Remembering How to Drum: Djembe Technique

Remembering How to Drum: Djembe Technique
by Jeremy Williams

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DVD Reviews of Remembering How to Drum: Djembe Technique

DVD Review: Holy Goat Hits the Mark (and the drum)!
Summary: 5 Stars

The DVD has several different aspects that are all really good:

1) Basic Notes on the drum.
2) Warm-Ups and Exercises
3) Ensemble Rhythms
4) Extras

Each section of the video has great introductory comments. The basics are pretty well explained, but the warm-ups and exercises are first-rate, particularly the yoga stretches. The introductions and explanations are well done - it wasn't the "drum-lingo" you might've expected, nor was it all hocus-pocus new-agey, nor was it chocked full of "honor the traditions of the motherland". It was clear, well-spoken, articulate, and intelligent.

The exercises and basics are pretty well done, but the videography is top-notch! Other videos I've seen offer a "bird's eye" view of the drum, but this one gives you the ability to choose how you want to view the instructor - either head on or "over the shoulder". I prefer the latter because it a) gives you a full-screen shot of what his hands are doing and b) makes it easier to match what his hands are doing rather than trying to switch the mirror image of a "face-to-face" shot. Both views let you see the other option in a small window on the screen. Each offers a text-based notation on screen so that you can "read" what you're playing: "BTTBSS" for "Bass Tone Tone Bass Slap Slap". Of course, with the DVD you can infinitely loop the exercises as well.

The intermediate/advanced techniques moved REALLY fast and this is probably the only section of the video worthy of complaint. There were no explanations, no slow vs. fast mode, and the transitions, while fluid, were just too fast to follow. It would've helped to have seen the patterns on-screen BEFORE he started playing the them. It would've also helped to have breaks between the patterns to allow you to start/stop/loop them. Keep in mind this info was still good, but could've used some flushing out and in-depth coverage.

The ensemble sections were AWESOME! They show two six-part rhythms. They are shot so that the same guy plays each part and comically holds down the whole ensemble with himself! With DVD technology, you can choose what you want to hear: select each part individually, each section (djembes or djuns, the full ensemble, or just the solo.

Extras include on-camera interveiws with Taylor, a promo for "Rhythm", the night club were the instructional portions of the DVD were filmed (www.drumallnight.com), and a 15-minute concert by Taylor's West African drum ensemble. The ensemble in concert clips were hot - really well shot/mixed and great demo of how a full ensemble can rock. It's good inspirational stuff. Very flashy. Also included are drum maintenance and tuning instructions that are FAR better than anything I've seen short of Paulo Mattioli's "Skin It, Tune It, Play It" full-length video on that topic.

The videography and sound quality on this production are top notch! With the DVD, it won't wear out like your favorite VHS tapes so you can watch it, loop it, put it on surround sound, and "SLAP DAT GOAT" 'til the cows come home.... ;^)

If you're going to buy an instructional djembe video, this is the place to start. This is the stuff!