steve smith dvd

[Randy walker]

Got home from my gig to find a UPS package, it was the steve smith dvd. The bonus footage alone is worth the price of this disc, 2 hihat solos, one in the studio the other is off the cuff in the control room with Smith making comments like "are you getting this shit" all the time he is laughing.....the crap he is doing on the hat solo is so kewl.
Next bonus footage he does a whole segment on his fav Bonham grooves.
Many outtake drum solos that are very kewl.
Anyway this is just in my first 20 minutes of getting to view, I will post more as I dive further into this gem.

[Randy walker]

This blows Weckls video project out of the water. My opinion though. There is SO much on these 2 discs I still have not gotten thru it all. I managed to watch the hihat technique and bass drum technique. The bass drum talk is very thought out and camera shots are perfect. He discusses his whole approach to playing the bass drum flat footed and feathering. His technique to bass drum is very similar to Gadds.
He does drums solos on both his big kit (8,10,12,14,16 14x20 with a phantom snare) and a small jazz kit (13,16 22 I think) looks like a vintage slingerland with a 20's black beauty.

[Randy walker]

Let me prefice why I feel the Smith DVD is better than Weckls.
First the production overall is far superior over Dave's, sound and vision. 2nd is that it's 1 complete package instead of 3 separate videos.
I ma watching an exercise right where he discuses the hand foot roll around the kit, first he gives a complete exercise for doing this, then he demonstrates the concept, first in single note, then 2 note then 3 note combination.
My feeling is that Smiths ideas are much more thought out and very concise in his conveying to the viewing person. I like Weckl but at times he does not speak as well. Smith is a master and this DVD shows him at his best.

[Derek DeFields]

Thanks for the mini-review Randy. I just ordered mine; should be here Tuesday.

I have to agree about Weckl's videos. Though I think he has a lot to offer, the quality of the last 3 he released wasn't that great. (cheesey video effects anyone?)

His first 2 really set the standard IMHO.

I think the Hudson stuff is really the new standard as far as production. All of their videos that I've seen have been absolutely first rate when it comes to video/audio.

[PocketPlayer]

Thanks Randy...I'm not a big movie guy so I don't have a DVD player. Please...DETAILS!!! If I ever was to go out and purchase a player for one work, this would be it. This might not be fare, but I am intensly curious to see how it compare to Dave's trilogy.

[Vdrummer]

The drum shop I teach has had them for a week and someone mentioned it to me yesterday! After checking out a bit of it, I agree wholeheartedly with Randy. It's a must for serious drummers. We have a dozen copies of it if anyone prefers to buy it from an independent drum shop.

the Drum Pad
48 W. Palatine Rd.
Palatine, IL 60067
847.934.8768

[Randy walker]

He goes ove rhand technique, foot technique, metric modulation, interdependance.
The History of US Beats is very kewl, he touches on early drum beats dating to the 1920's up to present day. Looking at swing, gospel, country RnB. The technique and foot stuff is really good.

[shedder]

i personally don't think the new dvd is that great. steve spends way too much time discussing hand/foot technique and over-analyzes every movement of the wrist and arm. i think dave did a better job on his "how to develop technique" video. he was clear and to the point. you don't always have to verbally discribe exactly what your hand is doing when you can clearly see it for yourself. that's sort of the point of a video. i think steve wasted a lot of tape time on that. plus after sitting through that long talk about hand technique, his own playing during the clips don't even look that great. he looks very rigid and tense. nowhere near the smooth, airy feel and look of dave, vinnie or virgil. in my opinion this dvd is definitely not a must have. although i do agree that dave has some pretty cheesy special effects, his video are much more valuble for the serious drummer. i'm selling my smith dvd on ebay today.

[eaglebeat]

Anyone of you guys watched the entire DVD yet? I'd be very interested to hear/read a comment or review.
I've tried to find a review on the web, but no such luck.

Thanks

[DanielC]

thank you...someone finally agrees that Steve Smith is WAY over rated! I saw some of the sample clips from Hudson's site and didn't think it was worth 50.00...plus 2 discs is way too long...has anyone seen the samples of John Blackwell's new dvd coming out? It's on the Hudson Music site also...doesn't look too good in my opinion...check it out and tell me what you think...