The Stoic Drummer Newsletter Vol. 2
Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey. I hope this finds you and yours well. Truly grateful for all of your feedback and support on the maiden voyage of the newsletter. Here’s to community and the art of sharing. Let’s get into it…
“CULTIVATE YOUR DRUMMING”
— from The Stoic Drummer Book
Cultivate: “To try to acquire or develop (a quality, sentiment, or skill)”.
This is obvious with anything you want to be better at. Of course, it’s key is to focus on technique and the physicality, but there are many ways to “cultivate” your drumming mentally that will come through as you play. Try researching other creatives such as George Nakashima (Architect/Woodworker), Marina Abramovic (Artist), or Walker Evans(Photographer). Their philosophies and approach can water and cultivate your field of musicality.
A big thanks to Dave King for his continued love and support.
Check out his beautiful rendition of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” from Rational Funk EP. 77.
NEWS & HAPPENINGS
THE STOIC DRUMMER is now available at the newly opened VIRTUE DRUM in Jackson, MI. Congratulations to Jeff on his new endeavor!
ENTREPRENEURS’ ORGANIZATION of Portland have asked me to talk about resilience, The Stoic Drummer book, and to play some music on September 23rd via Zoom. Should be fun!
I’ve been tracking some drums with my old friend M. Ward. Honored.
New book is coming along. Bopping and weaving, but showing up everyday.
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
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“33 1/3 SWORDSIGHTROMBONE”
by DAVID SMAY (2008)
A well-written love story based on reinvention, finding your soulmate and dedication to your true musical self. Smay embraces Mr. Waits journey perfectly. A Waits fan or not, chances you’ll get something of this great read, from a fantastic series.
“ART OF LIVING” by SHARON LEBELL (2011)
This was my first book on Stoicism that I picked up on tour years ago. Recently I received a letter from Sharon - so cool! The book is based on Epictetus (born into slavery) who once freed, established an influential school of Stoic philosophy, stressing that human beings cannot control life, only their responses to it. By putting into practice the ninety-three wise, and razor-sharp instructions that make up “The Art of Living”, you learn to meet the challenges of everyday life successfully and to face life's inevitable.
“THE SECOND MOUNTAIN” by DAVID BROOKS (2019)
In The Second Mountain, David Brooks explores the four commitments that define a life of meaning and purpose: to a spouse and family, to a vocation, to a philosophy or faith, and to a community.
ALBUM RECOMMENDATIONS
Music of “GURDJIEFF/DEHARTMANN”
Meditative and mindful, Gurdjieff's music stems from Eastern melodies and music he heard in remote monasteries. From 1923 to 1929 Thomas de Hartmann worked closely with Gurdjieff at his Institute for the Harmonious Development of Man outside Paris, translating into European notation the music Gurdjieff composed from his travels.
“TOMORROW’S GONE” by CHARLIE MEGIRA
His was a music both familiar and entirely alien at once. It touches on corners of darkness, an isolation both lonely and sweet, all wrapped in a cold glow that draws the listener into each note, each melancholy melody triggering unrecorded experiences. His various projects put out music which began as a junction point between Link Wray’s surf guitar and the theatrical psychobilly of The Cramps, took a turn towards goth-inflected post-punk, and towards the end of his career would sojourn back into his earlier musical fascination with late 1950s and early 1960s rock ‘n’ roll.
“BACKYARD BANGERS” by A GRAPE DOPE
John Herndon of Tortoise)'s installment in our "Arthur King Presents" experimental album series
Herndon describes it as “a collage of sounds - found and recorded in various places and in various ways and then glued together with some rhythm, some space, melody, harmony, noise." Adding, "I hope it reads like a slice of my record collection- hip hop, punk, disco jazz, metal, noise, house, techno, comedy, various others."
Check out the first single "Puppet Clubbing"- a glitchy electronic rock weirdness, not miles from Ratatat.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
“RUMBLE - THE INDIANS WHO ROCKED THE WORLD”: A documentary directed by Catherine Bainbridge and Alfonso Maiorana, produced by musician extrodinare Stevie Salas. I auditioned for Stevie’s band many years ago - that’s a story for another time. An eye-opening film that celebrates and shows the impact of Indian music and culture on blues, jazz, rock ’n’ roll and how music evolved from seeds planted by ingenious culture. Wonderful feature on the late great Randy Castillo and insight from legend Jim Keltner and rocker Matt Sorum.
Joe Wong’s “THE TRAP SET” Podcast with Jim Keltner.
Steve Dawson’s “MUSICMAKERS & SOUL SHAKERS” Podcast with Jay Bellerose.
Do what you love and be patient and kind to one another.
Rest in awareness, reconnection, unwind and trust your goodness.
Learn more, not earn more.
Stay safe, healthy and inspired.
Much love and respect - José
Feel free to reach out to me directly at revivaljose@me.com