I got my first drum kit when I was 4 y.o. It was an old John Grey and Sons 'Autocrat' (from the 50's) that my father had done up for me.
From that age I was encouraged (nor forced) to drum. My father played from a young age also, recording his first album at 16, playing most styles over the years.
His Father (my grandfather) played (still does at 80+) Big Band & Trad Jazz - he has given me some inspiration: seeing the enjoyment he still gets from playing.
HIS father (my Great Grandfather) was a pro drummer (percussionist as they were known then) - We have a picture of him playing...bass drum on a rack at a slight angle off vertical, with the side drum angled towards it, a couple of Timps etc.... Prior to him, I don't know.
So I'm at least the 4th generation of drummer in our family (my younger brother also plays very well - just recorded his first CD with a Jazz Ensamble). I was never pushed into drumming, I guess my father / grandfather knew that I 'had it in me' and that some day I would come around, and make my way to it. I didn't play a great deal (once per month or so)until I was 16 or so when I became more involved. I'm now 27.
Hey, it's funny - last night me and my father rolled up to audition for the same gig!! and being honest, my father played much better, but I don't think either of us will get involved - the other guys were way too serious.
Anyway, there's enough of my story - sorry to rattle on. You could say that I was born with sticks in my hands (TG!) - (Ouch! a little rough on my mother!).
I'm interested to hear how other's got into drumming, and whether it is common to drum if it's 'in the family'?
Thanks for reading
From that age I was encouraged (nor forced) to drum. My father played from a young age also, recording his first album at 16, playing most styles over the years.
His Father (my grandfather) played (still does at 80+) Big Band & Trad Jazz - he has given me some inspiration: seeing the enjoyment he still gets from playing.
HIS father (my Great Grandfather) was a pro drummer (percussionist as they were known then) - We have a picture of him playing...bass drum on a rack at a slight angle off vertical, with the side drum angled towards it, a couple of Timps etc.... Prior to him, I don't know.
So I'm at least the 4th generation of drummer in our family (my younger brother also plays very well - just recorded his first CD with a Jazz Ensamble). I was never pushed into drumming, I guess my father / grandfather knew that I 'had it in me' and that some day I would come around, and make my way to it. I didn't play a great deal (once per month or so)until I was 16 or so when I became more involved. I'm now 27.
Hey, it's funny - last night me and my father rolled up to audition for the same gig!! and being honest, my father played much better, but I don't think either of us will get involved - the other guys were way too serious.
Anyway, there's enough of my story - sorry to rattle on. You could say that I was born with sticks in my hands (TG!) - (Ouch! a little rough on my mother!).
I'm interested to hear how other's got into drumming, and whether it is common to drum if it's 'in the family'?
Thanks for reading

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