by RUPERT BOTTENBERG

Few percussionists ever take centre stage. There was Tito Puente and, well, Tito. But now there's Detroit's Bruce "Medicine Man" Cobb, a first-rate drum-thumper who's making his mark in house music, where DJs abound but percussionists are at a premium. As such, he's played every Detroit Electronic Music & Movement festival, headlined at Envy and Panacea and collaborated with DJs Derrick May, Terrance Parker and Theo Parrish (and played with Stevie Wonder!). The Mirror booked an appointment with Medicine Man for a drum-loving diagnosis.

Mirror: Do you have a particular philosophy about music and drumming? Your chosen name Medicine Man has spiritual, shamanistic significance.

Medicine Man: Every great musician has his own musical fingerprint. It's important to be unique. I have a very spiritual background - my grandfather was Cherokee and my family has traced our legacy all the way to Africa. From the time I started playing the congas at age 10, I was taught the art of meditation to combine spirit and drumming skills. When I play, I create a positive spirit and call it medicine for your soul.

M: How did you start performing within the house music scene?

MM: Growing up in Detroit is like being in a playground for house music - it's not just music, it's a culture. So it was inevitable that I would be in the house scene.

M: Were there any special challenges to reconciling live, acoustic drumming and DJ-based house music?

MM: Egos. Some DJs couldn't understand my positive vibe and couldn't handle sharing the spotlight, but after truly listening to my unique style, they gave me love.

M: You have a CD, Medicine Music, in the works. What can you tell me about it?

MM: It collocates erotic rhythms with insatiable sounds that will fingerprint my style in this business, and put me on track to fulfill my destiny as one of the best in house music.

With Sean Kosa, DJ Charles Nivesse, dancer Cantelli and VJ Matt Cowboy at Mile End Bar on Friday, April 16, 10pm, $10

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