Drums are primal. The average pop song is 120 beats per minute. Your heart beats at 60-100 per minute, so it is no coincidence. It’s chemistry. Music with twice the beats per minute and your heart rate syncs up with double that and flies.
No question, drums were the first instrument. Beating on a hollow log or your chest and leg. That sense of rhythm that makes you feel the groove and shake your booty. Through every century has drummers who are the pulse of the culture.
Yamoto Drummers of Japan play the Taiko which loosely translated means ‘drum collection’ and refers to all these particular types of drums. Typically, they are associated with the Shinto period in Japan prior to the introduction of Buddhism. These drums have existed as far back as the Kofun period which dates from 250-535 BCE
Tito Puentes, ‘El Rey De Timbal‘, meaning ‘The King of the Timbales’ has been popular since the 1950’s. Tito is the Godfather of Afro-Cuban Rhythms. Jamming with Sheila E. (of the artist formerly known as ‘Prince’ fame), and Pete Escovedo makes for a thundering rhythmic heartbeat of Latin flavors. Tito is credited with bringing the Latin sound to America, as was Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball’s Cuban husband.
Navajo Pow Wow in Baghdad Iraq is incredibly amazing! Soldiers of Alpha Company the 1/50 Infantry from New Mexico National Guard get together while in Iraq to celebrate in a drum circle. The Navajo, and Native Americans, in general, contribute more soldiers to the Armed Forces, than any other nationality. Cubans and Filipinos follow closely behind them. Pretty impressive for a people that has been treated like second-class citizens for a century plus.
Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich are two of the best drummers from the Swing/Big Band era. Here’s a drum battle from 1965 between the guys who started it all! I think Buddy took it easy on Krupa, who’s health was failing.
Little Girl Drummer plays like a professional! When she plays this song by ‘Pink’, she shows what a kid can do with a little direction. 10 years old and she is a Star! She makes me proud and I don’t even know the kid!
Phil Bondy is an Amazing Street Drummer in London, England. This guy is brilliant. BUCKETS!! Unbelievable!
Pen Tapping Contest by Malaysian boys in school. These kids rock and know how to work together!
A teenager built this PVC ‘Rimba’ set and won the school talent contest. Check out his medley of classical and pop songs! Ozzy, Lady Gaga, you name it, he plays the PVC with ‘flip flops’! You cannot get any more ‘primal than that! Blue Man Group does this sort of thing, but a teen with a gift is so much more fun.
Neil Peart of Rush is probably one of the best drummers in rock-n-roll. ‘Tom Sawyer’ is one of their better known songs. The drum solo explains it all. Though his personal life has had its ups and downs, his drums have never wavered.
So…. find the groove and Bang The Drum!
