April Issue, 2009. Broadcast to over 100,000 drummers worldwide.

Congratulations to the winners of The Worldwide Drummer Search 2009!
 

In this issue I am showcasing the winners, place getters and honorable mentions for the Worldwide Drummer Search 2009. Over the last few months we've seen a huge variety of playing styles and some serious talent submitted on our forum! I'd like to take this moment to say a huge thanks to everyone who drummed up (sorry, had to..) an entry video. The response in the forum towards every entrant was well received and encouraging. Well done to you all! OK, without further ado, here are the winners of the WWDS 2009..

1st Place - Szende Balázs from Hungary

 

Congratulations to Szende from Hungary for taking out first place. Szende's solo was a fine mix of latin-funk grooves, great light and shade, and rock steady time. Szende also sports some speedy double bass to build his solo towards its end. Altogether a very well crafted drum solo! Well done! Szende wins the worldwide endorsement contract with the Sleishman Drum Company, and $1,000US worth of Sleishman gear.

2nd Place - Tony Robinson, UK

Congratulations to Tony Robinson from the UK for taking out 2nd place. Tony is a drummer with a big future ahead of him. Currently studying at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in London, his solo was all taste. Great pocket, great finesse and control around the kit, nice phrasing and some serious double bass. Tony wins the Sleishman "Jack Bennett Signature Series Snare" - a $1,000 US value!

3rd Place - TIED!
Congratulations to both
Reuben Gingrich, USA & Zsolte Korompay, Hungary

 

Reuben Gingrich - USA Congratulations to Reuben Gingrich from the USA for taking out equal 3rd place. Reuben is a very impressive drummer with chops to burn and great control of the entire kit. Reuben's solo demonstrated great finesse and speed around the kit, nice double bass phrasing, and some serious independence - check his left foot clave in the vid above! Reuben will receive the Icanplaydrums.com 31 Disc Box Set! Zsolt Korompay - Hungary What's with all the drumming talent from Hungary? We couldn't split 3rd place. Zsolte was another favourite among the Rockyhouse Media judging panel, his solo sporting some of the nicest 2 sound level grooves we've seen throughout the entire competition. Great time, great dynamics, effortless technique and interesting phrasings in his drum break sections. Zsolte is an established pro in Hungary, having released instructional DVD's on drumming for the Hungarian market. Zsolte will also receive the Icanplaydrums.com 31 Disc Box Set.

Congratulations again to our above winners. There were however so many other great videos that I have to show you a few that we gave honourable mentions to. If you want to view ALL the entry submissions, click this link

Gilles Chaninian - France	Jonny - UK
I must have watched this video 20 times already. This video is a lesson in itself on deep pocket and groove. Listen to the space between the notes.. bliss!	Nice to see a young drummer with a solid concept of form,  phrasing and dynamic control. Great light and shade.

Once again congratulations to all our winners. We are extremely happy with the level of playing the WWDS drew from all corners of the globe. We'll be doing it all over again next year, same time, same place. Until then!