X8 Community Drummer Spotlight: Ken W.

I've been playing drums since the age of 11. I started playing drum sets at juke joints in Memphis TN, playing blues and jazz. I was the youngest jazz drummer in Memphis during that time. I started playing with other groups as I got older. I spent a lot time playing on Beale Street playing for Joyce Cobb, Herman Green, Norman West (Soul Children) and Roy Strong Dynamics. I always played Conga and Bongo drums as they were versatile within Latin jazz groups in Memphis.

After serving my country in Vietnam, I came back home and continued playing with a Jazz/Fusion Group known as Pieces of Life, we were a warm up band for many artist that played at Lafayette Music Room In Overton Park. Well, not knowing how the war affected my health I just continued to play Percussion, such as Conga, Djembe and various hand drumming instruments such as Darbuka. I played in Minneapolis and at Perv's House in Chicago with Herbie Mann and Nate Adderley. I also worked in various cities such as Wichita, KS and Vegas.

Playing percussion has given me peace of mind and an outlet for meditation. I always enjoyed playing in drum circles as another method of bring my mind and body to express my beats with others who share great drumming. The X8 drum circles in the ATX are my clinic along with the VA clinic. I really appreciate X8 drums for the circles. I have purchased A Djembe, bag, Didge and various hand instruments from X8, and will continue as long as I play! I love drumming and drumming with others.

What a career, Ken! Thank you for sharing!

Drummers, tell us why YOU love drumming and drum circles! We'd love to share your story, too!