A lifetime of rhythm and fun with a smattering of wisdom spicing up the rock and roll
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Drumming Meditations
Music as a calling
Music as a Calling
When I was in grade school in Elkhart, Indiana, my mother asked me what musical instrument did I want to play? I told her “Drums”. She was not too excited about that. But I had seen the most popular boy in my class playing the drums and the girls really liked him. So my choice was based wanting to be someone else. My life has been a journey to the realization that I am who I want to be. Teaching drums as a healing tool was a discovery that helped me come to that understanding.
In the press
Meeting and working with world class artists was my goal.
World Class Artists
So, as I grew so did my circle of friends and collaborators. Jerry Wexler VP at Atlantic records took an interest in my band “The Bethlehem Asylum” in Coconut Grove, Florida. We met the Allman Brothers and recorded two albums on their label. I also toured and played with the immortal Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley while touring and producing. After moving to Ca lifornia I recorded with the original blues shouter, “Big Joe Turner”. Also a brief attempt at stardom with Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention but instead I settled into a very comfortable gig with Tim Buckley and enjoyed his folk oriented jazz vocals.
Wall Street Journal
Playing with style, funk and grace.
Funk and Grace
Lessons I learned about where the music really comes from have guided me through dangerous and frightening career choices. Southern black and also white Gospel music has had a great influence on my life and also my drumming and I will always be grateful for the genius teachers who took me aside and revealed the source of their inspiration.
USA Today
Those Five Rule!!! 1966
Photo taken at the Surfer's Club on Madeira Beach, Florida. "Those Five" were the house band. I am wearing a Madras shirt. My hair was short because long hair was forbidden at Clearwater High School.
Drumming Meditations at Seasons in Santa Monica for 39 years!
My discography
Way of the drum
written by
Russell Buddy Helm
Way Of The Drum
My second book published by Llewellyn Worldwide has been a popular reference book for drumming fans. Copies still available on line. Plus I reprinted it myself so you might find a different cover. One drummer, a Long Island participant stated that “Everybody got this book” I am honored.
Tim Buckley was originally a folkie with several hit albums in the late sixties In the Seventies he branched out into experimental rock and jazz. I had a blast touring and recording with him. The live album is "HoneyMan"
Honeyman
I feel very lucky to have played drums behind Tim Buckley until his untimely death in 1975. We covered the waterfront…Max’s Kansas City was one of our favorite venues in New York City. We toured Europe with The Doobie Brothers and the Allman Brothers playing in Amsterdam and London at the Knebworth festival. He was the greatest vocalist I ever had the good fortune to work with. I still miss him. The live album is just a hint of the power he had on the stage.
My music videos and performances
Slowly but surely I am building a new website complete with drumming videos and blogs and even artwork. Stay tuned! Video shooting by Cathy Javier Thank-you!
My upcoming schedule
LOS ANGELES ON LINE
Currently there are no tours scheduled other than the on-line drumming group happening every Sunday at 4 PM California time. The invitation is open to anyone who respects the intention of our drumming meditation groups..
Donations gladly accepted.
Los Angeles
SUNDAY!! Sunday Oct. 11
Drumming group on Zoom,, @ 4:00
PACIFIC
CALIFORNIA TIME!!
https://us05web!
Meeting ID: 902 441 0218
Passcode: 053194
donations at:
Venmo: Russell Buddy Helm
also: Paypal: buddyhelm@gmail.com
Contact me to make your event an unforgettable experience!
310-650-9438
email; mailto:buddyhelm@gmail.com
Los Angeles