Wes Crawford's Drumset Play-Along DVD

Wes Crawford's play-along program for aspiring drummers affords viewers the opportunity to jam with live-on-video musicians in a variety of styles. Viewers can select “with drums” and hear Crawford playing along with the band; “without drums,” which lets the viewer supply percussion; and “without drums, with click and coaching,” the most entertaining option for the casual listener, featuring Crawford's laconic direction and encouragement, not to mention asides about the other musicians, over a click track. The rest of the combo is visible onscreen over the top of a superimposed drumset, offering the illusion that one is seated at the drum kit onstage as the band plays through a range of styles (rock, funk, hip-hop, with and without vocalist, etc.). In addition, Crawford contributes a wry narrative storyline that takes the aspiring drummer from an audition scenario to a small gig, through the band manager's various alterations (change of style, add the manager's niece as a vocalist, etc.), and on to playing on a cruise ship and cutting a record in a studio. Great, steady instruction, enjoyable music, and an excellent laidback delivery make this a solid instructional program, and the accompanying CD with the 10 songs from the main program (presented with and without drums) allows viewers to practice without a TV or monitor. Recommended. Aud: I, J, H, P. (M. Tribby)