Life on Drums - 153 Min.; Art of drumming, concepts, methods, philosophy
From the ears, eyes, and hands of renowned percussionist and educator Billy Martin (Medeski Martin & Wood), Life on Drums
is a striking examination of the drummer's art, captivatingly rendered
with cinematic grace and intrigue. Equally relevant to newcomers as it
is to experienced musicians, this DVD combines candid, wide-ranging
conversations with Martin's first drum teacher, Allen Herman, and
beautifully filmed performances of Martin's compositions for percussion
ensemble and improvised trap set solos and duets. The film's distinct
elements work together to impart a refreshing approach to instruction
that prizes the creative and the intuitive over the merely technical.
The resulting film—fiery and passionate yet practical and insightful—is a
riveting extension of Martin's open-ended approach to percussion,
improvisation, and music.