Unique Beats (Hal-Leonard)

Magesh is a human drum machine and creative groove meister. This DVD gives the viewer an intimate look at this Australian drummer's unique approach to playing drumset. The first thing one notices about Magesh is the tablas placed on each side of his set. He is able to play a groove and suddenly lay a drumstick in his lap and play a tabla part. He also has a sampler and loop pedal on his left side and is able to operate it with his left hand or foot while playing a groove with his other three limbs. This gives him the ability to use technology to create innovative beats in a live setting, which would not have been possible even ten years ago.
Magesh discusses playing with loops, playing grooves, creating unique beats, originality, sampling, using electronics, and feel. After each short discussion, he performs several short pieces either as a solo or with a bass player or conga drummer. He also performs several tunes with The Executives, a popular Australian band. Magesh stresses practicing in an organized, consistent manner and the importance of listening. His advice is very good and you can hear in his playing that he knows what he is talking about. This DVD has a very casual and informal attitude, even including humorous outtakes from the interviews and performances. But it is clear that Magesh is very serious about what he is doing and he is a master of the modern groove.
'P.A.S' (Percussive Arts Society of America)
Reviewed by: Tom Morgan

In his first instructional DVD, Magesh talks candidly about gathering playing ideas, learning to give voice to the sound that you hear in your head. Through a series of demonstration tracks he showcases his unique approach to fusing tabla and kit playing, switching hands to play tabla in place of a hi-hat or ride cymbal, while adding snare pattern with his left hand; then changing to incorporate tabla accents with his left hand against a steady cymbal pulse. The rhythmic invention is constantly inventive - but the onus is on fun and experimentation - taking patterns and making ideas come to life. Magesh's relaxed persona helps him present these ideas - the hour long showcase for his innovations is a fantastic glimpse in to the mind and soul of a committed and very talented young player.
'Drum Connexions' magaizine (New Zealand)

I am checking out "subject to change" and the minimalist and many tracks on your wonderful DVD. yay. The persona you have created and the interesting rhythmic scenarios you have created are wonderful. When I coined the Pansonic Coordination phrase In the 1970's I dreamt that many people would start using the concept, and I dreamt that the drummer of the future would coordinate sounds from across the board in his/her performance, not just typical drum sounds. I never dreamt that the pansonic coordinator of the future would take the form you are taking. How wonderful. Welcome to the club. Stanley Jordan is an early pan-sonic coordinator. (guitarist) I wish you continued success.
I feel wholeheartedly that you deserve it. :-)
Congratulations. :-) yay I'm digging this dvd. Nice. :-)
Kenwood Dennard (U.S.A)
Kenwood has perfomed with Miles Davis, Sting and Dizzy Gillespe. He is currently a professor teaching at the prestegious Berklee School of Music in Boston.

Australian drumming virtuoso Magesh has released Unique Beats, a self-produced DVD featuring his dynamic grooves and lessons learned as a session player. Magesh is featured playing drums in a studio setting utilizing electronics, tabla and effects. The playing is tight and funky, especially the Drum ‘n' Bass riffs, and the various camera angles keep the visuals interesting.
"The interviews are interesting..."
"I loved how Magesh incorporated the Tabla into his kit..."
"We were impressed with Magesh's chops..."
FutureMusic Magazine (U.K)