Got a phone message from an old friend of mine a couple of weeks ago, Frank D’Arcangelo, one of the main forces behind Ray Fransen’s Drum Center, a veritable institution for professional and novice drummers throughout the New Orleans area for almost 40 years. Frank was inviting me to attend a small ceremony celebrating the life and career of Ray and his shop. Unfortunately, I had an out-of-town family commitment and could not get away. Frank called back to tell me about the event and it sounded like a lot of fun. I’m really sorry I missed it.
It would’ve been fun to see and hang out with a lot of drummer friends and acquaintances I’ve known throughout the last few decades. Drummers are a very different breed, to be sure. But no matter the different styles, approaches, and notoriety levels, we can always relate to each other on a relatively basic level – the unspoken power of rhythm. We are a pretty lucky bunch, to be sure.
Frank and I then began talking (as we sometimes do) about life, the paths we’ve taken, and the decisions we’ve made – both good and bad. As well as the relative repercussions from said decisions. He remarked on his and Ray’s many experiences being both friend and confidant to so many players over the years, actively listening to stories of professional as well as personal triumph, failure, loss, joy, etc. Both he and Ray have been invaluable parts of the New Orleans drumming community for many years. Honestly, I personally don’t know how I would’ve gotten along without them.
I first met Ray in the early 80s when he ran the tiny, cramped drumming department of a small music store that happened to be in the neighborhood of a practice space I was playing in with my first (very unsuccessful) band. Although I could tell Ray’s talent and experience vastly surpassed my own, he was always friendly and encouraging to this scruffy, slightly unhinged kid, who was desperate for any sort of attention… as most drummers are when they first start out. It’s a restlessness we all possess, and only occasionally get past.
Anyway, a couple of years later, Ray started his own store that was actually closer to our practice space! To help him out with his new venture, Ray hired young Frank, who was around my age and who possessed a similarly sardonic outlook on drumming and life. Over the years, he and Ray have become people I consider to be not only professional acquaintances, but personal friends as well. And believe me, I’m the fortunate one here.
Whenever I’m at the shop and/or talking to those guys, a flood of memories runs through my mind: Watching Frank or Ray perform miracles by repairing any number of snare drums I’ve beaten nearly to death, spending untold sums there (and glad to be able to), laughing at many road or show stories with these guys or other drummers, bringing a young drummer friend of mine there to help prepare him when he was asked to join his favorite band, etc.
In the course of our most recent conversation, I realized something I always knew, but never found the words to say. I told Frank that he and Ray (and everyone else who’s worked there over the years) were very much responsible - through their skill, talent, and patience - for making all of us drummers over the years “better than we are.” Not to negate anyone’s talent or ability at all. Just understanding that we have all been able to operate at our peak because of these guys and what they give of themselves.
It’s not often you encounter people in life who profoundly change your world consistently, and without fanfare. Those folks tend to be the quiet gold of the world, and should be recognized as such. Whenever people tell me or any of us in the CM universe about how the band (or a certain show or song) affected them in some sort of positive way, I’m always mindful of reminding them that they merely found strength or inspiration in what we happened to offer in the moment, that they themselves actually did the real heavy lifting of life. While we truly appreciate and treasure the accolades we’ve gotten over time, I’m not really looking for that here. The Cowboy Mouth community has been more than generous toward all of us in that regard.
Rather, maybe find someone in your own life who you feel has made a positive difference for you, someone who may not have a fuss made over them on a regular basis. Perhaps let them know in some small way that their energy and efforts are appreciated. Something like that can truly be life-changing. And after all, we are all just really links in the chain.
So thanks much to Ray and Frank and everyone at Ray Fransen’s Drum Center in Kenner (brah!), Louisiana. Your effort, time, skill, and energy have truly made me and my life better than I am. Sorry I couldn’t make the event. But know that you both have my eternal gratitude. And if there’s ever anything I can do for you guys and I’m able, just let me know.
Fred
Wonderful story - thank you for sharing. Whether they were in our lives for a few minutes or a few decades, there are folks who are that gold and make a big impact. And yeah, the heavy lifting is done by me, but sometimes we all need a spark and you guys provide it. Hopefully, we do the same for you guys on occassion. By the way, I appreciate a percussionist discussing the repercussions of decisions.