The Hawaii Adventure – Aloha

Well I have made my way to the island of Kauai where I will be living for the next month. I am renting a house from my friends Kirk and Sandy. Special thanks to them for providing this wonderful creative environment for me to bring new music and healing into the world, Thanks Kirk and Sandy! Here is a photo of the HealingDrummer Studio, Hawaii.

The weather here is FANTASTIC!! 80s and slight breeze every day. My day consists of catching rays in the morning at the local beach, then hitting the mixer in the afternoon and evening. The island is a great transition from the mountains of Utah. I have been very busy in Park City getting the final touches on my new CD. The final tracks have been completed and they are heading into full production. The new release is titled “WORLD UNITY” . It will be ready for release the beginning of August so keep checking www.healingdrummer.com for presale benefits. Here is the image that will become the cover art for the CD.

WORLD UNITY is my best CD so far. I am very excited for you all to hear it. The project was started over a year ago in the old studio in Vancouver, WA then moved to the new location in Park City. It also contains tracks gathered on my trips throughout the world. This CD has a different flavor than anything put out so far. It is much more complex than the other HealingDrummer CD’s and really has an authentic World Music flavor. It combines instruments from every continent playing side by side with the HealingDrum. Most tracks are upbeat and very inspiring. Aaron the Webmaster and CD producer will be putting some sound clips on the HealingDrummer website ASAP. Those of you who have attended my events have heard me say this about drumming in general, but I have held a strong intention for this CD to have a very powerful impact on the planet. I have dedicated the CD to those of us who take the time to acknowledge the similarities we have with each and every person on the planet, and in doing so we have no time to fight about our differences. As Michael Franti says, “You can bomb the world to pieces, but you can’t bomb it into peace”. I hope World Unity inspires you to do your part to unify the world in peace.

While working on “PEACEFUL HEART” I have managed to get a break in. Here is a picture of Secret Beach where we hiked to swim with the wild dolphins. I have been blessed to have net a wonderful group of locals who are taking me under their wings and sharing many of their sacred places with me. Special thanks to Danny Hashimoto, Na Oka, Robin the “Beach Man” and the others in the community who have been so hospitable. The spirit of Aloha is alive and well here.

On the island I am working on the next two CD’s. One to be released in September called “PEACEFUL HEART” this is a CD designed to bring healing to those who need a place of peace and calmness. It is also a dynamic use of sound energy for Body Workers, Reiki Practitioners, Massage Therapists, Energy Workers and a great tool for those who meditate or just want to create a calm, nurturing space. Being at Secret Beach today was a great energy to connect to while I compose this CD. This album is a combination of synthesizer,Drum, and beautiful voice overlays. Lisa Needham, a vocalist from Park City laid the vocal tracks before I left for Hawaii and I must say they are inspiring. The blend of the instruments and her voice create a hauntingly entrancing mood that opens the energy system and relaxes the body. I am anticipating the release of “PEACEFUL HEART” around October 1st. Keep checkin in at www.HealingDrummer.com for the release dates and promotions.

As “PEACEFUL HEART” comes to completion, Tracks are being laid for “Djembe Groove”.A most unexpected union has occurred, the HealingDrum is dancing to the rhythm of pure joy provided by the Ukulele!  Yes, you red correctly. The uke has joined the HealingDrum family to bring the energy of joy and laughter to the music of “Djembe Groove”. One of the first contemporary musicians to bring the Ukulele to modern music is George Harrison of the Beatles. In his words, “Everybody should have a uke its so simple to carry with you and it is one instrument you can’t play and not laugh! It’s so sweet and so old- some are made of wood, some are made of Armadillo’s.  I love them,the more the merrier. everyone I know who is into the ukulele is “crackers”. So get yourself a few and enjoy yourselves. Love from George (Keoki) Harrison”

Taking George’s advice and longing to bring joy and laughter into the world I sought out the best ukulele resource in Hawaii. Sam Bonanno at Larry’s Music Boutique in Kapaa. After two sessions of uke school with Sam I acquired a couple of ukulele’s that will be featured on the new CD. Here I am with Sam Picking out my new toys!!!

Well this is it for now. I look forward to hearing your comments as we walk the path of Peace, Joy and Laughter together.

Peace,

Toby