Breath was the First Drummer is about the history, significance and effects of drumming with emphasis on the making of drums, types of drums, and the transformational qualities of sound and light. This book contains the only clear explanation of why drumming works shamanically and why rhythm affects consciousness the way it does. Complete with original artwork, photographs and illustrations by the author.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Breath was the First Drummer celebrates humanity's most ancient family of musical instruments, with infinite love, respect and detail. Dru Kristel's treatise on drums, drumming and drummers picks up where Mickey Hart's book on drumming left off. Illustrated with Kristel's artwork and photos, this comprehensive, entertaining book covers every type of drum, and the complete physical aspects of drum making, tuning and repair. I found the metaphysical information even more valuable. The transformational qualities of rhythmic attunement through tribal drumming and shamanism are explained. The easy-to-follow format encompasses Eastern and Western spirituality, and focuses on the connection between sound and light as a means of attuning with the Divine." -- Susan Warrick, Magical Blend Magazine, Nov/Dec 1995
"Breath was the First Drummer is an invaluable source of rhythmic knowledge. It's refreshing to read something other than technical that connects you to the Source. A must for those on a path of rhythm." -- Michael Drake, author The Shamanic Drum & Tao of Drumming
"Dru Kristel has created an evocative composition of shapes, symbols and meanings of the great pulse around us. The book gives us a peek into the normally unseen and unheard aspects of the drum." -- Don G. Campbell, Founder Institute for Music, Health & Education, Boulder, CO
"Dru Kristel is someone who has studied a variety of drum cultures and traditions and synthesized the essential principles into a unique and authentic approach to transformational drumming. If your interests in the percussive world range beyond those of classes and traditional arrangements, there are a number of valuable clues for players of all levels to glean from this book." -- Michael Wall, Founder Honolulu Rhythm Line
"He is a shaman of remarkable and myriad talents." -- E. J. Gold
"Kristel covers a wide array of topics in this book that address both practical playing concepts as well as the spiritual nature of drumming." -- Drum! Magazine, August '96 issue
"Thanks for your wonderful book. It is more important than you probably think." -- Gerry Spence, TV Show host and best-selling author
"The transformational qualities of rhythmic attunement through tribal drumming and shamanism are explained. The easy-to-follow format encompasses Eastern and Western spirituality, and focuses on the connection between sound and light as a means of attuning with the Divine." -- Susan Warrick, Magical Blend Magazine
"This is an 'owner's manual' not just for the drum, but also for the human essence in its eternal dance with the rhythm of the universe. If you've ever wondered how or why drumming has the power to move the human spirit, read this book. It doesn't give the answer, but it does stimulate the process of your discovering it." -- Morwen Two Feathers, Co-Founder Earth Drum Council
Percussionist Dru Kristel writes from shamanic experience in "Breath was the First Drummer". He has played beside some of the most innovative artists of our time and has also created his own flavorful music based on steamy world rhythms and the various Native American tribal motifs with which he is usually associated. In fact, Where You Are, Kristel's debut recording, is an incredible, authentic work of cosmic power and mystery. His highly enthralling treatise on drumming is both comprehensive and entertaining, and (reveals) his role as musical shaman for those who want to listen to his message of enlightenment and magic through music." -- Christine Cosenza, Moving Words Review, January '96
Percussionist Dru Kristel writes from shamanic experience in Breath was the First Drummer. He has played beside some of the most innovative artists of our time and has also created his own flavorful music based on steamy world rhythms and the various Native American tribal motifs with which he is usually associated. In fact, Where You Are, Kristel's debut recording, is an incredible, authentic work of cosmic power and mystery. His highly enthralling treatise on drumming is both comprehensive and entertaining, and (reveals) his role as musical shaman for those who want to listen to his message of enlightenment and magic through music." -- Christine Cosenza, Moving Words Review
"Breath was the First Drummer is an invaluable source of rhythmic knowledge. It's refreshing to read something other than technical that connects you to the Source. A must for those on a path of rhythm." -- Michael Drake, author The Shamanic Drum & Tao of Drumming
"Dru Kristel has created an evocative composition of shapes, symbols and meanings of the great pulse around us. The book gives us a peek into the normally unseen and unheard aspects of the drum." -- Don G. Campbell, Founder Institute for Music, Health & Education, Boulder, CO
"Dru Kristel is someone who has studied a variety of drum cultures and traditions and synthesized the essential principles into a unique and authentic approach to transformational drumming. If your interests in the percussive world range beyond those of classes and traditional arrangements, there are a number of valuable clues for players of all levels to glean from this book." -- Michael Wall, Founder Honolulu Rhythm Line
"He is a shaman of remarkable and myriad talents." -- E. J. Gold
"Kristel covers a wide array of topics in this book that address both practical playing concepts as well as the spiritual nature of drumming." -- Drum! Magazine, August '96 issue
"Thanks for your wonderful book. It is more important than you probably think." -- Gerry Spence, TV Show host and best-selling author
"The transformational qualities of rhythmic attunement through tribal drumming and shamanism are explained. The easy-to-follow format encompasses Eastern and Western spirituality, and focuses on the connection between sound and light as a means of attuning with the Divine." -- Susan Warrick, Magical Blend Magazine
"This is an 'owner's manual' not just for the drum, but also for the human essence in its eternal dance with the rhythm of the universe. If you've ever wondered how or why drumming has the power to move the human spirit, read this book. It doesn't give the answer, but it does stimulate the process of your discovering it." -- Morwen Two Feathers, Co-Founder Earth Drum Council
Percussionist Dru Kristel writes from shamanic experience in "Breath was the First Drummer". He has played beside some of the most innovative artists of our time and has also created his own flavorful music based on steamy world rhythms and the various Native American tribal motifs with which he is usually associated. In fact, Where You Are, Kristel's debut recording, is an incredible, authentic work of cosmic power and mystery. His highly enthralling treatise on drumming is both comprehensive and entertaining, and (reveals) his role as musical shaman for those who want to listen to his message of enlightenment and magic through music." -- Christine Cosenza, Moving Words Review, January '96
Percussionist Dru Kristel writes from shamanic experience in Breath was the First Drummer. He has played beside some of the most innovative artists of our time and has also created his own flavorful music based on steamy world rhythms and the various Native American tribal motifs with which he is usually associated. In fact, Where You Are, Kristel's debut recording, is an incredible, authentic work of cosmic power and mystery. His highly enthralling treatise on drumming is both comprehensive and entertaining, and (reveals) his role as musical shaman for those who want to listen to his message of enlightenment and magic through music." -- Christine Cosenza, Moving Words Review
From the Author
I knew upon being asked to write a book on the drum that I would not be able to do so without getting into the realm of sound and I cannot very well get into the whole subject of sound without pretty much getting into the whole thing called "Creation". I was right; it was a setup.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Musically useless,
By A Customer
This review is from: Breath Was the First Drummer: A Treatise on Drums, Drumming and Drummers (Paperback)
For all of his worldly experience, Mr. Kristel has remarkably little of importance to say about drums and music. Chapter 1 is an elementary-school level overview of drums. Chapter 2 is a potentially helpful description of the construction of various ethnic drums although there are not nearly enough illustrations to be a useful design guide. Chapter 3 is a spew of spiritual pablum that has little to do with drums or music in general. Overall, this book serves no purpose in the true musician's bookshelf.
12 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
every once in awhile, you find the truth of things...,
By A Customer
This review is from: Breath Was the First Drummer: A Treatise on Drums, Drumming and Drummers (Paperback)
I am not a drummer or a musician, but I have searched diligently for this information, and Dru has it. In my judgement, Dru is the real thing. Not everyone will see it or hear it, perhaps, but that doesn't mean the truth isn't there. Dru has clarity, mastery, and good common sense, (not to mention a sense of humor). AHO!
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