Virgil Donati interview on Drummer's High with Host Andy Zildjian 

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.

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.

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.

I hope more and more musician arround the globe know Virgil Donati. He's the greatest drummer alive now

Legend!! First found power drumming when I was 12

Wonderful humble genius

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.

This interviewer is brilliant !

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.

21:45 is so hilarious, given the fact that Virgil only plays with monster bassists. 🤣

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.

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

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.

Virgil with Tosin .... Needs to happen before either of them is gone forever.

“Feeding your creative energy.” Great drummer and person. Piano helps drumming and creative energy. Not only the left hand but flow or stream……….

I think Virgil Donati and Peart would have had a great intellectual relationships!! Both love knowledge and literature!!!!

Great interview. Very enjoyable like Dave Weckl.

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

Thanks for your dedication and talent,.. my life experience is better because of what you do.

I enjoyed this video. Thank you…

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!!!!

I can play them all?? really