Search - Jeff Porcaro - Instructional Drum DVD on DVD

Jeff Porcaro's Instructional Video

Jack L. Sheldon Jr. | MESA, AZ United States | 02/01/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I believe this is Jeff Porcaro's instructional video, which was previously released on VHS (STARLICKS Master Sessions / Hal Leonard). If you are a Jeff Porcaro fan, this is somehting for your collection. I've found it both entertaining, and as a drummer, very intersting to view.The stage is set with 3 musicians, one of which is Jeff at the drums. Jeff endorsed Pearl drums and Paiste cymbals. He walks drummers through several of his most famous groves, including those he applied to Toto's tunes "Rosanna" and "Mushanga." I think the value here is for drummers to realize that, if you slow the timing down to understand the coordination of limbs falling in certain sequences, you can pick this up. But obviously, Jeff's playing was much more than that.There was a time that I would pick up an album and bring it home and hear a familiar drum sound and then to look at the liner notes to find Jeff Porcaro listed as the drummer.While speaking, Jeff seems to sometimes have something in his throat, and it is a bit prominent. But, overall, I would have otherwise given this a rating of 5 stars because it is Jeff. At the same time, he seemed to be talking just after he had some spicy lunch, and this seems to distract from the brilliance of what would otherwise be an exceptional video.Jack S. Mesa, AZ"

THE HIT MAKER

nbps | Orange County CA USA | 10/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
JEFF PORCARO WAS ONE OF THE BEST DRUMMERS ON THE PLANET PERIOD!

I watch the VHS version of the video over and over and learn something every time. Sometimes it it what he says that counts. Other times it is by watching him hold the sticks and strike the drums other times it is how & what he plays. He was a master of a particular technique that I have yet to see ANY drummer pull off successfully since his untimely death in 1992.

Search Jeff Porcaro on google and be amazed at how many records he played on in his 38 years. Jeffs drumming is sorely missed and the entire music business has suffered from his loss. He played with some great artists but many times he was greater than the artist he was playing for! He could make the artists song a hit when no other drummer could. Hit=$.Read that last sentence again. To this day top name musicians are still asking themselves where is Jeff Poracro when I need him?

I have been playing the drums for 37 years as I write this. If you don't appreciate this video you simply don't get it. As for another persons (DVD) review regarding the Rossana beat, I don't know what the reviewer is thinking. Jeff shows you how to play it in great detail. You have to know how to read rhythms to appreciate it though. A booklet with the beats written out is included. This is drum video for serious drummers. Being an educated drummer (10 years of private lessons) has helped me appreciate Jeffs playing all the more.

If you have only been playing drums a short while it might take you a few years before you get a clue. You need to understand what a shuffle is -Jeff explains that and have an understanding of a second line drum beat, then you are on your way.

The video was originally made in 1988 so the quality is not up to the digital standards of today at least not the VHS version. Don't let that stop you from getting a drum lesson from one of the best & most successful drummers of all times.
"

A lesson with Jeff Porcaro for less than $20??? You kiddin'

R. Baker | San Jose, CA USA | 07/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You've got to be kidding me if you aren't blown away by the fact that you get a lesson with one of the greatest pop drummers - for less than 20 bucks.
Yes, this video is only about 30 minutes long. I wanted much more.
But forget about the reviewer who said the "Rosanna" groove was not covered in detail - it is. He shows you every single part and hit - if that isn't detail, I don't know what is.
If all you learn is how do to a good shuffle, than this DVD is worth it. But you'll learn much more than that if you listen to all the beautiful details of Porcaro's playing. Now, it's time to go practice that triplet with 1st and 3rd on the right hand and the 2nd hit on the left hand!"