X8 Community Drummer Spotlight: Rick L.

I am retired from many diverse occupations and now, as a tension release, I beat on a Djembe. I tried to keep up with the lessons on CDs and although I like them, I really like to just play along with music CDs when no one is around. I haven’t played in a while, but at 66 all things are okay. I love my drum. I like to play along with Rodrigo y Gabriela or mellow out with Ottmar Liebert. Marc Antoine and Johannes Linstead are pretty mellow too. Amik and Strunz & Farah are cool too. Then I hit the oldies - Fleetwood Mac.

I played tenor drum 102 years ago in the YMI Drum and Bugle Corps. We were a competitive marching band. I was 16 years old and thought it was cool. I wanted to play the snare drum but I took up flying and did not have the time to learn how to play drums. After flying for years as a civilian I went into the Air Force to keep from getting drafted into the Army, there was a war going on then, as now. I flew fighters but loved listening to drummers - Buddy Rich etc.

Well, a few years ago I met this guy at church who played the Djembe in our church band. He said I should give it a try. Then I watched the movie again - you know with the college professor who ends up playing the drum. I looked on eBay but I did not want to take the chance on getting a bad drum so I ordered a drum from X8 Drums and the rest is history.

We're so glad to meet a life-long fan of drumming! Thank you for your story, Rick!

Drummers, tell us why YOU love drumming and drum circles! We'd love to share your story, too!