Reviewed published on Nine MSM web site - 20 January 2003
Reviews
Drumming Planet (CD)By Various artists - Reviewed by Panta Rei
The album 'Drumming Planet' contains some vivacious Ethno-Trance drum mixes that vibrate from an array of percussion instruments. Hypnotic rhythms with ancient roots in ritual ceremonies from the South Pacific, Africa, Ireland, Native America, India and other exotic regions will set your tribal fires burning!
Modern mixes of Ethno-Trance with lots of exotic drums: Djembe, woodlog, pony, darabouka, bhodran, Indian tabla often combined with the Australian aboriginal didgeridoo.
The name "Drumming Planet" says it all - it's full of tribal and ancient rhythms from all over the planet, but also because it has percussion that is simply "out of this world" and almost lost in time, yet brought back to this planet on this album.
Exotic sounds and rhythms from different places of the earth come together on this album, sometimes blended very efficiently with synthesizer, resulting in a compilation that could be called a meeting of traditional roots of music with more modern tribal trends.
Since I just relied on hearing the tracks, I'm not always sure what instruments were used. It all sounded so natural that I couldn't always distinguish whether it was really actual instruments being played, or synthesizer sounds.
Anyway, it's out of this world, yet so down to earth and appealing that you'll take an instant liking to it. I'll write some of my impressions underneath each of the tracks.
- 1. Drumming Circle by Professor Trance African rhythm and drumming with didegridoo and synthesizer sound effects, South American flutes, very nice djembe parts, vocals have a taste of Deep Forest.
- 2. Invocation by Gabrielle Roth & Mirrors Native American vocals and rhythms combined with didgeridoo sounds.
- 3. Keonukpo by Adesa A very special rhythm achieved by clapping and other percussion. Beautiful close harmony vocals.
- 4. The Prodigal Son by Keiya Effective blend of locomotive percussion, synthesizer and didgeridoo.
- 5. The Shisha Room by Solace The synthesizer dominates, but the great atmosphere takes it out of the "just synthesizer" category. It also has a Middle Eastern feel, but in a modern way.
- 6. Utsheva by Baul Bishwa Great Indian tabla playing. The combination of Indian and Middle Eastern styles gives it a special flavor.
- 7. Sister's Gonna Dance Now by Native Ground Vocals used in a jazzy style against a background of African percussion and didgeridoo.
- 8. The Owl Dance by Gomer Edwin Evans Native American chanting against a backdrop of locomotive rhythm and synthesizer effects. Reminescent of 'Sacred Spirit'.
- 9. Talking Drums by Ariel Kalma Locomotive rhythm achieved by the sound of various percussion instruments, mixing together Indian, African and Egyptian rhythms in one effective fusion. A perfect blend of cultures.
- 10. Samhain by Phil Thornton A very special combination of South American sounds (very romantic pan-flute) and Irish-style percussion.
If you like, you can listen to the music on the web! You can hear Real Audio samples of the above tracks at: http://www.new-age-music-shop.com/E-comModule/dance-music.php3#DrP
You can order the album there for $US 13.50
Recommended by Manager , 20/01/2003.Our online shops:
New Age Music - International Fusion Music - Didgeridoo Music