Drums
will make you feel better
Human beings have been banging on things forever. Sticks on tree trunks was probably the beginning….and then one of the women danced to the beat. That’s the REAL beginning of Rock & Roll. Just ask Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead. He has researched and written extensively about it.
Last night while watching the news across several channels, we saw the stories about the 60 Minutes Interview which Trump ran away from, the Hurricanes and the lies and disinformation coming from a Presidential candidate…and I stated to vent.
Then I said to my wife, I need to play drums, that will get rid of the anger. It’s always worked for me. 20-30 minutes and you’re a new person.
Well, I am a drummer…I made part of my living at it for awhile. But I don’t own a drum set any more. When we down sized into a condo I sold it…no room to store it, or place to play it.
I had owned it since 1971. It was a Ludwig “Ringo” kit…with Zildjian cymbals. I bought it at Yeagers Music Store in Baltimore.
Which was right across the street from the famous Haussner’s…which was so well known, they staged a Mad Men scene in their art directed set version of the Restaurant…they did not have enough art on the walls…
the real place (seen above) was full of art….some of it nude women…so when you’re 12 it’s a popular place to go for your birthday party….they also had a menu that was about 100 pages. You could get anything. I digress…
Anyway the point of this piece is how to release the anger and stress we’re feeling…which is to beat on drums. For me the most effective release that did not disturb the neighbors was to play Cream or Led Zeppelin,
put on your headphones and wail away on on an electric drum kit that no one could hear more than 10 feet away. Playing on drum pads also works. Ginger & John also played Ludwig.
Now that I don’t own a drum kit, I may go to Home Depot and get some of those orange buckets…
set them up and wail away. It feels real good….and if you want to make some extra money go somewhere with a lot of foot traffic and put out a tip jar.
I think Vic Firth 5B drumsticks are the best for this.
There’s a light rail station just down the hill and the Ravens play this weekend. That could be a payday. Stress relief…and money. I can play Toad….
Thank you Donald. Make America Drum again…..MADa
Here’s a video with Animal & Buddy Rich to inspire you
Peace
I have been anxious for about 8 years. Ever since New Hitler arrived on the scene. I think the name is apt. They shared a technique. Whine about grievances. When you run out of them, repeat them laced with lies. Absolutely debunked, made up, demonizing others, nasty shit - over and over again.
I have found periods of peace - as President Biden has deftly handled crisis after crisis. The man is a miracle of principles and compassion. And he knows how to surround himself with really smart people. So there was a lot of calm. Good calm.
Now the anxiety meter is registering high levels. Less than four weeks to go. I think I will head to the garden and do some hard labor fall clean up. Shovel, gloves, wheelbarrow...haul some compost. And before the end of the month, plant the garlic. Keeps the witches away, they say. Symbolic?
Enjoy your drumming. I will have my dirt and sweat. I am hopeful, encouraged but still terrified.
I always thought I should learn to play drums even though I knew they’d be more technical than I was likely prepared to deal with. My father taught me to play spoons which was (were?) my rhythm instrument along with jew’s harp. Which I sometimes play along with old timey and if I can find it jugband. Whatever works!