I started out as a rudimental drummer. I played jazz, big bands, etc. My teacher, Alla Rahka (india’s foremost tabla master), turned my head around. He’s one of the finest rhythmic minds in the world. I mean, his musical tradition has been around for thousands of years. It is the most sophisticated rhythmic culture on this earth. They made me feel the real pulse; how to divide and play with time on a friendly level, without abusing or disrespecting it. – Hart
The real role of drums in the twentieth century is not to be relegated to the back beat all of the time. I’m not into speed-drumming. Both Billy Kreutzmann and myself feel that we are long-distance drummers, able to see the sights along the way. – Hart
This is my favorite photo of Me & Mickey, taken in our garden by our buddy Ed. I used to pack an 8x10 copy amongst his clothes, to remind him who was waiting at home during tour. -Jerilyn
My wonderful daughter Christina when she was 13. That hairdo took hours to accomplish. She wanted to look like Farrah Fawcett. We called her Farrahtina when she looked like that. Her other nickname was The Ranchessa because when she got into her teens, she got dolled up to do her ranch chores.
Mickey proudly standing next to one of his drumming heroes, Alla Rahka, master drummer from India, who was Ravi Shankar’s accompanist for decades. He is also the father of Zakir Hussain, who Mickey still plays with today. The others in this photo, Arshid Sayed, Aushim Chaudhuri & Jim Loveless are members of the Diga Rhythm Band, put together by Mickey & Zakir from students at the Ali Akbar College of Music. One of the best recordings we ever made at the ranch is the Diga Rhythm Band record. It was released by Round Records.
Photo Credits: Cristina – Steve Schneider, Group – Jerilyn Lee Brandelius, Mickey and Jerilyn – Ed Perlstein
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