April 2008

Stick Tricks DVD

(April 29, 2008)

Stick Tricks DVD Chip Ritter Would you say that drumstick spinning and flipping fall under the category, “Stupid Human Tricks”? David Letterman thinks so… Chip is a cut-up by nature so why should his DVD be any different? He breaks down some simple to complex stick tricks in this video including his signature 3-stick juggle while grooving! Sometimes the humor gets a little distracting, but overall the DVD has some great educational content. Being a drummer is not always about 2 and 4. Theatrical music performance has become somewhat of an expectation among the large touring groups so… brush up on your chops and let Chip school you on how you can wow the crowd and kill time on a Saturday afternoon.

The Art Of Arabic Drumming DVD

(April 29, 2008)

The Art of Arabic Drumming Trevor Salloum Known in America as the Doumbek, Trevor Salloum thouroughly explains this middle-eastern drum. He demonstrates various techniques and sounds that are used in playing the instrument. Trevor walks the viewer through many different rhythms and soloing concepts. There is a rare special performance with world-renowned Middle Eastern percussionist Michel Merhej Baklouk. This DVD is perfect for the beginner to intermediate and even a refresher for advanced students wanting to brush up on technique.

Bobby Sanabria – Big Band Urban Folktales

(April 29, 2008)

Bobby Sanabria – Big Band Urban Folktales Drums/Percussion/Vibes: Bobby Sanabria Bobby is a genuine one-man percussion ensemble. “Big Band”, can be fun to listen to… well actually I am a fan of Big Band, but it can be mundane with the standards played with virtually the same interpretations. Bobby’s new album is anything but mundane! The entire disc leans toward the Afro Caribbean side of Big Band, which I think is great. He displays solid musical chops and great arrangements of various tunes including Frank Zappa’z “Grand Wazoo”. I could suck down a few margaritas and listen to this CD all day.

Esperanza Spalding

(April 29, 2008)

Esperanza – Self Titled Drums: Otis Brown, Horacio Hernandez Percussion: Jamey Haddad Bassist virtuoso Esperanza Spalding really shows a developed sense of taste and harmonic texture. At age 20, after graduating from Berklee College of Music, Esperanza became the youngest instructor to join the faculty of the prestigious music school. But enough about bass, let’s get to the drummers. Otis Brown and Horacio Hernandez work the trap kit through this medley of jazz, smooth jazz, fusion, funk and latin inspired tunes. Jamey Haddad accompanies with tasty rhythmic colors every so often displaying the virtuosity that has made him a legend. Although not featured on this album, Jamey is also a monster on the drum set. Killer CD! A must have for any drummer studying finesse and subtle rhythmic texturing.