Search - Modern Drummer Festival 2008 Combo DVD on DVD

Not just drums solos by any means

JESSE R. MC Glown | Enterprise, AL | 03/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The annual MD Festival has become a world-class event over the past twenty years, and this latest set continues to raise the bar for superior production AND musicianship. There are at least four ensembles here, from intimate trios to full-blown bands. While drums are indeed heavily featured at this show, other musicians will not be bored. Simon Phillips & Protocol wrapped up the Saturday portion...good thing, because I cannot imagine any other poor band having to follow his group. Phillips is one of those rare drummers with all the jaw-dropping chops one individual could be blessed with, while possessing a musicality that beggars description! He is simply one of the best drummers on the planet, and surrounds himself with top-notch players. This one performance alone is almost worth the price of this DVD. Bill Stewart is present with his trio, as is Billy Ward. These sets are always sensory overload for me...there is SO much information here; performances, interviews, etc. For those who want blazing speed and chops, look no farther than Todd Sucherman ( Styx ): he does a phenomenal set, using a laptop for music to accompany him on two or three numbers. The biggest thing I miss with this package is the inclusion of the latest "undiscovered" drumming talent from previous years. That said, this set will keep you busy "woodshedding" for a long, long time."