Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This video is fantastic to say the least. For any bluegrass picker who wants to practice his chops before getting together with some "real" musicians, this is the video to get.
Hosted by former Hot Rize banjoist and International Bluegrass Music Association president Pete Wernick, he is joined by a number of well-respected musicians in the bluegrass field, each performing on one of the common bluegrass instruments, including guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, dobro, and fiddle. The ensemble performs 16 bluegrass standards in a "jam session" setting, with most of the performers taking a solo on a few of the songs. All of the songs also have parts that allow the viewer to solo while the band backs him/her up. Wernick also takes the time to explain jam session etiquette (something perhaps that should be covered a lot more with both introverted and self-righteous musicians), informing the viewer what is expected as far as tuning, solos and backing up, basic vocal harmonies (this writer believes that this cannot be covered enough), and the Number System.
If possible, secure the DVD version of this video, as there are a number of benefits. Varying the ANGLE function on the DVD player allows for two different views of the performances: the first being the ensemble performing, and the second being a close-up of the guitarist's fretting hand for easy visibility of the chord of the song that is currently being played. The menu of the DVD also allows for easier jumping around to the practice tunes and the instructions from Wernick.
A booklet is included that has the chord progressions and lyrics to all of the songs. Bluegrass jams are great ways for musicians to polish up on their skills, but a band is not always available at any given time. For the next best thing to having an actual band to practice with, this video comes highly recommended. It would also be great to see a follow-up to this video, be it more songs to jam with or a movement to more skilled jamming. (Matt Merta, The Bluegrass Journal)
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Product Description:
with Nick Forster, Guitar; Michael Kang, Fiddle; Ben Kaufman, Bass; Sally Van Meter, Dobro; Eric Walser, Mandolin; Pete Wernick, Banjo; Joan "Nondi" Wernick, Vocals Pete Wernick created this "video jam session" so that novice guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, Dobro or bass players of any level can get ready for the "real thing" by playing along with Pete and his exciting all-star jam band. The band runs through 17 classic bluegrass songs and instrumentals while Pete teaches the ins and outs of "jam etiquette," the basics of music theory, how to make up harmony vocals, using the "number system" for calling out changes, and lots more invaluable advice. DVD EXTRA! Clicking the remote's "angle" button provides a close-up of the guitar player's left hand so you can follow the song's chord changes. 105-MIN. DVD * LEVEL 2 * INCLUDES LYRICS + CHORDS
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