Mike Mangini

Though I'm not a big fan of Dream Theater, I sure am
becoming one of Mike Mangini. I'd go so this group
just to see him play... So creative... Unreal arsenal!

He deserves that seat totally. Portnoy was good
with this group, but Mike has raised the bar noticably.

I wish the sound quality was a bit better, but the point
is made nonetheless.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-vuNRI8D4w&feature=related

Yeah Don,
Here's another clip with a little better quality

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMXTkWYvMa0

Wow!!! Thanks, D. L. Again, I don't care that much
for D.T. But I go see them just to see Mike do his thing.

As President Obama might say: "Stupidly" sick!

Unreal!

Hey Don,

I recently went to see DT here in Philly and I went back afterwards to meet with Mike, and the rest of the band.
If you do get a chance to see them, go....You will not be dissapointed.

Mike is on the launching pad right now to become in my opinion, VERY highly reguarded in the drumming world, and beyond. His unique approach to his playing style, and concepts he's developed are very cutting edge, and designed to break all barriers both physically, and mentally. Not for just drummers, but all musicians. Now I know that sounds like a pretty tall order, but just givie it time, and you'll see.

Plus John Mayan was easily, the best bass player I've ever seen live. He's unreal Don..

I studied privately with Mike for a year, so I know how hard he works. Complete dedication.

Anyway, here's a small clip that was shot on Mikes computer from behind his kit at the show I attended.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zb4EuMG3hM

Mike is on the launching pad right now to become in my opinion, VERY highly reguarded in the drumming world, and beyond. His unique approach to his playing style, and concepts he's developed are very cutting edge, and designed to break all barriers both physically, and mentally. Not for just drummers, but all musicians. Now I know that sounds like a pretty tall order, but just givie it time, and you'll see.

D.L. In listening to and watching Mike play, I don't
see that as a tall order at all. I can see it and hear it.
I'm drawn to him and would like to learn more about
his approach and concepts. And as you might know
already, I'm REALLY picky about whom I choose to
endorse. Does he have any videos or books out
that you know of?! If so please point me in the right
direction. Thanks again, D. I'm going to check out
that clip right now.

Here's a start-

http://www.rhythmknowledge.com/aboutmike.htm

I am glad he is appreciated. I have
always liked him. There is no question
about his skill. Only to be envied.
Incredible hands and really, like
no other. However, I have never
enjoyed his compositional approach.

Though, I love his accompaniment.
He is so good for his bands, espec-
ially in the rock venue.

Don't get me wrong. I love Mike
and always will. The technical bar
rests with him BUT I have to say
that I prefer others to him.

That's a personal thing; I am sure.

Regards,

I'm not a big DT fan, but I watched the drummer audition vids. Virgil Donati and Marco Minnemann both nailed everything DT threw at them. In the end the decision came down to who played the parts most like the original drummer. Still, imagine having to choose one of those three? Talk about a complicated decision.

Check out Mike on this DT track. At 2:09 it sounds to me like he's doubling the guitar part with his feet while doubling the keyboard part on the cymbals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=oasnbzEMV08#t=128s

Here it is live-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=hjo5r-h-J6c#t=118s

Pete, I think what Mike does works for D.T. His solos are monsterous.
D.T. as a band is a bit TOO progressive for my taste, but I think Mike fits
right in there. Whatever else he can do outside of that genra, I have yet
to hear or see.

D.L., thanks for the instructional link by the way. And the laptop cam behind
him was cool.

The thing I really appreciate about Mike is he's using numbers in a way that most drummers don't.
When I studied with him, we went through every odd number from 3-31 and it really did open up doors for me as far as improving my overall timing.

It's not what the mainstream is used to hearing, even us drummers to an extent, but like i said, in time I think it will prove to be revolutionary to a certain degree.

DT really is the best possible spot for him to be in, and I really can't wait to hear what comes out in the future-
Here's an interview clip.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NL1S-NsSOA

DT really is the best possible spot for him to be in, and I really can't wait to hear what comes out in the future-

D.L., judging what I've heard of his playing thus far, I couldn't agree more.

Here's another clip of a solo from behind the kit-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2jDwBLbkhE

VH-1 Classic had a special on last night from the High Voltage 2011 concert in England
and Dream Theater had one song on it...Mike was playing great.
He brings a maturity to the drum parts, no disrespect to Mike Portnoy, but having heard a lot of
Portnoy's take on the same material, I can say Mike Mangini makes the stuff sound even better.

I was lucky to catch Dream Theater at the Warfield in San Francisco on Sept. 24th, while on vacation
and I enjoyed it very much. I saw them with Portnoy twice, but this was a different experience all together.

One thing that I must mention. I notice that the actual
beats that Mike plays are pretty elementry in nature as
far as their technical approach goes. For instance, when
you listen to him play a groove in 7, there are no ghost
notes added but is played quite predictably as something
you'd expect from a rocker. I think this is one of the things
that sets Virgil apart who also does a progressive rock style
of music, yet having a sort of jazz undertone.

Plus, a lot of players that Virgil works with have a background
that's strong in jazz. I'm not so sure about the players of D.T.
though I get the feeling that there's more to the keyboard
player than meets the eye.

No question, he is perfect for the band
and really, he can play for anyone. He
can do anything. There is no doubt.

I feel Mike Portnoy made a mistake in
opening that door but who knows?
Maybe he'll come up with something
else or with someone else.

The split was not about skill and that is
what makes me think that we won't see
Portnoy come close to what he had, here
Shame, really but life is vast doors always
open. Who knows the purpose in this?

A note on the auditions and what was
mentioned before: imho, while Mike
was fantastic, I preferred what Marco
and Virgil brought to the table. I am
speaking creatively. I knew Virgil
would not get it because of his age.

I think Marco almost got it. Mike just
was the all-around choice, when you
factor in his age, where he lived etc.

Again, we're talking about three of
the best drummers anywhere, here.
I am happy for Mike. It is a good gig
for him and the band will be better.

Regards,

Here ya go Don-
Some interesting practice vids here explained by Mangini-

http://www.drumheadmag.com/web/page.php?id=10

Thanks, Dave. Very useful.

Regards,

Somehow, I doubt it was Virgils age, Pete.
Rudess looks like no spring chicken. These
guys were invited as it was not an open audition.

Mike Mangini played more of the familiar parts they
wanted to hear where the others played their
interpretation of the music.

D.L. I watched all the clips, very useful.
The single hand, foot, hand, foot solo
exercise at the end was wicked.

No prob guys, This stuff is pretty cool.

But can anyone of them play this tune?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIx8wI3OdW0

Let the bass drum get in your ear drum and tickle your spine numb.

Anyways, the whole audition thing was good publicity for all these fantastic drummers.

I do think that they could, Rarebit.
Half of these killer funk tunes is in
the monster quarter-note bass-
players - the likes of which we just
don't see anymore - like Will Lee.
A lot to be said for a fine bassist.

I'm a huge fan of Vrigil, Marco, and Mangini. I love their work. A very high degree of technical ability. And for many drummers that's what it's all about -- Who has the most chops wins. All these guys are great in their particular area of chops. It can be endlessly debated. Yet, everything I've heard from any of these guys, well, quite candidly, always sounds kinda stiff. It's tiring on the ears. So they all intentionally play this way? This is my point and where I beg to difffer. Abe Laboriel Jr. gets more session calls then Marco, Virgil, and Mangini combined? Why is that? He can play the fastest backwards paradiddle diddles? I don't think so.

They have just chosen their path.

Hi, rare,

Though I understand, I see a bit of a problem in what you're saying.
It's not that many of these extreme players cannot, it just happens
to be the paths they've chosen to take:

Though I havent watched them, I think that's the point Pete is
making with those clips.

Example: Check out these clips from when Virgil was on tour with
Tina Arena.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOTx_h07sGM&feature=fvsr

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjyhjytAmNI&feature=related

Stiff?!! I can't see or hear that here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n--nDc_mb1Y&feature=related

Abe Jr. probably gets more session calls than Billy. What's your point with
that? Now, let's flip the coin. Can Abe Laboriel do what these guys have
chosen to do now?! My point being, what's it matter?

Rare,

I did not mean that to be a diss on you
in any way. One of my all-time favorite
players is Steve Gadd, whom I believe one
of the most complete, though FATTTTest
drummers ever. Yet, he is technically
very proficient. His mix and I think I
will include Vinnie, here, is EXACTLY
what I prefer in a player. There are
others but these come to mind, first.

At the same time, I love Virgil. Maybe
it's a little personal as I have met him
a few times and just love the human
being, too but when I listen to his
crazy creations, it reminds me of the
overwhelm I felt, when I saw and met
Billy and Tony. Then, THEY were
shunned by the establishment. I am
an older guy, now and I just see
things as different. There is no real
better or worse.

Kind of like Italian and Ethiopian food.

Regards,