Thomas Lang

[tylernator]

hey everyone, does anyone have the Thomas Lang dvd? If so can you tell me if its worth getting? thx!

[Gorm]

If your into double bass drumming its the DVD you NEED. Thomas lang is awsome

[Dr Drums]

My opinion- VERY technical. Way to much

http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Thomas_Lang.html

[arjunchawda]

i have this dvd, an dit amazing, he covers linear patterns, singles, double, so many combinations.......its stoopid....its ridiculous.....it'll make u wanna giv up drums..lol

[NUTHA JASON]

yeah i have it but it is way above my head. this guy sets the mark for the drummer of the furture. as he says: he does things the way he does it so he compete with programmed drums regardless of their complexity. he has six way independance. but his ideas and exercises are very good. and he is a very likeable teacher. the man is a machine.


j

[RTDRUMS]

i love the dvd. tom lang is smokin so yes it is worth getting. the nice thing about it is you can print off all of the exercises.

[Mcot2]

I thought mot of the begining was easy. I dont really have the time to get in the latter section right now.

[LiquidSoul546]

i don't like his sense of groove, but he can improve, he's pretty young still. everything else, i'm jelous of haha.

[darkcherryfade]

My opinion- VERY technical. Way to much

http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Thomas_Lang.html

I've said this many times, I find much of what I see from him to be a tasteless display of AMAZING technique and independence. I do plan to get his DVD though to work on the exercises, which are excellent.

[beatz]

Although there are some very advanced excersises, he really does a good job at explaining it so that its easy to understand. He doesn't overcomplicate things and its really simple for me.

[tylernator]

awesome thx guys!! i just ordered the dvd!! should be here in a couple of days!!! :)

[beat1212]

he has said it before that he doesnt do solos to show ppl how well he can grove but he throws in little grooves one in a while but doesnt reapeat them so it doesnt sink in.
he is very good though and desereves alot of credit.

[Lambo]

i don't like his sense of groove, but he can improve, he's pretty young still. That's what a lot of people seem to think, but he's actually 38 in a few weeks.

[radeq]

darkcherryfade - where are you from??? I will sell you the dvd - if you really want it, I bought it when I was working in usa, but that wasn/t the best way to invest my money..from 100 exercices, there are max. 10 that are useful . . .the others are, I don't know how to say, but you couldn't use it in regular - mainstream music... the best exercise IMHO is this one :

R - accented righ hand
r - right hand, tap
L - accented left hand
l - left hand, tap

I suggest start really slowly...

triplets
Rlrlrlrl Rlrlrlrl Rlrlrlrl ( Rlr Lrl Rlr )

triplets
Lrlrlrlr Lrlrlrlr Lrlrlrlr ( Lrl Rlr Lrl )

than I upraded it for my self and that goes like this
triplets
RlrlrlRl rlrlRlrl rlRlrlrl ( Rlr Lrl Rlr )
triplets
LrlrlrLr lrlrLrlr lrLrlrlr ( Lrl Rlr Lrl )

yeah :)

[Funkdaddy]

I was a bit dissapointed in the DVD. I thought it should be more about groove. He talks about that it's important to groove, but his playing doesn't get in my pocket. It's too much double bass/advanced feet work all the time. Even he starts out some electronica song pretty cool, he starts doing those double bass licks which certainly don't belong in such a style.

BUT I agree. He should have credits for his amazing technique. He and Marco Minnemann has really set a new standard for feet work and coordination.

[RTDRUMS]

I love the DVD. Thomas Lang can groove plenty not to say his chops are incredible, thats why he there and were here.

I have been playing plenty long to know whats good or bad and in my opinion Thomas Lang is one of the best drummers alive.

[theduke86]

Thomas Lang has a great groove. His DVD is mostly about technique. He's got that to spare, but also, keep in mind he's one of London's first call pop session drummers. If you look at his profile here, there's some pretty big names on there. I don't think they'd hire him in the studios if he didn't have taste and groove.

[Mcot2]

I don't get a good feel for him.

It was said that legandary instructor and creator of the most popular drum book, jim chapin, admired jazz drummers such as buddy rich and gene krupa for there sense of groove.

My point is that no matter how technical you are, the sound you achive outweighs it.

And the person with the best sound is of course john bonham :)

[finnhiggins]

Thomas Lang has a great groove. His DVD is mostly about technique. He's got that to spare, but also, keep in mind he's one of London's first call pop session drummers. If you look at his profile here, there's some pretty big names on there. I don't think they'd hire him in the studios if he didn't have taste and groove.

I reckon he just threatens to travel back in time and kill their parents if they don't give him the gig...

[drumbastard]

i've seen tl live and i was so amazed by his doublebass playing that i started working with his dvd and those exercises helped me a lot..in my opinion he's one of the best drummers..

[darkcherryfade]

I'm from Miami, FL. I actually just got a bootlegged copy of the DVD anyway, although I could've lived without it. When I first saw it, I was impressed by some of the exercises but never saw the whole thing. It's not like I was ever dead set on getting it, and having seen it all, now I know I wouldn't have paid for it. He's not the only guy to teach limb independence, and I honestly have no masturbatory need too play fast bass drum and/or hihat patterns with my feet over EVERY SINGLE BEAT! And I watched his solo once and hated it with all my life.

[Funkdaddy]

If you look at the artists he has played with, they are mainly artists who use beats/drum machines. He's very creative at simulating samples (different hi-hat sounds etc.), but I still doesn't think he's one of the great groovinators, he doesn't make me wanna dance, but hey...that's only one person's opinion.

[drummerman]

I love that dvd, but it is pretty difficult

[matteoedeva]

Good evening to everybody,
i really think that this year we assisted to what in the future will be called "The Renassaince" of drumming.

Anybody of you as the Dvd of Bob Breithaupt "Snare Drum Basics" (1998) ??

Well i think that comparing (even with all my respect for mister Breithaupt) both,you really understand what it means evolution.

Ok,someone (Simon Philipps,magazine Percussion and drums,May of current year) sad it s impossible to reproduce the things that mister Lang makes not only in the Dvd but also in the clinics (guys,very nice the solo of Gen x tour,right ???) like Kopenaghen or Budapest in this year.

i think mister Lang perfectly combines the tradition (traditional grip,alternating groups of 16 with both hands) with the idea of "Power Drumming" expressed by Virgil Donati for the first time.

Of course i don t forget Marco Minneman and Johnny Rabb but is goes out fo the forum.

So for me (and i hope somebody will pay me :-) ) is good to buy it.

mat

[Fldrummer]

http://www.roland.co.uk/mainevent/LangWma.wmv

Mr.Lang is a beast but the drums sound real sucky :(

[aahznightsky]

they sound sucky because in the beginning they sound how theyre supposed to for that m jackson song (which i swore at first that this was the intro to a concert or something cuz it was note perfect!) but he sure can drum ....

[aahznightsky]

this here is actually proof of his groove! finally! i mean i knew it before, but this can help show everyone else....

[NouveauCliche]

this here is actually proof of his groove! finally! i mean i knew it before, but this can help show everyone else....

Wow, he lays it down HARD it that vid! You're right about his groove Aah, it's solid and definetly "groovy'! Thomas Lang is a monster.

[finnhiggins]

they sound sucky because in the beginning they sound how theyre supposed to for that m jackson song (which i swore at first that this was the intro to a concert or something cuz it was note perfect!) but he sure can drum ....

He's amazing - much groovier than anything I've seen before from him. Very impressive. But no, those drums sound sucky all the way through. I hate electronics as an acoustic replacement. They're cool for simulating electronic grooves, but not for playing choppy live stuff.

[drumzalicious]

i watched about the first 3 minutes of it.

you guys do realize that is the same song off of his dvd right?

[aahznightsky]

But no, those drums sound sucky all the way through. I hate electronics as an acoustic replacement. They're cool for simulating electronic grooves, but not for playing choppy live stuff.


Hahaha this is very true .... I said that after I watched like 4 minutes or something. The v drums are great for some things, but for choppy solos and things, nothing beats an acoustic set for sound n feel

[rockzilla]

7th october in Feedback Rotterdam there is a drum clinic by thomas lang

and IIIII gonna be there (just wanted te let yo know lol)

i'll let you boys and grils know how it was

arjen, rockzilla

[rockzilla]

hey there yester day i was at the thomas lang clinic in Feedack Rotterdam in holland

let my tell ya that guy is just amazing. what hey can do with his hand, he can play it with his feet!!!!. and fast en dynamic realy good and that Xray set sounde great

i was lucky to be there

rock on
arjen

[MysteRMagnuM]

Theres one here in South Africa at the end of November.
I'm Really excited to be going. He's awsome

[Jeroen aka aksie]

i was there too in Rotterdam, and i can tell you if you have the dvd of him, creative control, then you will see basically the same things as shown on the dvd.... but its still fun to see him live !!!

c u

[jumping joe]

hes a freak! lots of time and dedication put into what he does.

[ThomasDee]

Here's some scary news for all you Extreme Drumming Fans. Right when you thought it was safe to enter the WFD look who gets a Drumometer........http://www.drumometer.com/Images/Photos/ThomasLang.jpg
This is pretty dang scary!

TD

[ThomasDee]

It's highly rumored along with today creating somewhat a buzz and guessing game about Thomas Lang becoming the Captain for the WFD-UK division. Have any of you guys heard about this? Boo is still on the road, but this photo is the WFD-USA's worse nightmare. If it's true that Thomas has joined the UK's division, they will slaughter!!!!
http://www.drumometer.com/Images/Photos/ThomasLang.jpg
This is no doubt WFD-USA's worse nightmare. I would love to know what WFD-USA Captain Mike Mangini has to say about his possible UK counterpart ???

This is shaping up to be a one heck of a showdown between the UK and USA. Any bets ???

TD

[Drummer_Boy]

Thomas Lang just isn't from this world. He isn't...he just isn't...I sure wish I could go to a Thomas Lang clinic.

[ThomasDee]

I agree, he is one of the most amazing drummers to ever live. My prediction is if 'TEAM WFD-UK' led by Thomas Lang shows up at the next WFD World Finals in Ca. in January, the WFD Championship Belt will be heading back across the 'Big Pond'.

What do you guys think?

TD

[Thinshells]

Through incredible skill, intense practice and an iron will, Thomas Lang seems to be able to perform any feat he wants to behind a kit.

[Scatman]

I'll bet Thomas Lang can come close to or up to Art Verdi and Johnny Rabb with the drum o meter
This dude is amazing

[ThomasDee]

I'll bet Thomas Lang can come close to or up to Art Verdi and Johnny Rabb with the drum o meter
This dude is amazing
Art and Johnny have done some amazing things on the Drumometer and at WFD, but by the smile on Thomas' face and by Boo's 'EVIL' grin (I have seen this patented grin and that notorious gleam in Boo's eyes many times) something is definately brewing.

From looking at that photo, all that comes to mind is Sherlock Holmes saying "Come On Watson, The Games A Foot!"

Craig's harder to figure out, but believe me something big is going to take place!

They don't called them 'The Corn-Bred Mafia' for nothing!

TD

[SonorG]

I agree Thomas Lang is superb, I've just bought his creative control DVDs, the only thing I don't like (call me old fashioned) is he uses imho way too much double bass drum.. however he does this superbly and its amazing what he does, its just too much sometimes if that makes sense..

[Dano3000]

And he's just so DAMN good looking !!!!




Not that I care :)

[JohnMunsey]

Lang is freagin amazing. Cant wait to see what this is about.

[DrumNut]

Is he in the WFD? he will break all the records

[boomboomda]

I love his multiple pedal orchestrations. Great drummer, because when i watch him, it always makes me go back and practice some more.

[Magic Maple]

I would love to be able to see Thomas Lang, hes my 3rd fave drummer, After Virgil Donati and Dave Lombardo. I doubt there will be a clinic in the UK though.

[David_the_drummer]

Theres a song on the Thomas Lang DVD in the bonus footage called "777". I would like someone if they would please tab or write this song out for me please!...I really want to learn it but Im just not at the level to tab things yet....Well thanx alot. Later!

[David_the_drummer]

Does anyone at least know what the bands name is? And please someone tab or write it out for me. Well I gtg but thanx alot.!!!! LATER SKATER,

[David_the_drummer]

So today I looked at the post and nobody had posted anything. SO I tried doing it myself and after about 6 hours I got a head acre and said screw it. I didnt even get the first beat down. But atleast I tried. lol. So and comments or tabs would be nice....later!

[Quick.sticks]

So today I looked at the post and nobody had posted anything. SO I tried doing it myself and after about 6 hours I got a head acre and said screw it. I didnt even get the first beat down. But atleast I tried. lol. So and comments or tabs would be nice....later!

Keep on practicing until u get it !...

[erikdrums]

I saw Thomas playing in rotterdam and it was really amazing what he did. it was the same clinic from the videos on meinlcymbals.com but the solo part is a little different and it was one solo for about 30 minutes

[Latin/Afro-Cuban Groover]

Hey i went to a mates house the other day and watched his Thomas Lang DVD, or the first disc anyway.(Over 5hrs!) And the first excercise is a hand warm-up one but i was wondering how it is played. (Ive only been playing 1.75yr) Is it constant eight notes with just the accent changing like this
RlrlrlRlrlrlRlrlrlRlrLrlRlrLrlrlrLrlrlrLrlrlrLrlRl rLrl then repeat

or is it eight notes in 6/8 then 3 triplets or what the hell is it, and when practicing it how would you set the metronome?

[Latin/Afro-Cuban Groover]

Can anyone help?
Please.

[Jeff Almeyda]

The big "3" over the nine notes of beat fourindicate that it is to be played as a triplet. This triplet is then further subdivided into one triplet for each of the three notes in beat four.

He's doing 8 notes per beat for the first three beats then nine notes on the fourth beat (this turns the hands around so that it starts next time on the left)

Try counting this as a preliminary step: 1e+a 2e+a 3e+a 4TL (3 beats of 16ths and one beat of eigth note triplet). Play with a click. You will have to slow down to play the three in time

Next step would be to double the speed of the 16ths so they become 32nd's (beats 1-3)

Final step would be to subdivide the eigth note triplet (beat 4)into 123 T23 L23 You're tripling the triplets!! 1 T L

It may sound hard but the thing to remember is that the feel switches from a 2 feel to a 3 feel and back

Go back and listen to him doing it over and over. I believe there are also files on the discs which can play the exercises slowly for you as well.

Good luck

[Latin/Afro-Cuban Groover]

Can anyone explain it easier. Sorry i didnt really understand that.

[Latin Groover]

Im seeing it as 3 bars of eighth notes then 3 eighth note triplets. So it would be just short of four bar excercise. So what time sig would that be in?

Try counting this as a preliminary step: 1e+a 2e+a 3e+a 4TL (3 beats of 16ths and one beat of eigth note triplet). Play with a click. You will have to slow down to play the three in time

But that would make the triplets slower than the other beats and they r faster, rn't they, or should i watch it again.

[Ashbash]

i used to have this. here. i believe this is what you want. he's basically squeezing 9 notes in where there used to be eight

[Drummin_Dan]

I'm always working on that. I'm able to get it up to the 100bpm while applying the drumset orchestration. It's hard to keep it even for a long time. I guess it's building the proficiency. There's so much good stuff on those dvds.

[Latin Groover]

i used to have this. here. i believe this is what you want. he's basically squeezing 9 notes in where there used to be eight

I cant read that yet, i just re-installed my comp. All i have is notepad!

Drummin Dan how do u set the metronome when doing this.

[Zumba_Zumba]

Check out the new clip at Meinl site from the 2005 Meinl Drum Fest - Part 3e

I'm not sure how much more he can do. 3 minutes in (with the foot octoban), and about 5 minutes in (playing two seperate beats over ostinato). There's no measure to his ability.

[smoggrocks]

saw him at the modern drummer festival a few years back and the entire place was blown away. he received 2 standing ovations, which can be rare at that event.

beyond the superchops stuff, which is truly mindboggling, i was taken with his musicality. he certainly knows how to show restraint as well as fire.

also really like his attitude/personality. you can tell [or at least, it really seemed to me] that he does this for the pure love of music and drumming, not ego or winning a wfd championship. i got really inspired after seeing him do his thing.

[HiTMaN]

I met Thomas Lang at NAMM, he is indeed one of the coolest, nicest drummers I've ever met, and he just blows my mind everytime I see him play.

[drumtohell]

i saw him at the waterfront in norwich and he was soooooooooooooooo good he was the first drummer i saw live and as the waterfront is so small he was about 3 metres away (and that was if you were at the back)

[tambian89]

Thomas Lang is amazing drummer. I love his style.
I have a question though; I watched his video on drummerworld.com , and I was wondering if anyone knows how to tune a floor tom like he does. If you know, please tell me.

- Marc

[Bernhard]

Thomas Lang is amazing drummer. I love his style.
I have a question though; I watched his video on drummerworld.com , and I was wondering if anyone knows how to tune a floor tom like he does. If you know, please tell me.

- Marc

The best would be to give Rob Wallis and Paul Siegel of Hudson Music a call - they fix the Sound best possible - and make great DVD's.

No serious: Just loose the heads as much as possible - but live it's never the same...

Bernhard

[tambian89]

Are you sure that I should just loosen them a lot? I think the sound might be kinda...bad. I try it and tell you what happens.

- Marc

[deadbirdsoup]

thomas is definatly one of my, if not my favourite drummer. his skill and technique is incredible, and whats even more great is he uses what he shows off in his dvds etc, when playing songs, with bands, etc.

[Jeff Almeyda]

Thomas Lang completely changed my perception of what is possible with double bass.

Absolutely sick!!!!

[Bernhard]

Are you sure that I should just loosen them a lot? I think the sound might be kinda...bad. I try it and tell you what happens.

- Marc

They must still sound a little bit - but so low that just first wrinkles appear. Sound is kinda bad, but fine for recording.....it's true, was done like that.

Bernhard

[AurelienPK]

Hello,

I admire Thomas Lang for his speed and technique but I find him cold, without heat or taste. I have a dvd where a clip of him is just before Nathaniel Townsley's and man, Nat's playing is so warm and beautiful. He's an amazing drummer but I do find him tasteless.

Take care.

[Stu_Strib]

I agree with Aurelien. Until I hear a song he plays on that doesn't make me want to hit STOP it is hard to give someone so much praise.

I have his DVD and it is a great instructional DVD with sick drumming on it. I just want to hear him play music though.

Any listening suggestions? (please don't recommend the stuff he plays on the Creative Control DVD)

[Cuauhtemoc]

Thomas Lang is one of my favorite drummers. His technique is so inspiring as it shows us what can be done behind the kit. I totally disagree with players who find his playing to be without feel. But a person's style is totally subjective when it comes to what one gravtitates towards. For example, I find nothing appealing about drummers such as Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl and at times even the great Vinnie Colaiuta but would never say that they aren't amazing drummers. Plus, you have to give respect for their stellar careers.

Thomas Lang's DVD is also phenomenal in not just what he's doing but also what you get for the price. The only other videos I have that I felt gave me a lot of quality were the ones by Bobby Rock. I've seen so many videos, especially those over priced Modern Drummer ones that are good but sorry, 40 minutes for $30, that's a rip off! And those are the VHS versions!

Finally, he's actually replied to some of my emails so I have to show him some love and appreciation!

[Womble]

Any listening suggestions?

Well I guess you could try some B*Witched, or Ronan Keating maybe. Both had some great songs.

[Stevesmithfan]

Check out this Thomas Lang video. UNBELIEVABLE!! This guy is from another world. I've never seen a solo like this before.

http://www.meinlcymbals.com/events/images_drum_festival_05/films/Thomas_Lang_Part_03g.wmv

[RTDRUMS]

oh yeah!!! Tom Lang is possibly the best drummer alive.... I think the cover of hie DVD should look like the cover of The Terminator ( with one red eye ) the guys a flippin machine

[LinearDrummer]

I just got that Ultimate Drum Fest #11 and I must say Thomas Lang was incredible - first time I've sen him extensively...His footwork and independence was out of this world....

However as incredible as he was I started getting bored....He didn't do much groovin using mostly the crazy foot ostinatos with alot of DB fills....after a while it all just sounded like a really fast drum machine...

Anyways can anyone recommend something muiscal that hes appeared on...maybe in a non-clinician setting I might appreciate it more.....

[Womble]

after a while it all just sounded like a really fast drum machine...

Well spotted: that's what he is.

Anyways can anyone recommend something muiscal that hes appeared on...maybe in a non-clinician setting I might appreciate it more.....

Doubt it.

[infernal drummer]

just saw his solo .. awesome! but why the funk does have 5 pedals? i can understand why he has three of the pedals.. not the two others..

edit.. i just found out why.. impressive ....

[Waterjet]

Thomas Lang is one of the most amazing drummers around. The level of independence he has achieved with his feet alone is astonishing. Some may not like his style, but to imply he cannot groove is simply ignorant. Lang could play anything he wanted to play.

Waterjet

[Drums558]

I just bought the Creative Control dvd and it's exactly what I needed at this point in an instuctional dvd. If I can get 5% of what he's doing i'll be pleased.
In the video he talk's about math not always being musical and that developing a high level of technique make's the more simple groove's easier to play. I believe he can groove his a** off but I would like to hear him live in a musical setting.
Once again, the dvd is an instructional one with the entire focus being on technique so keep this in mind if you buy it. For me being in my 4th month of learning double kick it is the perfect instructional video and has already helped my left foot endurance.
Just buy it,
Mike

[Spence]

I just bought the Creative Control dvd and it's exactly what I needed at this point in an instuctional dvd. If I can get 5% of what he's doing i'll be pleased.
In the video he talk's about math not always being musical and that developing a high level of technique make's the more simple groove's easier to play. I believe he can groove his a** off but I would like to hear him live in a musical setting.
Once again, the dvd is an instructional one with the entire focus being on technique so keep this in mind if you buy it. For me being in my 4th month of learning double kick it is the perfect instructional video and has already helped my left foot endurance.
Just buy it,
Mike

I completely agree Mike. This DVD is about blinding technique. It's so true that learning even a small percentage of this stuff makes simple grooves simpler to play. I'm sure he can groove with the best of them but why would he want to put simple (ish) grooves in an instructional dvd. That sort of stuff can be learnt from listening to the radio (well maybe not, but you get my point).

Lang is awesome. I hear he spent a couple of years getting lessons off the great Vinnie Colaiuta. If this is true, I can't see him not being able to groove ridiculously well., as Vinnie can do ANYTHING!!!! ANYTHING!!!!

[jonny]

I've heard Thomas Lang has relocated from London to LA. I'm really hoping now that he's in LA that we'll get some decent music from him. Like an interesting sideproject, or gigs at the Baked Potato. I have enourmous respect for his techincal ability and his dedication. But, until he puts out some music that I personally like, or that I can at least appreciate, I won't consider him one of the 'greats'.

On a techincal level it's fine to compare him to some of the other clinician 'Gladiators' like Mangini, Marco, Virgil, as well as Vinnie, Weckl, Gadd. But IMO he's done nothing musically that will make me consider him as a 'great'. I understand why he does the session work, like Sugababes or Pop Idol tours. He's got a young family, needs to pay the bills like everyone etc. But loads of top drummers have a 'day job', or a big source of income. And they use this to fund their musical exploits. I realise the money is in session work, but I wish he'd get a band together, and really stretch out techincally and musically. Dave Weckl has his (awesome) band, Dennis Chambers has his solo records, Steve Smith has Vital Information, Virgil has Planet X, Vinnie has ... well, pretty much anything he's ever done!

IMO Lang's international reputation has been achieved solely through clinics and drum festivals. Which is fine to an extent, but you've got to wonder if he's satisfied doing the fake, commerical, bland session work and clinics. I'm still hoping for a killer band from him. I'd love it if he puts together a brilliant lineup, and stuns the drum world on a musical basis.

[Vic_Rattledeth]

Thomas Lang is the greatest drummer on earth. period. Only people who come close in technical perfection is Virgil Donati and Marco Minneman and maybe Mike Mangini.

[Melvin]

I like Thomas Lang, but I'm not a fan of him. I know his a great drummer and all but hi's missing something. I think he no feeling...I don't know.

[T.Y]

has anyone seen his stick tricks?they're amazing, i saw him recently and was impressed by him, his style does not exactly suit mine but from what i can see he really does know what he's doing and talking bout

[TopCat]

Hey,

On thomas lang's upcoming clinic tour, he's playing one masterclass for twelve people. I've been offered an 'advance' ticket to get in, but I'm terrified. I'm not particularly well knowledged in theory.

I really don't want to miss out on what could be an amazing, one-of-a-kind experience..but I don't wan't to get there and find all the stuff is completely above my ability and feel incredibly embarrassed. Can anyone give me any advice? I doubt I have much time for any one of those 12 tickets.

Thanks,
tom

[finnhiggins]

Eh, do it.

If there's one thing I got from music school it was an absolute absence of fear of looking like a fool. I was in a group above where I should have been because of scheduling issues, so I was quite comfortable being the worst in the class and would regularly volunteer to play first because of it... It doesn't kill you, and you learn plenty.

[Bernhard]

Tell him you're a Drummerworld Forum Member and give him some greetings from B.

Hope, this will help...

Bernhard

[TopCat]

Eh, do it.

If there's one thing I got from music school it was an absolute absence of fear of looking like a fool. I was in a group above where I should have been because of scheduling issues, so I was quite comfortable being the worst in the class and would regularly volunteer to play first because of it... It doesn't kill you, and you learn plenty.
Thanks for that quick response finn. I know it won't kill me, but I'm worried, I'll be that simple rock drummer lost in a sea of 5-foot ostinato's. Oh well, i'll see what I can do.

[TopCat]

Tell him you're a Drummerworld Forum Member and give him some greetings from B.

Hope, this will help...

Bernhard
Haha. Will do, Bernhard.

[Jeff Almeyda]

Do it!!!

Don't worry, alot of the stuff that he does is beyond most people's abilities. Just observe his technique and learn from him, that's what the class is for.

[Chip]

Be grateful that you get to go!!! It's verely rare that I actually meet another drummer, let alone get a chance to see at least a semi-famous drummer, meeting a player of his calibre... wow.

Who cares if you are in over your head?! There's nothing you can do but sit and watch in awe and try to comprehend it, or you may well comprehend it. My advice; GO!

Good luck with the MasterClass.

[Sesh]

I agree with all the other responses on here - don't worry about it. However...

If you are worried, us telling you not to be probably wont help much - why not have more of a look at the stuff he's doing between now and the clinic - watch the relavent bits of his DVD if you have it, have a look on this site and on youtube for more clips of him and try to analyse what he's doing a little more. I'm not saying anything he does is easy at all, but all that rhythmic stuff is just a question of listening and there'll be some slower or simpler bits that'll lead you in to knowing more what he's doing. You'll probably get a lot more out of the clinic anyway if you have an idea what to be looking for.

Good luck!

Martin

[neilpscuz]

Dude if nothing else it will be an inspiration. TL is a fantastic drummer (IMHOP) and has always been SUPER inspiring both times I've seen him play clinics. Also very freindly and easy to talk to. Go for it, and consider yourself lucky you're getting to see him in such an intimate setting.

[glynes]

Don't you dare miss this opportunity!!!

No matter what your level, or how advanced the class, you will get something out of it ... besides the chance to watch a master up-close and personal!!

And of course, we'll be waiting for the complete report!!

[bromasi]

Hey,

On thomas lang's upcoming clinic tour, he's playing one masterclass for twelve people. I've been offered an 'advance' ticket to get in, but I'm terrified. I'm not particularly well knowledged in theory.

I really don't want to miss out on what could be an amazing, one-of-a-kind experience..but I don't wan't to get there and find all the stuff is completely above my ability and feel incredibly embarrassed. Can anyone give me any advice? I doubt I have much time for any one of those 12 tickets.

Thanks,
tom
Hey if you don't know it you don't know it but afterwards you may know it,no such thing as a dumb question. In all the years I've been playing I still get nervous playing in front of a master drummer just can't get help it. Just try to absorb as much as possible.good luck you will do just fine

[LinearDrummer]

Ahhhh - GO!
Why does it matter what your level is compared to others...

Bottom line is YOU will probably leave the session with atleast one new cool lick to add to your bag of tricks...

Isn't that all that really matters.....

[TopCat]

And dear god, I nearly wept. What an experience.


To be honest, I was never a big Lang fan to begin with, but I still thought he was a fantastic drummer (Who doesn't?) and plus a mate of mine, who offered to drive, is Lang nut. Luckily, we got there pretty early, and managed to second row seats right in the middle, in a crowd of about 350+. First on was a man on his home turf, Dewie Young who played with his band, and he was fantastic. His band had a great jazzy/funk/fusion-y feel, and were all very accomplished musicians considering there wasn't a patch of facial hair in the bunch. Young grooved really hard and had some very tasty licks.

Next up was the winner of Mike Dolbear's 'Young Drummer Of the Year' award for 2006 James Birt. James played a short solo and along to some tracks of his. Great player, busting out some 32nd notes up and down toms. But as you would expect from a recognised young player, it was all a bit of a chops display, which isn't really my bag. Cool all the same, his Black Panther snare nearly destroyed my ears though.

Finally, was the cyborg himself, sporting a denim, sleeveless, fleece-lined jacket (?!) and some wrap-around shades, he was off. Starting with three newly composed tracks by himself, from the new DVD. All three were insane, it was almost hard to follow, so much going on. All three were some near metal/industrial type music, with some unexpectedly matched million pedal ostinato stuff. Thomas then went on to perform a solo for the best part of an hour - and he absolutely shredded that custom Designer X-Ray. I had no idea he was such an animal, he thrashes his cymbals, obviously not without technique, but it was one hell of an exciting display. His control over his limbs is unbelievable, until you see it in person. There were so many moments that just left my jaw on the ground, the most memorable for me, was one groove where he played doubles at some ridiculous speed between his left hand on a piccolo snare and left foot on a 'floor' marching snare. He then went on to do some 8th patterns with his right hand on some x-hats, and then added a backbeat with his right foot doing some patterns on his main kick, while the left was still going.

Post one (of two) standing ovation(s), he answered a few questions. The usual cropped up, he talked about his influences, and then of course the immortal question, 'Mr Lang..what about your foot technique?' and he was off, for about half an hour discussing it, great stuff. Now short of time, Thomas played 2 more songs, one up tempo metal number (blast beats and everything) and one 'schnappy' layered groove number, aptly named 'Layer Cake'. And that was it, he left the stage humbly and everyone just cheered/screamed in awe.

I certainly left that building a huge Lang fan. While I considered most his playing a little too mechanical for my ears on video or record, watching him live is a completely different story. His controlled power and ability just made the room explode. I have never seen anything like it, he is amazing in the truest sense of the word. I couldn't justify his playing here, I can only urge you to go along to see one of his clinics. Overall, it was one of the best I have ever been to, down to his amazing display of independence (Definitely not human), technique, speed, power and great character when it came to teaching.


The best moment of the evening, however, was during the Q&A - where some guy asked (Lang is pretty ripped..but you would be too, with his practice regime) 'How much do you bench?'


Thomas replied 'I don't bench, I'm just genetically blessed.'


*Pictures to come, hopefully..

[boomboomda]

Great, I am glad you had a good time. I only watched his video so far, I liked it it was pretty cool.

[metalmath]

His DVD is like that, I had a buddy watch it with me, we laughed for about half of it just because; I'm sure you know the feeling. I love the term cyborg, fits him perfectly. He is certainly one of the best! Please put some pictures up, I'd love to see them...

Z

[djp132]

I saw him awhile ago a little after his first DVD came out, and you're right, there's a HUGE difference between what you see on the tv screen, and what you experience live. My ex-fiance (be strong-not gonna cry) and I got there early and got a seat about 10 feet from the kit. The crowd was small, I'd guess about 50 people, so there was more intimacy in the relationship between performer and audience (laugh at that if you want but you know what I mean). After the clinic he hung out with everyone, signed autographs, took pictures, all the usual stuff. Even took a few minutes to talk to me about the business. I got a pic, its on my wishlist page.

All in all, very good show, great performer.
Can't wait for the next DVD.

[TopCat]

I'll try and get some pictures soon, I forgot my camera..can you believe that? So they'll be from my friends 2mp phone camera.

I believe he did signing after the show, but i'd rather not wait that long for just a signature. Rather meet him in a less crowded environment.

[smoggrocks]

i feel ya. lang is the man.

there seems to be a coalition of drummers out there who diss him at every turn, saying he's too this or too that, but i say it's jealousy.

the guy is incredible and clearly a shedhead.

my first exposure to him was at a modern drummer festival. no one knew who he was, but by the time he ended, the entire room was on its feet. everyone was blown away. i was sitting with some pretty heavy players, and they also conceded his major talent.

it don't hurt that he makes good eye candy, too.

[Shinx]

Thats awesome, I'd love to see him live. He is literaly amazing at times, just unbelievable

[somedrummer]

Sounds like a great experience. Lang is not only a monster player, but a monster of a guy, too. He's HUGE!

[Melvin]

WOW, very good thread. I'm not a big Lang fan but I'll try to become a fan ASAP hahaha! That guy has the most important charasteristic of a musician... he's humble and that's good enough for me. I know his a monster player, I love his technique and the way he explains stuff.

[Drumsword]

I saw him 2 years ago in Maine. I was blown away with his playing about 2 minutes into the clinic.

And after listening to him explain his technique and watch him tackle multiple time signatures at once, My Brain ached.

The guy was amazing, and humble too.

[djp132]

it don't hurt that he makes good eye candy, too.

Lang's was the only drum DVD that my fiance would gladly watch with me. I would be drooling at the drumming and she would be drooling at his arms. As a result we watched that DVD quite a bit.
This may sound kind of freakish, but you know how some couples might watch an adult movie to liven up the mood a bit... That's all I'm going to say, use your imagination. HA

One time I had on the Steve Smith DVD, and she came home from work and saw it. He had that killer Hawaiian shirt on and spoke in that gentle if not dainty way of his. Her comment was: "I bet he'd be fun to go shopping with." How observant, I thought.

[jazzsnob]

One time I had on the Steve Smith DVD, and she came home from work and saw it. He had that killer Hawaiian shirt on and spoke in that gentle if not dainty way of his. Her comment was: "I bet he'd be fun to go shopping with." How observant, I thought.


That is awesome.






After meeting him in person, I'm not sure. But still, funny as hell to think about. He is human anyway(I think) and he must go shopping sometimes.

[Class A Drummer]

Geez i really want to see him now in a clinic. That "how much do you bench" part mustve been pretty funny. I cant wait until he comes into D.C.

[Ozzy Biz]

Lang is Swedish, Ja?
I saw him do a workshop in July, and I concur with everything Topcat has said. The guy is a nut, and tv/dvd/etc just does not do him justice. He played that "Layer Cake" song as well, damn I wish I had something even barely resembling his level of coordination and independence. We also heard a few of his "I don't need to work out" type comments. He's a pretty funny guy, I'll give him that, but he certainly is not human.

Biz

[lil will]

firstly lang is austrian, secondly i went to see him a week ago in clinic and he was amazing.

we got in and the young drummer of the year played, great drummer, you described him brilliantly, the overall solo's did nothing realy for me but i could still apreatiate him.
Lang on the other hand blew me away, im not a fan of the whole metal thing but he does it so well a total one minded "i hate metal drumming" person would have to appreatiate it. His indipendance and amazingly technical playing is not shown fully on the clips on this site, you literaly have to see and hear him with your own eyes and ears to believe it!
im so glad i went, i never loved his playing as much as i should have before i saw him in the flesh, and muscle of which there is alot!

best quotes from the night....thomas was explaining to the ordiance that drumming is very competative but its not all, im better at playing fast chops and awesome solo style one bar fills that dont go with the music, and he happend to say even if it was such a race...."even if it was like that, id win anyway"

the next was a drunk guy from the ordiance asked him how long hed been playing, and he replied something along the lines of thirty years, and added that he started at five.....the drunk then shouted in awe and stupidity...."YOUR FIFTY!?!?!?!"

[Cavemeister]

Watching Thomas Lang play, for me, builds up two feelings: inspiration and self-hatred. I mean, how does somebody get that good? Just looking at him play, it's the face of discipline.

[TopCat]

If anyone's interested, there some of the Lang clinic pics here at a mate of mines photopic site, sorry for the quality, he only had his phone-camera

http://nullified.fotopic.net/c1089909_1.html

[finnhiggins]

Rumour has it that Lang's performance at the MD fest this year turned a few heads, and will do so even more when the DVD comes out. Bye bye Terminator, hello musician or something of the sort. I'm sure Jeff will explain further when he gets around to it, he was there...

[Steve M]

Yeah - the fact he performed with a percussionist at the festival is unique for Thomas......cant wait to see the performance. By the way did anyone download the first of the two videos Roland had on their site of Thomas playing the electric drums - if so can you email it to me.

Cheers,
Steve

[Stijnn1990]

Does anybody know if there are some albums where i can find thomas lang on?

Thanks,

[TopCat]

Once again a review of the clinic I went to by the shop hosting it with better pictures and full detailed specs of his X-Ray kit.

http://only1music.co.uk/HTML/NewsPages/TLClinic.aspx

And that's me in the top picture giving the ole thumbs up.

[Pocketman]

I have his DVD and watch it quite a bit for inspiration to get me to practice the technical stuff more. He has absolutely mastered so many aspects of the instrument. I also thinks that he sounds much smoother in his approach than some of the other "drum shredders."

Having said that, I still can't get through watching his clinic solo from the bonus features. I have tried to get through it three times now and I just can't do it! It just goes on and on and on and on.

That aside, I love his playing. We need guys like him to come in and kick our butts now and then. It's not about being competitive, it's about being the best we can all be!

[Steve M]

Well his new DVD has just been set to be released in NOV - details are now on hudson - 3 dvd's, 7hrs of footage...3 kits (one electronic)...i cant wait :)

[Steve M]

as of today thefirst preview video clip is online on hudson = check it out - nice left hand action :)

[CVdrummer]

Thomas lang has no right to call him self "lazy by nature"

he's a beast!

very cool stuff =]

[aahznightsky]

I haven't watched the sample clips of the new dvd yet ... I'm about to ... but I really wonder what he has left to cover after his last dvd!

[Bernhard]

Here's the first Drummerworld Sample:

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/thomaslangccopensolo.html

enjoy

Bernhard

[Ian Ballard]

Here's the first Drummerworld Sample:

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/thomaslangccopensolo.html

enjoy

Bernhard

Wow thanks Bernhard!

My Cerebellum is tired, now.

;)

[toteman2]

Here's the first Drummerworld Sample:

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/thomaslangccopensolo.html

enjoy

Bernhard

The man is simply amazing. Thanks Bernhard.

[Synthetik]

In addition to the mind-blowing playing,
That has to be the best sounding acrylic kit I have ever heard.

[MagnZ]

In addition to the mind-blowing playing,
That has to be the best sounding acrylic kit I have ever heard.
I agree. Ive played some acrylic kits and they dont even come close. His setup looks great too. And his playing is just mind blowing..

[TopCat]

Here's what i don't get. How did he find the time necessary to practice as much as he did? I can barely score an hour or two these days..

[Sesh]

Here's what i don't get. How did he find the time necessary to practice as much as he did? I can barely score an hour or two these days..

Anyone can make the time if they try hard enough. He's an incredibly motivated guy, knew exactly what he wanted and put in the hours to get there. I knew a guy who used to live with him back when he was just another london drummer - it's simple, he did exactly what he said he did, practiced for hours and hours every day working through every possible combination and speed of everything.

To be honest, I'm not half as amazed by how he put the time into his playing as the fact he found time to get to know and marry a girl as well! Imagine if whenever you were at home you were practicing - there's plenty of hours in the day if you're prepared to find them and use them like that. I'm not though - I like to do other stuff as well so I balance my time to fit in other things I like instead.

Nowadays, I imagine doing 200+ clinics per year is enough to keep him progressing even if he didn't touch a kit outside of that!

[Jeff Almeyda]

Just got the new video and it's amazing!!!

Creative Control was more of a "show off" video. This new one breaks it all down and gives you organized systems to develop high level pedal techniques and coordination.

The "Matrix" is the most organized method of developing interdepndence that I have ever come across. If you've finished "The New Breed" then this could be a great next step.

The pedal stuff is state of the art, it opens up a whole new way of looking at the role of the feet in modern kit playing.

I've got some work to do!!!

PS: He also comes across pretty well in the video. He makes jokes, screws around, plays with his boys. Normal guy stuff as opposed to the introverted weirdness that one might come to expect from such a technical master.

[wybasher]

Here's what i don't get. How did he find the time necessary to practice as much as he did? I can barely score an hour or two these days..

Vienna Conservatory. You have to audition to get in. (Sorta like auditiong for Berklee College of Music or Juilliard Music School.) It helps being in a focused environment during the critical development years.

Here is the PDF of audition requirements at Juilliard:
http://www.juilliard.edu/pdf/MusicAudRequirementsLinks.pdf

You can check out the "percussion" section. Btw, Julliard also requires the ability to play Beethoven's 5th on your double-bass pedal. I can't do that, therefore, I'm not good enough to get accepted.

[djp132]

Just got the new video and it's amazing!!!

Creative Control was more of a "show off" video. This new one breaks it all down and gives you organized systems to develop high level pedal techniques and coordination.

The "Matrix" is the most organized method of developing interdepndence that I have ever come across. If you've finished "The New Breed" then this could be a great next step.

The pedal stuff is state of the art, it opens up a whole new way of looking at the role of the feet in modern kit playing.

I've got some work to do!!!

PS: He also comes across pretty well in the video. He makes jokes, screws around, plays with his boys. Normal guy stuff as opposed to the introverted weirdness that one might come to expect from such a technical master.

I agree completely with your review Jeff. Creative control was a DVD that you watched at 2 in the morning when you just wanted to watch someone play mad drums until you got sleepy (kind of like the Drumbassadors DVD). I dont really know many people who actually used any kind of methods or systems he used from CC but it sure was one heck of a doozy chops-wise.

It seems to me that every complaint I had about the first DVD has been solved. This one has methods that normal non-superhuman beings can do without 7 hour practice days.

That does NOT mean however that this stuff is easy. I'm on the "3rd dimension" of his Matrix system and WOW is it rough. But what is interesting is that the coordination between my four limbs is growing exponentially. Especially the left foot which we all know we can use some work on (especially me!). I can now do all those 2:3 son clave patterns that have had me bashing my head against the wall for years.

Disc 1 seems to be a crash course in all the foot madness contained in Creative Control. But again, its more organized, its more step-by-step, and its much more accesible this time around. How many of you skipped around Creative Control looking for things that you could actually play and work on? I did that a lot, but there isnt much here that causes that kind of jumping around on the menus. With this DVD one actually gets the sense that they CAN do this stuff.

[Raymond Bloom]

I dont understand something about this DVD though. It seems to me in the vids on his page of the exercises, that he was using all of his pedals. And he has like 30 on his set. I have a double bass pedal, and a hi hat pedal. It seems like this would be kinda usless to me unless i had all his stuff. Does he go about helping people with less pedals?
you have two legs, so the minimum pedals required = 2 to complete all the exercises he shows!

[Jeff Almeyda]

RE: Multiple pedal setups

One of the main points that Thomas makes in this video is that he feels that Buddy and Co. have essentially said it all already when it comes to hands. In his opinion, the cutting edge of drumming techniques are happening with the feet. Accented double stroke rolls on kick drums, multi-pedal orchestration etc.

So, naturally, he is going to break out all of his gear and show us some really cutting-edge techniques. It is a DRUM video, after all. The point is not how many pedals you have, The point is to develop your feet to the same level as your hands and to be able to coordinate the whole mess.

The concept of accented doubles and odd stroke rolls in 4/4 alone are worth the price of the video. I have my work for the next year cut out for me.

If Thomas flowed as smoothly as Dom Famualro he'd be untouchable. I have to say that he uses a pretty muscle-oriented technique and he must be absorbing alot of stick shock that way. It bothers me to see his huge forearms tensing up to play a single stroke roll. I wonder what his "Purdie" shuffle sounds like?

[wybasher]

...
And yes, obviously we have a differnet view on what is needless on a drumset. If you ask me, anything is needles that goes further than a bassdrum, a snare drum, three toms (better two) and cymbals/bells/hats. Maybe a second snare but that is like the total maximum of stuff.

In that regard we are back to TL now, because I think that there is obviously a lot of needless stuff on his set. And you can trust me that I am a huge fan of Thomas - but that does not mean I have to like anything he does and anything he attaches to his drumset.
...


This point-of-view gets into the big-kit/small-kit discussion...

Some drummers approach the kit as a complex polyphonic instrument. They instinctively think of the drumset as a xylophone. This leads to adding a high number of surfaces to hit to reproduce the complexity they hear in their head. A 20-piece kit may be needed to realize this "xylophone" expression. They want to expess multi-layered orchestrations or pseudo melodies on the drumset. This is the Bozzio, Lang, Peart, etc perspective.

But some drummers see the kit as a simpler timekeeping device -- with lots of space and air between each strike (each rythmic accent or event). They are communicating a "heartbeat" with a few subdivisions of that heartbeat to mix things up a bit. This is the Ringo Starr, Charlie Watts, etc perspective.

Both approaches are absolutely valid. Now, the only way people are going to reconcile this difference and be respectful of both approaches is if they feel that those drummers listed above are born to approach the drumset the way they do.

Think of it as a coincidence that the "xylophone" drummers and the "heartbeat" drummers happen to use some of the same equipment: drum shells + cymbals . Because their equipment use overlaps, some of us are fooled into thinking that drummer A should do what drummer B does (or vice versa). Some drummers blend a little bit of both (Vinnie C) which confuses folks even more about which type of drummer is "normal" vs "over the top". All of this is irrelevant.

I believe Thomas Lang plays a complex drumset because that's how he naturally and intrinsically expresses himself. He has no desire to play 3 minutes of a simple 4/4 beat (at least on the DVDs). I also believe Ringo Starr plays a 4-piece because that's what he naturally hears in his head to express himself. Ringo has no motivation to play polyrhythmic ostinatos or 50 different surfaces. Some people talk fast when they speak, some talk slower. Some people fidget quite a bit sitting around in the waiting room for the dentist; while others are more laid back. People don't seem to understand that these differences in human idiosyncracies get translated to playing a drumset. It's not all training, peer pressure, or ignorance that people play differently on a drumset!

I see what both guys are all about. I respect what both guys are about. I truly enjoy & appreciate how they both express themselves. Why do you guys have to make this to be an either/or situation?!?!

[Chip]

Haha, that was good! When he started to sing... it was something like Jim Carrey would do. You're a lucky man, Bernhard.

[Bernhard]

No, Thomas doesnt need a big Drumset to "Rumble in the Jungle"

Check out the new video: Waiting at the Airport for Flight AA 1802 ...and enjoy:

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/thomaslangairport.html

Bernhard

[finnhiggins]

Sorry, but now:

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/thomaslangairport.html

enjoy!!!!


Yeah, but did he really need that second chair on his left? That seemed a bit excessive y'know, he could probably have done all of that with one...

[Bernhard]

Yeah, but did he really need that second chair on his left? That seemed a bit excessive y'know, he could probably have done all of that with one...

Now, when you say it - and I'm thinking about it: yes!!!! you're right, darn....

B.

[Latin Groover]

lol nice new sig Lutz.

Yea awesome vid Bernhard, this dvd looks really awesome, showing all these sorts off clips, (like the one where hes just relaxing in the medow) putting this sort of footage on a dvd is really awesome. The ending is cool, this DVD he just seems to be alot more 'human'..then it goes to him behind the kit...But really hes showing humor, the singing part is great at the end, so unexpected.

[murphinelli]

Thank you Bernhard. Enough is enough. It was pretty funny though...

Now back to Lang.

So, extreme independence is what we are talking about with Mr. Lang. I'd like to see him learn how to play the piano. The most extreme independence possible would be the following:

1. Legs of Mr. Lang.
2. Play a midi-enabled keyboard with hands. Each key is a different sampled drum/cymbal. Learn complete independence across the fingers.
3. Put it all together

Advanced piano playing has some extreme independence across fingers/hands that make what we do on drums seem trivial. So, if you can put all of this together I think you'd take it to the max.

This independence is what a organist does already with both hands and feet. But, doing it with sampled drums sounds would be very cool. You could probably convert a concert organ to use sampled drums sounds on both the pedals and keys. Now that would be cool.

[Latin Groover]

Well he can play a bit of piano i think. Theres a bit of him playing at the intro on the first dvd, although his piano technique...he has the whole pointer fingers thing going.lol But another Thomas Lang a bit before his time (our Thomas) was a famous pianist, i dont know too much about him though. Hmm i found his page on Wikipedia the other day now i cant find any trace...Theres some other artistic Thomas Langs though.

[ddrummer]

In my opinion one of the greatest drummers to roam this earth he is full of great beats and rolls and he always has an intresting kit........ i think he is great what about u guys...

[jayp]

Ahh hes got mad chops and independence like a mofo but his grooves and feel just isn't there.

BTW I think there is a thread already started, if not I'm surprised there hasn't(I'm to lazy to search)

[Erik Lund]

He is a computer controlled robot from the future in terms of technique. Unfortunately I think his musicality comes from the same 5 seconds of drowsiness I get when I'm drunkenly about to fall asleep...Totally awufl, IMO. The music he plays is completely unlistenable...

[abe]

Well hope this won't get too negative...

I admire Lang for his exceptional coordination and technique skills. He is also very impressive drummer.

But I'm not fan of his music either. He has played with Roby Williams so I guess he isn't totally grooveless. Still, his compositions get boring quiet soon and that's strange considering that he use so many entertaming elements in his music. Ears get tired of chops' abundance. Maybe he is too generous with coordination and technique stuff that usually amazes people. Jojo or Jabo, for example, don't drown listeners with it. They keep everything real tight and then just in the right momet- ''BOOM'' knocks you out :)
.

Anyway deepest RESPECT towards Thomas Lang. 40 years of work work WORK...

[Drumbasta]

Thomas Lang is the Arnold Schwarzenegger of drumming (and not only because he is Austrian).

[abe]

Thomas Lang is the Arnold Schwarzenegger of drumming (and not only because he is Austrian).

You're right Plus he looks very strong anyway :)

[intooder]

Thomas Lang is the Arnold Schwarzenegger of drumming (and not only because he is Austrian).
He mentions this as his greatest asset in his autobiography.

[BrynnerAgassi]

Thomas Lang... What can anyone say about the guy that really has not been said before... The guys tech'q, indep, stick trix, what more can anyone else say other than this guy is AMAZING... True to the words of, one of a kind...
BUT I do have to agree with some of the other guys who said there really is no feeling... And its true...
I thing Lang is amazing, but he is way too much to play soft and slow and just give a simple groove... The guy is everywhere and thats why you see him at all the clinics and promotional events he is sponsored by...
Some of the players that we all look up to and everything when we were growing up, can honestly not play like Lang, His trix, independance, techniques, BUT they had the flow and skill of musicians playing to the music...
I know that Thomas Lang is probably one of everyones favorit drummer, but come on, compare a groove between Gadd and Lang... Then you will know what I mean by feeling and putting your soul into the song, rather than performing at superhuman speed and indi!

[sLarkin20]

No feel or musicality? His playing in his latest DVD is mindblowing. He turned BLAST BEATS into something musical for crying out loud. Maybe his older stuff has less feel to it, but I really thought his playing on his latest DVD was out of this world. He also seems like a really laid back, easy to talk to guy from the way he comes off in his DVD. Unlike the impression I get from a lot of the extremely advanced technical drummers that play things just for the sake of playing them and have the personalities of rocks, Thomas seems like a really chill guy that dosen't walk around acting as if he is Gods gift to drumming and finds a way to make the incredibly technical fit into his music. I personally take much more of a liking to drummers that are more relatable to, Thomas being one of them for me.

[Jon Cable]

He is a computer controlled robot from the future in terms of technique. Unfortunately I think his musicality comes from the same 5 seconds of drowsiness I get when I'm drunkenly about to fall asleep...Totally awufl, IMO. The music he plays is completely unlistenable...
A little harsh there Erik? Not to your tastes admitted, but extremely good technicaly; I checked out the guys that you recommended to me and found them passionate but not to my taste but couldn't describe them as awful!
I'm very biased where Thomas is concerned, I met him at the tail end of DrummerLive at the Dolbear stand and we had a coffee and a great chat; we listened to my p*sspoor cover of 'Wipeout!' on a laptop and Thomas was extremely flattering about my 'work', so at least we know he has great taste LMBFAO!!
I think that we all have our favourites and sometimes dismiss others, Thomas is an exceptional musician and we could learn a lot without being fans of his.

[abe]

No feel or musicality? His playing in his latest DVD is mindblowing. He turned BLAST BEATS into something musical for crying out loud. Maybe his older stuff has less feel to it, but I really thought his playing on his latest DVD was out of this world. He also seems like a really laid back, easy to talk to guy from the way he comes off in his DVD. Unlike the impression I get from a lot of the extremely advanced technical drummers that play things just for the sake of playing them and have the personalities of rocks, Thomas seems like a really chill guy that dosen't walk around acting as if he is Gods gift to drumming and finds a way to make the incredibly technical fit into his music. I personally take much more of a liking to drummers that are more relatable to, Thomas being one of them for me.

Acctualy I haven't seen his latest stuff.
Yes he looks very humble and nice guy and his techniqual abbilities are fantastic.
Musical taste is always subjective thing. I personally don't see him as my main influence especially for grooves. That of course doesn't mean that for other guy he can't be the Groove-God.
On the other hand there are drummers who are considered great groovers by majority of listeners like Steve Gadd, Jabo Starks etc. Why do so many people agree that X drummer is groove master, thought maybe not techniqual one, while Y isn't. These X drummers can make beat very captivating. In Lang's playing I hear captivating speed, control, coordination and overall sound but not so much beat itself. I'm sure that Lang didn't want to follow Gadd's path and he made decision to work a lot on those things he can do brilliantly today. Certanly I admire him a lot just for different qualities. Every one can learn something valuable from pro drummer.

[stevedrum]

Thomas Lang is surely one of the greatest drummers around. He is athletic and musical at the same time. the only thing I can say is that sometimes he gets too much on the athletic side but nothing else. He is simply fantastic one of the most technical drummers.

[Steady Freddy]

Deep pocket groove.

http://www.westcoastdrums.com/thlasirokit.html

[BrynnerAgassi]

Nope have not seen his new DVD.
I can surely say the guy seems down to earth. On MySpace I wrote him a message and he got back to me. I know that does not say much, but honestly its just good to see a drummer on his level so down to earth with everyone else!

As far as his drumming, I will say it again, they guy can do anything and everything. I think a drummer like Lang and Portnoy and so many more out there, are just so good they dont even know it.

[abe]

Deep pocket groove.

http://www.westcoastdrums.com/thlasirokit.html

Freddy you're great all day I was thinking- which tune of Lang I did like... And I couldn't.
But you found it first. I like this tune I think it's called ''Jump Seat'' thought it's based on Michael Jackson's ''Jam''

If he would play all the time like that he would be in my agressive-groove-influence top 20

Thought I don't like when he overdo techniqual things

[Jeff Almeyda]

No feel or musicality? His playing in his latest DVD is mindblowing. He turned BLAST BEATS into something musical for crying out loud.

I am a fan of Thomas and have met him several times but to say that he turned blast beats into something musical is totally off base. NOBODY plays blast beats with double strokes on the feet on Roland trigger pads. A real blast beat done by the likes of Flo Mournier is many times harder to do than what Thomas did on his video.

[sLarkin20]

Maybe I should of ended the musicality statement with an "in my opinion." Flo has his way of doing blasts, Thomas has his. Neither one is right or wrong because there is no defintion that is chisled in stone anywhere that says THIS IS THE WAY YOU HAVE TO PERFORM A BLASTBEAT OR ITS WRONG, as in what type of kit its done on (which he does his blasts on both the Roland and his Sonor) or the sticking patterns you use or whatever else. I still believe the way he encorporates blasts into his playing is more musical and stimulating to the ears then every other drummer doing your standard 16th note singles on snare/bass/ride for 2 minutes straight.

[Adam]

There seems to be some kind of dislike of technical players on this forum. Thomas does solo a lot in his clinics but lets not forget that he is one of the most in demand sessions/touring guys in Europe, so he very obviously does something right.

Someone like me would love to see a Lang clinic; to see his technique and how he applies it with soloing/his own music. I would love to study that and better my own technique. That's why I got so much out of Langs DVD whereas I was bored to death with Blackwell's.

Just because some drummers, like Lang, Weckl and Donati, really study the technical aspects of drumming very thoroughly, and therefore tend to play things more technically applied, does not mean that they cannot groove, especially if they are touring with acts like Sinead o Connor, Bill Liesegang, 911, B*witched, Karen Ramirez, Robbie Williams, or Victoria Beckham like Thomas Lang is.

[jonescrusher]

You've got to have pretty good technique if you can't find anything left to get out of Blackwell's DVD. That guy's got blistering chops.

[slingerland755]

Adam,
Good point, but Jonescrusher has made a case for himself. I find it hard to believe that Blackwell bores you. That guy is pure groove (and chops)!

[Adam]

Adam,
Good point, but Jonescrusher has made a case for himself. I find it hard to believe that Blackwell bores you. That guy is pure groove (and chops)!

A couple of cool ideas on a video, but sitting down behind a drum set for long enough will do that anyways. I'm just saying having him sit down and play drum beats wasn't exactly what I'd look for in an educational DVD. Listing and playing music is already a great way to develop groove and feel, and I manage enough of that to be satisfied. In terms of technique I found he didn't talk much about grip/concepts/his approaches to things, whereas Lang did, and therefore I found Lang's DVD much better as an educational tool.

That isn't to say that his DVD isn't helpful. I just didn't seem to get a lot out of it, but then again we drummers can and should learn from EVERYTHING we see/hear.

[Erik Lund]

"As far as his drumming, I will say it again, they guy can do anything and everything"


No he cannot.

[Jon Cable]

"As far as his drumming, I will say it again, they guy can do anything and everything"


No he cannot.

I would beg to differ Erik; this is someones opinion and means something to them, in my humble opinion Thomas is a wonderfully talented drummer who has worked very hard to get to his standard and that should be respected and, although I may be a little unfashionable, I have enjoyed his dvds and the clinic performances I have seen of Thomas.
I appreciate that you and I have very different influences, tastes and 'heros', but neither of us are wrong to follow what we follow; you find BR boring and uninspiring [now] and have moved on to other inspirations, where I am stuck with 'west side story from the Talk of the Town' as my motivation.
On a personal note, thank you for the tips regarding various sounds and drummers, I have had a listen to some but sadly remain in BRs fanclub, peace jc

[intooder]

Adam,
Good point, but Jonescrusher has made a case for himself. I find it hard to believe that Blackwell bores you. That guy is pure groove (and chops)!
Sure, but not all drummers with a lot of chops and groove are appealing to everyone. Even if you consider a drummer being well versed in groove and musicality in a certain genre it might not be my cup of tea because I'm not into that style.

[RTDRUMS]

I met TL in wisconsin.. he was super cool..

[BrynnerAgassi]

I would love to meet Thomas Lang! I have heard he is a very down to earth guy though!

[sLarkin20]

A couple of cool ideas on a video, but sitting down behind a drum set for long enough will do that anyways. I'm just saying having him sit down and play drum beats wasn't exactly what I'd look for in an educational DVD. Listing and playing music is already a great way to develop groove and feel, and I manage enough of that to be satisfied. In terms of technique I found he didn't talk much about grip/concepts/his approaches to things, whereas Lang did, and therefore I found Lang's DVD much better as an educational tool.

That isn't to say that his DVD isn't helpful. I just didn't seem to get a lot out of it, but then again we drummers can and should learn from EVERYTHING we see/hear.


Those are valid points, but I believe his reasons for doing his latest DVD were to just focus on the feet and foot coordination. It wasn't a generalized "This DVD will you an all-around better drummer" DVD, it's meant to just improve your feet and the coordination of your feet with your hands. I believe he did an excellent drop in doing so.

[Wernervonwaltsleben]

hey, dont know if this sounds lame but i receive alot of inspiration from many drummers.i mean like in the whole thomas lang, not groover debate and stuff.
im busy with both his dvd's and it's realy cool and a challenge, but on the other hand im also doing some steve smith stuff and gavin harrison.
im mostly into jazz playing and i try to lay down a descent groove and make it sound musical.
so its something from both worlds for me.every educational thing helps your drumming, if you do a thomas lang exercise for instance, it helps for something else you might come up with which you can use in a musical way.i dont think im exactly making sense:-0
but i find it to play jazz, to groove, to be able to do the thomas lang, virgil donati stuff, it realy helps you expanding your vision on drumming and what you can create for a song or whatever.
damn, i just typed this so fast.so sorry if it sounds like im talking nonsense.

[jonescrusher]

hey, dont know if this sounds lame but i receive alot of inspiration from many drummers.i mean like in the whole thomas lang, not groover debate and stuff.
im busy with both his dvd's and it's realy cool and a challenge, but on the other hand im also doing some steve smith stuff and gavin harrison.
im mostly into jazz playing and i try to lay down a descent groove and make it sound musical.
so its something from both worlds for me.every educational thing helps your drumming, if you do a thomas lang exercise for instance, it helps for something else you might come up with which you can use in a musical way.i dont think im exactly making sense:-0
but i find it to play jazz, to groove, to be able to do the thomas lang, virgil donati stuff, it realy helps you expanding your vision on drumming and what you can create for a song or whatever.
damn, i just typed this so fast.so sorry if it sounds like im talking nonsense.


I think i get the gist, but I must say I can't see how guys like Lang and Donati ar going to help expand your jazz playing... You're certainly getting stuck in at the deep end with these guys. You could also try getting some material of the established groovers, Gadd, Hakim, Steve Jordan, to balance out the chops guys.

[mattsmith]

im mostly into jazz playing and i try to lay down a descent groove and make it sound musical. so its something from both worlds for me.every educational thing helps your drumming, if you do a thomas lang exercise for instance, it helps for something else you might come up with which you can use in a musical way.i dont think im exactly making sense:-0
but i find it to play jazz, to groove, to be able to do the thomas lang, virgil donati stuff, it realy helps you expanding your vision on drumming and what you can create for a song or whatever.
damn, i just typed this so fast.so sorry if it sounds like im talking nonsense.

Although I don't really see how absorbing the musical vision of Lang or Donati helps your jazz playing, I do understand your cross training aspect. This is what I've been saying about Drumometer runs for the past 2 years. I don't get too excited watching a speed drumming run anymore than I do about incorporating aspects of Lang's musical direction into my playing, because /just IMO/ he leaves me cold. Still, I can certainly locate some aspect of his technical side, isolate it and say "OK, I can use that for what I want to do with my own music."

In my case for instance, working on that single stroke stuff sharpened up other things, which the detractors never seemed to understand. Instead they wanted to harp on the nonmusical aspects of what was really only a glorified practice exercise. And to me that was always a ridiculous thing to do. Now that I no longer participate so much in the actual competitions I find there are things I am now capable of musically that used to be beyond my grasp, and I think it's because I now have more colors to draw my picture.

So yeah, I can see how observing Lang from time to time can help someone reach a technical understanding that to them can lead to something more musical, without having to share that same opinion about Lang himself.

[LinearDrummer]

Gotta say I was pretty impressed with Lang's performance with Louis Conte on the MD 2006 Festival DVD....

To me that was the best I've heard from the human drum machne :D

[Honketonk]

I really love Thomas´ playing. Never seen him live yet but bought his dvd´s, and when I watch those, or some clips on the net, sometimes it seems to me that he´s playing a lot the same all the time.

[Class A Drummer]

Great Interview- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxcSlbOo6Ls

[odrummer]

I do agree with Honketonk, but i have to say that the stuff he does play is very skillful.
One of the most amazing thing i have seen him, would have to be when he did that fast 16th notes with his feet and then had a slow hand 16ths, then start to speed up this hands and slow down his feet. just like a see saw.

[tripod]

Tom cops a lot of flack for not being musical, or for not having a groove, but let's not forget that before he became known as clinician and multi-interdependent cyborg he was a very successful session musician and has played with all sorts of big names from Robbie Willaims, to John Wetton, playing music from big band to prog rock and straight forward pop.

Would that be the case if he wasn't a great musician? These guys pick their drummers not because they can play 4 different time signatures at once while spinning sticks.They're picked for their musicality and the qulaity and consistency of their sound.

Hats off to Tom- I think he's a legend.

[Kalma]

Hi,

do you know where to get the jump seat playalong? i know that the song is by michael jackson, but's not exactly the same.
+thank you

[supermac]

Just a thought...

If Thomas Lang had been bought in New York or LA instead of Austria, would he still get as much criticism?

[Dr_Funky]

I have nothing against Mr. Lang, he's got superhuman independence, superhuman foot-control and superhuman chops.

I've seen some of his stuff on his DVDs and I gotta admit, he can really stick to a click track. He's probably a very good recording drummer.

The only thing I have against him is that, in a recent interview for the new Meinl podcast, he forgot Virgil Donati's name!!!!

He goes:

I admire Ringo Starr, and Buddy Rich and...that Australian Guy...you know...that guy from Australia...

And that makes me very angry, lol. >: (

[Citizen Insane]

Don't really like him, or his music. He puts too much effort into being a technically proficent musician rather than being a good songwriter, and having a good sense of groove/taste. I believe those are more important to drummers rather than chops,speed,and stick tricks.

[slingerland755]

Don't really like him, or his music. He puts too much effort into being a technically proficent musician rather than being a good songwriter, and having a good sense of groove/taste. I believe those are more important to drummers rather than chops,speed,and stick tricks.

Very good point, but there is no denying he is a bad dude on the drums. I think if we heard TL play with a band and groove a bit more, we would be pleasantly surprised.

[Class A Drummer]

Don't really like him, or his music. He puts too much effort into being a technically proficent musician rather than being a good songwriter, and having a good sense of groove/taste. I believe those are more important to drummers rather than chops,speed,and stick tricks.

Im pretty sure if he wanted to he could do some pretty groovy things that have a really nice feel to it.

[Citizen Insane]

Im pretty sure if he wanted to he could do some pretty groovy things that have a really nice feel to it.

That maybe true, but I don't think we'll ever see Thomas doing something like that.He's more focused on pushing the limits of technical ability on the drums. And I think that's kind of a shame. I'd actually be more impressed to see Thomas playing a cool simple groove, than him playing a comlicated cluster of notes he calls a "solo".

[Joe P]

Although I don't really see how absorbing the musical vision of Lang or Donati helps your jazz playing.

Thomas Lang has a degree in jazz. And by the way, this one definitely has feel, and he shows his less-chops side, but more groovy side that works with the music. http://drummerworld.com/Videos/thomaslangrelax.html

I don't understand why everyone's bashing Thomas Lang because he's technical. Have you actually listened to any of his records that AREN'T his solos or instructional videos? It is impossible to not have feel after the amount of time he's been playing (maybe you mistake the industrial sound of his set, whether it be his acoustic or his electronic, for a lack of feel).

Might as well tell Neil Peart that he sucks too. He's technical.

[mattsmith]

Thomas Lang has a degree in jazz. And by the way, this one definitely has feel, and he shows his less-chops side, but more groovy side that works with the music. http://drummerworld.com/Videos/thomaslangrelax.html

I don't understand why everyone's bashing Thomas Lang because he's technical. Have you actually listened to any of his records that AREN'T his solos or instructional videos? It is impossible to not have feel after the amount of time he's been playing (maybe you mistake the industrial sound of his set, whether it be his acoustic or his electronic, for a lack of feel).

Might as well tell Neil Peart that he sucks too. He's technical.
Well first off, by isolating your accusation sentence away from the rest of my post you changed its context and meaning completely, so as to use me as an example to make your shallow point. There were actually far better people to pull this stunt with, including the many who actually don't like Lang's technical side. I encourage anyone interested in this topic to go back to page 1 and read what I actually said.

I further believe your opinions would be taken with more than a grain of salt if you had your facts together. Lang does not have a degree in jazz. He attended the Vienna Conservatory, which is a very impressive thing BTW, but he did not graduate. So he has no degree. He did take some jazz coursework, and even subbed in the school big band, but this new tale is the same thing as the Travis Barker drum corps career that was really a sophmore year in the high school marching band. Still, the fact that he was the youngest student at the Vienna Conservatory in his class is impressive. I mean I don't think anybody's denying the technical skills or his obvious training. That's all legendary right?

Now in the bigger picture, these fact holds little relevance except for the fact that you passed along this completely non factual urban legend alongside an out of context quote to make a point out of me. You also assume a great deal about the listening habits of your supposed detractors and/or why they do or don't like this guy.

Interestingly enough, although you went to the trouble to reshape my quote to suit your argument, you still didn't disprove it. How does the very accomplished playing in that video demonstrate jazz?

Thomas Lang is a great practitioner of percussion and no one one is going to catch me saying anything else. The fact that his style leaves me wanting something else doesn't mean it's not the best for what it is, and there are plenty of guys out there who do like it in the more spiritual way.

[Jeff Almeyda]

Matt is totally right. I've never heard a single note of jazz from Thomas. A double bass shuffle is not exactly a jazzers idea of swing. And Thomas does NOT have a jazz degree.
Out of all the "uber-technicians" out there, probably the only one who can claim to have played legit jazz is Mangini. He won all Massachusetts jazz drummer-first chair as a kid.

Yes, Thomas has feel in that he can lock into a click/sequence and choose to play ahead or behind it. His subdivisions are accurate and his dynamic levels are consistent and defined. Every pro drummer out there today has to have some of these traits or else they wouldn't be working. But to focus on Thomas' groove as a strong point is misguided. His feel pales in comparison to a Gadd or Purdie. Just as their double bass chops are nowhere near his.

[Joe P]

Alright, maybe I have been a bit too overzealous with Thomas. But the video I posted is definitely something to be learned from in the realm of jazz (maybe not straight-ahead jazz such as blues or big band, but probably more of a contemporary jazz or fusion style). Thomas Lang has immense groove, but it is hidden behind the electronic drums most of the time.

[Citizen Insane]

Alright, maybe I have been a bit too overzealous with Thomas. But the video I posted is definitely something to be learned from in the realm of jazz (maybe not straight-ahead jazz such as blues or big band, but probably more of a contemporary jazz or fusion style). Thomas Lang has immense groove, but it is hidden behind the electronic drums most of the time.

I highly doubt Thomas has any really impressive groove. I mean, if he had awesome groove, wouldn't he want to show off that aswell as his chops and technical ability?
And who said you can't groove on electronic drums?

[jay norem]

Thomas Lang has a degree in jazz. And by the way, this one definitely has feel, and he shows his less-chops side, but more groovy side that works with the music. http://drummerworld.com/Videos/thomaslangrelax.html


Is that what he does? I thought he was supposed to be some kind of god or something.
The drumming on this clip is very mediocre. It's too "notey." It's devoid of groove. I don't get the impression that he's actually listening to anything. He's just doing his shtick. And what does a degree in jazz mean?

[Steamer]

Is that what he does? I thought he was supposed to be some kind of god or something.
The drumming on this clip is very mediocre. It's too "notey." It's devoid of groove. I don't get the impression that he's actually listening to anything. He's just doing his shtick. And what does a degree in jazz mean?

I agree that clip did nothing for me. Cheesy background music with rather uninspired playing that seems to create an overall dull unsatisfying musical offering at least for me and certainly more closely related musically to some kind of contemporary watered down smooth jazz genre thing than anything else. Not my cup of tea but each to his own for what floats your boat.

[aydee]

Yup, A little too Windham Hill for my taste. Not knowing too much about Lang's music( and only having seen him on drum DVDs, youtube etc. ), his singular quest seems to be to explore the infinite mathematical possibilities of rhythm & drumset playing. Somewhere along the line, he seems to have lost the 'song'.

I think a lot of drummers feel this lack of 'something' in spite of his incredible skills.

Question -If any of you were his teacher, what would you suggest he do ?

[Steamer]

Yup, A little too Windham Hill for my taste. Not knowing too much about Lang's music( and only having seen him on drum DVDs, youtube etc. ), his singular quest seems to be the explore the infinite mathematical possibilities of rhythm & drumset playing. Somewhere along the line, he seems to have lost the 'song'.

I think a lot of drummers feel this lack of 'something' in spite of his incredible skills.

Question -If any of you were his teacher, what would you suggest he do ?

I don't real know about that question aydee since i'm not aware of all he's involved with but based on that clip i'd say get involved and for sure being involved in presenting some much hipper music for starts than what I just heard. The drums is always only one part of the bigger picture which is the music as a whole for me. It has to be a complete package to keep me interested.

[Citizen Insane]

I agree that clip did nothing for me. Cheesy background music with rather uninspired playing that seems to create an overall dull unsatisfying musical offering at least for me and certainly more closely related musically to some kind of contemporary watered down smooth jazz genre thing than anything else. Not my cup of tea but each to his own for what floats your boat.

Yeah, thats what I mean by saying he should focus more on songwriting and groove, or else he is going to be playing sterile grooves to cheesy background music for the rest of his drumming career. The only thing that he really has going for him is his clinics and his instructional dvds. Maybe I should look more into the artists Thomas plays with, but for right now, Im not impressed. He seems like a geniunely cool guy,but overall, I don't think he's a very good musician.

[drummer_kid]

this guy has got it made. he has spead, creativity, and other things that a good drummer should have. At this day and age, i would say that he is one of the best there is and prolly ever will be. (please don't attack me, these are just my personal opinions)

[Vic_Rattledeth]

Ï have no doubt in my mind that Thomas can groove like a mad man. Anybody who questions whether he's capable of it is just kidding theirselves...his dvds are not titled "Thomas Langs guide to immense grooving". His dvds teach interindependence and creative control of double bass which is exactly what they set out to do.

[Jon Cable]

Well....I find Thomas' work inspiring, if a little mathematically based. His playing is extremely good and he has helped a lot of drummers improve their skills, sadly whether one has them or not, groove and feel are both unteachable and unlearnable..

[Latin Groover]

groove and feel are both unteachable and unlearnable..

I strongly disagree...

[mikemancan]

For all you thomas lang fans that absolutely Love his work are going to LOVE to hear this: Most recently he has joined a band. The UK band sikth featured some of the most talented musicians i have ever heard. With the most ridiculous time signature changes and melodic phrasing ever!! The band broke up close to a year ago, and DIN the lead guitarist has been looking for an alternate band. And no one could guess he'd be working with THOMAS LANG! What an amazing combination for the type of music they will be creating!

Here's a taste of the guitarist: The bald one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-8aipuDILs

Here's a taste of the style of music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5AEs3CkOkI


Here's a taste of the new project:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=340229667

You will see under blogs a video of lang playing to one of the new songs NOT released yet

[BenYS]

hey everyone, does anyone have the Thomas Lang dvd? If so can you tell me if its worth getting? thx!


Depends of what you are looking for. I have it, and found that for me a groove oriented DVD is way more useful.

Lang displays his amazing skill and its certinaly very interesting to watch. The big question, will you be able to use any of this stuff! Let me know.

[drummingdunc]

I've never seen any of his DVDs or been to any clinics, but he is doing a clinic near to me soon. Should I go? What can I expect to take away from it? If he is really all about over your head technical stuff would the ticket money be better spent on a good book/dvd?

[drummingdunc]

Ok after reading some more about him, I've realised what a stupid question that was. I have got my ticket!

[fromyesterday]

That's interesting, I find books/DVDs can't really teach me 'groove'..it seems more of a soul/feel for yourself type of thing.

I do find working on Lang's stuff beneficial for what I would call 'Chops' - sometimes when he goes off using the weird pedals I would never probably buy - I get put off.



Depends of what you are looking for. I have it, and found that for me a groove oriented DVD is way more useful.

Lang displays his amazing skill and its certinaly very interesting to watch. The big question, will you be able to use any of this stuff! Let me know.

[Therma lobsterdore]

For all you thomas lang fans that absolutely Love his work are going to LOVE to hear this: Most recently he has joined a band. The UK band sikth featured some of the most talented musicians i have ever heard. With the most ridiculous time signature changes and melodic phrasing ever!! The band broke up close to a year ago, and DIN the lead guitarist has been looking for an alternate band. And no one could guess he'd be working with THOMAS LANG! What an amazing combination for the type of music they will be creating!

Here's a taste of the guitarist: The bald one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-8aipuDILs

Here's a taste of the style of music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5AEs3CkOkI


Here's a taste of the new project:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=340229667

You will see under blogs a video of lang playing to one of the new songs NOT released yet

That is amazing news, thanks for posting this!

[drummingdunc]

I went to Thomas' clinic in Manchester yesterday. Wow is that guy good! But also he was really funny and seemed like a great guy, much more than the heartless, soulless drum machine some have labelled him.

Anyway, he played a solo from his new DVD, and explained about his matrix coordination practice routine to gain 4 limb independence, and it makes a lot of sense. Basically you play singles on your feet and keep that going while you use your hands to play singles (RLRL), then doubles (RRLLRRLL), then triples (RRR LLL), then four....up to eights. Then you play doubles with your feet and repeat the process. Then triples with your feet and repeat...up to playing 8s with the feet. So far so easy (?)!

Then you switch it round, so your hands start with singles and your feet go through the stages (singles, doubles, triples...up to 8s). Then play doubles with your hands and repeat the process, then triples with your hands and repeat.....again up to 8s with your hands. Still with me?

Then the clever bit, you use right hand/left foot singles and go through the process of singles, doubles etc..up to 8s using your left hand/right foot. Then do doubles with RH/LF and repeat, then do triples with RH/LF......

Next do the opposite and use LH/RF for the singles, adding singles, doubles, triples etc with RH/LF...Then work through the process using doubles with LH/RF, then triples, and so on.

It obviously takes a lot of time to go through all the combinations, but if the result is complete 4 way independence I'm up for it! ALso, its a different way of practicing basic rudiments as you get to play singles, doubles, paradiddles etc. And you can do round the kit so its a good all round way to practice.

I'll let you know how it goes in 10 years or so!

[nomad901]

This guy is a genius - go see him live or buy his dvd.

[Pass.of.E.r.a.]

Anywho it appears as though Mr. Lang left Sonor for DW.

Anybody have any clue why?

-Jonathan

(sorry mods, not sure why I didn't think of posting that here)

[Bernhard]

I just posted a video where he shows his new kit (DW Promotion):

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/thomaslangdw.html

Bernhard

[Pavlos]

Mr. Lang, please feel free to send over your old Sonor acrylic set since you won't be needing that anymore. Danke! :)

[Rascul]

"My experience with the custom shop is... you know... a unique bla bla bla"

Why do all these endorsers bother to emphasize the so-called uniqueness of their brand? They know as well as we do that it's all personal mojo, and I bet you can find soundbytes of Thomas saying the same thing about Sonor. It doesn't mean anything with regard to why he chooses one brand over the other. Apparently "I was in for a change" doesn't cut it, but why is a mystery to me.

That said, whatever floats his boat - if he's happy playing DW instead of Sonor, good luck. Those sound samples sound pretty good, and I definitely like him playing on wood shells more than acrylic. Which of course, does not mean that I would pry that acrylic Sonor set out of his cold hands if I could :-)

[Swiss Matthias]

I think it's all about business.


...and only judging his new kit by the above linked video sounds ...well... quite the opposite of how he describes it, haha :)

[brady]

I think it's all about business.


...and only judging his new kit by the above linked video sounds ...well... quite the opposite of how he describes it, haha :)



Yeah it's all about business... DW is all about throwing tons of money at high profile drummers to recruit them. Before I even found out who Thomas went to I just knew it was going to be DW.

[dairyairman]

i heard that sonor is having some financial trouble. that could be why he left. maybe they can't afford him anymore.

[00Schneider]

Sonor has (had?) short-work at the home factory in Germany, but that has nothing to do with endorsers. And also DW isn't untouched by the worldwide economic crises.

Thomas want's to do clincis to promote his DVDs etc., and Sonor has no good base in USA and it seems to be they don't want to change it. So he looked out for a company which gives him good oppurtunities in the States. So why not just asked at a good company round the corner? He lives just a few miles away from DW (like some others too, many pros are in and around L.A.).

As an endorser you don't get money, that's a misbelief. Right now only ddrum pays something cash, but that's the absolute exception.

Lang get's no cash from DW, it's even the opposite, besides at the start-up he has to pay for his set like the big majority of all DW Endorsers. At Sonor you get kits for free, but only as a loan, which means you have to give it back (sure that's not strict, but it's not that you are endorser and then get what you want).

Yes, it's about business, but not in case of the endorsement itself, it's the support, opportunities and network that counts.

[Swiss Matthias]

It's all fine, except for the fact that drummers tend to make a lot of blabla about how great their new kit is etc etc etc. That's a bit of a shame, since you can never be sure whether one word actually is truthfully meant.

[LinearDrummer]

...and only judging his new kit by the above linked video sounds ...well... quite the opposite of how he describes it, haha :)

I agree....
Not sure if it was the micing/recorder but they sounded like tin cans...

[scoreking81]

My friend actually knows thomas, Lang actually gave my friend one of his acrylic kits with all the cymbals and shit that he didnt need. its awesome

[Bernhard]

Sonor has (had?) short-work at the home factory in Germany, but that has nothing to do with endorsers. And also DW isn't untouched by the worldwide economic crises.

Thomas want's to do clincis to promote his DVDs etc., and Sonor has no good base in USA and it seems to be they don't want to change it. So he looked out for a company which gives him good oppurtunities in the States. So why not just asked at a good company round the corner? He lives just a few miles away from DW (like some others too, many pros are in and around L.A.).

As an endorser you don't get money, that's a misbelief. Right now only ddrum pays something cash, but that's the absolute exception.

Lang get's no cash from DW, it's even the opposite, besides at the start-up he has to pay for his set like the big majority of all DW Endorsers. At Sonor you get kits for free, but only as a loan, which means you have to give it back (sure that's not strict, but it's not that you are endorser and then get what you want).

Yes, it's about business, but not in case of the endorsement itself, it's the support, opportunities and network that counts.

00Schneider nails it!! Exactly how it is.

Just received information from DW that they signed also Dave Grohl, Derek Roddy and J.R. Robinson

Bernhard

[Rascul]

But there's my whole point: why bother with all the promo stuff while everyone's going 'yeah right, just tell me why you really switched' - which I think was a pretty good reason, assuming Schneider was right.

[Zumba_Zumba]

Wonder what the drums sound like in real life rather than on video....outside....who knows what mixing or triggers done. I mean, c'mon, the drums are top notch and they probably sound better than the video exhibited. I'd switch if I could (then again, I play Pacific).

[Nick G.]

00Schneider nails it!! Exactly how it is.

Just received information from DW that they signed also Dave Grohl, Derek Roddy and J.R. Robinson

Bernhard

hasnt grohl been playing dw for ages now?
or was that his own kit rather than a kit given to him?

[sacco]

It's all fine, except for the fact that drummers tend to make a lot of blabla about how great their new kit is etc etc etc. That's a bit of a shame, since you can never be sure whether one word actually is truthfully meant.

Could'nt agree more!

[gusty]

Why is he outside and not in a studio? And why is he wearing that stuff? I thought they were trying to promote DW.

[acegeister]

Am I the only one disappointed he switched to matched grip? I read an interview and he called traditional grip stupid and pointless. It's definitely pointless on a kit (duh, it was adapted for marching snare drummers before carriers were made and the drum hanging from a strap made it necessary), but it still looks cool and imo is sort of a status symbol among many drummers. If you can do it well on a kit, why not?

[Pass.of.E.r.a.]

Well Mr. Lang said it himself, playing Traditional grip was a crutch, and while I agree it looks cool, Thomas Lang has plenty of stick tricks to make up for it. lol!

If you want to hear word for word what he said about matched versus traditional, just read his interview in DRUM! magazine.

-Jonathan

[percusmann]

This guy is a genius - go see him live or buy his dvd.

LOL... man, we'll call just about anybody a genius nowadays won't we.

[acegeister]

LOL... man, we'll call just about anybody a genius nowadays won't we.

Let me guess: you think Terry Bozzio randomly banging around on his laughably over-sized kit is genius?

[RiccardoMerlini]

Thomas is one of the best drummer ever, I studyed with him privatley, and he's also an awsome person. I had also the pleasure of a cool drumduet on my drumset during a clinic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UIw_ccZREQ

I hope you like it :)
Riccardo Merlini