Tommy Igoe Groove Essentials

Rating:
Summary: Tommy still Rocks!
Review: Groove Essentials is another great DVD for the beginner drummer or even advanced drummer who wants to learn several different grooves. The instructions come from Tommy himself and are easy to follow and play. You can literally become a band drummer in less than a few months with a little practice and his DVD-rock on Tommy and thanks!!

Rating:
Summary: One of the best learning aids
Review: In this DVD Tommy Igoe presents 47 basic grooves that will expand your range and abilities as a drummer regardless of which genre you normally play.

The first ten grooves are rock, covering 8th note, 16th note and halftime. Most of these are relatively easy to master and will launch beginning drummers into polished players if they take the time to carefully follow Mr. Igoe's instructions.

The grooves become progressively more difficult to play in the subsequent lessons that cover funk, R&B, jazz and world styles. Most of the world grooves are based on Latin, but there are some wonderful surprises like the lesson on New Orleans second line drumming.

I particularly like the way each groove is introduced, then demonstrated without music, and finally demonstrated at both slow and fast tempo with music. I also like the fact that Mr. Igoe uses both traditional and match grip, depending on the piece being played, when presenting grooves. This illustrates the fact that both grips are 'legitimate'.

There are no fancy fills or solos in this DVD, just basic groove technique, which is exceptionally well presented. As a side note, Igoe is talking throughout the playing and does so without missing a beat. That is a skill in itself although it is not what is being taught.

Regardless of your skill level or musical genre, this DVD will teach the basics for beginners and break down more complex grooves for advanced and professional drummers, as well as serve as a catalog of grooves for all drummers.

The poster that comes with this DVD contains a transcription of each groove. If you don't read music you can get started by comparing the transcription to what is being played in each lesson, then seek out instruction on reading music. Or just play and do so with the absolute joy that makes drumming special.

Rating:
Summary: Great instructional dvd for beginners to intermediates
Review: Terrific dvd that demonstrates Mr. Igoe's exceptional teaching abilities. Set your kit up in front of the tube, hit your remote, and find your technique improving with every play. This is by far the finest instructional drum video on the market. No frills, just straightforward drummming (from many angles allowing the viewer to learn from Mr. Igoe's technique).

I can't stand drum videos that cut to the bass player or keyboard player when the band is demonstrating a drummer's groove. I don't want an MTV video when I'm learning a new technique. This dvd 'cuts to the chase' for the drummer. Of all the videos/dvds that I have this will be the one that I will continue to watch.

Do you want to learn basic jazz grooves, r&b, not just rock and roll, grab this dvd. He answers all of your questions.

Oh, and Vic Firth throws in a poster sized drum tablature for all 47 grooves. Very cool.

Rating:
Summary: DRUM INSTRUCTION AT ITS BEST
Review: This DVD is a "must have" for every drummer - novice or pro. Tommy Igoe introduces 47 "grooves" encompassing all types of music: rock, jazz, funk, latin and more. He explains each rhythm in a detailed play-along style, then sets them to music (the band is smoking). Best of all, the DVD comes with a poster which charts each groove for lifetime reference. Tommy's prsentation is clear, interesting and entertaining.