Hal Leonard

Aaron Spears - Beyond the Chops
Groove, Musicality & Technique
Series: Instructional/Drum/DVD
Publisher: Hudson Music
Format: DVD
Author: Aaron Spears

Amazing performances, enlightening educational segments and revealing interviews are combined into this DVD featuring Aaron Spears. Aaron performs with tracks that include gospel, R&B, Motown, rock and odd-meter styles, illustrating the taste and versatility required of him on the American Idol tour, with R&B artist Usher, and on many other gigs. For each song, Aaron explains the groove, discusses the style, and answers insightful questions from the small group of drummers in attendance. For those looking for an exploration of Aaron's legendary chops, this DVD not only provides an up-close look at Aaron's abilities, it also sheds light on the context in which these techniques are used and provides insight into the unique vocabulary that Aaron has created. Many of the grooves and fills played are transcribed in an accompanying 21-page printable PDF eBook. Aaron also sits down with drumming icon Jojo Mayer for a revealing and candid interview. Conducted both at and away from the drums, Aaron and Jojo explore conceptual and technical issues including Aaron's background, his approach to technique and to fills, his overall conceptual approach to drumming, the gospel/R&B scene, playing with authenticity and more. Special features include slow-motion replays of many of Aaron's astounding fills, behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the Hudson team and archival footage of Aaron's early days as a developing player. This DVD also features uncompressed PCM stereo audio for extremely high-fidelity sound! For any drummer looking to develop their versatility, groove, taste and technique, this DVD will provide a rich educational experience. 3 hours, 7 minutes.