DRUMS FOR ONE & ALL
DRUM RECORDINGS
Here's an eclectic stack of recommended drum and percussion recordings that draw from a world of musical and cultural sources. ENJOY!
"Drums of Passion" by Babatunde Olatunji
This was a crucial recording in bringing African rhythms to the States in the 60s. Before anyone coined the term "world music", Olatunji was already busy sharing his culture's musical legacy with the world.
"Handance" by Glen Velez
The frame drum playing on this album is incredibly intricate and complex, but shows what the drums are capable of in the hands of a master.
"Solo Motion" by Annagret Baier
Annagret has absorbed African culture so completely that she mirrors it back with confidence and skill as she plays a wide range of rhythms and percussion instruments.
"Grits and Pate" by Vinx
With a voice as rich and powerful as Seal's, Vinx's vocal talents alone make this an amazing collection of songs. But the excellent hand percussion that accompanies the melodies covers a broad range of styles and grooves. Drummers will love the "Grits" disc, but the "Pate" disc is for those who like smooth crooning.
"Rei Momo" by David Byrne
Byrne has fallen in love with Latin music, and he's done a lot to share that love in the form of albums that capture the flavor and rhythms from various Latin countries. This is a collection of his own songs, each written around a specific classic rhythm (Cumbia, Merengue, Samba, etc) and backed up by talented Latin players. The lyrics are as quirky as you'd expect, but the album is very danceable and a good sampler of Latin styles.
"Live Vol 1 and Vol 2" by Entrain
Entrain is a legendary local music powerhouse that has always focused on the beat. Drummer Tom Major and percussionist Sam Holmstock are both fanatics of world rhythms which they infuse into every one of their songs. With influences ranging from reggae to ska, West African to zydeco, these CDs are a wealth of drum patterns that make people want to DANCE! The recordings are great, but this is a band you must see live.
