In response to Matt’s post about the use of drums in the soundtrack to the film “Braveheart,” a reader remarks that she enjoys playing the tambourine as an antidote to stress.

She also recommends Matt watch a recent film called “The Visitor,” now available on DVD, which is the story of a man whose life is transformed when he begins playing in a drum circle.

Matt responds:

Thank you for your comments about the drums and the film “The Visitor.”

I’ve never seen that film but I hope I remember it so I can play it.

As to playing the tambourine, I think that is a great idea!In the studio, I’ve been known to turn one of my plastic buckets over and beat on it with a paintbrush!  That gets rid of tension, too!

They passed a law in Chicago saying you can only play a drum for a given number of minutes at a certain decibel level.

Personally, I’d rather have drums at night than boredom.

Thanks for your comments and your film recommendation,
Matt