I have had several dancers comment on my background with thunder. Dancers do not like African or thunder beats.
Since the break up of thunder things have changed.There are some good thunder drummers out there.
As for me I started playing only what I heard since I play by ear.And I had no Idea what I was playing or the names of the rhythms For years the only time I ever played hand drums was at an SCA event.
What I did know is what sounds good to dance to so I just came up with my own stuff.
So thats like 1 week a year I would show up to a circle and borrow some ones drum.The frequency of playing has increased over the years.
How ever this is the first year I have really taken an interest in middle eastern studies I started taking lessons and bought a couple drums.
I am taking saiidi dance lessons.Since I was in the middle east for a long time I have good knowlage of the culture.and things are coming together ok. It seems that the more you learn the more you need to refine technique.I mean these guys grew up with This stuff here I am
not able to understand the lyrics. My element roots are blues jazz and rock.So this is another world.
I will say this I do not ever remember there being so many dancers and drummers into this stuff as there is now.
The caliber of drummers at the war has drastically improved. So yes I do know what you mean.
I will always be a hard core rhythm junkie. I will be the last drummer standing at last drumming ship and my hands bleeding and taped
crawling into my tent getting just enough sleep before my tent bakes me like a marinated pastry.I wake up get a coffee I-V. Some advil
I soak my hands in dit dow jow tape up and do it all over again. Old thunder habits die hard! I t is a blast !!!. Especially when you get the honor of playing with great drummers and dancers.So dancers be patient I am improving.