The Drum Section

by Jessica Skropanic
Posted in: Music on September 11, 2008 at 10:21 am |

Being a Myofascial Release therapist who often focuses on clients with fibromyalgia or lymphatic problems, I often have a client on my massage table who is too sensitive to be touched or manipulated, or even gently stretched. In these cases I am happy to introduce them to rebounding (See "Rebounding" from the November/December 2007 issue of WSR)

Rebounding is both energizing and relaxing. It involves rocking the body with intention moving the trunk and limbs to stimulate blood, lymph and energy flow, and to loosen tight muscles. One problem: the usual slow adagios on the average spa CD doesn’t jive with this treatment.

My solution includes a variety of upbeat steel drum CDs and some excellent Taiko classics: But the overall client favorite has to be CDs by percussionist Brent Lewis. My clients’ bodies naturally prepare to move to his exciting and highly charged arrangements. What amazes me is that most of my clients still feel as "carried away to a happy place" as if I’d played meditation music.

Lewis’ dossier is impressive. He’s had a 7-year stint as a featured percussionist for Charo and the Sahara Orchestra, and has played background or opened for such famous names as Jimi Hendrix, Chuck Berry, Herbie Hancock, The Grateful Dead, and Danny Thomas.

Here are the top two client choices from my Lewis collection:

by Brent Lewis

Review by Jesica Skropanic

Buy it at

DrumSex

Nominated for a Grammy in 2004, DrumSex is powerful, rhythmically complex, and incorporates a lot of humor. Lewis uses a huge assortment of percussion instruments from around the world.

The first track, Dinner at the Sugarbush, is a favorite of most of my clients, and some will request that I just put the player on repeat. It is indicative of Lewis’ singing drum, in which the rhythm of the drum in the foreground imitates a human voice.

I’ve had more than one client compare Hot Oil, No Sweat to a cat leisurely strolling with its tail and nose in the air. It is slower than most of the CDs other tracks and is very upbeat. People outright giggle at this one.

Twinkle Berry: ‘The Belly Dancing Chicken’ and no, I’m not kidding! belies its humorous name: Although it does start with a clucking sound, it’s no light fluffy piece. Its rhythm carry the listener in what feels like a powerful circular dance.

Other tracks include 1739,Popcorn & Pink Champagne, The Gates of Gomorrah, Temple of Love, Needy, Needy, Needy Sweetheart, Sex, Drums & Rock ‘n Roll, and Reflections

by Brent Lewis

Review by Jesica Skropanic

Buy it at

Pulse

When I want to feel my primal rhythm’, this CD is my choice. A dance class favorite, it features guest artists on the Indian sarod, violin, Nigerian drums and flute as well as Lewis’ talking drum, tablas, and gongs.

One of my clients compared the first track, Jungle Sugar, to a musical waterslide. Whistles and chirps punctuate this bounding romp.

Drums on the Nile means that the CD should accompany pantaloons and a veil. It is everything people think of when they think of the fictional romantic and mysterious Middle East.

Other tracks seem to speak with their own distinct voices as well. Talking Drums is another fast-paced fave with its dizzying tempo and exciting arrangement. Mumbo Jumbo seems to sneak across the floor from the speakers. Magic Carpet sounds like just that; a joyful flight through the air.

Other tracks include Witch Doctor, The Bird, Sticks, Message from the Forest and The Boatman.

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