Hampton sequences which showcased the genius of this vibe player who was also a master of a drum kit.

You'll pick up a large number of tips and techniques as you watch this DVD a few times, and will find that each drummer highlighted will have a subtle influence on your own style. The entertainent value is as high as the learning value."

A mixed bag - aficionados only

Ian Muldoon | Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia | 02/04/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I was personally most excited by the drumming sequence featuring Sunny Murray who seems to exude music through his whole body as if his body was part of the drum kit or the drum kit was an extension of his body. Music has got to be the thing so I'm less taken with Buddy Rich who is the "fastest drummer alive with the greatest technique etc" but I find musically uninteresting. Elvin Jones I was also taken with. The sequence with Louis Bellson was definitely the most accomplished in terms of development, musical interest and structure whilst Joe Morello being described by narrator Peter Erskine as the "poet" of the drum kit, may well be right. For drummers and jazz lovers."