Everything starts with a thought.
I've been doing what I do for north of fifty years.
I was hand drumming before I even picked up a pair of sticks. If you doubt me take a look at this...
Whilst never having played on chart topping records, composed anything, or performed sold out arena tours I nevertheless feel moderately successful. I never managed to work my way into the midsts of the self-selecting elite. It's fine, I like things the way they are. Of course as we all know success in creative endeavour does in no way necessarily equate to money. I have many wealthy friends for whom contentment is frustratingly elusive.
For many years now but especially in the last decade I have been fortunate enough to carve out a niche in the drum industry, and one of the most gratifying aspects of this is to have the opportunity to share knowledge and information with my fellow players. Private teaching, masterclasses and drum camps are great but there's only one of me and I can only be in one place at any given time.
More and more I was being asked about the possibility of producing some sort of instructional video material, and whilst I have been compiling all sorts of ideas for projects over years and years there's always that tax bill, car service, dental work or whatever that gets in the way.
At first crowdfunding didn't really appeal, but what with some of the biggest names in my area of the industry blazing a trail I thought maybe I ought to give it a go after all. What I hadn't for a moment considered was the sheer scale of support, the overwhelming feeling of goodwill and just how many thoroughly decent people have been willing this to succeed.
It's quite a feeling let me tell you, in addition it feels much more like a collective effort, and if you have any suggestions or requests regarding content I'd be only too happy to consider them.
If I had massive wealth either via family or extraordinary commercial success I could have put my hand in my pocket and just done it without the assistance, but without the assistance it would feel a whole lot less exciting and special. All manner of people from close friends to people I only know on Facebook have made over 100 contributions of varying amounts all of which are valued and sincerely appreciated.
Not everyone is in a position to do this but many have made invaluable contributions of a different kind by liking and sharing my seemingly endless attempts at raising awareness. I'm not the most comfortable self-publicist but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and do it. "He who whispers down the well......" so begins the old adage.
Obviously given the relatively modest budget I won't be able to take my big band into the studio to film and record what we do. Big band playing will be a part of the DVD content though, together with hand techniques and drum set concepts.
If this first outing does the job I can't rule out a more lavishly produced sequel featuring performances by my esteemed musician colleagues.
Also there are several books part finished so maybe I'll be able to get on with them at last!
Once again heartfelt thanks to everyone who has played a part in this success, the crowdfunding initiative remains live and full details are here.
