Drum Grooves for Worship - Carl Albrecht (DVD)

 Review

The subtitle of this DVD is "Essential Patterns for the Top 100 CCLI Songs" and this is a descript summation of Carl's intention on this training resource DVD. Here is the premise- Carl reviewed the most popular 100 songs played in churches today (as ranked by CCLI) and listened to the recordings of those songs. In analyzing the songs, and the recordings of those songs, Carl found that all of them can be played in what amounts to 7 basic rhythm types. For those who don't know who he is, Carl Albrecht is to worship drumming what Tiger Woods is to golf- the perennial contributor that has more accolades and credits to his pedigree than I could put in a review of less than 3 pages. If you have heard any worship recordings in the last 20 years, there is a good chance Carl's name is listed on the drum credits for that CD.


That said, Carl approached this DVD with a laser focus to teach you something that you can actually use. He walks methodically through the seven basic grooves found in the top songs of the church. He instructs you, groove by groove, in not only the fundamentals and techniques, but the terminology and the application into which those grooves will fit in songs that are meant for worship. There are a number of worship resources sprouting up from skilled players, but none from as seasoned of a professional instructor as Carl. This DVD doesn't attempt to add superfluous fluff, but focuses keenly on absolutely making you successful at locking in to these 7 essential grooves. The chapter list includes these main items:


chapter 3 - 8th Note Feel
chapter 4 - Alternative Rock (8th with 16th note fillers) - ghost notes
chapter 5 - 16 note (train groove)
chapter 6 - 8th & 16th Note (ballads)
chapter 7 - 6/8 time, felt in 2 (majestic)
chapter 8 - shuffle/swing feel (triplets minus the middle) - and hip hop!
chapter 9 - odd time signatures (3/4, 5/4 etc) - hymns
chapter 10 - prayer... "prayer for the saints" on drums (a solo)


As a worship leader, and a former drumming instructor myself, I can't say enough about the importance of the points that Carl makes. Every worship leader who wonders why their drummer seems to drift off beat, speed up going into the chorus, or lose time during instrumental parts should be thanking God for Carl Albrecht. Because, while it is painful to have those situations occurring in your local church band, at least now you have a remedy that can actually help your drummer be the timekeeper you need him/her to be.


Drummers and worship leaders, I can't urge you enough to consider getting this core drumming learning tool.


In the rhythm,
Kim Gentes