From the ears, eyes, and hands
of renowned percussionist and educator Billy Martin (Medeski
Martin
& Wood), Life on Drums is a striking examination of
the drummer’s art, captivatingly rendered with cinematic grace and intrigue.
As relevant to experienced musicians as it is to newcomers, Life
on Drums combines candid, wide-ranging conversations with Martin’s
first drum teacher Allen Herman and beautifully filmed performances of Martin’s
compositions for percussion ensemble and improvised trap set solos and duets.
The film’s distinct elements work together to impart a refreshing approach
to instruction that prizes the creative and the intuitive over the merely technical.
The resulting film —
fiery and passionate yet practical and insightful —
is a riveting extension of Martin’s open-ended approach to percussion,
improvisation, and music.
“Life on
Drums is about the art of drumming and percussion,
and my concepts, methods, and philosophy of what is important.
I’m trying to be as honest and sincere as I am about
who I am and what I’m trying to say, and then demonstrate
how these philosophies can be used. I want people to see
this film and realize that, no matter what degree of technical
skill they possess, they can be an artist.” — Billy
Martin
From the ears, eyes, and hands
of renowned percussionist and educator Billy Martin (Medeski Martin & Wood),
Life on Drums is a striking examination of the drummer’s
art, captivatingly rendered with cinematic grace and intrigue. As relevant
to experienced musicians as it is to newcomers, Life
on Drums combines
candid, wide-ranging conversations with Martin’s first
drum teacher Allen Herman and beautifully filmed performances of Martin’s
compositions for percussion ensemble and improvised trap set solos
and duets. The film’s distinct elements work together
to impart a refreshing approach to instruction that prizes the creative
and the intuitive over the merely technical. The resulting film — fiery
and passionate yet practical and insightful — is a riveting
extension of Martin’s open-ended approach to percussion, improvisation,
and music.
Life on Drums - 87 mins
written and directed by Billy Martin
executive producer Allen Herman director
of photography Matt Mcclain
BONUS MATERIAL:
From Bouncing Ball to Concert Hall - 27:26 mins
teachers, mentors and life lessons.
9 additional performances - 21:41 mins
drum solos and percussion ensembles
