Thomas Lang DVD review

I got the DVD 2 days ago and I've pretty much watched the whole thing. I must say I believe that 5 plus hrs of content is a good deal for 50 bucks. Thomas Lang obviously has fantastic technique. His foot techniques and control he demonstrates is astounding to me. Anyone looking for Gadd or Vinnie like performances should look elsewhere.
I don't buy into the arguement of feel vs technique because each drummer is playing what the music asks for. Lang is trying trying to be Vinnie or Gadd or vice-versa. That being said, anyone looking for a brilliant display of technique will love this DVD. My only complaint is that he shows you what patterns he does with his technique and practice methods, he doesn't explain or show how to get the technique. An example of this would be foot technique. He doesn't really break down the mechanics of his foot stroke in detail. Or doesn't talk about finger control and so on. Maybe I believed the DVD would have this stuff based on the ads for the DVD. I could have false expectations. On a scale from 1 to 10, I give the DVD a 9.

I meant to say Lang is NOT trying to be Vinnie and so on

I should be getting mine soon. I think your assumption was fair; that he would break down how to get the technique. This is the most important thing, no?

I'll post my review after I've set aside a good half day to watch the beast.

they are in german tho??!! maybe hudson will release them with subtitles or something.....would be pretty pointless if they didnt.

These videos can be tough that
way - almost meant to make an
impression rather than to sat-
isfy all the needs of the view-
er. He's a great player and it's
clear that people want to know
more about him and how he got
to where he is.

How are the camera angles?

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if you are searching some technical explenations of thomas lang you should look for his first two videos. i think they will be rereleased by hudson music!

ATB

Lang dvd arrived today....

i have watched some of it and its wonderful!! beautifully presented (what else would you expect from hudson) and is JAM packed with all sorts of stuff!!!

Someone else commented that he doesnt talk about technique....this is true and a bit dissapointing. but maybe they didnt have room or time....cause the disc is BURSTING with stuff to learn, excersises to practice, showmanship stuff.....patterns, orchestrations.....its FULL of very useful stuff!!!

This could be the best and mos informative dvd release to date!

Alright, I got through the first hour of this last night.

Positives:

Sound is the best I've heard on an instructional discs from a drums standpoint. Toms and kick in particular are absolutely perfect. Sound quality itself is a new standard for these releases.

Video is equally excellent if a bit dark at points.

Camera angles are very good; they cut to his feet when anything is going on there. Also, the pratice pad sections are surprisingly enjoyable, perhaps because you can see all limbs easily without the obstruction of the kit. I also really like how they seamlessly go from exercise on pads to kit.

Exercises so far seem to be really sound. They're (so far) nothing completely new, but they're a logical combination of basic concepts. (which is very different than saying they're easy)

His foot control is pretty freakin amazing I've gotta say. I have never seen anyone play with as little effort as him yet get such a huge and powerful sound. So far he's played heel up, heel down, and heel up using only the ankle. (NO upper leg movement whatsoever)

Negatives: As others have said, no breakdown or explanation of technique. If this really is not contained elsewhere on the DVD, I think Hudson made a huge mistake. Thomas is a really good speaker and is obviously an unusually intelligent guy. Given that, it seems a complete waste to not find some time in 5 hours of material to have him discuss specific technique.

Also, like other super technique guys, I get numbed to the effects after awhile. I found at the end of the hour it pretty much turned into, "here's the next insane combination, this time standing on my head while juggling sticks with one foot and turning a lightswitch on and off with the other." I know from having heard him that he's a super creative player with a GREAT groove... maybe the later tunes will showcase this side more.

Lastly, the dreaded music. Lang is such a talented guy, he has GOT to find better music to put on these things. I'd rather hear him play against a cool bass line than a lot of the stuff here.

I still say it's a must have, but to be taken in small doses per your taste for drum porn.

Maybe when I watch the other 4 (!) hours I'll have a different opinion. (if so, I'll post accordingly)

Hudson is certainly to be commended for really owning this market and putting out some great products with in demand players. I think most of my criticisms of this DVD set are based on my own personal tastes.

Great comments, Derek. I think it's good to get this kind of feedback when there are so many DVD's to choose from.

Quote:

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I found at the end of the hour it pretty much turned into, "here's the next insane combination, this time standing on my head while juggling sticks with one foot and turning a lightswitch on and off with the other."

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">LOL at this one....it's really becoming par for the course with guys like Minnemann, Virgil, etc.

Thanks, Derek. I'm not surprised.

I think it's a shame that, with a
person as articulate as Lang is,
so little is conveyed, in terms
of actual technique. I think many
are watching just for that reason.

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I have seen some of Marco's video
and while he's a great player, his
articulation and speech pattern is
just... well... Let me put it this
way - He's not a good talker.

I like when a drummer can put into
words what they do and think.

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<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ March 02, 2004 03:06 PM: Message edited by: peter c ]</font>