Mike St. John of DRUMline with drummer Kenny Aronoff

In May, 2012, while waiting in St. Louis to interview Chickenfoot’s drummer Kenny Aronoff, Mike St. John of DRUMline interviewed me about my book DANCE OF THE ELECTRIC HUMMINGBIRD and Sammy Hagar.

St. John also wrote the following review about my book:

Music is transcendent – maybe it puts you in a better mood or reminds you of your past.   Good or Bad, music has the power to move us emotionally, spiritually…even into action.  In her book ‘Dance of the Electric Hummingbird’, Patricia Walker chronicles her spiritual journey to self realization sparked by a Sammy Hagar concert in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Walker, not familiar with Hagar at the time, is dramatically and spiritually moved during her visit to Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina while on vacation with her husband.  Maybe she leaves herself open to inspiration because the fun of being on vacation in a remote location and the power of music causes her to forget the rigors of daily life…being a wife and mother in Colorado.

Back in Colorado her life is consumed in the routine of preparing meals and getting the kids off to school…existing but not really living.  On her journey, Walker opens herself up to feelings and reinforcing signs that life can be enjoyed as well as lived.    Often the signs she receives are birds…symbolizing a spiritual presence accompanying her personal growth.

Walker’s transformation is extreme and she does encounter cynicism and questions the validity of what she has experienced.  Each chapter opens with inspirational quotes which help open the reader’s mind to the possibilities being explored…although it’s gonna take a journey for anyone to change.   One of my favorite quotes from the book is:

‘Music is your own experience, your thoughts, your wisdom.  If you don’t live it, it won’t come out your horn.’                – Charlie Parker

Patricia Walker ultimately acknowledges the signs she repeatedly receives and decides to live a fuller more joyful existence.  She doesn’t progress in a bubble, however, and invites the reader to discover the possibilities of fulfillment and joy.  It’s an interesting and inspirational read (available on Amazon.com) and a challenge to live life to the fullest.  Hey Patricia, did you know Charlie Parker’s nickname is ‘Bird’?

A HUGE thank you to Mr. St. John for the great interview and book review and no, I did not know Charlie Parker’s nickname was “Bird.” But after all the magical and mystical things that have happened to me on this journey, that does not surprise me one bit.

Please visit http://www.drum-line.net/blogtwo.html and http://www.drum-line.net/home.html as this is a wonderful and informative site dedicated not only to drummers and professional musicians, but to those of us who are music lovers as well. I am deeply honored to be included alongside such incredible and inspiring artists.