“Hey Dan, what’s that?”

 

So began my lifelong love of drumming. It was 5th grade and my friend Dan DeBakey and I were leaving Briargrove elementary school in Houston. In addition to his books, Dan was carrying drumsticks and a practice pad, items that demanded my attention (as had the bongos brought home by my Dad right around the time of Woodstock). By the following week, I was enrolled in beginning band and was on my way, despite a band director that had a habit of sneaking up behind the drummers and knocking the sticks out of our hands… her method of ensuring we never dropped our sticks in parade!

 

As a young teen in the early 70’s, my biggest joy came from putting on headphones and playing along with and learning from the records of my favorite drummers, and also from playing drums in my first band with friends Ralph & Doug. That period was when I first discovered that drumming could be a way to alter my state, that it could take me to a place of heightened focus and calmness, a place of joy and freedom.

 

Upon moving to Austin in ’79, I had the great good fortune to play with some great musicians, including David Spann and Stuart Gourd. Playing with David and Stuart became a catalyst for me to improve my skills and realize more of my potential with drums. I will always appreciate the opportunity they gave me through our playing together as well as how I benefited from that musical interaction.

 

It was in a warehouse in the mid 80’s when Alex, Randy and I jammed for the first time. We set up, began playing and everything just clicked! Playing music together felt remarkable from that first day.

 

Somewhere, I have a cassette tape of that jam… someday, I’ll find it.