Latin Jazz / African Drums
D. McDavitt | Arlington, VA United States | 12/05/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The global music community reaped immeasurable benefits when an Akan/Ashanti royal drummer named Isaac Asante delved into popular musical forms and sought his destiny outside of the royal courts of Ghana. By profession a master of the atumpan (talking) drum pair and other Akan drums, Okyerema Asante ("Royal Drummer Asante") has nonetheless mastered many of Ghana's peoples' musical forms (Ga, Ewe, Fante, Dagomba...). Today he incorporates traditional Akan stick drums (the huge "from" drums & 4 or more atumpan) along with congas, ankle bells, chimes, shakers, cymbals, and assorted percussion into his immense setup. Asante & Cuban piano virtuoso Benito Gonzalez's, "Bringing the Flame Home: From Havana to Africa" is a Latin Jazz concept album: juxtaposing Cuban roots forms (Cha, Son Montuno, Rhumba, Meringue), with dense African ensemble percussion (including Asante's brother, Charles!). There is one Ghanaian Highlife tune ("Koftown Vibe"), and a thrilling (if brief) traditional Ga/Akan percussion ensemble piece blending Kpanlogo-into-Adowa ("High Council"). The drums play a primarily supporting role, playing a combination of African-inspired ensemble grooves and ones which borrow heavily from established Latin grooves. Solos (from all involved musicians) are burning- the drum solos are especially mean! Asante's playing is simultaneously complex, fluid, and melodic. This album was expertly recorded `live' with very few microphones at Mapleshade Studio (MD) and has a lovely natural, blended, ambient quality. As a world-music "fusion" album, "Bringing the Flame Home", is tasteful, & entertaining but unlikely to satisfy Cuban/Ghanaian purists. Personnel: Benito Gonzales (piano), Okyerema Asante (master drums/perc), Joe Ford (saxes), Gavin Fallow (bass), Charles Asante (congas/perc), Kwadwo Tawiah (congas/perc), Kevin Davis (timbales). For other great Okyerema Asante albums check out: Hedzolleh Soundz- ("Hugh Masekela Introduces Hedzolleh Soundz") [70's LP only], Plunky & Oneness, Hugh Masekela "Homecoming" (Video), Paul Simon "Graceland" (Live-video, Japanese "Best of Paul Simon" compilation CD), Asante's "Ohene Kesee A Ebin". Check out "Music of Africa" as well as the 1960's documentary "Atumpan" (distributed by UCLA Berkley's Anthropology Dept.) for great video of Akan atumpan drumming!"
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1