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James Asher Tour of the USA 2001Big Sur, Giant Redwoods & The Remo Drum Factory |
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Leaving Monterey we proceeded on further up to Big Sur. Driving along the coast road that weaves up, around and down, glorious views unfolded. Reminiscent a bit of Scotland but with the added glow of Californian rich colourings, warm reds etc enriching the vistas.
We left the area just at sunset, and there were some striking mellow twilight shades joining our cruise down the highway. We could see why so many people have waxed lyrical about this part of the world.
The other spot was San Francisco. I've always wanted to share the experience of the Golden Gate Bridge with Celia as I find it so exhilarating, and now was the chance. Somehow crossing this bridge gives one the sense that everything is possible.
Also during the Santa Cruz stay, Arthur and Diana took us for a marvellous visit to the Giant Redwood Forest. This contains truly enormous trees, and underneath them a wonderful damp earthy foresty smell & with it a completely engulfing & very welcome sense of peace.
Before heading to our final destination Los Angeles, we stopped off in Valencia to visit the Remo drum factory - something which has long intrigued and fascinated me.
We were collected at the airport by Christine Stevens, whose saxophone playing we'd enjoyed in Seattle. She’s an accomplished musician, also playing flute and piano, as well as course drums. She is also responsible for developing the 'wellness program' for Remo, in addition to being recognised as a facilitator in her own right.
Arriving at the Remo factory it was of course flattering to be greeted by a notice board proclaiming 'Remo welcomes James Asher'.
I hadn't realised how labour intensive the production process is for the world percussion drums and products, but there was something very reassuring about seeing the lack of automation involved in the process, and a joy in the manual crafting.
I had ordered a Japanese style shime taiko drum from Remo, and was thoroughly chuffed to collect this.
The drum came complete with its 'Nu-Skin' head, a new kind of skin they have developed with excellent sound properties.
After our tour of the factory, I was lucky enough to meet the founder of this pioneering drum company - Mr Remo himself. He was hospitable and friendly, and enthused about the recent research results that show that participation in drumcircles strengthens the immune system's fight against cancer.
Finally, on to the workshop (playshop) of Arthur Hull's in Los Angeles. Held in a largish building, used as a display area by Remo, it was attended by about seventy five people - most of whom were music therapists who were seeking to expand their knowledge and techniques with the inclusion of material of drumming and drumcircles.
A warm rapport developed between these participants, and the teambuilding and 'spirit-sharing' qualities of the process were pleasingly evident.
Mr Remo and his wife Amy were around for much of the weekend. Clearly they both share a strong commitment to the whole drumcircle movement, and what this represents as a vehicle for positive change both in America and the world - a hugely powerful tool for empowerment, community building and self confidence.
An inspiring and uplifting trip, it's increased my belief in the power of drumming and also further motivated me to make my own personal artistic expression about it, drawing on what I've seen, experienced and enjoyed. I am most grateful to Arthur Hull for offering me the key to this journey, and to my wife Celia for putting up with so much drumming!
