Product Description

'Anatomy of a Drum Solo' a two-disc set, presents newly-recorded, in-studio footage of legendary Neil Peart discussing his approach to soloing. Using a solo recorded in September, 2004 in Frankfurt, Germany as a framework, Neil talks about the concepts and technique behind each segment of this nine-minute tour de force, which is a feature of each Rush performance. 'Anatomy of a Drum Solo' also features: Two explorations - completely improvised workouts at the drums, each over thirty-minutes long

A never-before-released solo recorded in Hamburg, Germany in September, 2004

"O Baterista," Neil's Grammy® Award-nominated solo

Two full-band Rush performances from Frankfurt '04, all shot from the perspective of the drum cameras BONUS FEATURES: Camera Option-during Neil's performance of "Der Trommler," the viewer can choose between the program edit and two, isolated cameras, for different views.

Alternate Edits-during parts of Neil's analysis of "Der Trommler," the viewer can choose between the program edit, or an alternate edit with the playing example shown full-screen without Neil's commentary.

Audio-only tracks, "Momo's Dance Party" and "Pieces of Eight," composed and performed by Neil, which can be accessed at various points in the program.

Interview with Paul Northfield, Rush co-producer and engineer, and Lorne Wheaton, Neil's drum tech Lorne Wheaton setting up and talking about Neil's drumkit

Two Rush performances from the perspective of the drum cameras Previously unreleased solo from Rush's 1994 Counterparts tour

Running Time: Three Hours and Twenty Minutes

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #17628 in DVD
• Brand: Hudson Music
• Released on: 2005-12-12
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Formats: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 2
• Dimensions: .50 pounds
• Running time: 200 minutes

Features

• Running Time: 3 hours, 20 minutes
• Number of Discs: 1

Customer Reviews

Incredible insight into a master's mind
Although some have reviewed this DVD and stated that it is not an instructional video, that's not exactly true. A good bit of this 2 DVD set is talking about the approach and concepts of creating a drum solo to inspire us to create our own. Another good bit is showing us how Neil came up with his own solo material.

My favorite is the "waltz" section. This is by far the defining moment of the DVD where you go, "oh. I see. A master." To watch Neil playing a waltz beat with the alternating bass drum / tambourine trigger with his feet (Boom Ching-Ching, Boom Ching-Ching)and then on top playing a multitude of independent times with his hands (7/8, 4/4, etc) is truly inspiring and unbelievable. I tried to learn to do this, but I can't. It's interesting to note that he couldn't either, at first. And THAT'S one of the inspirational bits of this DVD. He didn't just pick up the sticks and do everything we see today all on natural talent. He refused to give up and worked at it until he mastered it.

I always liked that part of his solo but I never realized what he was trying to say with it. He is completely free of time constraints in his mind, and it's really almost hilarious to see the complexity of what he is playing paired with how effortless he is making it look. Unreal...

So the DVD is instructional in the sense that, if you already know how to play drums and you are looking for ideas to push you to the next level, then this can do it for you. There's no rudiments here, no sticking exercises. But, there is an answer to the long-discussed debate about why the traditional grip he touted in "A work in Progress" was dropped in favor of using mostly matched grip and sometimes traditional grip.

There are also wonderful biographical insights. Mostly, though, it's watching his thought processes and what motivated the different parts of his solos that interested me the most. Of course, with all the parts broken down for you, it's much easier to pick up tips on playing more fluidly and smoothly, if not more creatively. So overall this is a great effort by Neil and a must for anyone who at least appreciates the intricacies of his solos.

Methodical Breakdown Of His R30 Solo - Crammed With Extras
This 2-disc package contains so much. First, there's the preamble, in which Neil talks about the aetiology of the art of drum soloing, with the likes of Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa and the guys of the big band era. Then through to the rock solo greats, such as Ian Paice of Deep Purple, Bill Bruford of Yes, Carl Palmer of ELP, John Bonham of Led Zepplin etc... Neil discusses his early years of playing, the inevitable 'piano lessons' - which stood him in good stead for later years, and his experiences of his first bands as a youth.
Regarding examination of his 9 minute, 'tour-de-force' solo, what you get is a total 'scientific dissection' of the Frankfurt, September, 2004 R30 solo - up close and personal in the studio. Each segment is discussed, with interesting comment on inspiration, and why he added this particular piece, or what mainly influenced that: the tom-tom rhythms of Krupa, the attacking, explosive snare work of Buddy, the bass flams of Bonham etc...
Neil demonstrates his technique in playing the various sections of his solo and in doing so shows you close-up of how he plays each instrument; Pieces of 8 and Momo's Dance Party played on his electronic percussion, 'the drum also waltzes' Max Roach routine, also used by Bruford in 1985/6 in his solo, and so on.
***Bonus Material***
Disc 1. Der Trommler. Total breakdown and analysis of technique and method. There are then two 'sidebars'. Sidebar 1 has another solo: Ich Bin Ein Hamburger. A recording of another solo from the same tour, shot from above (a great angle). (This solo flowed so well). And sidebar 2 has 'Exploration #1". Here we sit and watch Neil going through not only his warm up routine, but also see how this takes him to new areas, the 'what if' thing. It has to be said, the quality of filming and audio of Paul Siegal and Rob Wallis is, as usual, first rate.
Disc 2. Exploration #2. O Baterista! solo from Rush In Rio. An interview with Lorne Wheaton, Neil's loyal drum tech, and Rush co-producer/engineer, Paul Northfield. Lorne Wheaton sets up Neil's amazing kit from scratch (including the rotating 'satelite' riser) and discusses it. 2 Rush - or rather 2 'Neil' - performances from the drum cameras on the R30 tour, (Subdivisions and Tom Sawyer are the featured tracks) - and there is also a never-before-released drum solo from the Counterparts tour, 1994 (in structure, similar to the drum solo on Different Stages).
In addition, Neil has included 2 audio tracks: Momo's Dance Party and Pieces of 8, and OH there is also the Show of Hands solo included, and also 'the making of' featurette for Neil's signature Sabian PARAGON cymbals!
This is an extremely comprehensive, well-crafted DVD...and I recommend it.

Terrific drumming video
I give this DVD an enthusiastic 5 stars. If you're into Rush at all, or a serious drummer, this is a must have. It focuses mainly on the art of solo-ing, something Mr Peart does well at, but there's enough material on the 2 discs to keep anyone fan or drummer interested. Well worth the money.