Kenny Aronoff: Laying It Down; Steve Gadd II : In Session

DCI is one of the finest producers of music instruction videocassettes in the industry, and these tapes on drumming do nothing to decrease the company's stature. Laying It Down is a good program for drummers with a basic knowledge of how to navigate their way around a drum set (or "kit" as it's called in the trade.) The ten-part course features Kenny Aronoff (associated with John Cougar Mellencamp for eight years) analyzing and demonstrating the bottom line of rock drumming. There is also an excellent set of associated technique exercises. (Includes booklet.) The Steve Gadd tape, In Session, is more for seasoned percussionists, although it could serve as inspiration for a beginner. There's less emphasis on the "how-to" aspect of playing. Most of the production shows Gadd in session with Richard Tee, Will Lee, Jorge Dalto, and Eddie Gomez, interspersed with interviews. Gadd is a smoother, less mechanical drummer than Aronoff, and one can gain a considerable amount of insight watching him play. If you can only afford one, go for Laying It Down, but both are highly recommended. (Elliott Swanson) (Available from most large distributors, or direct from: DCI, 541 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10011.)ÿ