Mike Portnoy Liquid Drum Theater DVD
Rich Byrnes
Posted 2001-12-08
How do they do that? I have often asked this question when hearing a cool guitar riff or drum beat. Technique and skill far outweigh pure brute force when getting the most out of any instrument.
A cool new DVD titled "Liquid Drum Theater" with Mike Portnoy takes its time with some very intricate drum patterns. For those of you who are not familiar with Mike Portnoy, he is the drummer from Dream Theater. It is worth every penny (SRP $49.95US).
This is more than a typical instructional video. Volume one demonstrates pattern development. It mixes live footage, instruction and studio cuts of 8 songs from the two LTE CD's. Volume two features music from Dream Theater's latest CDs. If you are looking for straight basic beats go somewhere else. Mike is the king-pin of odd time signatures and solos.
I'd heard a few things from Dream Theater in the past, but didn't really consider myself a big fan until I watched this DVD. Let me tell you, these guys fly! You just can't help developing a new found respect for a band whose members have trained at Berklee and Juliard, who know all the rules and how to break them! This 190 minute DVD is pure entertainment for all drumming brethren. It will have you questioning your own abilities while itching to get on your kit to try to expand your toolbox. Good Luck with the sticks.
Bottom Line:
This great release from Hudson Music is what drummers have been waiting for. Voted "Best Video of the Year 2000" by Modern Drummer Magazine, we can whole-heartedly recommend this DVD set to our percussionist friends. The education and entertainment factor from these Hudson Music sets are very valuable, but the excitement to play derived from watching is priceless. Bravo!
You can find more information or order this and other great Hudson Music titles by visiting their website at:
www.HudsonMusic.com
