lesson

A Lesson From The Inaudible Sound Of The Invisible Sun

March 9, 2011

The Inaudible Sound of the Invisible Sun. I sure learned a lot from that guy. “That . . . guy?” you ask. Yep- that what he’s called. By some, anyway. Rakalam (which somehow translates into “the inaudible sound of the invisible sun”) is a moniker that was given to legendary drummer, Bob Moses, by his [...]

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Lesson From A Giant

February 9, 2011

I got to thinking recently, after hearing about Sean Ogle meeting the 7UP guy, actor Orlando Jones. [Drummers reading might also recognize Jones from his role as Dr. Lee, in the movie Drumline] Sean’s story, and the lessons he took from that encounter, made me reminisce about the night I partied at the Hollywood Hills [...]

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4+ Jerks, 1 Lesson

September 29, 2010

Bikers, travelers, and musicians . . . oh my! All about the analogies today, let me explain four ways that I’ve learned the same lesson. And we begin with a story . . . (1) I’m driving down Powell Boulevard in Portland yesterday morning when a motorcyclist (let’s call him Biker 1) blazes past me, [...]

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Never. Stop. Learning.

July 21, 2010

I’m currently in the Atlanta airport, en route to Puerto Rico. This is the third annual trip I’ve made to the island, to attend La Fiesta de Santiago Apostol in the town of Loiza, and to learn more about the traditional percussion rhythms of Bomba and Plena. Before I get to the point of this [...]

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2 Lessons I SHOULD Have Learned

May 26, 2010

“Well, I guess you learned your lesson then, didn’t you?” I can’t begin to count the number of times I’ve heard THAT one in my life. Pondering a few experiences from the last couple of months, I realized that I DO indeed learn something every single time I “fail.” However, I’m not sure if the [...]

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One helluva butt whoopin’

March 28, 2010

There’s nothing like stacking yourself up next to a heavyweight to remind you where you’re at on the totem pole! Over the years, I have had several opportunities to study and/or make music with some of the world’s best musicians. In many of those interactions, I have met the challenge and performed quite well, if [...]

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