Publisher's Synopsis
In the beautiful, yet small island of Bermuda, one would not expect to find, talented musicians with years of experience, like the professional drummer in this book. You may, or may not have heard of Clarence Adolphus Bean (known widely as Tootsie Bean); a skilled, talented and well sought after musician, who rose from humble beginnings, to become a reputable drummer, using what he described as his God-given talent. To those who knew him, performed with him and experienced his style of drumming, Tootsie Bean is a living legend, whose talent and natural ability to perform to any genre of music linked to his era, transcended the test of time. This memoir will take you through the recollection of the start and continued years of Tootsie Bean's musical career - one of the greatest and well-respected drummers to grace the stages of Bermuda. Within these pages, you will find acknowledgement of those great musicians Tootsie held in awe, and felt honoured to perform with, some of whom helped to propel his career, and secure the exposure needed after venturing far from home. Tootsie vividly recalls those important, formative years in Bermuda that influenced his mind set and shaped his talent, as well as associates who paved the way to sample the delights of performing in highly regarded venues. He revisited some of those memorable periods, performing with great musicians at home and abroad, and the times he yielded to the enticement of touring the Caribbean, USA, Japan and Europe. His rise to fame took him through many decades of exhilarating performances, in the warmth of scenic Bermuda, the frosty climate of the USA, straight though to Japan and Europe; and as an afterthought, if it were possible to relive those years, I strongly believe that he would. Tootsie Bean's musical achievements evidenced what he had felt motivated and inspired to do career wise. Now several years on, Tootsie hopes that his story will inspire those musically inclined, to work hard and let those drumsticks, take them where they had a mind to go.
