Dr. Drum sharing the healing power of Bomba drums in the Bronx and beyond
NEW YORK -- A Bronx man is using his drumming skills to promote healing and relaxation to New Yorkers.
His way of doing it may look a bit strange at first glance. But his technique is changing lives -- both physically and spiritually.
"There's a transition of vibration that starts as the person lays there. It starts from their foot and gradually from the tunnel keeps the sound of the vibrations," said Jose Ortiz, Bronx drummer and resident.
Ortiz, also known as "Dr. Drum," has created his own version of music therapy for hundreds if not thousands of New Yorkers called, "Bomba Healing."
The concept works by connecting a Bomba drum to a plastic tube while a person lays inside and feels the vibrations of the tempo from the instrument. Ortiz says it's a form of therapy he believes creates a calming effect and one that is reminiscent of the human heartbeat.
"It's the frequency that actually energizes the cells in our bodies," said Ortiz.
On this day, "Dr. Drum" performed on Staten Island at the Anderson Neighborhood Senior Center in Port Richmond. He's typically based in the Bronx, but his admired talents tend to pull him into different neighborhoods.
The Puerto Rican Belmont, Bronx native said he's been drumming for more than 20 years. But his overall passion for the instrument started back on May 5, 1964 after he was hit by a car while running across the street to catch a glimpse of a group of men playing the Bombas.
"I don't know what it was, but the tones of the drums really drew me," said Ortiz. "This is the African blueprint of alignment. This is how I connect with rhythm and how important rhythm is for our body."
Ortiz's firm belief is resounding across the city while he promotes this rare technique, which CBS2's Elijah Westbrook tried out.
"Satisfying, electrifying. It seemed like with the tempo of the drums, I could feel stimulated, like my legs…Wow!" said Westbrook.
Staten Island resident Liz Whelan loved the experience.
"It was so exciting. I enjoy music as it is, so this was fantastic," she said.
Wearing a short-sleeved white lab shirt, you see why he nicknames himself "Dr. Drum." A man who pairs music with healing therapy, no matter if it's in these tubes or on the dancefloor.
