Search - Various Artists :: Drums of Death

Superbly Recorded Authentic Ashanti, Ewe, & Ga Drumming!

D. McDavitt | Arlington, VA United States | 04/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Produced by avant garde saxophonist, John Zorn, this is a masterfully selected & recorded document of recent performances of traditional & modern recreational musical forms in Ghana, West Africa! It is unclear whether the performances were truely authentic village recordings, or (more likely) played by "Ballet" or modern performance ensembles, but in either case, the playing is flawless, and the sound impeccable! The selections include (mislabeled on the CD- shame on you, John): Kpanlogo (a Ga recreational dance music invented by Otu Lincoln in the mid 1960's based upon older traditional Oge rhythms mixed with popular Highlife musics- lead drum = twinchin),Akom (an Ashanti [Akan] rhythm family to accompany healing & worship through possession & trance. Lead drum = Obreten), Adowa (the Ashanti antelope dance traditionally used as funeral music, but increasingly employed for diverse ritual occasions. Lead drums = 2 Atumpan), & Tokwe (a Ga/Ewe dance that young girl's go through to prepare for womanhood. lead drums: Ga= Ampah, Ewe= Atsimevu).The sound quality is among the best I've heard for field recording & quite esthetically pleasing! The drums sound natural, clear, blended, balanced, and present (like you're in the midst of the drummers). The drums have a very attractive slightly distorted sound. Most field recordings sound tinny & distant- NOT this CD! This is the only recording of Ghanian drumming I know of that accurately reproduces the energy and excitement of experiencing a live performance! The notes are scant, unclear, & misleading, but the photos are beautiful & of interest. If you like this also check out: Mustapha Tettey Addy "Master Drummer from Ghana" & "Royal Drums of Ghana"; "Ghana: Rhythms of the People", "Rhythms of Life: Songs of Wisdom", "Akom: The Art of Possession", & Alan Eder, "Reggae Passover" (has great Ewe drumming mixed with Hebrew Passover music)."