In this special edition hour-long videocast, part of the ever popular Track Analysis series, Gary explores TWO fabulous but highly contrasting album tracks side by side to challenge your versatility, stretch your approach and broaden your creative skills.

The first track to go under the microscope is “Carry On”, a deceptively simple piece with a world music feel and a Zawinul Syndicate inspired character. This piece was written and performed by Gary’s former bandmate Steve Hunt, keyboardist in Allan Holdsworth’s band in the late 80s and early 90s, and appeared on Steve’s most recent, and much celebrated album release “Connections”.  Bass supremo Jimmy Johnson, the fourth member of the Allan Holdsworth Group at this time, also features on the track alongside Brazilian vocalist Nando Lauria. 

Gary steers you through the idiosyncratic rhythmic layers of the track, its structure and form and, by means of a strong and spirited performance of his own, shines a light on some of the creative ideas and devices that occurred to him when putting his part down.  He explores a whole host of considerations that you might like to take on board when approaching the track yourself, and looks at ways you can respond imaginatively to what the other musicians are doing.

The second track “Renaissance Man” presents a whole different set of challenges to the drummer, with its powerful, more jazz-rock fusion feel.  Written by Canadian born/UK based bassist Antoine Fafard, who Gary has frequently collaborated with over the years, the track requires a stable, driving approach, interspersed with imaginative kit orchestrations, but all the time demanding sensitivity and empathy to the other musicians.

Gary himself presents a stunning, high energy performance of the track and goes on to give a full breakdown of the composition and talks you through its structure, mood and reference points and discusses possible playing approaches to it. 

And of course, this empowering double length videocast comes packaged with a drum-less mp3 version of each of the tracks (both with and without click) plus a score and drum guide for you to download and try out for yourself.

Duration: 1 hour 3 minutes

WHAT DOES IT COST?

£15 is roughly the equivalent of 17€ or US$18. The transaction will be made in your local currency. For the exact exchange rate, please check with your card provider or PayPal.