I got Urban Worship Classic (not Xtreme) my thoughts:

[rjthakid]

I was very happy to see my Urban Worship DVD when I got home last night.  I tore right into it, brought my laptop into my practice room and threw it in.  Here we go:

Presentation & Production Value.
Top-Notch.  Everything from the DVD Art, to the intro, to the Menu's are done professionally.  As far as production quality is concerned, I definately got my money's worth in that department.

Content

Very good.  He showed some beautiful, phat chords, some beautiful movements and passing chords, and some nice, mellow Worship Vamps.  Also, the fact that the notes came up on-screen made it easier to see what he was doing.  You could tell that he had to simplify what he was playing for beginners, and that was a good decision.  He simplified it enough for a beginner to play, but still left some really phat chords in there.  Here's just ONE of the phat chords:

F-C-Ab/A-Db-Eb-Ab

 

Nasty.

Theory

Jesus help me.  Virtually none.  I've been studying my chord book , so I was able to name the the chords, but that's not the point.  He'd give the notes and not explain the WHY.  If you're a beginner and you don't understand ANY theory, then this won't help you too much.  It doesn't make sense learning beautiful movements, and still not know how to apply them to your playing.  This is the only Major problem with this Dvd.

Teaching method

A mixed bag, but overall it's good.  On one hand, the on-screen notes are a tremendous help, but there are some sections where he'll play something and the notes aren't onscreen (though those moments are very few).  Also, although Jamal is a good teacher, at times he goes a bit too fast.  But that's the joy of having the rewind button    I was able to catch just about everything, even if I had to backtrack a few times.

Overall
I would recommend this to another beginner, but ONLY if they learn some theory first.  The on-screen notes are a tremendous help, and the content is top-shelf stuff.

I pray this helps someone in their decision!

[4hisglory]

Did you take a look at the pdf that explains the theory for each section??

[rjthakid]

On the second Dvd, yea.  But it would've been much better if he told you as he goes along, rather than referring to another disk altogether and trying to match them up.

[rjthakid]

4hisglory,

What are the main differences between Classic and Xtreme?

[4hisglory]

The classic is like riding a tri-cycle, the extreme is like riding a Harley.

The extreme if for advanced players, but it will definetely move you into that "phat" sound.

[rjthakid]

Hmmmm.  I think I'll master my tricycle first.   

I'm enjoying this so much, I'll eventually get Xtreme.

[jlewis]

Yeah,

the extreme verision  he basically shows chords and movements.   the explanation is a little light.   But if you are looking for a phatter sound. the extreme version is where its at.   You will have to go  and search around to get a good understanding of why some of the movements work the way they do ( he does a LOT of chord substitution), but the  movements are phat, there is no doubt about that.

But,  you have to be careful. A lot of Jermaine's movements are jazzy and have that neo-soul feel to them.  if your church likes that "churchy" sound. then don't use  jermaine's movement.

But if your church has a more jazzy  contemporary feel to it, then Jermaine's stuff will set them on fire!!!!

jlewis

[PianoWizard]

Hey Guys,

'rjthakid' I was totally the same when I first saw it come through the post, I couldn't get the DVD on fast enough, the classic and the Xtreme. I am always keen to learn new techniques and new styles of playing the keyboard.

I've purchased both DVD's the Xtreme and the Classic DVD, and they have helped me immensely in my playing style and technique, they are definitely worth buying. I would recommend beginners getting the classic without a doubt and those who can play but want to have a phat more fuller sound then they should get the Xtreme DVD.

PianoWiz...

[timroy]

Yeah,

My name is Tim (a new user.) I own the first DVD too. It's great.... a great concept and something like it has been needed for a long time. I have an undergrad degree in music and you're right. It's not very theoretical but he's honest enough to tell his patrons that. Even with my undergrad degree I learned a lot from him and I'm also still studying the playback. I could probably teach him to spell a few chords enharmonically but he has definitely taught me to play them with much better feel and style. I haven't seen the second film yet but I will definately buy it and I also suggest the first DVD Urban Worship to anyone that plays preferably with a little experience and knowledge of the keyboard and music theory. I'm here to both learn and help. Look me up if ever you need me.

Yours truly,

Brother Tim

[PianoWizard]

Will do 'timroy'

PianoWiz...

[kadman92]

The classic is like riding a tri-cycle, the extreme is like riding a Harley.

The extreme if for advanced players, but it will definetely move you into that "phat" sound.

Which one did I win? I CAN'T wait to get mine.

[jlewis]

Yeah,

the extreme verision  he basically shows chords and movements.   the explanation is a little light.   But if you are looking for a phatter sound. the extreme version is where its at.   You will have to go  and search around to get a good understanding of why some of the movements work the way they do ( he does a LOT of chord substitution), but the  movements are phat, there is no doubt about that.

But,  you have to be careful. A lot of Jermaine's movements are jazzy and have that neo-soul feel to them.  if your church likes that "churchy" sound. then don't use  jermaine's movement.

But if your church has a more jazzy  contemporary feel to it, then Jermaine's stuff will set them on fire!!!!

jlewis

Dang,   I mean Jamal's movements (not Jermaine's).  I'm getting urban extreme confused with hear and play.


But Urban Extreme is definitely for folks who already know how to play ( or people dedicated  to learning his movements) But he tells you as much on his website so it shouldn't come as a surprise.

jlewis

[truth4life]

Thanks for the info on the dvd.  I'm just bumed about the little theory tho...I'm like a little kid...but why?  but why? but why? lol I'm still looking at buying the dvd tho.

[rjthakid]

Thanks for the info on the dvd. I'm just bumed about the little theory tho...I'm like a little kid...but why? but why? but why? lol I'm still looking at buying the dvd tho.

Same here.  I want to understand WHY things work.  If I know the theory behind it, I'll be able to put my own spin on it. 

Even on the documentation CD, they list the notes but don't give you the names of the chords. 

But if you know some theory you can figure it out.  Again, the presentation and production quality is top-of-the-line, the movements are beautiful, and the onscreen keyboard is very helpful.
I recommend it.

[beantownborn]

RJ, thanks for the write up. I plan to buy both, though I am a beginner.  The package deal seem better cost-wise.  But I will definitely go over them in order!  That really helped because I wanted a perpective on the classic one after seeing a few clips from his website.  Stay diligent, bruh.  You will definitely pick some skills from this.  Sounds like you already have!! Let me know when your first midi post will be.  I'll be expecting the phatness...