Highly intelligent and thoughtful, with no throwaway lines. I first heard Virgil at a drum convention in Florida around the late 1990s. I thought that he was the future of drumming. I'd never heard anyone play like him. Most of the people were there to hear Tony Williams and weren't really paying attention to Donati. I heard him again a year later and he'd improved and another year later, he'd improved again. I didn't think it was possible to play any better than that, and here we are today, and he's still growing and changing. Remarkable.
Incredible musician Virgil.....until I watched this video I never realised he was also a pianist, although listening to the musicality of his drumming I'm not surprised.... a great interview, thanks to all involved.
The struggle occurs when a truly unique voice emerges and gives birth to a new significant form of this mighty art. Virgil Donati is a prime example of the modern drum set outlier. I hope he shares as much wisdom as he can in interviews like this. In fact, I see a future autobiography: The Donati Diaries.
A normal conversation with plenty of common sense and wizdom. A little more real and natural than you often see in a guitarist or singer interview lol. From around 2019 pre covid. ty lads.
Get a copy of his solo record IN THIS LIFE. It has some of the most incredible drumming on it you'll ever hear. All recorded masterfully by his friend and engineer Alex Argento.
That introductory sentence says it all. Sure there may be sum guys out there cranking out exercises, playing "covers" & playing amazing solos. But notice those same guys dont show themselves PLAYING SONGS w/ OTHER PEOPLE..... once you start playing songs WITH OTHERS..... everything else goes out tye window. U just can't BASH YOUR DRUMS. you HAVE TO play THE SONG & INTERACT WITH OTHERS. PERIOD. If i had to make a choice .... & the ONLY 2 OPTIONS are 1) having every drum book ever made OR 2) having NO books, but having a BASS PLAYER & (either) a keyboardist or guitar player, who will ALWAYS practice with you ..... Id choose choice 2 hands down EVERY TIME. But in reality you really NEED BOTH. a good foundational technique AND people to PLAY WITH
Interaction with other musicians is vital and I missed years due to illness so will have to start again which will be challenging and yes frustration is inescapable
lol not fact actually. I’m sure Virgil could play everything Thomas can play, but there would be plenty that Virgil can play that Thomas couldn’t. He’s on his own plane
I hope more and more musician arround the globe know Virgil Donati. He's the greatest drummer alive now
Highly intelligent and thoughtful, with no throwaway lines. I first heard Virgil at a drum convention in Florida around the late 1990s. I thought that he was the future of drumming. I'd never heard anyone play like him. Most of the people were there to hear Tony Williams and weren't really paying attention to Donati. I heard him again a year later and he'd improved and another year later, he'd improved again. I didn't think it was possible to play any better than that, and here we are today, and he's still growing and changing. Remarkable.
Wonderful humble genius
Great interview .
Although 99% of us won’t ever get to Virgil’s level,always striving to get better is the most important thing IMO.
Legend!!
First found power drumming when I was 12
Incredible musician Virgil.....until I watched this video I never realised he was also a pianist, although listening to the musicality of his drumming I'm not surprised.... a great interview, thanks to all involved.
th-cam.com/video/dzMcWJzOewY/w-d-xo.html 🎹👍
This interviewer is brilliant !
The struggle occurs when a truly unique voice emerges and gives birth to a new significant form of this mighty art.
Virgil Donati is a prime example of the modern drum set outlier.
I hope he shares as much wisdom as he can in interviews like this.
In fact, I see a future autobiography: The Donati Diaries.
A normal conversation with plenty of common sense and wizdom. A little more real and natural than you often see in a guitarist or singer interview lol. From around 2019 pre covid. ty lads.
As a jazz player, competition is always there; however, we all let each other know when the others kill it. It's always about learning from others.
Great interview. Very enjoyable like Dave Weckl.
Thanks for your dedication and talent,.. my life experience is better because of what you do.
Get a copy of his solo record IN THIS LIFE. It has some of the most incredible drumming on it you'll ever hear. All recorded masterfully by his friend and engineer Alex Argento.
21:45 is so hilarious, given the fact that Virgil only plays with monster bassists. 🤣
I enjoyed this video. Thank you…
“Feeding your creative energy.” Great drummer and person. Piano helps drumming and creative energy. Not only the left hand but flow or stream……….
Virgil with Tosin .... Needs to happen before either of them is gone forever.
I think Virgil Donati and Peart would have had a great
intellectual relationships!! Both love knowledge and literature!!!!
That introductory sentence says it all. Sure there may be sum guys out there cranking out exercises, playing "covers" & playing amazing solos. But notice those same guys dont show themselves PLAYING SONGS w/ OTHER PEOPLE..... once you start playing songs WITH OTHERS..... everything else goes out tye window. U just can't BASH YOUR DRUMS. you HAVE TO play THE SONG & INTERACT WITH OTHERS. PERIOD.
If i had to make a choice .... & the ONLY 2 OPTIONS are 1) having every drum book ever made OR 2) having NO books, but having a BASS PLAYER & (either) a keyboardist or guitar player, who will ALWAYS practice with you .....
Id choose choice 2 hands down EVERY TIME.
But in reality you really NEED BOTH. a good foundational technique AND people to PLAY WITH
Interaction with other musicians is vital and I missed years due to illness so will have to start again which will be challenging and yes frustration is inescapable
WOW
yep good choice, Hitchens is a legend
8:50 hahah no, because he's highly intelligent.
Thomas Lang is better drummer than Donati. Fact!!!!
lol not fact actually. I’m sure Virgil could play everything Thomas can play, but there would be plenty that Virgil can play that Thomas couldn’t. He’s on his own plane
I can play them all?? really