I picked up some of my boxes of books recently from
storage and in that collection found [u]Another Roadside Attraction[/u],
by Tom Robbins.  Much to my delight, while thumbing through that
novel, I came upon one of my favorite literary renderings about
the art of percussion and the meaning of rhythm in its
wider context.  Give it a read, the attachment that is.
Maybe your reading of it will prompt you to continue the
thread with other quotes and  excerpts about our
wonderful art form. 

Disclaimer:  the book is not suitable for less mature
readers.