Sunrise Drumming
What better way than to start a day with some sunrise drumming? In this video overlooking the Surrey Hills, my brush playing felt appropriate to start the day with some gentle, sunrise drumming. Not too loud with a soothing approach to playing – rather than a fortissimo one. Not forgetting that at 7am in the idyllic scenery of Box Hills Surrey, there are other people around; walking dogs, jogging, taking photos and strolling about admiring the view. The idea of hitting a set of drums with sticks didn’t seem appropriate somehow.
Now, I’m no brush master like; Clayton Cameron, Ed Thigpen, Buddy Rich, Jeff Hamilton or Adam Nussbaum et al. However, here’s my attempt at starting a (cold) winter’s day with some gentle sunrise drumming in the video below.
Drumming Outside
In contrast to the Sunrise Drumming video, drumming outside starts the day with a bang (pardon the pun). Located on a popular cliff edge on the West Wale’s coastline, a different approach was chosen.
With the sound of the sea crashing against the rocks and the wind blowing, my drumming (with Hercules) felt like it paled in comparison to nature’s offerings. Even when banging out some Rock drumming, grooving away or winding down with some brushes, it was still no match. Like my previous video, this sunrise drumming was filmed early enough for some good lighting a.k.a ‘the golden hour’. Highly recommended should you wish to do a drum video like this. Furthermore, there are fewer people around at this time of day (depending on location obviously).
Different Than Usual
There’s so much fun to be had drumming outside, the sound and feel of the drums are different than usual – obviously the sound waves aren’t hitting any walls or ceilings rebounding back at you. Merely set forth onward into the ether. When playing the drums you get a real sense of the staccato sounds which they generate. The drums sound ‘dryer’ for want of a better word. Also, deceptively quieter than usual.
Whether it’s gigs outside, festivals or even you setting up and playing in a remote area, go do it. It’s a good experience getting used to playing drums in different environments. Furthermore, if you can, start your day with some sunrise drumming.
Do you have any Sunrise Drumming stories or videos? Let me know in the comments section below.
Videos Directed and Edited by: Ula Burgiel
