Category Archives: Culture

Grammys, Hits, and The Sound of Philadelphia

Peanut Butter and Jelly….. Steak and Potatoes…… Bill Cosby and Jello…… One with out the other changes the equation, doesn’t it? Well, I have another winning combination that shouldn’t go unnoticed – Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. These men collectively wrote and produced 170 gold and platinum records under the Philadelphia International Record Label, definingContinue reading “Grammys, Hits, and The Sound of Philadelphia”

Japanese Drumming – The Art of Taiko

The recent disaster in Japan has me stricken with all sorts of emotions. The obvious feelings of sadness and anguish stood out the most, but another one was curiosity; not about the hurricane, but about Japanese culture in general. Maybe it takes something major like this to probe a desire to learn something, but asideContinue reading “Japanese Drumming – The Art of Taiko”

Homeless Drummers and Street Performers

I recall a late night in New York City, standing in line to get a Gyro when the clanking of buckets and pans caught my ears. Sitting outside on the sidewalk was a man with a similar set up I rigged together before I got my first drum set. I love street performers – NotContinue reading “Homeless Drummers and Street Performers”

Phil Collins – A great contribution and a bitter end

Phil recently made this comment in reference to his retirement from music: “I’m sorry that it was all so successful. I honestly didn’t mean it to happen like that. It’s hardly surprising that people grew to hate me.” As far as the music is concerned…..What a career! I don’t know that I’m sympathetic towards hisContinue reading “Phil Collins – A great contribution and a bitter end”