Interview Rex Rutowski : Jim Donovan

 

 

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Jim Donovan Interview with Rex Rutowski

Where are you from originally?
>>I was born in Pgh in 1968 and grew up in a rural town called Rockwood which is in southern Somerset Co.

As a musician, what drew you to drums? Why did percussion speak to you? Why does it continue to speak to you?
>>My first experience hearing drums live was at a parade when I was about 7 years old. The drumline stopped in front of me and I could feel the bass drums vibrating my chest cavity as they played. I knew from that point that I would drum. I had to have that feeling all the time because it felt so good.

What are your first memories of being aware of percussion as a child?
>>I recall listening and dancing to Sly and The Family Stone with my mother. I'd make her play it over and over again. She would play lots of cool Mowtown records as well as the Beatles...these memories are from around age 2-3...

When did you begin playing?
>>I was about 11. I started playing the crash cymbals with a baton twiriling group called the Spinnettes. I loved getting attention by making loud sounds!

Did you play in your high school band?
>>Yes I played in every situation possible in High School Marching, concert, jazz. I'd play for the elementary chorus...

Where did you go to high school?
Rockwood Area High School, Rockwood, PA

Any college experience?
>>4 years at the University of Pittsburgh where I studied African Music/Drumming Classical Percussion Performance and Psychology
6. How would you evaluate your strengths as a musician?
>>I listen well and can feel what needs to happen in most musical situations.
I have good time and like to be creative with whatever i'm involved in.

How would you describe your percussion style to a lay person?
My style is to play till your feet hurt from dancing.

Is there a "Jim Donovan style," one when people hear it they know it’s you?
>>My head keeps swelling....Some have said this..I may not be the best person to ask..

Who were your percussion /drumming influences?
>>Sly and the Family Stone, the Funk Brothers, John Bonham, Neil Peart, Phil Rudd, countless African drummers I've heard on recordings, the Meters, Peter Gabriel

Is the work that Mickey Hart is doing in promoting percussion , and its many uses and benefits, inspiring to you?
Absolutely, The welness aspect is very much a part of my programs when I teach.

Have you spoken to him about his work? If so, what has he shared with you in terms of advice, suggestions or motivation?
>>We met briefly while on tour, didn't get to pick his brain unfortunately.

What continues to motivate you to do what you do?
>>I Love what I do in a big way. The work is truly it's own reward. Having a family is also very motivating (have you checked the price of diapers lately! )

It seems that we are in a very percussive age right now, and we are more aware of percussion in our lives. Do you agree with that; if so, why?
>>I do agree, at the core of everything exists rhythm. The more people begin to experience drumming and the phenomenal power it has to heal and bring joy the more they want it.
I believe drumming in the community setting I beginning to reach a critical mass where it's reaching everyone from small children to retirement homes. Drumming is the great equalizer. It breaks through all manmade barriers of race, creed, sex, age, beliefs, socio-economic status etc.

Why does percussion/drumming resonate for people, even those who are not musicians?
A. Are we all "musical," even if we don’t think we are?
Our bodies and everything around us are vibrating at a specific frequency just like a note struck on a piano. We are at our core rhythm and music. Our brainwaves pulse at a specific tempo during certain times of the day. Our heart beats, we have the ability to speak. Our language depends on rhythm to exist. All notions that "I have no rhythm" are just manifestation of fear. I believe part of job is to facilitate people getting over this fear and replacing it with a positive experience that inspires empowerment.

 

Photo by Duane Reider

Appreciate if you can elaborate on this question for my religion column: Do you feel drumming/percussion can put a person in deeper touch with his/her own spirituality? If so, why?
>>I truly do because drumming especially group drumming uses so many spiritual techniques such as breathing, quieting the mind, cooperation, listening, focus, becoming "present" among others. The beautiful thing about the information is that it is non dogmatic in it's nature. The concepts apply to anyone regardless of their belief systems.

I've had a number of discussions with Carlos Santana through the years about the spirituality of music in general. Have you found that spiritual sensibility present in his own music? Was he inspiring to be around? I've always found him that way.
>>Carlos definitely changed my life both musically and spiritually. He made a point to teach me about the connection between inspiration, breath and the quality of music I was putting out. I tell a very good story about my experiences playing with him in "Point of Light" Magazine email Sven Hosford and perhaps he'll hook you up with a transcript of it. It's getting tremendous feedback.

 

I've also always found that spiritual sensibility in Rusted Root's music too. Do you get that feeling from fans too and from being in the band yourself? I do lectures/programs in churches, colleges and for groups on spirituality in contemporary music, based on my thousands of interviews with musicians in all genres over 30 years, and I'm always interested in the subject. I've been asked to do a book some day on what creative people consider their source of creativity. Even Ozzy Osbourne has spoken to me about that! As has Neil Peart and Jon Bonham's son. When I was on WDVE as talk show host I also did entire two hour blocks on spirituality in music.
Yes our fans express this to me constantly. It's a blessing that people connect with the music in that way.

What do you consider your source of creativity, that so called "magical well" from which it emerges?
I know it sounds cliche' but the universe is the source, the breath is the conduit and the output (creativity) is a result of my own clarity, presence and persistence

Creative people - be they musicians, painters, sculptors, actors, etc. -- through the ages often have helped people look at the heavy questions of life, the spiritual questions, the "Why am I here/What awaits me after this life," the "What's it all about Alfie?" questions. Do you also see that as your role, helping people address these questions, look at the big questions, and also perhaps discover themselves along the way?
Hopefully my work will assist people to be relaxed enough to discover all that they need to with joy.

what part of the pgh area do you live in? I'm always looking for local slants. Anywhere near what we call the Allegheny-Kiski River Valleys/Rt 28/Allegheny Valley Expressway region?
Near Monroeville...I love trees

Were you the member of Rusted Root involved with the percussion soundtrack for one of the new rides at Kennywood a few years ago? If so, what were your goals for that.
thanks again Jim,
>>No that was Jim DiSpirito, people tend to confuse the two of us sometimes because we're both so handsome :)

Who would you like to see come to your drumming events in State College?
Everyone who reads this and likes to have fun. I'll have about 50 drums to lend out so there is no excuse...

State College historically seems to be a good market for Rusted Root and projects of its individual members. Do you sense that? If so, why is it?
Yes, State College has always supported our projects. I'm grateful. There seems to be the right mix of folks looking for high quality music and events in State College. I'm sure Penn State has a good bit to do with it.

What would you tell people to expect who are attending your classes?
>You will drum, make new friends and probably have a fantastic time. here's my description

The Interactive Drumming Experience focuses on deepening listening skills, cooperation, leadership, creativity, ultra-relaxation and serious fun.
Jim’s relaxed and humor infused style of teaching is non-intimidating and all-inclusive.

In this program you will:

- Develop a stronger rhythmic foundation
- Play music in an energized group setting
- Explore rhythms from around the world
- Enhance creativity and listening skills
- Learn soloing techniques
- Experience the magic of rhythmic entrainment

Who might want to come?
people over 12 years of age.

How would you describe an "Interactive Drumming Experience"?
It's an experience co-created by everyone there that night. I share tools and exercises to empower people to make their own music

What do you hope people take from these sessions?
More confidence, less stress, joy
18. What is most important for you to convey to them?
Learn to listen to each other, breathe

The literature suggests that people learn more than just musical skills from this session. Will they learn information that they can apply to other aspects of their life and work?
The program material applies throughout the persons life and relationships for sure. deepening listening skills, cooperation, leadership, creativity, ultra-relaxation

What do you enjoy about giving these classes?
Seeing someone light up who didn''t think they could..I like to drum..

Have you seen them change people?
I have numerous feedback from people telling me that it changed there lives in a positive way...
I believe in the material and in the power of rhythm and so I know it's my job to best convey and facilitate these experiences while keeping my own preconceived notions at bay.

Are people sometimes surprised to learn that they don’t have to have any real musical skills to benefit from these classes?-
The rarely believe me when I tell them that they'll be playing music within 20 minutes of sitting down, but they always do.

What is "rhythmic entertainment"?
Rhythmic entrainment occurs when your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies come into an allignment with a repeating rhythmic pattern. If you've ever danced (whether it was good or not..), you've experienced a form of entrainment where you moved within a rhythm. In Drumming you become the creator and the participant in the entrainment. It' s a sweet feeling of ultra-relaxation and effortlessness.

Do you believe percussion promotes wellness and has healing powers of its own? If so, how?
See above answers

You will be doing a program at a church in Murrysville this weekend? Is it the same percussion class that you will be giving in State College, or is it tailored to a church environment?
I tailor each experience to where I am and who is there. It is the same basic program although I am constantly adjusting to who is in front of me. I pride myself in being present and teaching to the student rather than teaching from a preconceived idea.

There seems to be a spiritual dynamic to percussion, almost a "soundtrack" for spirituality. Could you talk about this please?
In my world, music and spirituality are inseperable. I believe that humans can attain great spiritual heights incorporating music into their own rituals, prayers, mediatations.

Do you find people searching more spiritually these days? If so, why?
My perception is that people are searching more and trying to make sense out of all the chaotic things in the world. Looking for healthy ways to center and relax. In the relaxation they rediscover themselves.

Do you consider yourself a spiritual person? How do you express that spirituality?
Yes in that I believe in a higher energy than myself. An ultimate creative force driven and fueled by love. My music and teaching and love for my family is my spiritual expression.

When it gets right down to it, what does music mean to you?
Everything truly. There's an old African saying that says "A village without music is dead"

What is the status of Rusted Root?
>>We're taking a little time off from touring, Our most recent tour was in December.

Any new projects planned: CD, tours, etc?
>>yes we have a double live CD coming out later this year

Why has the music of Rusted Root touched people?
>.>The beauty of Rusted Root is that it creates a space for people to come together and express themselves through dancing.
A. Does percussion have a lot to do with it?
>>The drums seem to help the dancers keep going

What would you tell people that Rusted Root is all about?
>>Continuing to be creative and letting go

What do you enjoy about performing live?
The energy I receive and give back from an audience

What haven’t you done but still want to do?
Besides recording and teaching more, my ambitions are to remain as open as possible to what I am here to learn

When you play back the video tape of your career so far, what are some of the moments on which you freeze frame?
1990 Graffiti Rock Challege
1992 Great Blue Heron Music Festival, Sherman, NY
1994 Going to California to record When I Woke
1995 Opening for the Grateful Dead Three Rivers Stadium
talking with Robert Plant
1996 Meeting John lee Hooker
1997 playing with Carlos Santana every night
2001 Pittsburgh Midwife benefit
2003 Carnegie Music Hall Pgh, PA playing drums with my daughter

 

 

 

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