“Watching the waves from a ship to and from Japan and looking out of the car window on multiple trips across the USA in my childhood, gave me the space to study time itself, and the complexity and harmonics of rhythm, order and chaos.
Subdividing and predicting the instant objects would pass, or their relationship to others in time, consumed the hours of my youth. It all comes down to time.
That is why I chose drumming, Jazz, Indian classical and African. All the great rhythm traditions. When I drum, I sing the melody of the arrow of time. “
About a year ago in Los Angeles, I met the author of this quote, at a gig led by my bass player friend, David Hilton. Leonice Shinneman had a very interesting set-up, a small jazz kit with some tablas. His playing was very light and elegant, sophisticated, without question. He played the tablas briefly, and I thought, kinda cool to see that…
I had no idea I was in the presence of a recognized world tabla master, a former faculty member at Cal Institute of the Arts, an innovative inventor and patent holder, and an artist whose drumming and percussion credits included work with Frank Zappa, along with contributions to soundtracks for “Drugstore Cowboy” and “Aliens 3.”
I just knew the guy could play.
Unfortunately, it’s probably going to be six months to a year before Leonice can resume his art, because he was recently in a very serious car accident. Broken neck, broken back.
Yeah… that kind of serious.
His sister, Joy, created a Gofundme account to help get through what is obviously going to be a rough road, so if you have a minute, please visit the site. You may not have heard of Leonice or know of his work, or perhaps you have and already heard about his accident. No matter. He’s a drummer, he’s one of us.
Here’s the gofundme link: https://www.gofundme.com/u5jxgb2c
For more information about Leonice, here’s the link to his website: http://www.leoniceshinnemandrums.weebly.com
During a break at the gig where I met him, Leonice and I had a great conversation about his ride cymbal and how he played it. I asked about his tablas and said I was interested in learning a little more about them. He offered to share information, and he said I was welcome to sit in during the next set. I had to leave, but I appreciated the offer.
Leonice, when you get back to bandstand, I’d like to take you up on that offer. Meanwhile, you take it easy. The universe has got this.
Leonice is my uncle, the younger brother of Joy, who is actually his sister, and my mother. Not Lee’s wife. Just wanted to clarify that for any readers.
Sorry, Steve, I must have misread the information. I have since corrected it in the blog. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. – David
Dear folks
I have finally secured a place for
LEONICE SHINNEMAN BENEFIT ll
THANKS TO THE FOLKS @ REMO
3/12/SA
7 TO 9 PM
@
REMO RMC
7308 Coldwater Canyon
North Hollywood, CA 91605
http://remormc.com/
i.e.,
100% of the proceeds will be going to Leonice
for his physical therapy and to literally get him back on his feet
he is suffering from a broken back and a broken neck
the venue,
and the musicians are all donating their most precious gift
i.e.,
their time
their talent
and their LOVE
we will have 4 hours total
1 hour to set up
90 minutes to 120 minutes to perform
1 hour to tear down
I am hoping to have 9 to 10 at the most performances
featuring soloists and/or ensembles with each performing
a 10 minute set or shorter
much as how we did the John Bergamo event at CAL ARTS
100 to 120 minutes of music in total
HOW YOU CAN HELP
as most of you know you can donate money at the following site
HELP LEONICE
https://www.gofundme.com/u5jxgb2c
and/or attend
the first benefit which Paul Livingstone organized
http://paullivingstone.fanbridge.com/campaigns/show.php?id=1342287&sid=249408784
https://www.facebook.com/events/1048802708513541/
or this one @ REMO
3/12/SA
if you would like to participate in any way shape or form
MUSICALLY and/or OTHERWISE
PLEASE let me know
if and/or how you would like to participate
for those of you out of state or out of the county
plz send an mp4 or an mp3
which we can either play or show that day
once all the ducks are in a row in regards to who will
be performing, I will let everyone know
and post the event
but I will not post until we know who is doing what when
SPECIAL THANKS TO FOLKS WHO GAVE
ME NUMEROUS SUGGESTIONS FOR PUTTING THIS TOGETHER
Tom Bartolac
John Fitzgerald and Mike DeMenno of REMO
Dan Savell
AND VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLKS AT REMO
FOR THEIR GENEROSITY
GRACIAS A TODOS
Christopher
Chrisajg@gmail.com
PS 1
I will not be performing
just hosting
PS2
I spoke with Leonice for the first time today about this
i.e.,
he was unaware that this was taking shape
he is very happy and very grateful to each and everyone of YOU
PS3
plz forward this to anyone you feel might want to participate
but please do not post until we have more info about who will
actually be performing
PS4
MAY WE PARTICIPATE WITH INTENTION, INTENSITY, INTEGRITY AND PASSION
anything less is less
PAZ y NAMASTE