Drumming at the Edge of Magic: A Journey into the Spirit of Percussion (Paperback)

by Mickey Hart (Author), Jay Stevens (Author), Fredric Lieberman (Author) "DAMARU IS A Tibetan ritual drum shaped like an hourglass..." (more)
Key Phrases: drum god, slit gongs, spirit allies, World Tree, West Africa, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Mickey Hart, percussionist for the Grateful Dead, tells the compelling tale of his quest to unlock the power, myths, and legends of percussion. Complemented by more than 90 photographs and illustrations. It is a compelling, panoramic adventure into a vibrant living tradition of myth, power, and magic. Black-and-white photographs and illustrations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Acid Test Productions (December 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888358181
• ISBN-13: 978-1888358186
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #243,704 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #50 in

  Books > Entertainment > Music > Musical Genres > Ethnic & International > International

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for drummers., January 10, 2001

By	David S. Merrill (Colorado) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

At a glance, Drumming at the Edge of Magic may seem like an autobiogrphical journey by the Grateful Dead's Mickey Hart. While the book is autobiographical, it goes far beyond that to discover the real meaning of drumming and music in general.

The meaning of drumming (or life?) comes in many forms, and many disguises. As Hart begins to unluck the secrets to why humans desire to express themselves in music, one can't help but say, "YES!". Hart, and to a certain extent, Jay Stevens, put into words what drummers and other musicians have felt all along but have never known how to express. The journey ends up being a look inward; not just for Hart but for the reader as well.

After reading this, I had my wife and father read it. I explained, "This is how I feel about drumming."

The companion CD and sequel book, "Planet Drum," are nice additions but the book stands by its self as an outstanding source for understanding music at its most basic form.

This book will move you.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars this book changed my whole approach to drumming, July 7, 2000

By	Michael j Hawker (London UK) - See all my reviews

I'd lost interest in playing for about 5 years before I read this book, but Mickey Hart's book brought me back to the reasons I started hitting the bottom of tin cans woth a wooden spoon! This book follows, to a degree, the history of drums, and studies the emotional, spiritual and physical effects of drums, old ancient, and new on people. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to play for any or no reason, and to andone who can't explain why the music makes them dance.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Seeking the Edge, December 17, 1999

By	Denny Riley (Akron, Ohio) - See all my reviews

When I decided to take up hand percussion, I sought out this work out of respect for the authors' musicianship, and his ongoing projects with the Smithsonian Institute and the Library of Congress. This book led me quickly past the idea of playing drums, and into areas which effect us spiritually, emotionally, and even physically. I've read it twice, and will read it again--and again until I REALLY understand it all. If World Music interests you, if you are a drummer, or if you are seeking inner peace, this book belongs in your hands.