Billy Martin (Medeski Martin Wood), Life on Drums , a striking examination of the drummer's art, great material for noviceto experienced musicians, this DVD combines candid, wide ranging conversations with Martins 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.
