Art Verdi

[JohnMunsey]

What I like about Art is he not only did something to extreme ability (first guy to break 1,100 strokes), but also has many years history in drumming with jazz greats, like Jack Wilkins.

Art will be on TV soon for a major commercial for high speed internet company!

Mike Mangini is awesome too. I hear his coordination is cccrazy!

[Scatman]

check this guy's videos www.artverdi.com great left

[sound zap]

Can anybody explain further what art meant in the modern drumer mag by the half inch sweet spot is thirty percent of speed power

[JohnMunsey]

Upon learning about who Art had performed with, I looked up who they were. Jack Wilkins was the guitarist for Buddy Rich. And a lot of the other guys Art played with played with like Coltrane and big jazz guys.

I thought it was almost a discredit that people knew Art only through the speed thing when the guy was playing with these types of people.

Mangini is the same. He may be the fastest, but the guy plays with Stevie Vai, for godsake!

[Scatman]

I think this guy is one of the drummers that took Butch Miles place with the Basie band when Butch went with Brubek great left hand

[JohnMunsey]

Ah, I know he played with some big people, but I dont think he played with Basie. I could be wrong. He played with people from Buddy's band and/or Coltrane's.

[Scatman]

I'm thinking about practicing traditional grip finger action again after watching art's finger control videos

[JohnMunsey]

Ahhhh... I like matched grip better, but traditional has its benefits I suppose.

[drumskillz]

Art is a great drummer. His technique is phenomenal. If you ever happen to get out to a WFD event he will gladly show you his technique in detail. He holds clinics there where he describes the usefulness of the Drumometer and the methods he uses to train. He is a very friendly guy and very helpful. Check this guy out if you can. I will be posting additional videos of some of his playing on my website shortly.

[JohnMunsey]

I thought about that silly post and I have to much respect for Art to make people think he played with a band full of whimps or something like that LOL or [EDITED FOR LANGUAGE] LOL That was a silly wimpy name I made up Sorry Folks, I was in a funny mood

[Scatman]

what band full of whimps? what are you talking about?

[John Ruggiero]

My nephew met Art Verdi and Mike Mangini about 2 years ago at a wfd event in Nashville He told me these guys really helped his ability to play faster and control the sticks better. He improved his beats on the drum o meter a bit in the 3 days he was there. He also met Johnny Rabb.. My nephew Nelson lost in the fast hands competition but he has a much better speed and control with the sticks

[sound zap]

Drumskillz did not show any links to his site. How would anybody know how to get to it ha ha

[percman]

Art Verdi was the first person that I met at the WFD Championships in 2003. When I said hello, he immediately said, "let's see your chops!" So I did single strokes with one hand because I was not warmed up. He said " You're gonna win this thing." After that, he has been encouraging, helpful, insightful, and a great friend [ I'll have to buy him his own WFD pad]! Email him and look up his web site for some motivation. Go ArtV!
Eric Okamoto

[Scatman]

The modern drummer magazine says Art will be all over you like a rash until you grasp his logic of playing with a correct technique I guess that's what he did to this guy Perc

[JohnMunsey]

Hey Eric! Werent you one of the winners or something? 1st or 2nd place???

Nice to have you.

Hey I think Art is eager to help to the point MD said like a Rash!!!

[Scatman]

Art must be some convincing guy for Modern Drummer to say that. He must really believe in what he says

[JohnMunsey]

On video, he sounds very confident in his speaking and techniques. I found a video of him on a japanese site or something besides his own site.

His videos are insanely fast. I think if I tried that I'd hurt myself :(

[Scatman]

What is the link to the Japanese site?

[JohnMunsey]

Sorry Scatman,

I searched and couldn't find the japanese thing, but it's probably out there somewhere.

I did run into a write up about him though:

Jazz News (http://home.nestor.minsk.by/jazz/press/2005/08/2109.html)

[sam_lecompte]

Art has been a good friend of mine for a little over a year now. We have such a good time at the NAMM shows. If you ever get to attend a NAMM show, come check us out at the World's Fastest Drummer stage. Art has a lot to offer, and is always willing to share his knowledge. The man knows his stuff.

[JohnMunsey]

True.

I was one of the ones a bit skeptical also about the whole WFD speed thing, but I saw the focus on proper hand technique and stuff.

And what made an impression too was Bruce Wittet from Modern Drummer said he highly values Art's advice, and boy, I know Modern Drummer knows their stuff, and have interviewed so many top drummers.

Those guys at Modern Drummer, and all their magazines, it's like encyclopedias of drumming!

[Scatman]

Art's advice definitly but Mike Mangini and Johnny Rabb also. He didn't just say Art's advice These guys all know their onions man when it comes to technique.

[Elvin4ever]

I just saw in another thread there was going to be a big WFD event in November at a college in Flint, Michigan. Where does Art live? Do guys like him go to these regional events? Since this one was going to be at a college, you never know. He seems perfect for the college master class kind of stuff.

[Scatman]

I know the wfd is from Nashville

[sound zap]

I did some searching. Art Verdi is from NJ and Marco Mininman is from Germany Thomas Lang is from Austria. Virgil Donati is from Australia. Phil Collins is from England Louie Bellson is from California and Buddy Rich was from Brooklyn Gene Krupa lived in Yonkers

[DanBritt]

This site is incredible -- and now even better than it was with this forum!

I just wanted to let any NJ/NY/PA residents (or those who will travel), that there will be a Master Class with Bill Meligari (TigerBill) and Art Verdi in West Orange, NJ at The New Jersey School of Percussion. I believe this is the school that Morello teaches at.

Dates will be announced shortly, and one can be on a contact list for this:

Monster Chops Master Class with Tiger Bill & Art Verdi (http://www.tigerbill.com/masterclass.htm)

p.s. This forum looks like it has knowledgeable, mature folks! Looking forward to reading the posts!

[JohnMunsey]

Cool. When will this be?

[Scatman]

I never heard of Morello teaching at a school He has just private students

[JohnMunsey]

I am starting to question the role that genetics plays in drumming. I mean, I watched Art's videos and the guy seems to be in fast forward at some instances. It's like, that's when I think I might concentrate on groove drumming. And then I think is that why people do focus on groove drumming - cause they dont feel capable of extreme technique.

Dont get me wrong. I have great technique, but this guy is insane on these videos www.artverdi.com (http://www.artverdi.com)

Sorry, but any encouragement would be welcome at this time. I just feel like a different type of drummer right now.

[John Ruggiero]

John is saying if you can't play fast you groove? A drummer should be able to groove if he plays fast or not. I'm not saying Art Verdi can't groove I'm saying speed has nothing to do with grooving. John is making it look like he has a choice

[Scatman]

I see your point Johnn. Look at Chambers and Cobham they play fast and groove their butts off

[JohnMunsey]

I was just a little discouraged when I wrote it.

[Scatman]

I didn't see two Johns I was talking to John R

[JohnMunsey]

I was just saying that maybe their is a genetic component to be above certain speeds, but I don't know if it is true.

I wonder what exactly it is that Buddy had

[sound zap]

Most peope believe the more you practice the faster you get I think some people are born with faster abilities than others like Mr Rich most likely ambidextous abilities this automatically gives a stronger and faster left hand ability

[JohnMunsey]

I hear you.

Buddy and Art's video clips sometimes look like it is fast forward.

Is their an optical trick to doing this, a visual technique?

[JohnMunsey]

Nevermind...........

[DrumNut]

Art's videos are insane and crazy. He must have had 5 expressos before filming those haha

[Scatman]

If righty drummers do everything with the left hand that would be normally done with the right like eating or shaving I think the left side would get stronger in time

[JohnMunsey]

Scatman,

Was this relevant to the thread?

[Scatman]

Using the left hand in every day activities, when you would normally use the right hand, is mentioned many times by drummers on message boards to develop a stronger left hand Why is this statement wrong?

[JohnMunsey]

I agree, I just wasnt sure if it was mentioned early in the thread.

Art actually talks of unison strokes to keep from both hands getting cold. Definitely building up the left is important for single strokes.

Any exercises anyone using to build up the left???

[John Ruggiero]

The Stick Control book is te best way to keep both hands in shape to the max

[DrumNut]

It's a classic, I think Art used this book also. Morello's teacher was the author Stone.

[Scatman]

Anybody know how much Morello charges for lessons at that school?

[DrumNut]

I heard $100, a bargain for drumming's greatest legend

[Scatman]

I guess it would be at least an hour

[DrumNut]

I guess, give Morello a call!

I think Art is a Morello descendant

[DrumNut]

Art is teaching here in New Jersey:

Monster Chops Master Class with Tiger Bill & Art Verdi

Classes with Art Verdi and Tiger Bill (http://www.tigerbill.com/masterclass.htm)

[sound zap]

I don't think these guys like Mangini and this guy Art and Rabb can really teach fast Mike Mangini said in Modern Drummer he was always fast Mike practiced controllling his fast playing These guys must have a natural quickness Buddy claimed he had it I guess it's called equil chops or ambidexturity or some crap

[John Ruggiero]

sound zap: I really don't know what you mean " teach fast " Do you mean playing fast or giving a fast lesson?

[Scatman]

It's about speed not a fast lesson ha ha

[sound zap]

What i'm saying is drummers like Rich and Mike Mangini and Verdi had to be born with a lot of these abilities to play that fast Most drummers can work on speed 10 hours a day for 10 years and not get this kind of speed These drummers have a natural quick reflex and both hands equil like ambidextourity

[Scatman]

If the teacher shows the right practicing techniques the student should develop speed and control It's all in how much the student practices and what he or she practices I believe in natural ability but these abilities have to be developed

[Elvin4ever]

I don't think these guys like Mangini and this guy Art and Rabb can really teach fast Mike Mangini said in Modern Drummer he was always fast Mike practiced controllling his fast playing These guys must have a natural quickness Buddy claimed he had it I guess it's called equil chops or ambidexturity or some crap

An natural ambidextrous quality would certainly lead to fast chops, but such things can surely be taught, especially with left-handers. It is the nature of people to want to switch lefty drummers to right handed for a number of practical reasons. Therefore, many southpaw drummers become trained in ambidextrous behaviors. That is why their left hands sound so fast. they actually ARE left handed.

[Scatman]

Maybe Buddy Rich was really left handed and Art Verdi too This dude plays with the left at ridickulous speeds on the videos on his site www.artverdi.com

[DrumNut]

I dont think anyone has a left hand like Art. That's siiiick!

[sound zap]

check out Buddy's left hand on the hi hat in the Montreal jazz festival dvd playing westside story solo it was awesome

[Scatman]

That whole solo on that video was awesome

[DrumNut]

Awesome!!! --- Kkkkkoool!

[ThomasDee]

Art Vedi is the greatest! I worked on his video 'Practicing Properly' for Boo McAfee and it was a riot. You have to see the out-takes to fully understand how funny this man really is. Art is the real deal and a true WFD Champ.

Here is the clip I worked on at:
http://www.extremesportdrumming.com/WFDTV/ArtVerdiTrailerwindowbroad.wmv

It opens in Windows.

Do yourself a favor and try to meet Art if and when you can, he is an original!

TD

[Scatman]

Any videos clicks on the out takes of practicing properly on the net?

[Hanky12]

Buddy Rich's at the top video is the best video of Rich's playing Buddy did an awesome album with Krupa called the drum battle

[ThomasDee]

Any videos clicks on the out takes of practicing properly on the net?
I wish! I have never laughed so hard in my life.

[Scatman]

I would of loved to see that I have stuff like that with movie stars Funny as sh*t

[DrumNut]

lol

Come on, ThomasDee, Give us the scoops, what's in the outakes lol

[Scatman]

Maybe they have something about this on the wfd site Anybody check it?

[John Ruggiero]

email the wfd and ask them to end a copy if they have it

[John Ruggiero]

i meant send not end

[techristian]

Art is also a NICE GUY. He is very helpful. He has helped me a great deal !! He started me on "USING FINGERS" and not wrists.

Dan

http://teachmedrums.com

[Scatman]

techristian, can you give us some info what Art showed you?

[JohnMunsey]

It's a bold statement, but he's the closest drummer I've been to play like Buddy Rich.

People worship Buddy.

But when they see Art's videos, they say he doesnt groove lol

People are funny that way

[finnhiggins]

I don't say he can't groove, I just want to see him playing some music :) I like Buddy's time playing a hell of a lot - more than I like his fast solos, to be honest - but I've just never heard Art do it so I don't know what to say on that subject!

[Scatman]

I have some old Buddy Rich albums and some of those solos were played mainly on the snare drum and got a little mechanical I know what you guys mean Buddy played the music well until some snare drum solos that would last for 2 or 3 minutes

[sound zap]

I have a book on crossover sticking somewhere I been looking for it ever since I saw Art's flick on that drum bum stuff Art plays real fast crossover stuff

[JohnMunsey]

Crossover book?

Is it Joe Cusatis's Rhythmic Patterns. He has a lot of great cross-sticking in that in triplets and 16th notes.

The book is written for a 4-piece

[DrumNut]

Just was watching his videos, sick stuff - his left hand does triplets at like 223 bpm lol

[paradiddle]

How does he do this, he must be an alien! :)

Check out his practice videos in the section called "Brand New Clips" >>

http://www.artverdi.com/video.html

[Hanky12]

This man Art Verdi is terrific and Buddy Rich was also great
I keep seeing videos of Mike Mangini and Virgil Donati but Gene Krupa had a musical touch to the drums that none of these drummers have

[Scatman]

If I could play like these dudes i'll take the bad posture

[DrumNut]

This is the fastest left hand I've seen. Is this modified moeller or something?

[sound zap]

It looks like a combination Moeller and Gladstone of what I know of these techniques

[centralzeke]

Yeah, Barker might need to work on some finger control, haha, he holds his sticks Corps-style.

I just ordered Art Verdi's DVD, gonna see how it is..

[Stu_Strib]

I feel real bad. Here I thought that these Art Verdi vids posted where just some random unkown guy (blame the low quality of the vids). Then I look into him and find out he is a very well respected and renown drummer!

How has this guy gone unnoticed so long by me? I hate getting old and losing my mind.

[Tex12]

Where has Art been?
I been reading about this guy and the wfd for the past 5 or 6 years

[JohnMunsey]

Verdi played with some of the great jazz legends decades ago, it's the speed thing that makes people forgot about that. He's a groove guy.

But he can do amazing speed and groove.

The guy played with Buddy Rich's bands members a lot years ago.

A lot of people make accusations because they are not nearly as fast and that's a shame - use it as inspiration instead of denial

[Tex12]

Art deserves credit for his accomplishments but a lot of drummers aren't motivated to do 1100 beats
I don't know if it's because they can't or won't
I can't ha ha

[JohnMunsey]

I hear ya bro - everyone has their nitch

[centralzeke]

I can't imagine doing 1000. That's 16th notes at 250 BPM!!! Crazy.

[JohnMunsey]

There was an article on him in Modern Drummer and it said THE ART OF DRUMMING

[sound zap]

John Mugsey, where is this article on the art of drumming and in what issue of md?

[JohnMunsey]

Sound Zip,

Who you calling Mugsey?

I dont know what issue it is in, I guess you dont read ModernDrummer, you can subscribe online

[DanBritt]

Hey All -

Due to Request, Art Verdi is Now Accepting a Limited Number of Drum Students at New Jersey School of Percussion in West Orange, NJ. (Morello also teaches at this location.)

Art has a vast background in jazz with many jazz greats. Art has performed with Jack Wilkins (Buddy Rich Band), Shirley Scott (John Coltrane, Bill Cosby), Sal Salvador (Stan Kenton), Phil Woods (Benny Goodman), Stanley Turrentine (Max Roach, Ray Charles) and others.

Art has received most of his recent recognition through his major conquest with the World’s Fastest Drummer Organization (the WFD), which was created by Boo McAfee; Art was the first person in history to break 1, 100 strokes in 60 seconds.

Along with other WFD champs, Mike Mangini (Extreme/Steve Vai), Johnny Rabb (Tanya Tucker/Hank Williams III), Tim Waterson (Fastest Feet Champ) and Jotan Afanador (Ricky Martin), Art actively assists drummers with their technique at WFD competitions during winter and summer NAMM.

For more information, please go to http://www.artverdi.com or send an email to Art at ArtVerdi@ArtVerdi.com

To view Art's new commercial for Comcast and other videos, please go to http://www.dannybritt.com/videodemo.htm

[Tex12]

Art Verdi was in the Modern Drummer Magazine this summer
The article was called Inside the WFD

[ThomasDee]

Art Verdi, well I have had the honor of working personally with the man and can tell you first hand he is one of a kind. He's a great drummer, master of the traditional grip, most generous man in the world with his teaching tips, Oh and YES he's FAST! But besides all the craft and musical stuff Art is so great at, he is one of the funniest, kindest, sweetest folks I have ever had the pleasure to work with.

On one video shoot after Boo had a couple (?) brews he decided to torture Art by staging all these crazy gags, even throwing a Speeding Drumometer inches from Art's face while Art was in the middle of filming his educational video. Although we got tons of the most outrageous out-takes from that session, Art never BROKE. He just kept being the true gentleman that he really is.

Art is a true Champion in every sense of the word and it is great seeing him featured here on DW! Two great Champions like DW and AV deserve each other.

TD

[Bernhard]

Just added a little page for Art in the Drummers Around The World Section - with Video:

http://www.drummerworld.com/wishlistdrummers/Art_Verdi.html


Bernhard

[ThomasDee]

Just added a little page for Art in the Drummers Around The World Section - with Video:

http://www.drummerworld.com/wishlistdrummers/Art_Verdi.html


Bernhard
Bernhard, I saw that and Tim Waterson too! Really awesome stuff! Thanks for putting that up and these WFD guys such as Art and Tim have worked really hard. I know it is an honor for them to be in such great company and also they deserve it as well.

Thanks for giving these guys their page.

TD

[Hanky12]

I just ot here fom Art's page
Cool page

[Scatman]

They say Art uses mostly fingers when he plays
It looks like Art is using all wrists in that video on his page
The sticks are going one million mlies per hour with the sticks at least a foot off the drum
What gives with this guy?
Is he a wrist guy or a finger technique guy?

[JohnMunsey]

Nah, I dont think it's wrist, I think Art using a lot of finger muscles

[Scatman]

If the sticks are more than 12 inches high from the drum no way can it be finger muscles
Fingers are for low soft playing

[ThomasDee]

I see your point Johnn. Look at Chambers and Cobham they play fast and groove their butts off
Agreed! I love Dennis Chambers. Great example of an all around drummer. He's blistering fast, he's a showman, a great groove player, great soloist, wonderful time keeper and as he puts all this and more together he can make it work in a musical situation.

Why do people think juswt because some is fast they can't do anything else? Did Buddy Rich's lighting chops really impede his playing? I have been around the WFD, Art Verdi and guys like Tim Waterson for several years now and I can honestly say they have done more through their educational efforts at WFD events to dispelled this type of ignorance than any educator alive today. Even Jim Chapin hangs out at WFD and talks against this type of ignorance.

I enjoyed reading the wonderful article in MD last year about WFD talking about the exact fact of how commited these guys are to breaking down such barriers in thinking. MD praised Art and Tim for their contributions to the educational cause. Before them most did think speed was some kind of BOOGIE MAN that harm humanity. HAHA!

Thank God for Art Verdi.

TD

[DrumNut]

These guys reall do provide a lot in the area of hand and foot technique and very knowledgeable on the topic.

They also are very musical.

A lot of people might say stuff about them cause they know they can't reach their technical prowess. they should learn from them instead. We are all a brotherhood dam it

[ThomasDee]

These guys reall do provide a lot in the area of hand and foot technique and very knowledgeable on the topic.

They also are very musical.

A lot of people might say stuff about them cause they know they can't reach their technical prowess. they should learn from them instead. We are all a brotherhood dam it
"they should learn from them instead". Well yea! BUT one of the things about Drumometer and WFD is they were so totally 'off the hook' meaning innovative to the point that they were the first in history, so I thnk quite frankly they simply SCARED people. Lots of folks are scared of change and drumometer and wfd brought change. So instead of embrace it or them as you suggested, folks found if easier to bash and put down etc.....easier than to accept this change and as you say even to advantage of learning from the change.

TD

[Scatman]

What I read about drumometer is ok but I see a lot of drummers still depend on the old fashioned metronome
Set it on the right speeds and play away
The drumometer is good to check your speed I guess but does it develop your speed any better than the metronome?

[sound zap]

A lot of drummers always talk about using he metronome along with the Drumometer

[DanBritt]

Hey All,

I wanted to just say something because of all of the posting I have seen about Art Verdi.

So many people post about him assuming that he does not groove because he has immense speed. These are people who have never seen him play live with a band.

And, I understand why they might come to these conclusions based on the limited speed videos on his site.

Well, I have a story to tell:

I might have thought the same.

However, I hung out with Art on New Year's Eve at his gig with Lou Pallo. For anyone not familiar with Lou Pallo, he is Les Paul's guitarist every week at the Iridium in New York City. Lou has also played on many of Keith Richards (of the Rolling Stones) albums.

On the way to the gig, I asked Art, "Are you going to do a solo tonight?"

Art responded, "Don't even mention that word."

Then what I saw was an Art Verdi that most people in forums never saw. And I have seen tons of drummers perform.

Art played with total groove and feel. I know; I was there. Speed was not at all a factor. He was a total ego-less team player, supporting the band with excellent timekeeping and DEEP feel.

There might have been 1 or 2 fast fills all night. It is experiences like this that make you (me) realize, "How many things do I assume that might not be reflective of a true, greater reality?" ...

I sat there and thought, 'This is the opposite of what so many accuse Art of not having - all these accusations of him simply being a speed demon - if these people only could witness this'

After they played, in talking with Art and Lou Pallo and other great musicians, it was clear that they have played together even decades ago.

And, on top of that - They are not even aware of Art being a speed demon or "World's Fastest Drummer Champ" - They only know of the Art as the drummer they call to play gigs and groove.

And Lou Pallo plays with great groove drummers like Bernard Purdie. I almost filled in when Purdie was running late a few years ago in Haverstraw, New York at a huge festival. But to my delight, Purdie made it in time and did his great grooving with Lou.

It was said that Lou will send a drummer home if they are not grooving. He will pay them, be civil and say that a drummer is no longer needed for the rest of the evening. This is how serious he is about groove and finding a drummer that will provide this to the utmost.

If Art couldn't groove, he would have been sent Art home decades ago. Instead, he is still calling Art decades later for major holiday gigs.

I am not here to provide a lecture. But simply to pose the question of "How many things are we assuming possibly, because of lack of exposure?". In this case, we cannot assume that a drummer cannot groove merely because they can play over 1,100 strokes in 60 seconds.

Years ago, when Joe Morello had to leave his band at a gig to pick up Buddy Rich, he asked Art to sit and play with his band. There were many great drummers in the audience, including Ron Spagnardi & Sonny Igoe. Art played and Ron commended him on his performance.

Last year, I went with Art several times to see and hang with Joe Morello. Art spent countless hours decades ago with The Master. Joe announced to the crowd that Art was in the audience.

Again, not a lecture, but I respect to a guy who has gigged 6 days a week with Jack Wilkins, Buddy Rich's guitarist. I respect a guy who performed for years with Lou Pallo, an amazing talent. I respect a guy who was explaining his left hand technique with me backstage at BB Kings to Funk/Jazz Legend Mike Clark. I respect a guy who freely dedicates his time to teach many his fine technique at numerous Masterclasses at major conventions/festivals.

And I respect a guy, who - just because he broke a speed record - and is insulted by so many unknowing drummers who wasnt around to see him playing with jazz greats -- has the strength and total confidence in his abilities -- to withstand all the unfair criticism.

In the hours of filming in our New Drum TV Show, I watched Art do segments on the musical aspect of playing with a jazz bass player, and it was terrific.

If you are like me, and initially assumed something because of the limited video clips of Art currently posted, I suggest that you take into account "I may not, at this time, be seeing the Whole Picture."

Drum on, Drumming Brothers!! ...

Dan

[finnhiggins]

No argument from me. I've never seen him play beyond stuff that was clearly speed or WFD oriented, but everything I hear about his playing from people who've seen it is very positive.

I'm sure Art is one of the many, many absolutely amazing drummers out there of whom we never hear anything. I've met plenty in my time, and there are some astounding people out there.

But I don't think that validates his arguments in favour of the WFD any more than Purdie's glowing discography validates his dodgy Beatles claims. But that's for another thread.

[ThomasDee]

Of course Art can groove, play or whatever, just as Dale Jr. can drive a passenger car. This would never even be a question and quite frankly no one would even know who either were if they were not great Champions and competitors in fields that are so controversial as WFD and NASCAR.

They would simply be a good drummer and good driver. Why hate them just because they are great Champions? To me Art trying to prove he can play a drum set is like putting Jeff Gordon and the kids in a family car and saying “Ok, now can you drive the family to the park?” HAHA! Kind of silly don’t you think? :)

TD

[mattsmith]

Of course Art can groove, play or whatever, just as Dale Jr. can drive a passenger car. This would never even be a question and quite frankly no one would even know who either were if they were not great Champions and competitors in fields that are so controversial as WFD and NASCAR.

They would simply be a good drummer and good driver. Why hate them just because they are great Champions? To me Art trying to prove he can play a drum set is like putting Jeff Gordon and the kids in a family car and saying “Ok, now can you drive the family to the park?” HAHA! Kind of silly don’t you think? :)

TD
Art is a major player and a super guy, period.

Hey, its super to see the great drummer Dan Britt here. But just so you know, Art really doesn't get slammed here. People ask the usual questions here like everywhere else but stuff's cool here.

Alot of people say Drummerworld is WFD insane or something and that really isn't it. The deal is that Drummerworld is the only place that doesn't allow WFD to be cursed at and slandered. So obviously some people think they show favortism. Thats not it very much.
It's just here they allow you to have an actual debate where people don't get made fun of.
Some of the other places have so many jealous fools runnin' around saying such terrible stuff, people just now see that as what's normal.

Dan please go to the WFD and fastest double bass discussions. And please tell Art to come on too. I hear there's somethin' wrong with his computer or something (lol).

[Tex12]

I wish I could hang with the great master Joe Morello
They say Morello teaches in Jersey
I assume Art is a great player

[JohnMunsey]

Art Verdi is on myspace and has over 700 friends lol

http://www.myspace.com/artverdi

[sound zap]

I read many posts about Art Verdi though th last few years
I never read about anyone saying Art can't groove
I only read about drummers wanting to see Art perform musically
They are asking for a musical performance
Whats wrong with that?

[Scatman]

I read a very negative post about Mike Mangini not being a good player and just being a speed freak
These WFD guys are all great players
Look how great of a player Johnny Rabb is
I think it's just sour grapes

[sound zap]

How could anyone write a negative thing about Mike Mangini
Mike has every ability a drummer would want

[DrumNut]

Verdi is a sick mo-fo! This video says it all!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-145289781370983182&pr=goog-sl

[Hanky12]

Where does this dude get all this energy?
The man got to be over 50

[Tex12]

Art is well over 50 and so is Cobham
Louie Bellson is over 80 and I think Vinnie is over 50
A lot of these guys have been around a long time and really can play
Look at all the energy Buddy had and he was close to 70 when he passed

[DrumNut]

Amazing Verdi solo! I'm on the subscription list for this channel on Youtube and this came in today!

Totally musical, then crazy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6t1FGPcTvM

[JeffIndyke]

I love Art's Brush Solo!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6t1FGPcTvM

[Scatman]

Buddy Rich played fast till his death at close to 70 years young

[DanBritt]

For those living in New Jersey, there is going to be a major story on Art in the Bergen Record Newspaper this Sunday.

He will also be featured in Classic Drummer Magazine's April - June Issue.

[DanBritt]

Verdi's throne collapses on the same show that he talks about it! This was not an act!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTrG9Jz0MiE


This is a cool clip of Art, crazy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zBnf60Gi80

[CadaveR (Ivo)]

The most interesting thing I can think of immediately after seeing the name "Art Verdi" (for many reasons) is a direct comparison between Buddy Rich's single stroke rolls and Verdi's. We all know the LOVE Art felt (and fells) for the master drummer, also, Buddy's speed and stamina are pretty much similar to Art's achievements... I just don't know who is faster.

At one of Buddy's videos (the one called "Buddy Rich 1970"), when executing his classic, prolongued and controlled single stroke roll, he'd reach around 1.200 (or more) bpm, but just for a small period of time. Right after that, he slows it down to around 1.100 and keep it pretty much controlled, with virtually almost no physical effort at all.

We know that Art could reach around 1.120 pbm or something, how many Buddy would? One thing is for sure: Buddy had better stamina... he would barelly get tired, speedwise? I really don't know... maybe Buddy could be faster, maybe not... this is an interesting comparison between these 2 very fast drummers alike.

[Blaster]

If Art Verdi can keep up an 1120 pace for 60 seconds I'm sure he can reach 1200 for a few seconds
Keeping a 1120 pace for a minute is one of the hardest things to do I think
These two drummers are very close and nobody will ever be able to answer the question of who is faster because Buddy is dead
The speed Verdi has with brushes on one of these links gave me goose bumps
A musical quality to it also

[DanBritt]

Art's speed is unreal -

He hold the 10 seconds record: 220 strokes.

[Blaster]

220 in 10 seconds is 1320 in 60 seconds
that is unreal
someone posted Buddy Rich was playing over 1200 for a few seconds
Art does over 1300 but on a pad for wfd
I think it's a little easier on a pad than a drum but that's still much much faster than 1200

[DanBritt]

Art is one of those rare cats who achieved amazing ability in hand technique but also grooved with great musicians like Jack Wilkins, Shirley Scott, etc etc.

I saw him groovin' with Les Paul's guitarist, Lou Pallo. Lou hires groove guys like Purdie. And if they dont groove, he sends them home. lol

I will also add that he is one of those unpretentious guys who will hang, talk and play drums -- a great guy and very funny and good-hearted!

[Blaster]

Pretty Purdie plays with Les Paul?
Les Paul must be 110 years old (laugh out loud)

[DogBreath]

I will also add that he is one of those unpretentious guys who will hang, talk and play drums -- a great guy and very funny and good-hearted!
Absolutely Dan. Here's a pic I got of you and Art hanging out with Jeff Almeyda. Art loves to talk drums and technique, and he is a real easy-going guy.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Pretty Purdie plays with Les Paul?
Les Paul must be 110 years old (laugh out loud)

He's in his 90's and apparently pretty awesome.

[Blaster]

hey Dan, that link above of Art crazy is the best brushes i've seen
he goes from the snare to the side floor tom with an awesome movement

[dawg]

art's a phenom!...but don't be dissing les paul because of his age.i bet you and i hope to do what he's doing in his 90's. he's an american treasure. musician and inventor.a genius.

[DanBritt]

hey Dan, that link above of Art crazy is the best brushes i've seen
he goes from the snare to the side floor tom with an awesome movement

Hey Blaster,

No prob! ... It's insane, isnt it!? lol...

[mosher]

I agree Dan
Art has amazing technique

[DanBritt]

I agree Dan
Art has amazing technique

Glad you enjoyed it.

Here is a clip of Art with a Stick Control Exercise:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg30IV4qnHs

[PsYcHoTiC.DrUmMeR]

Hey, i just registered on these forums..Yeah no doubt about it, Verdi is awesome. Personally, i would like to see him perform something more musical...

[JeffIndyke]

My first reaction to Art's Brush clip was - it felt as though Art was dancing on the cymbals like Fred Astaire would dance with his tap shoes - such beauty. Dancing on the cymbals.

Art's brush solo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zBnf60Gi80

[Jeff Almeyda]

Hey dig me in the pic! I don't look so bad considering I was pretty hungover.

Art is just an incredible teacher and player. In just a few lessons I am already faster with less effort. He is the real deal in a big way.

[mosher]

speed is awesome with brushes
I like what he does with the hands and feet

[DanBritt]

Hey dig me in the pic! I don't look so bad considering I was pretty hungover.

Art is just an incredible teacher and player. In just a few lessons I am already faster with less effort. He is the real deal in a big way.

Hey Jeff - Heard you saw Morello today with Art?

Cool!!

I cannot escape this guy (Art); I wake up, get the Sunday paper, and who is there? lol

http://www.dannybritt.com/VerdiFrontPage.jpg

[JeffIndyke]

Art Verdi blooper!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaiAp8yvl_k

[mosher]

That's funny Art had a mental blank for a moment
I get that too

[DanBritt]

One of Art's exercises

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Egg_a6b9c9w

[DanBritt]

Nice musical jazz lesson - Art's played with many jazz greats - decades ago!
His stories are priceless!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F_XRzvELOY

[dawg]

one of the best jazz lessons i've ever received how (with an explaination of why!) the "new breed" of jazzers are getting away from being "locked up" with the time and more into "flow" with the bassist. really made me think. thanks.

[skinny]

I just leaned something also
I always wondered why jazz drummers stopped playing the sock on 2 and 4

[JeffIndyke]

I am planning to do some files on Art.

He is a terrific and musical drummer, not too mention faster than heck

[JeffIndyke]

Check out my man Art!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHdUjQAXcxM

[JeffIndyke]

Only guy to come close to Buddy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOn09PNymYY#GU5U2spHI_4

[DogBreath]

Jeff is right, Art really will talk to you about finger technique, and anything else that you want to talk about. He's not just a great drummer but he is very interested in teaching what he knows.

[DanBritt]

Art on Developing the Weaker Side -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_9D-F_gPJI

[DanBritt]

Great Story by Art! lol!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnHmX9U7NOg

[DanBritt]

Art - on Frank Sinatra

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x7zSifTBcQ