03/16/05

GREGG BISSONETTE 2-DISK INSTRUCTIONAL DVD RELEASED

Gregg Bissonette's new instructional DVD.

Hudson Music has released a new 2-disk DVD featuring Mapex artist Gregg Bissonette. “Musical Drumming in Different Styles”focuses on Gregg’s unique yet highly successful approach to creating musically supportive drum parts in virtually any studio or live drumming situation.

On the DVD Gregg performs on a Mapex Orion set in the popular Imperial Burst finish and a Saturn set on a couple of tunes. "I love the sound of my new Mapex drums on the DVD. The Orion drums sound amazing for any style, have incredible versatility and I absolutely love playing them,” says Gregg. “On two jazz tunes I used the Saturn Pro in small Be Bop sizes tuned really high. They sound perfect for that style and the Saturna are also a very versatile sounding drum kit. You can't go wrong with Mapex they are my favorite drums on the planet!"

Drawing on Gregg’s extensive experience with a wide range of artists from Maynard Ferguson, Don Henley and Santana to Toto, Linda Ronstadt, Larry Carlton and Ringo Starr as well as his own solo projects, this educational DVD clearly defines what the often used term “playing for the music” really means.

Throughout the DVD, Gregg stresses the importance of listening to and experiencing as many different styles as possible first hand in order to gain a full appreciation for each style. Gregg also reinforces the fact that the primary role of the contemporary drummer is to play what's right for the music.

The set includes eight band tracks from Gregg's two solo albums, including small and big band jazz, funk, Afro-Cuban, samba, blues shuffle, fusion and rock styles. Within each chapter Gregg discusses his interpretation of the music along with the specific drum set-ups, grooves and fills he chooses. This explanation is followed by a complete performance of each song with a band that features some of the top musicians in contemporary music. Gregg also provides exercises and suggestions to help players develop the techniques necessary to play these different styles with confidence and musicality.

The over-four hour DVD set features bonus topics such as playing odd times, playing “in clave,”articulating in fast tempos and with a big band, the importance of being professional in your approach to each gig, an analysis of the late Tony Williams’ style and influence, the importance of understanding the piano and more.

Another slick feature of the DVD includes a “Camera Option” which allows viewers to move the overhead camera angle to any desired angle. Alternate edits are featured on several tunes, which allows viewers to focus in on Gregg’s bass drum part. Printable PDF files are also found on the DVD with written transcriptions of each exercise, as well as the main grooves and fill from the band tracks.

For more information, view video clips, or to purchase your copy of “Musical Drumming in Different Styles,” visit www.hudsonmusic.com.