Frank Lazzaro - Voices from Middle Earth
First posted on Rhythmic Artists Magazine - San Diego, CA (October 1, 2006)
Frank Lazzaro is a well known San Diego percussionist, who’s styles are as varied as the drums he plays. We had a little chat with Frank, and shared his life and love of hand drums and world music with us.
RAm: Frank! Thank you for spending time with us today! You have become one of the most well-known percussionists in San Diego, as a drum kit musician with the Travel Agents, a world percussionist as Damaru, and with Middle Earth a Middle Eastern music and bellydance drummer. When did you first become interested in world percussion?
FL: My first interest in world music came around 1980 when I first heard King Sunny Ade and his African beats. That sound immediatly turned me on to African music and percussion, and I was hooked. Seeing Baba Platunj and Drums of Passion perform at a Grateful Dead, New Years concert further kindled my passion. When I moved to (San Diego) in 1986 I discovered a burgeoning West African Drum and Dance scene happening right under my nose in Encinitas. I naturally dove in and have been involved with various aspects of world percussion ever since.
RAm: Who are some of your favorite artists?
FL: Besides the aforementioned, my favorie percussion artists include Mamady Keita (Guinea), Zakir Hussain (India), Giovanni Hidalgo (Latin/Caribbean), Hossam Ramzy (Egyptian) the list goes on and on, I am also a big fan of world fusion artists and jam bands. Anyone thats willing and able to take things a step further than what is traditional, usually garners my interest. Although I definitely respect and appreciate most forms of traditional percussion as well, as that is where it all stems from.
RAm: Do you offer drum classes? What style?
FL: I’m currently on staff at World Beat Center in Balboa Park (San Diego) where I offer weekly classes in middle eastern (dumbek) drumming. I also provide drumming for the bellydance class there, the only one of its kind in the area. In addition, I offer private lessons in dumbek, djembe, congas, bongos and other hand drums.
RAm: A lot of bellydancers seem to prefer your drumming. Who was the first bellydancer you drummed for?
FL: The first bellydancer I ever drummed for was a dancer named Desiree, who helped spark my interest in that style in the early nineties. I think the first drum solo I ever performed publically for a dancer was with Shayla, an excellent dancer now living in Laguna Beach.
RAm: Must be difficult having to play drums for so many wonderfully talented and beautiful dancers?
FL: Yeah its a tough job allright!… LOL. somebody’s gotta do it!
RAm: LOL I know you mostly play percussion, but are there any other instruments you are interested in playing?
FL: Percussion keeps me pretty busy. I wish I had all the time I needed to practice all the various instruments I attempt to play. The instrument I’ve been trying to work on is indian tablas, one of the most difficult I have attempted.
RAm: Overall, who would you say is your most influencial artist or teacher?
FL: Its hard to pick one, since I’ve drawn from many…I’d say doing workshops with Baba Olatunji had a significant impact on me, also Mamady Keita.
For Middle-Eastern its Issam, I’ve learned a lot about soloing from him.
Many artists have influenced me that have not necessarily taught me directly, but learned from accompanying them over the years. One is John Bilizikjian (oud) and another is Dave Dhillon ( dumbek). Both of whom I gig with regularly.
Mickey Hart of the Dead definitely had a major influence on my drumming and interest in world music.
RAm: What are your goals for the future?
FL: To get rich and famous of course! Just kidding! Continue living my passion through music, travel, teaching and connecting with wonderul dancers and musicians wherever I go! Just to keep having fun and hopefully bring some enjoyment to other people in the process.
RAm: I know you have a monthly drum circles. When and where are they?
FL: Actually it’s in Encinitas (youve been there) 2nd Tues monthly at 101 Artists Colony. Always a good time and a strong groove!
RAm: Any advice for those who want to form drum circles? Or just getting into drumming?
FL: The best advice I can give to people in drum circles is to listen! Listen to the pulse, listen to your neighbor, leave space and communicate with your drum. The worst drum circles are the ones where the same guys are constantly soloing over each other…just too much noise!
People that want to form drum circles just need to do some networking in their community, find a suitable time, place, and advertise.
My advice for beginning drummers is first find a type of drum and style that speaks to you. Take some lessons, so you can learn some basic techniques and the traditional rhythms that go with your style. Practice, practice, practice and have fun! The rest is all part of the mystery!
Many thanks to Frank Lazzaro for spending his time sharing with us! You can see more about Frank and his current schedule at Frank Drums