John Blackwell brings his R&B/funk/pop drumming mastery to this enlightening educational DVD. Filmed in front of a live audience, John demonstrates the musical skills that have made him the drummer of choice for artists such as Prince, Patti LaBelle, and Justin Timberlake. John performs his original compositions with a burning band: Gary Grainger on bass, Mike Scott on guitar, and Corey Bernhard on keyboards. Interspersed among the performances, John touches on topics including grooving/playing in the pocket, foot technique, and showmanship, along with extensive commentary and demonstrations of the grooves and concepts that have influenced him. The three-hour DVD is divided into two main sections. In the first section, Blackwell performs with the all-star band and then explains and demonstrates the drum parts. Not only does the master drummer discuss the way the song and groove evolved along with the specific techniques that are involved in the performance, he demonstrates the patterns at normal and slow speeds to provide students with a deeper, fuller understanding of the parts and their musical context. The second part of the program covers topics such as playing musically, grooving and embellishing the groove without over-playing, fills and solos, showmanship and independence as well as Blackwell s Jazz, R&B and Hip-Hop roots. Also featured is special guest Marcus Williams, John s teacher, who leads an extensive master class segment on his amazing foot technique and soloing concepts. ALSO INCLUDED: A PDF ebook containing transcriptions of John s grooves, as well as other educational material.
J**N
J. Blackwell Master Class DVD!
This DVD is one of the best drum DVD's out there today. What I love the most about this DVD is John made it clear that this DVD was about getting drummers to playing in the grove/pocket and how important it is for drummers to do that. I also love his stories about his lessions in the industry when he got into trouble for not playing what the song called for. Not only will you enjoy the songs, but you will also enjoy Johns stories and lessions. This is a must have DVD for your connection and you will find yourself watching this DVD many times. I strongly suggest this DVD for every drummer, especially if you're having a hard time with drummers who likes to play all over the place and not in the pocket.
N**S
Powerful performance.
If this is your first masters DVD it isn't really an instruction video in the traditional sence. The master class DVD's are more centered around performance of the insturment in a band setting. Loads of info on how to play with people, some licks but mostly how to be a good musician.This one is a little more performanced based than the Gadd or Sanchez DVD's. Very good none the less.
K**S
True Musicianship
Blackwell truly explains and demonstrates how to become a great musician. He demonstrates technique, showmanship, and most importantly, how to play in a group. How to create that groove and not overplay. In fact, he even does just that. He shows what it means to be in the pocket, and what it means to be out-of-pocket. Blackwell also describes his history, how he came around to play with Prince, Justin Timberlake, etc. It's not about showing off, it's about keeping the groove and allowing the band to become more musical. A MUST GET FOR ALL DRUMMERS!!
F**S
TALENT!
I find I keep going back to this DVD to study and appreciate John Blackwell's drumming talent in greater depth. Respectfully said, he may not be as articulate as some folks might want, but he does have a remarkable drumming message for us ... so listen up. The guy's played with an amazing array of musician's and deserves our taking time to hear his 'gift' of drumming clearly. You'll be a better drummer for it!
S**N
Four Stars
good
C**E
Five Stars
Bought this for a friend who has two kids who play the drums. Very educational DVD.
A**I
Recommended!
JB was one of my favorite drummers and in my opinion, he was one of the best of all time. I've been playing drums for well over 20 years, and I still learned plenty from this DVD. JB tells stories about working with artists like Prince, Justin Timberlake, Patti Labelle, etc. And he offered great insight on how he got such high profile gigs.He also demonstrates many grooves and techniques. (Playing in the pocket, out of the pocket, stick on stick, playing with a click, etc). One of his most important lessons was to respect the groove and keep the pocket. He mentioned more than once how showing off almost got him in trouble.He was a great storyteller and teacher. But in addition to his monster talent, his personality shines through just as much. He was so nice, humble, funny and likeable. It still breaks my heart that he his gone. But I am glad that he recorded this. I don't know how it could get any better.
L**R
master
if you like groove, get it, if you like chops, get it, if you want faster feet, get it, funky stuff
M**E
One for the library of a drummer
If you wanting to get a insight into patterns and grips which will help you understand more quickly your technique.
O**L
Zuviel Theorie statt Praxis
John Blackwell ist ein sehr begnadender Drummer und hat unteranderem schon für Prince und Justin Timberlake gespielt. Die DVD finde ich qualitativ gut produziert. Jedoch stört mich, dass John Blackwell zu viel erklärt und erzählt und so das spielen zu kurz kommt. Positiv finde ich, dass er mit einer Band einzelne Funk-Songs performt.
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