Like many of you, as a student of the instrument I would emphasize the need to sit down and view Paul Wertico’s Drum Philosophy DVD in its entirety. Not only will you enjoy this DVD, I can assure you that you will find Paul’s insights invaluable with respect to playing the drum set in a true musical and melodic sense. Also, thanks to Alfred Publishing for their ongoing commitment to the types of instructional gems such as the one we have here in Drum Philosophy.

If you’re not old enough or just haven’t been fortunate enough to experience Paul Wertico, here is some background…

In the early 1980’s, Paul Wertico became the drummer for the legendary Pat Metheny Group, and while with them, earned an unbelievable seven Grammy Awards which included Best Jazz Fusion Performance, Best Contemporary Jazz Performance, and Best Rock Instrumental Performance. After leaving the Pat Metheny Group in 2001, Paul co-led the critically acclaimed trio, Spontaneous Combustion and Earwax Control, of which a performance can be seen on the Drum Philosophy DVD. Paul also still performs with his closest mates, themselves renowned musical legends (Laurence Hobgood – Keyboards, John Moulder – Guitar, Eric Hochberg – Bass in the Paul Wertico Trio. These are the musicians on the performing on the DVD; and they also share their thoughts on Paul Wertico’s musicality. (see Paul’s website @ paulwertico.com for a much more comprehensive anthology of his experience and the many albums to his credit.

These days, Paul Wertico is as busy as ever since recently receiving a full time appointment as Assistant Professor and Head of Jazz Studies at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.

Back to Paul Wertico Drum Philosophy… Teaching comes naturally to Paul, his calmness while explaining his musical philosophies seems to complement the looseness and tension free feel that he displays on the drum kit. His approach to drums is to produce tonal and melodic musicality; much like an artist creates layers of colors, one over the other that ultimately creates the desired feel. Paul Wertico also has the most developed sense of hearing the music that I’ve ever observed; and he offers some great advice on the overall sound of your kit. He also explains his ability to remove himself from the song which is very important because we must always remember that being a professional musician is not all about self-indulgence, but about the listener’s perception.

In Drum Philosophy, Wertico spends ample time explaining how each performance piece was created and the type of feel he was going for. He spends quite a bit of time discussing the importance of every part of the song and what it is trying to convey. In other words, there should be no wasting of musical moments. The chapters include:

Stick Technique to get the sound you are looking for (check out Paul’s recommendation on using knitting needles instead of sticks in situations to bring out additional tones which is demonstrated in Time Impulse)

Melody on playing to the melody; which cuts right down to the type of musicality that can be achieved on the drum set.

Ghost Notes where Paul shows how he uses them to enhance overall tone and dynamics, especially on the cymbals to enhance greater speed.

Drummer advice where Paul offers solid tips on practice, and an explanation of as to how the notion of time and feel are really quite different. This also leads into a stunning performance called Time Impulse, which is a freestyle frenzy which exemplifies his ability to dig deep within and play off each of the other musicians.

Great performances with subsequent explanations & breakdowns of original tunes such as The Smuggler, Cowboys and Africans, which all the while demonstrate Paul Wertico’s philosophy of musicality, movement and melodic expression.

Paul Wertico Drum Philosophy offers a framework to playing the instrument not just as a drummer, but as a true musician. I highly recommend this DVD as it really does represent what I would consider a fresh approach to the drums from the perspective of pure musicality.

Lastly, to those graduating high school this year or next, and are considering numerous musical programs to further their education, I would strongly suggest adding to your list the Jazz Studies Program with Paul Wertico at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.

Lionel Duperron does an excellent job explaining the many ways, as drummers, we can practice rudimental studies on and off the kit. A few notable features of this DVD include a 4 camera split screen showing frontal view, overhead, side angle and a dedicated cam for the feet. This is the main view that is displayed throughout the video examples. Also the written music for each exercise is displayed in the center of the 4 camera angles. Each exercise is also played at normal speed then slowed down.

In the beginning, most of the rudiments are demonstrated as drum fills with a few integrated into grooves. Later in the advanced DVDs these rudiments are demonstrated in useful and creative grooves. As a side note, this program would also be a great help to anyone interested in developing unique and creative fills and grooves.

Lionel demonstrates solos and more in the 2nd advanced DVD. This program contains: warm-ups, physical and mental preparation, practicing with and without a drumset, grips, all rudiments as snare only and applied to fills and grooves, plus solos and other well explained concepts.

The only criticism that I have of Lionel’s method is that he teaches rolls (Double stroke, 5 stroke, etc.) by means of letting the stick bounce and not sticking each individual bounce for maximum control.

All in… this is a great DVD program for anyone interested in expanding their musical vocabulary on the drums. Retail Price: $177.00

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.

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.

Eric Singer, best known for his work with Kiss, has been a drummer in demand for over two decades. Originally released in 1996, Eric Singer’s, new and improved “All Access to Drumming” includes new footage including live clips, solos, and a photo gallery.

Singer, as always, looks the part of a rocker in this DVD guided to the drum set beginner. Running time is about 120 minutes in which Eric Singer runs through the equipment that he uses (Zildjian, Pearl, among others), and then gets into practice and warm-up exercises. Singer does a nice job explaining how rudiments are applied to the drum set and devotes a chapter on utilizing triplets. He also introduces some independence and double bass exercises that are probably too advanced for most beginners, however they will inspire.

There is also a section on performance trick tips which is fun, and short section on the business side of professional drumming that is probably out of context for the level of student.

All in all, Eric Singer captures the rock and roll spirit that is sure to enhance the beginning drummer’s appetite for more.

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Check it out when Stewart Copeland gets behind the drum set and rips out an incredible rendition of, “The Lochs of Dread”, written by Bela Fleck when he was with the bluegrass combo, Strength in Numbers. Also notable, simply called “The Big Jam” which includes Red Hot Chili Pepper, Flea and Sheila E; really lives up to its name!

This is a great DVD for bassist or drummer and for anyone who enjoys musicianship at its finest.

The show opens with a powerful groove jam with Gerald Heyward and John Blackwell, Jr. that will knock your socks off. There is also a performance by 29 year old Louis Santiago, Jr. whose dynamics, timing and control are truly beyond his years.

Also of note, percussionist, Andrew Lloyd playing the beautifully complex and intriguing steelpan, with sounds sure to captivate and relax.

The 2006 DFJ Celebration is a straight forward drumming collaboration that delivers great individual performances, drum duets, and at times, with full musician ensembles, vocals, and even choirs.

Check out Greg Bissonette’s blistering double bass work and drum corps master Bill Bachman, as well as some great brush work, compliments of Nathaniel Townsley, and a great deal more.

DFJ is a very fine production for anyone interested in studying, or just getting a glimpse of these masters. Each bringing their individually honed styles and proficiencies, yet all spiritually connected to each other, through Drummers for Jesus. Rest assured, the line up at this show will inspire and elevate your spirits.

Also, if you’re interested in a Drummers for Jesus chapter in your area, check out their website www.drummersforjesus.com

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