From the creator of the original Drumset Play-Along DVD, Wes Crawford presents still another innovative concept in active listening. The Rhythmic Murder Mystery DVD contains swinging, swanky, fun and funky electronic drum solos performed by Wes. The wacky narrator (Brian McNelis) presents the unfolding mystery, challenging you to piece together the solution by listening to the music-oriented clues woven into the performance.
Originally performed live, this DVD version is an adaptation of Wes's successful "Rhythmic Murder Mystery" one-man show, designed to build active listening skills. The DVD's menu options allow you to play the performance with the narrator, play the pieces without the narration, or jump in at any chapter.
REVIEW
Wes Crawford sent this DVD to the Drummer Cafe for review a number of months ago and I've been meaning to post a review for some time now. I actually watched this DVD while flying to Austin, TX for PASIC 2006 and the flight time really flew by!
The DVD is an adaptation of Wes' successful one-man show, "Rhythmic Murder Mystery". Originally an interactive concert performance, Wes used it as a tool to promote intense listening skills on the part of a "musically inclined audience" ... but he's now taken it to a new level with this DVD version.
The DVD menu allows the viewer to experience the entire mystery with accompanying musical pieces OR just enjoy the concert without narrative interruption. Wes uses an electronic kit set-up for all of the compositions, and the entire performance is live! There's only one composition that actually uses a Triangle ostinato sequence during Wes' solo ... everything else is triggered and performed live.
Throughout the mystery, narrator Brian McNelis challenges the viewer to piece together a solution to the clues that Wes gives you throughout his nine drum solo compositions. Once you think you've figured out "who dunnit?", you visit Wes' website to retrieve the Rhythmic Murder Mystery Solution.
It's like Akira Jimbo meets Sherlock Holmes!