Aloha 'oe, Tom Alexander of Volcano Percussion.

 ALOHA 'OE TOM ALEXANDER

The percussion world has lost one of its master craftsman. Tom Alexander of Hawaii and Volcano Percussion, as he passed yesterday. Tom was suffering from cancer. The world has been made better by his life, and his legacy will live on in the beautiful drums he created and the music that will continue to be made by them.

I first came across Volcano Percussion drums when I lived in Kaimuki on the island of Oahu when I visited Harry's Music Store on Waialae Ave. I was just starting out in percussion. I remember how beautiful I thought they looked and of course they had an incredible sound that just put my Meinl Woodcraft bongos to shame. They were expensive drums that I was not able to afford, but they were worth every penny.

Tom Alexander was a true innovator in the construction of percussion instruments. He is the first and only to use the local Hawaiian hardwoods such as koa and monkey pod and mango. These woods not only gave Volcano Percussion drums their incredible sound but also a truly unique and wonderful appearance. Tom Alexander was previously a carpenter, as his bio states, and he brought advanced woodworking techniques to his drum building. Volcano is also noted for it's highly polished stainless steel hardware, which is very laborious to make and incredibly functional in the salty air and humidity of the Hawaiian Islands.

Over the years I came across other percussionists with examples of Tom's work, and I always took the chance to marvel at their beauty and sound. Lucky for us Volcano drums can still be heard and seen so Tom Alexander's vision, passion and craftsmanship will continue to bless us for many more years to come.

ALOHA 'OE TOM ALEXANDER