If you have ever thought that drums and percussion sound like the earthly beats of man and nature, then Mike Henry’s “Big Percussion” CD is a good one for you. Wherever there is movement, there are rhythms and Mike has tapped into those. They are the rhythms of life and he has re-created them with a little non-percussive musical accompaniment. From jungle sounds to industrial machinery, it is all here. Not in an overwhelming manner, but as if you are moving through the various places on earth where there is a beat. There is certainly some flash, but mostly solid rhythms that take you on the journey. If you check out his video for West Coast Snap http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIjHDm7-1iA&feature=plcp, there is some flash. Mike will amaze you with his incredible feel and timing on a drum kit. He shows that drumming is a lot more than just hitting something with sticks.
When listening to the CD, close your eyes and you can see not just hammers pounding but people building homes. You will hear many feet on a rocky path carrying stones to build a temple and birds not just flying, but migrating with purpose. You will hear the movements in the jungle at night and a steady rig pulling oil from the earth. These are the sounds of a world alive, not stagnant. We are alive through our rhythms. Let the beat be your inspiration.
In a lot of music, the drums are relegated to the background, but Mike has moved the drums to the forefront and makes them very appealing as the lead instrument. I bet Mike used to tap on his desk at school, and the teacher liked it. I can hear it now…”Mr. Henry, if you are going to tap on your desk, please do it where everyone can hear you!”
Mike is living the dream at his store, Percussion Center, which is the center of the drum world in Houston TX (with a strong online presence as well). In both places, he offers world class percussion instruments along with expert advice. This includes lessons and events that will make almost everyone want to tap into the beats of life and recreate them on instruments. You can visit his website at www.percussioncenteronline.com or www.myspace.com/bigpercussion. He has a youtube channel and an ebay store so get ready to be entertained and spend some time and money. It will be a good investment for your soul.