Francis Fu

It's a beat thing! It's a Groove thing! It's a drum thing! Free to the public, Drum Extravaganza served to unite and entertain our diverse communities through the arts on the last Saturday of May, 2004. The program provided ultimate exposure to diverse styles of drumming from around the world, including African Hand-drumming, modern rock drumming and more. A group of amateur and professional drummers, representing different styles of drumming found in this territory, came together to share their talents and rhythms at the harbour front.

The 14-people Djembe drumming circle, formed by students and teachers of Tom Lee Music Centre's weekly drum class "Djembe Drum Workshop", captured the spirit of traditional African music in an energetic and faithful manner and gave a magnificent opening to the day. Dressed in African costumes, performers of various nationality and age incorporated chant-like vocals into their beats. Led by Kumi Masunaga, the audience sang a song called "Moribayasa" together with the lively African percussions played by the group.

James Campion, the 13-year-old genius played a burning set that displayed his incredible independence and command of rock and heavy metal styles, along with an extremely high degree of musicality. With influences from Dream Theater and Slipknot, this young fellow is undoubtedly talented in drumming. It's hard to believe that such complex grooves that required intensive rhythmic training, particularly in double-pedal technique could be handled so perfectly by this amazing kid.

Another highlight of the day went to the 20+ minute performances brought by four young and enthusiastic drummers from the local indie scene. For the very first time in territory's independent music history, seven sets of fully equipped rock kits were set up at Piazza C of Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Such magnificent set up is extraordinary, especially in this tiny territory where space is scarce. Drummers from Az, Whence he came, Ever and Tai-Tau-fat kicked off by playing a mid-tempo groove. When describing these drummers, the words excellence and versatility come to mind. Not only did they took turns to do solo, the quasi-surround sound created by these drummers were totally amazing. Playing the snare one by one, with the rhythm being progressively speeded up, they soon evolved from a drummers group to one big, giant drummer.

Jun Kung, a phenomenally talented player, played with two tracks from his up coming CD release and talked about developing a groove, the drums as a melodic instrument, unconventional music technique and more. He is known for his ability to improvise, and this is demonstrated thru the unexpected teamwork between Jun and another guest performer of the day, Thierry Nkeli Faha.

Featuring Lawrence Tsui, the two-time winner of the Best Drummer Award in Yamaha Asian Beat Band Competition, triggered more than 60 patterns of various styles from Jazz, Funk to Brazilian beats that fit perfectly well with the occasion. No wonder he has to place a note on the music stand to remind him of the order of grooves that he had planned ahead of time.

Winners from Yamaha Asian Beat Band Competition 2002 and Life Rocks 2003 Band Competition also brought their music and energy to this exciting event. Is it tough to drum and sing at the same time? You bet! But some excellent drummers do have the ability to tackle the two musical happenings within the same body. Indie band Ever's drummer, Ka-Ho is a great example. Krave, the gorgeous nu-metal outfit showed what could happen when four combustible musicians well versed in each other's styles interact on the highest plain of hardcore music. Banging out the best groove, as well as the grand finale of the day, the four young local drummers joined Jun Kung and James Campion for a six-drummer jam. Wondering how well is that? Simply powerful.

The music we had on that Saturday wasn't just made with drums. It is with the hearts and motifs and for certain, Drum Extravaganza is one of the most remarkable happenings in this year's drumming log book.