Search - Joe Morello: Drum Method 1--The Natural Approach to Technique on DVD

Get a grip!

Derek Warren | Salt Lake City, UT | 06/13/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you're looking for a flashy video packed with drum solos, don't go here (although, the couple of video clips of Joe with Brubeck are awsome).

But this DVD is more profound than it might first appear...to the casual viewer. If you think about it for just a moment, the way you grip your drum sticks actually determines your ability to make music. Anybody can grab a stick and bang on a drum; two-year-olds are especially adept at it. But to articulate real music is a completely different game. Joe shows you the "magic" used by himself and dozens of the greats (both past and present) that seem to bring the sticks to life.

Speed, be it slow or fast, and accuracy of note placement (in short, controlling the stick and it's bounce) are paramount to playing a groove, swinging, or playing "in the pocket". Joe breaks down the elements of an effective grip, as well as forearm and wrist motion, and then articulates the use of the fingers in the over-all stroke. If you can resist the urge for flashy, fast, and convoluted playing, and study meticulously the form Joe is showing you (I found some fascinating secrets by advancing the movie frame by frame), and then work on it every day, it won't be but a few months before you notice a marked difference in your ability to play.

My only complaint is that I wanted more. I have many more questions now than when I started watching, but then isn't that a sign of good teaching? That Joe has got me thinking more deeply about my grip? For example, I wish Joe would have gone a little deeper in to when to use the index finger and when not to use the index finger in the left hand of the traditional grip. I think I got my answer by watching him, but he didn't address it much.

Short of those nitpicking points, any drummer who wants to play more musically today should start with studying Joe's DVD. Consider that Steve Smith and Dave Weckl, two formidable players today (regardless of whether you "like" their playing or not) both speak often of having studied with Freddie Gruber. What did they learn from Freddie? Maybe lots of stuff, but what both of those players mention is how much Freddie's teaching affected their grip and how their grip affected their over-all ability to play.

Watch Joe closley, practice it, and then start swinging!"

It's Alright

Wilbur Smith | Texas | 09/17/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Honestly, this video was ok. I was a little bit disappointed by the lack of content. Now, what he talks about is certainly important (different strokes, relaxed technique, etc), but most of it can be gathered without the video. If you are just starting to drum, these might be good foundational instructions. I would probably just recommend going to watch the videos at vicfirth.com."