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Adam Nitti
Evidence
Adam Nitti
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 8
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On Evidence, fusion bass extremist Adam Nitti gets funky and explores a more soulful style than on his past recordings. Each track lays well with its chosen drummer. DAVE WECKL and TOM KNIGHT explode with fiery performances on the more uptempo tracks. APT. Q258 (JEFF SIPE) and DWAYNE HOLLOWAY are assigned the slower funk and swampy grooves, which they perform with just the right amount of sludge. A great variety of grooving fusion drumming with the accent on soulful funk. (Renaissance Man) (www.adamnitti.com) |
African Rhythms And Independence For Drumset
Mokhtar Samba, edited by Dan Thress
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Media Type: Book/CD
RATING: 9
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As Mokhtar Samba explains in the introduction to this excellent book, there were no drumset players in African bands as recently as fifteen years ago. But by now an African kit tradition has been established, and Samba?who?s played with, among others, Youssou N?Dour and Jean-Luc Ponty?takes the clearest, most direct route toward explaining it to a new audience. Much like Afro-Cuban drumset patterns, the exercises in African Rhythms are hand-percussion phrases adapted for the kit. The book is divided into six sections according to regional musical style. (Mali/Guinea, Senegal, Cameroon, and North Africa are represented.)
Many of Samba?s beats feature fairly simple mechanics, while some of the polyrhythmic material is downright tough. (Wisely, difficult rhythms are broken up into building blocks.) Either way, the patterns can be tricky for those unused to African concepts like, say, the placement of hi-hat accents in Gnawa music. The exercises also require a particular loose-limbed feel that falls between straight and swung time. That?s why the companion CD is pure gold: On it, Samba plays many of the book?s beats, with and without hand-drumming accompaniment. This ensures that the student never drifts too far out to sea. Samba often ends the recorded examples with short fills that are not written into the exercises. Though this may be confusing at first, the fills give the player an idea of how to authentically embellish what is presumably an exotic drumming style. (Music in Motion Films, www.mimfilms.com) |
Air
10,000 Hz. Legend
Brian Reitzell
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 8
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"Whatever it takes" is surely Brian Reitzell?s motto, as he approaches Air?s new psychedelic masterstroke with the whimsy of a science-fiction writer. Imagine the progeny of a three-way between Pink Floyd?s Dark Side Of The Moon, Gary Numan?s Replicas, and Radiohead?s OK Computer?a simplistic analogy perhaps, but that?s the kind of sonic terrain Reitzell is working with here. Keenly aware of sounds and styles both past and present, Reitzell gleefully accesses classic analog pads one minute, lays into muffled ?70s tubs the next, and experiments with all manner of effects in between, all the while deftly delivering the drumming goods. (Astralwerks) |
Akira Tana
Secret Agent Men
Akira Tana
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 7
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Their mission, should they decide to accept it: play old spy themes with swing and soul. Mission Possible. AKIRA TANA?s sextet pull it off with fun retro-cool sans gimmickry. Once again teamed with supremo bassist Rufus Reid, Tana?s drumming leads the pack with nimble touch and urgent groove. Setting this apart from previous Tana/Reid CDs is the inspired addition of Lonnie Smith?s sumptuous, grooving B-3 setting the tone. It?s also exciting hearing Tana joined by a percussionist, the fiery CHUGGY CARTER, bringing out the tight, compositional side in the leader?s kit work. Case closed. |
Akira Tana
Moon Over The World
Akira Tana
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 6
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With over a hundred discs as a sideman under his belt, AKIRA TANA has surely earned his leader stripes. Each of his three solo outings boasts a mature, focused eloquence. Originally a Japan-only 1993 release, Moon highlights the jazz drummer in an acoustic trio. It?s a highly satisfying setting for Tana?s intricate, sensitive, and swinging drumming. Aided by bassist Rufus Reid and pianist Ted Lo, Tana offers impressive originals, covers, and jazz treatments of traditional and popular Japanese and Chinese melodies. Tana is a big listener, an exciting "orchestrator" who employs his formidable chops for phrase building. Not a gratuitous note in the set. |
Alessandra Belloni
Tarantelle & Canti d'Amore
Alessandra Belloni
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 8
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Tambourine virtuoso and singer Alessandra Belloni plays her exciting arrangements of traditional songs and chants from southern Italy here. Historically the tarantella, which has a fast 6/8 rhythm, is a healing trance dance used to cure a mythical tarantula bite. Belloni recreates these origins, occasionally mixing in some non-traditional instruments for color, and creates stirring music in the process. There are also more reflective songs where she uses percussion for color, such as the ocean drum on "Jesce Sole." If you?re in the mood for something new, check out this exciting and beautiful recording. |
Alien Ant Farm
truANT
Mike Cosgrove
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 6
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One of Alien Ant Farm?s strengths is the impeccably coordinated rhythm section of bassist Tye Zamora and drummer MIKE COSGROVE, best witnessed on the band?s 2001 DreamWorks debut, ANThology. The Farm return for another round with truANT, this time boasting Cosgrove?s concrete kicks on "Drifting Apart" and his happy-go-lucky shuffle throughout "Glow." Cosgrove?s ghost-stroked snare and timbale interplay on the reggae-vibed "Never Meant" are clean and carefully mapped?and there?s no lack of the drummer?s signature splash accents. With a warmer production courtesy of the DeLeo Brothers (of Stone Temple Pilots), Alien Ant Farm have devised a commendable follow-up. |
Amorphis
Am Universum
Pekka Kasari (dr)
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 8
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Holding together the group?s guitar- and keyboard-drenched wonderment is the steady drumming of Pekka Kasari, whose staccato patterns occasionally recall drum giant Simon Philips, and whose tasteful approach differs greatly from the convoluted skin-bashing of many brute-metal makers. On the dramatic "Drifting Memories," Pekka?s steady foundation supports compelling vocals, beautifully toned lead guitar, and horn elements reminiscent of Lizard-era King Crimson. This is a unique and wildly creative album. (Relapse) |
Andy Narell
The Passage
Mathieu Borge
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 8
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On a teaching trip to Paris, steel pan virtuoso ANDY NARELL made an unexpected discovery in the impressive 30-piece steel orchestra Calypsociation. A bond formed immediately, and an ongoing collaboration resulted in Passage. Listeners expecting a ?canny? timbre will be amazed by the lush, gorgeous ensemble sound that gives flight to Narell?s warm, infectious compositions. Drummer MATHIEU BORGE anchors it all with irresistible groove, blending Afro-Caribbean and jazz elements. And the ?listener in the center? mix is dazzling. Narell?s superb soloing along with guests Paquito D?Rivera, Michael Brecker, and Hugh Masekela add the icing. A festive treat. |
Ang?lique Kidjo
Oyaya!
Michito Sanchez
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 10
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Always game for style-mixing, Afro-pop vocalist Kidjo this time wraps her African roots in the rhythms of the Caribbean. The results are joyfully intoxicating. Singing African and French lyrics, Kidjo?s lush, round voice is as fiery and sensual as ever. And the rhythm tracks are volcanic. LA studio star MICHITO SANCHEZ delivers inspired percussion. And he?s joined by the fabulous WALTER RODRIGUEZ, a rising drummer who had previously been taken under Alex Acu?a?s wing. Their irresistible airtight groove lends an aggressive modern edge to the diverse island rhythms. You will not sit still. |
Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra
Talkatif
PHIL BALLMAN and DYLAN FUSILLO
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 8
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Antibalas are a fifteen-member collective from New York City whose recreations of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti?s original jazz/high-life/and funk brew (dubbed "Afrobeat") are extraordinary?non-stop and self-perpetuating. Drummers PHIL BALLMAN and DYLAN FUSILLO lock together seamlessly, with barely a sliver of air between their close-knit, syncopated 16th-note grooves. (Ninjatune) |
Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra
Liberation Afrobeat Vol. 1
Philip Ballman, Dylan Fusillo (dr), Duke Amayo, Giancarlo Luiggi, Fernando Velez (perc)
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 7
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Though this debut LP is spiked with weighty musings on social and political injustice, it mostly plays like a rollicking multicultural party where all are welcome (except maybe the NYPD). Soulful horns and polyrhythmic percussion dominate, with all eyes focused on dance and trance. Though the band is full of inspired soloists?there are some lip-smacking drum breaks too?the emphasis is on the bright tapestry of interlocking rhythms woven from the individuals? repeated patterns. The drummers keep it simple by working the pure funk without pulling any funny stuff. (Ninja Tune) |
Aquarium Rescue Unit, The
Calling, The
Sean O'Rourke
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 8
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This big ol? bucket of soulful Southern fried rock drips with a seriously greasy funk attitude. Featuring an all-star line up of monstrous Southern rock players?bassist Oteil Burbridge (Allman Bros.), keyboardist Kofi Burbridge (Derek Trucks Band), and guitarist Jimmy Herring (The Dead)?The Calling is held tightly together by the viciously grooving SEAN O?ROURKE, who drives this catchy and hook-filled collection with authority and tasteful chops. (www.aquariumrescueunit.com) |
Arturo Rodriguez
Bembe Conversations
Arturo Rodriguez
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Media Type: Book
RATING: 8
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"Bembe" has many different meanings, depending on how it?s used. It can refer to a class of percussion instruments, a particular kind of tree, or a type of drum, particularly one with religious or spiritual significance. The inspiration for all bembe drums is taken from their original Yoruba roots in Nigeria. Mr. Rodriguez goes into great detail when describing the roots of bembe, and in turn the roots of percussion and of civilization itself, focusing on West Africa. Included here are photos showing the correct way to sit and strike a drum. Rhythmic patterns are presented in grid form to show the relationship between all the instruments, as in "conversation." There are also song lyrics (also in grid form), and the accompanying CD makes a very thorough and energizing percussion experience. (Mel Bay) |
Atomship
Crash of '47
Chad Kent
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 8
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It?s always fun to hear a new band with a drummer who raises your eyebrows and leaves you with an idea or two. Such is the case with CHAD KENT, who?s got a good feel, is technically awesome, and delivers plenty of "wow" fills. Musically, Atomship has a great modern-rock approach, contrasting Kent?s drumming with a guitarist who is focused on texture and harmonic progression. A dark mood runs throughout the album, which contains some interesting writing that ranges from introspective to aggressive. All this adds up to a style that distinguishes Atomship from many groups, making them one to check out. |
Authority Zero
A Passage In Time
Jim Wilcox
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Media Type: CD
RATING: 6
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Performing punk rock inches within the likes of Pennywise, Sublime, and Rancid, Arizona?s Authority Zero isn?t really breaking any new ground, and perhaps that?s not their intention. On their Lava debut, drummer JIM WILCOX lays his double-timed skate punk kicks with deft precision, slamming to a halt and comfortably switching his stance in an instant. Kudos to such a versatile and adaptable performance. |
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