Anyone who doesn't have "Big Drum" by Buell Neidlinger......

[Plaid]

.....is missing out in a BIG way!!! As far as Vinnie in a jazz situation is concerned, this recording, in my opinion, is easily the best representation. He has the perfect looseness to his playing, and yet STILL manages to let you know it's him doing it. Check out track 3 (Beujerk), and proceed to shake your head throughout the track. There are times in the track where the other three guys in the band lose the time while Vinster is weaving in and out of four beautifully. The live recording itself is just perfect for the situation. This music would not at all have sounded good done in a studio or heavily produced. This is one of my prized Vinnie possessions. If you don't have it yet, GO AND GET THIS DISC!!! I GUARANTEE that you will NOT be disappointed! They carry it at www.audiophileimports.com if you're interested.

[Derek DeFields]

I agree Vinnie's drumming is particularly inspired, however, IMO this disc is some of the worst music ever recorded.

I played it for an incredible bass player here in Los Angeles the other day and we were laughing at how horrible it was.

still, it's worth owning for Vinnie's playing, but I doubt it will get heavy rotation in many people's CD players.

[Plaid]

Derek, believe me, I'm not praising it based on the tunes themselves or the performances of anyone else besides Vinnie. As a matter of fact, Buell on upright bass is downright horrid throughout most of this disc. BUT, this is an absolute MUST if you're a Vinnie fan.....that's all I'm saying. ....and I still think how it's recorded is exactly the way it should be.

[Derek DeFields]

Cool. I certainly didn't mean any offense and am glad to see you've gotten enough into Vinnie's resume to find/have this disc. I'm just warning people to brace themselves for some amazing playing/bad music.

Think Vinnie's playing on the Chick Corea Live disc, except Vinnie's playing with three 2nd graders who just picked up instruments and started playing... seriously.....

[Plaid]

You most certainly have a point with that comparison, Derek. The three other guys on Big Drum aren't in Chick and Pattitucci's league.....BUT, as far as Vinnie's performance on both discs is concerned, I actually enjoy Big Drum more. Some will agree...some will most certainly disagree, and that's totally cool. They're both great Vinnie performances.