DRUM MARO DRUM

Soon,the session kick-started. With a jambe in their hands,thousands of people participated in the performance. Though initially hesitant,as they did not know how to beat a drum tucked between legs,the participants were eager to follow Narain’s beat. The hall roared with crashing cymbals and drum rolls,producing a surprisingly singular sound,where there were no young or old,

just a unified rhythm and communication of human spirit.

While the drum jam movement was started by Arthur Hull of Village Music Circles in the US in the 1980s,Narain decided to bring it to India five years back. “People would question how can two sticks and a drum facilitate change or support communication,” says Narain,pointing out that drums are one of the oldest instruments known to man and “it’s the heart beat that lends rhythm to each living being”. He adds,“Drum circles act as a powerful communication tool. They are self-organised musical events created at the spur of the moment. Also,drums require no talent,aptitude or physical ability. The sense of fun cuts across hierarchy,age,gender,culture and language.”

What started with seven people and 300 drums in 2006,has now swelled into one of world’s largest Drum Circles,with an inventory of 20,000 drums,including maracas,tambourines,guiros,jambes and small drums. The repertoire of 75-plus drum jam sessions,include performances in Bangalore,Mumbai and New Delhi,in corporate houses,schools and marriage parties,among others.

“I’m not here to teach people how to play. They have to realise their own potential,” says Narain,who was born in Monza,Italy and lived in Bangkok,before moving to India. A musician for more than 20 years,he recalls sessions where people have gone into a trance and points out that the way people drum also provides an insight into human nature. “For instance,a possessive employee would hold on to his drum,and peer groups make maximum noise — every beat is a revelation,” adds Narain,who often manages to get the most reserved people to drum. “It gets the group stimulated,relaxed and more receptive,resulting in enhanced focus and clarity. The left and right brain are used at the same time,which benefits creative out-of-the-box thinking.”

Scientific research supports his claim. For instance,on his website US-based neurologist Barry Bittman,MD,has stated that a specific group drumming approach significantly increased the disease fighting ability of white blood cells that destroy cancer cells and virally-infected cells. In Japan,US and Europe,Narain adds that scientists are developing “rhythm science” to study the effects of music and rhythm and how it cures people. “As Indians,we are hardwired into a pre-set,rigid system. With drumming,one realises that changes are okay. It helps feel the beat and reconnect,” says Narain. So far,3,50,000 people have played the drums in India.

Catch the beat on http://www.drumjam.in.