Working on some of my own stuff, just me with drums and a Rhodes seventy-three through an amp. Time to get creative!

Song in progress

This year I worked with a hand drum group at Cartwright Central PS in Blackstock, Ontario. I facilitated the group of 12 students and 3 teachers, and this is our song performed at the school recital. These kids were so much fun to work with. I'm looking forward to next year!

CCPS drum group final song

Layering drum tracks with some warped sounds, and some Rhodes. 

March of a different drum

I sat by the creek, listened to the running water, and just played for while. I kept time with an ankle bell. There are also some breaks you can hear my son squeal from his stroller, and i fed him a snack with one hand while continuing to play. 
I plan to make more of these this year. Just get out in nature with a drum and play. Running water is key. I look forward to finding new spots around town to do this. I'm sharing it because i hope to play with the track eventually... edit it down and throw some effects on it, maybe some more sounds. But here it is raw. The beginning of a new, creative experiment. It makes great background music in the kitchen. Enjoy.

field recordings 2017

Field recording 1: Djembe by the creek Jan 25/17

This is a small sample of a Sunday drum circle jam. Sunday's at 4pm at the Abilities Centre in Whitby. Wanna join in? Visit www.drdrumming.com for more info, and sign up to the mailing list. 
Everyone welcome - If you have a pulse, you can play!

Seven Nation Army drum jam

Reefjam2.0

I laid down a drum beat and then layered percussion over it and some Rhodes keyboard with sound effects. It became this big wall of sound that took on a life of its own. Turn it up, especially in headphones!

La Percussionista

I can't settle myself down, I've lost my head tonight.
I can't find my way around, I'm wandering inside.
Hold my hand and walk me through the maze I've got myself into.
I am searching for a sign to find my peace of mind

My peace of mind, it's a state of mine

I can't settle these thoughts down, I've lost my mind again.
Spinning words in circles sends me back where I began.
Be my eyes and guide me through the maze I've got myself into.
I am searching for a light to find my peace of mind.

My peace of mind, it's a state of mine

Breath in a warm glow - (we are not our thoughts)
Breath out, feel the flow - (don't be the fish, be the pond)
Breath in new life - (breathe out and let things pass)
Breath out, shine a light - (be like water my friend)

Calm has overcome the mind, the heart and beat are one.
Breathing deep and holding you until we seen the sun. 
I hope that we will make it through whatever storms we sail into. 
With you always by my side I'll find my peace of mind. 
My peace of mind. 

(Breath out and let things pass. Be like water my friend)

Started as a guitar track. Then layered percussion, and finally words. Featuring, in order of appearance: Lake Ontario waves, thunder storm outside my house, ocean drum, acoustic guitar, bass on a Rhodes electiric piano, vocal harmonies and whisper, rain stick, triangle, congas, Sonor Roto-timpani drum for thump, egg shakers, guiro, castanets, tambourine, conga (quinto) solo, bongo solo. Lyrics inspired by learning some meditation during this strange time, to stay sane. Wishing peace of mind to everyone in 2020.

Peace Of Mind

This began on acoustic guitar and then added layers of percussion. I got my family in on the percussion, so it's a fun family jam song.

InstruMental Enchantment

Rhythm is the soul of life. I want to further explore and share in all things rhythmic. I am a drummer with 20 years experience on kit. I also love hand percussion including djembe, conga, and more. I want to explore deeper into traditional rhythm and rhythm cultures, and am also interested in expanding into electronic and new age sounds, possibly blending the two in some future projects/forms. I dig drum circles and believe anyone can learn to tap into the power of rhythm, starting with heartbeat and breath. Rhythm is the binding agent that allows anyone to enjoy and participate in music making. Together with dancing and singing, drumming is a powerful community builder. "The Creator wants us to drum. He wants us to corrupt the world with drum, dance and chants. After all, we have already corrupted the world with power and greed....which hasn't gotten us anywhere - now's the time to corrupt the world with drum, dance and chants." - Babatunde Olatunji

Bonhelm

Popular tracks