Some people, whether through financial means, geographical convenience, long term educational pursuits or a combination of all three, are fortunate enough to study with master jazz musicians, but the majority of aspiring musicians will never have such opportunities. This reality has resulted in the advent of a variety of resources to help expose musicians to the musical philosophies and techniques that guide the giants of jazz and, with the exception of books, video releases are chief among them.

While certain companies, such as Hudson Music, have dominated the video market for quite some time, they don't have a stranglehold on personal language, content and perspective. Educational philosophies, musical personalities and teaching techniques vary widely in music, and that's why new entries in the educational video market—such as those presented by Jazz Heaven—are always welcome. Drummer/Jazz Heaven CEO Falk Willis tapped some of the most revered and unique artists out there, from saxophone icon Lee Konitz Lee Konitz
b.1927
sax, alto to philosophical piano guru Jean-Michel Pilc Jean-Michel Pilc

piano , to share their wisdom via lengthy video master classes and interviews, but he didn't overlook his own instrument-of-choice in the process. Three of the earliest entries in what looks to be a fairly large and wide-ranging collection of DVDs, hand over the stage to three very different drummers who discuss and demonstrate their thoughts on their craft.

Eric Harland
The Yin & Yang Of Jazz Drumming
Jazz Heaven
2011

Drummer Eric Harland Eric Harland

drums , as the ultimate modern rhythmic taste-maker and the driving force on stellar recordings from the SFJAZZ Collective SFJAZZ Collective

band/orchestra , McCoy Tyner McCoy Tyner
b.1938
piano , Charles Lloyd Charles Lloyd
b.1938
saxophone and many others, is always in demand and, while he may or may not have time to teach others on a regular basis, he found the time to sit down in the studio for this engaging DVD. His 90 minute lesson proves to be the most broad-minded of the three discs under discussion, as he touches on the idea of making moods in music and tapping into one's own personality, and the least technically specific.

While Harland is able to share his unique perspectives on everything from cymbal choices and set-up to being a team player, he rarely gets into technical jargon. His discussion of an exercise in 21/8, which is a rare exception and allows him to experiment with different groupings in different limbs, speaks to his genius, but it also makes it clear that, when it comes to musical specifics, his ability to show, more than tell, is key. On this front, he and Joe Martin Joe Martin
b.1970
bass, acoustic demonstrate the cat-and-mouse game that a drum and bass team can play with the beat, while a trio that pairs this rhythm duo with pianist Aaron Parks Aaron Parks
b.1983
piano explores the blues in unique fashion. Harland's affable personality, stunning skills and ability to speak in universal, non-musical terms when it counts, makes this a winning disc that could help neophytes or Harland-lovers looking for a glimpse into his mind. Play-along tracks and a lengthy interview, which chronicles Harland's development as a musician, search for spiritual enlightenment and career highlights with artists such as trumpeter Terence Blanchard Terence Blanchard
b.1962
trumpet , serves as the icing on the cake.

Ralph Peterson
Jazz Drumming Demystified
Jazz Heaven
2011

Many professional jazz musicians dabble in education and many respected music teachers play on the side, but it's incredibly rare to encounter an individual who is world-class in both categories. Few people have the time, energy, intellect or passion to put into both pursuits, but drummer Ralph Peterson Ralph Peterson
b.1962
drums is one of them. While his legacy as a performer has been written through his work with singer Betty Carter Betty Carter
1930 - 1998
vocal and saxophonists Branford Marsalis Branford Marsalis
b.1960
saxophone , David Murray David Murray
b.1955
sax, tenor and Michael Brecker Michael Brecker
1949 - 2007
sax, tenor , and many others, his wisdom as an educator is being passed on through his work at Berklee: the ultimate brick-and-mortar jazz institution.

Peterson's ability to provide a nuts-and-bolts explanation of drumming essentials, which covers fulcrum, the importance of rudiments, brush patterns, the principles of motion and a whole lot more, makes this an indispensable DVD for students of any skill level. His easy-to-understand explanations and willingness to discuss hard lessons that he overcame, like a failed audition due to a lack of rudimental vocabulary knowledge, can help young players get to the next level, and more seasoned players might glean some wisdom from his help with up-tempo playing mechanics in the right hand, but those are just a few examples of what's covered herein. Everything from Philly Joe Jones Philly Joe Jones
1923 - 1985
drums to paradiddlediddles to the importance of learning repertoire is open for discussion during this 140 minute master class, which also contains play-a-long tracks and a bonus interview.

Ari Hoenig
Melodic Drumming
Jazz Heaven
2011

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