Drumming

Just returned from an evening of drumming - I've played drums since I was 10 years old. Started at school with lessons in the orchestral stuff, timpani, snare rudiments, all that kind of stuff, then moved onto kit. Performed in a band (The Outsiders) for ages, nearly hitting the big-time, but just missing that elusive and all-important contract - still, headlined at the Marquee a few times and did a live session on Radio1, so all good experience.

Then gave up for a few years, only to take up djembe in 1998. Have taught african drumming to classes in my area for five years ago, and play in a performing drum troupe called Drumfire on this part of the south-east coast. Got a gig coming up on the 18th December, as we try to mark the solstices and equinoxes each year. Hence our practice tonight - the rhythms we play are from Ghana - Gahu, Otofo, Sitche, D'Gabri and Fumee Fumee - and from Guinee - Tiriba, Macru and Yankidi, Kassa and N'Dese. should be fun - any of you who happen to pick this up are welcome to come along to Venue-M in George St, Hastings from 6.30pm. I have sore hands now, so heading off for the time being.