Month: January 2017

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Meeting My Mentor Roy Burns

Meeting My Mentor Roy Burns
Meeting My Mentor Roy Burns
my mentor

Meeting My Mentor Roy Burns, at NAMM 2017

Today, at the bustling NAMM show in Anaheim, California, I had the unexpected pleasure of reconnecting with my old mentor, Roy Burns. It’s been decades since I first crossed paths with Roy, back in 1982 when I began my drumming journey under his guidance. At that time, he was just beginning to build his legacy with Aquarian Drumheads, a company that has since become synonymous with quality in the drumming world.

Roy not only taught me the technical aspects of drumming but also imparted invaluable wisdom about the intersection of mind, emotions, and performance. Through his teachings and the influential works of his own mentor, Jim Chapin, I learned not only about drumming technique but also about the profound impact of mindset and emotion on one’s abilities. Books like “Zen and the Art of Tennis” opened my eyes to the deeper layers of performance psychology, thanks to Roy’s guidance.

As I stood by the Aquarian booth, waiting to greet John Wackerman, I spotted Roy amidst a crowd of admirers. Despite the years that had passed, Roy recognized me and welcomed me with open arms. His warmth and genuine happiness to see me were overwhelming. It felt like no time had passed as he shared stories of his own mentor, Jim Chapin, weaving in lessons about pride and its influence on our capacity for growth and change.

Meeting My Mentor Roy Burns

In that moment, listening to Roy speak, I was transported back to my youth, hanging onto his every word with the eagerness of an 18-year-old student. Roy possesses an endless understanding of human nature, coupled with conservative ideals that make conversations with him a true delight. His ability to blend philosophy with practical wisdom is unparalleled.

Reflecting on our encounter, I realize how fortunate I am to have had Roy Burns as my mentor. He has left an indelible mark on my life, shaping not only my drumming skills but also my outlook on the world. Roy, if you’re reading this, know that your words have resonated deeply with me, and I am forever grateful for your guidance and friendship.

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Steve Olson

If you ever wondered what it would be like to sit around and have a chat with Steve Olson I think this interview comes close to what that might be like.







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Rouge One (Spoiler Alert)

Julz Lynn Skateboarding Star Wars Carrie Fisher Tribute
Julz Lynn Skateboarding Star Wars Carrie Fisher Tribute

This image was created on the Day Carrie Fisher best known as Princess Leia from Star Wars died. I found myself with a little extra time this day and so I contacted a few skaters to see if any were interested in making a skateboarding picture. Once I learned of Carrie Fisher’s death I send a second communication to the skaters asking them to bring something Star Wars related to the shoot (if they cared to). Julz ended up being the last photograph of the day and when she showed up to the skatepark I was amazed at how much she had done. Now I must interject that I was amazed at how much thought and time Julz put into her Star Wars concept but I was not surprised, because Julz gives 200% to everything she is called to do.

If you have not seen Rouge One read no further. I have a few thoughts after seeing Rouge One last night with my family. I was amazed at the Forest Gump components of the film. When I began tinkering with 3d animation back in very late 1980’s I wondered if films would someday be made without any physical actors? Rouge One was yet another Star Wars film that used CGI characters. Where I was a little disappointed was with the fact that the quality of the cgi didn’t seem to improve much since the day of Forest Gump. The characters looked sort of low rez and like Forest Gump didn’t seem to be looking directly into the eyes of the other live characters they were sharing the scene with.

The other thing that bothered me about Rouge One was that it was the least Star Wars feeling film I have seen to date. It instead looked and had the rythm of any other film i might see  in 2016.  Star Wars used to have a a very special unique feel about it. It is possible I feel this way because just saw The Force Awakens a year ago?

 

Would I watch Rouge One again and recommend it to friends? The answer is yes. Although it seemed to lack some of that Star Wars mojo, it had enough to keep me intersted. And it had my kids asking about episode 4, so it even ignited some interest in the movie that started it all way back when.