Tag: love

The 10 Best Drummers of All Time (According to Me)

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In the world of music, there are legends who have the power to move souls with their rhythmic magic. Among them, the drummers stand tall as the untamed giants of the beat, the fiery guardians of the groove. Spanning across genres, from the smoky realms of jazz to the thunderous realms of rock, these sonic revolutionaries ignite fires within our hearts. Now, behold the divine pantheon of the ten awe-inspiring drummers who have transcended mere virtuosity to become symbols of passion, power, and pure musical wizardry!

(In no particular order, although Gavin Harrison and Simon Phillips are my 2 absolute favorites)

🥁 Drum roll, please! 🥁

Gavin Harrison

  • Biography: Born in 1963 in England, Gavin Harrison showed an early interest in drumming. He joined Renaissance at 19 and later became a sought-after session drummer. His work with Porcupine Tree and King Crimson has earned him numerous awards and accolades.
  • Current Projects: King Crimson, Solo Work
  • Artists/Bands: Porcupine Tree, King Crimson, The Pineapple Thief
  • Equipment: Sonor Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, Remo Skins
  • Why I Love Him: Gavin’s precision and creativity are unmatched. His ability to weave complex rhythms into accessible music is pure genius.
  • Fun Fact: Gavin has authored several drumming books!
  • Watch Him in Action:

Simon Phillips

  • Biography: Born in 1957 in London, Simon Phillips began playing professionally at the age of 12. He’s played with a wide range of artists, including The Who and Toto. His powerful style and versatility have made him one of the most respected drummers in the world.
  • Current Projects: Solo Work, Protocol
  • Artists/Bands: Toto, Mike Oldfield, The Who, Judas Priest, Michael Schenker
  • Equipment: Tama Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Pro-Mark Sticks, Remo Skins
  • Why I Love Him: Simon’s versatility and power behind the kit make him a force to be reckoned with.
  • Fun Fact: He’s played on over 400 albums!
  • Watch Him in Action:

Mike Mangini

  • Biography: Born in 1963 in Newton, Massachusetts, Mike Mangini’s drumming journey began at age 2. He’s played with Extreme and Steve Vai, and in 2011, he became the official drummer for Dream Theater. His incredible speed and precision have earned him several World’s Fastest Drummer records.
  • Current Projects: Dream Theater
  • Artists/Bands: Dream Theater, Extreme, Steve Vai
  • Equipment: Pearl Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vater Sticks, Remo Skins
  • Why I Love Him: Mike’s technical prowess and speed are jaw-dropping. His solos are a rollercoaster ride!
  • Fun Fact: He holds five World’s Fastest Drummer records.
  • Watch Him in Action:

Gergo Borlai

  • Biography: Born in 1978 in Hungary, Gergo Borlai was a child prodigy, starting to play drums at age three. He’s known for his fusion of jazz, rock, and funk and has played with artists like Scott Kinsey and Gary Willis. His unique style has made him a prominent figure in the drumming community.
  • Current Projects: Solo Work, Various Collaborations
  • Artists/Bands: Scott Kinsey, Gary Willis, Tribal Tech
  • Equipment: Ludwig Drums, Meinl Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, Evans Skins
  • Why I Love Him: Gergo’s fusion of jazz, rock, and funk is a rhythmic feast for the ears.
  • Fun Fact: He started drumming at age three!
  • Watch Him in Action:

Nick D’Virgilio

  • Biography: Born in 1968 in California, Nick D’Virgilio is known for his work with progressive rock bands like Spock’s Beard, Big Big Train and Genesis. He’s also a talented singer and has contributed to numerous albums as a session musician. His melodic sensibility and technical prowess have earned him a dedicated fan base.
  • Current Projects: Big Big Train, Solo Work
  • Artists/Bands: Spock’s Beard, Genesis, Tears for Fears
  • Equipment: DW Drums (and many others), Sabian Cymbals, Pro-Mark Sticks, Evans Skins
  • Why I Love Him: Nick’s progressive rock chops and melodic sensibility are second to none.
  • Fun Fact: He’s also a talented singer and plays the guitar!
  • Watch Him in Action:

Sarah Thawer

  • Biography: Based in Toronto, Canada, Sarah Thawer is a self-taught drummer known for her unique blend of traditional Indian rhythms with modern jazz. She’s a YouTube sensation and has performed with various jazz ensembles. Her innovative approach to drumming has made her a rising star in the music world.
  • Current Projects: Various Collaborations, Educational Work
  • Artists/Bands: Independent, Various Jazz Ensembles
  • Equipment: Yamaha Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, Remo Skins
  • Why I Love Her: Sarah’s blend of traditional Indian rhythms with modern jazz is refreshing and unique.
  • Fun Fact: She’s a self-taught YouTube sensation! And she drums with her face, too. Her facial expressions are something!
  • Watch Her in Action:

Buddy Rich

  • Biography: Born in 1917 in Brooklyn, New York, Buddy Rich was a jazz drumming legend known for his incredible technique and showmanship. He led his own big band and played with greats like Frank Sinatra. His influence on drumming continues to be felt today.
  • Current Projects: Passed away in 1987
  • Artists/Bands: Buddy Rich Big Band, Frank Sinatra, Tommy Dorsey
  • Equipment: Slingerland Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Buddy Rich Signature Sticks, Remo Skins
  • Why I Love Him: Buddy’s showmanship and technique are legendary. He’s the original drumming superstar.
  • Fun Fact: He once had a drum battle with Animal from The Muppets!
  • Watch Him in Action:

Jeff Porcaro

  • Biography: Born in 1954 in Connecticut, Jeff Porcaro was a founding member of Toto and an in-demand session drummer. His groove in songs like “Rosanna” is timeless, and his feel for the music made him one of the most recorded drummers in history.
  • Current Projects: Passed away in 1992
  • Artists/Bands: Toto, Steely Dan, Michael Jackson
  • Equipment: Pearl Drums, Paiste Cymbals, Regal Tip Sticks, Remo Skins
  • Why I Love Him: Jeff’s groove in songs like “Rosanna” is legendary. His feel is simply magical.
  • Fun Fact: He’s one of the most recorded drummers in history.
  • Watch Him in Action:

Marco Minnemann

  • Biography: Born in 1970 in Germany, Marco Minnemann is known for his incredible independence and creativity on the drums. He’s played with The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson, and Joe Satriani. His ability to play a different rhythm with each limb is mind-blowing.
  • Current Projects: The Aristocrats, Solo Work
  • Artists/Bands: The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson, Joe Satriani
  • Equipment: DW Drums, Zyn Cymbals, Pro-Mark Sticks, Evans Skins
  • Why I Love Him: Marco’s creativity and independence on the kit are out of this world.
  • Fun Fact: He can play a different rhythm with each limb! He always seems to have the most fun behind the kit.
  • Watch Him in Action:

Chris Coleman

  • Biography: Born in 1977 in Michigan, Chris Coleman is known for his gospel chops and has played with a wide range of artists, including Prince, Chaka Khan, and Stevie Wonder. His soulful playing and finesse have made him a favorite among musicians and fans alike.
  • Current Projects: Various Collaborations, Educational Work
  • Artists/Bands: Prince, Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder
  • Equipment: Sonor Drums, Meinl Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, Remo Skins
  • Why I Love Him: Chris’s chops and musicality are insane. He plays with soul, power and finesse. Very hard hitter, super groovy.
  • Fun Fact: He’s played with everyone from Chaka Khan to Prince.
  • Watch Him in Action:

So, there you have it, my personal top 10 drummers who’ve ever graced a drum throne. From legends of the past to modern maestros, these drummers have shaped the way I hear and feel music. 🥁💥


sunken ship

Who Gets to Stay Afloat?

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Alright, let’s get this straight. We’ve got five business dudes who thought it would be a hoot to drop $250,000 each to get up close and personal with the Titanic wreck. You heard that right. A quarter of a million bucks to see a sunken ship. Now, they’re lost at sea and the world is on the edge of its seat, biting its nails, waiting for news. And don’t get me wrong, I feel for them. I really do. And for their loved ones waiting in agony for any shred of news. It’s a fsitucked up and rather sad situation, no doubt about it.

Meanwhile, hundreds of refugees are drowning in the Mediterranean and it’s like everyone collectively decided to play a giant game of ‘see no evil, hear no evil’. Why? Because they aren’t rich? Because their journey wasn’t some luxury adventure, but a desperate escape from war and poverty?

Here’s the thing. Both these groups of people are (one even literally) in deep shit. But for entirely different reasons. The adventurers are in trouble because they chose to be, because they wanted a thrill, a story to tell. The refugees? They’re in trouble because they had no other choice. Because staying where they were was even more dangerous than the perilous journey they embarked on.

And yet, we’re more invested in the fate of five rich guys who willingly put themselves in danger than in the lives of thousands of people who had no other choice.

So, what can we do? We can start by shifting our attention and compassion to those who need it most. And that’s not the rich adventurers in their luxury submarine, but the thousands of refugees who risk their lives every day in search of a better life.

But hey, who am I kidding? That’s not nearly as exciting as following the saga of five rich guys in a submarine, right?

Before we go any further, let’s clear up one thing. This isn’t about playing the ‘whataboutism’ card. You know, that tactic where you deflect criticism by pointing out flaws in your opponent’s argument? That’s not what I’m doing here.

I’m not saying, “Hey, forget about the rich guys in the submarine, what about the refugees?” No, I’m saying, “Hey, why is there such a disparity in our reactions to these two situations?”

This isn’t about comparing apples and oranges. It’s about examining our collective response to human suffering and questioning why we seem to value some lives more than others.

It’s about recognizing that our empathy shouldn’t be a luxury item, doled out only to those who can afford to embark on daring adventures. It should be a basic human response, extended to all those in need, regardless of their circumstances.

So, no, this isn’t whataboutism. It’s a call to check our biases, broaden our perspectives, and remember that no life is worth more than any other (I’d make very few exceptions, though). But then again, that’s not as catchy as following the saga of five rich guys in a submarine, is it?

Update 23 June 2023

Here we are again. The five thrill-seekers who paid a fortune to visit the Titanic wreck met a tragic end. The world mourns ‘true explorers’ lost to a catastrophic implosion.

When a submersible implodes, it’s a brutal end. The pressure at those depths crushes the vessel into fragments in an instant. The people inside meet the same fate, subjected to the same crushing pressure.

At 3300 meters below the surface, the pressure is approximately 330 times greater than at sea level. This is equivalent to having about 3300 kilograms (or about 3.3 tons) pressing down on each square centimeter of a body or object.

In the first millisecond of an implosion, the hull of the submersible would fail, and water would rush in at an incredibly high speed. The interior of the submersible would go from a habitable environment to a high-pressure water jet in an instant.

By the end of the first second, the body would be subjected to the full pressure of the deep sea. The extreme pressure could cause the body to compress and deform, leading to catastrophic injuries.

That’s a real tragedy that has happened there, but it was a very sudden death that none of them noticed happening. It was a quicker death than being shot in the head with a bullet.

Meanwhile, the refugees’ desperate struggle for survival continues, largely unnoticed. They didn’t choose their danger. They’re not seeking thrills, they’re seeking safety.

Let’s remember: every human life should matter equally. The adventurers, the refugees, all of them. Empathy shouldn’t be a luxury item. It’s a basic human response, and it’s high time we extended it to everyone in need.

person holding man wearing clown face art

Brexit: The Massive After Party Hangover

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Ah, Brexit. The political equivalent of deciding to break up with your long-term partner because you’re tired of them leaving the cap off the toothpaste. It was a decision that promised sovereignty, prosperity, and control. But, like waking up after a night of heavy drinking, the reality has been a little less rosy. Let’s take a look at the ‘morning after’ effects of this political bender.

  1. Economic Contraction: The UK is the only major rich economy that remains smaller than prior to the pandemic. The UK is projected to be 4% worse off than it would have been if it had voted against Brexit. Source: BBC News, OECD.
  2. Decrease in Real Income and Per-Capita Income Level: A UK exit has been predicted to lead to a decrease in real income by 6.3%-9.5%. Source: Michigan State University. Surveys of economists showed overwhelming agreement that Brexit would likely reduce the UK’s real per-capita income level. Source: Wikipedia.
  3. Trade Disruptions and Adverse Impact on Trade: New rules and paperwork for companies trading with the EU led to an initial dip in exports and may have deterred some small exporters. The variety of goods exported has also decreased. Brexit has had a significant adverse impact on UK trade, reducing both overall trade volumes. Source: BBC News, Politico.
  4. Increased Import Costs and Inflation: The price of food imported from the EU has risen, potentially by as much as 6% over 2020 and 2021, leading to higher costs for consumers. Brexit is weighing on imports and exports, sapping investment, contributing to labor shortages, and worsening Britain’s inflation. Source: BBC News, CNN Business.
  5. Stalled Business Investment and Exacerbated Economic Weaknesses: Uncertainty surrounding Brexit has led to a stall in business investment. If investment had continued its pre-referendum trend, it could be about 25% higher than it is now. Brexit has exposed and exacerbated underlying weaknesses in the British economy, such as low productivity and low business investment. Source: BBC News, Institute Global.
  6. Labor Shortages and Worker Shortage: Changes in immigration rules have resulted in labor shortages in sectors such as transport, hospitality, and retail, leading to service disruptions and increased costs for consumers. About 20,000 EU citizens left the UK after Brexit, leading to a significant shortage of workers in fields such as retail, hospitality, and goods transport. Source: BBC News, StudySmarter.
  7. Slow Progress on New Trade Deals: While the UK has struck 71 trade deals, most of them replicate deals that existed when the UK was part of the EU. New deals with Australia and New Zealand are expected to provide only a small boost to trade and deals with major players like the US and China remain elusive. Source: BBC News.
  8. Job Losses in Financial Services: The financial services sector have lost 7,000 jobs due to Brexit. Source: BBC News.
  9. Negative Impact on Irish Trade: Brexit has had negative impacts on Irish trade, with adverse knock-on effects on Irish production and ultimately Irish GDP. Source: Copenhagen Economics.
  10. Decrease in Imports: Research shows a 25% decrease in UK imports from the EU compared to imports. Source: Open Access Government.
  11. Reduced Competitiveness: Brexit has damaged Britain’s competitiveness and is expected to make the country poorer in the decade ahead. Source: Resolution Foundation.
  12. Impact on People Flow: Brexit has affected the flow of people, with EU citizens now having to apply for work or study in Britain. Source: The Economist.
  13. Increased Business Costs: The drop in the value of the pound after Brexit raised import prices, business costs, and inflation, but did not boost wages, exports, or the competitiveness of the UK economy. Source: Financial Times.
  14. Impact on Developing Countries: Brexit could cause the number of people living in extreme poverty in developing countries to rise by up to 1.7 million. Source: Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik.
  15. Impact on Supply Chains: The new rules have led to drastic consequences for some companies, with 17% of surveyed companies ceasing their export trade with the UK due to Brexit. Source: KPMG Germany.
  16. Impact on the EU: The EU lost about one-sixth of its economic output due to Brexit, and the negative consequences and challenges go beyond the GDP effect. Source: The Guardian.
  17. Higher Barriers to Trade, Capital Flows, and Labor Mobility: When the United Kingdom left the European Union, higher barriers to trade, capital flows, and labor mobility affect output and jobs not only in the UK but also in the EU. Source: International Monetary Fund.
  18. Negative Impact on Globalization: Brexit is seen as a vote against globalization, which has weakened forces in the EU that favor integration. Source: The Balance.

So, there you have it. The ‘Brexit Bonanza’ in all its glory. A smorgasbord of economic contraction, trade disruptions, labor shortages, and a whole lot more. But hey, at least they’ve got control, right? And isn’t that what it’s all about? Control over your own destiny, even if that destiny looks a bit like a car crash in slow motion. But don’t worry, I’m sure it’ll all work out in the end. After all, they’re British. A stiff upper lip, a love of queuing, and a knack for making the best of a bad situation. Let’s raise a cup of tea to Brexit, the gift that keeps on giving. Cheers! And remember, that’s what happens when you decide to jump off a cliff and then try to build a parachute on the way down.