Release Date: Nov 11, 2014
Label: Starfield
Records
James
Asher and Sandeep Raval are two incredibly talented men with the gift of
knowledge that encompasses a multitude of instruments, mainly percussive so it
is no surprise that the title of their recent release is Drum Travel.
There is a bit more to this than just the title Drum Travel. The artists refer to this
recording as the Tipi Experience. The image on the cover is a pyramid with a
swirling gateway or rhythm portal, as it is referred to on the CD cover, all
brought to you by their Global Percussion. If you notice however there is a
city on the water that the beautiful image is overlaid on. There is a message
here and you are cordially invited to
find the meaning in the music and what is beyond the portal awaiting
your discovery. It all makes more sense once you start off on your journey with
Asher and Ravel.
These two amazing artisans are assisted by Simon Brewin
(bass, guitar, Wit,The Discerning Don) and Carolina Maggio (vocals, charrango,
painting, creativity and enthusiasm) and several other talented folks. These
gents have a marvelous sense of purpose but also maintain a good sense of humor.
After all, James plays a ton of instruments but gets credit for “Kitchen” so I
am assuming he provided sustenance in the form of food and drink for his
musical warriors whilst recording this endeavor.
Drum
Travel is a two CD set comprising 13 tracks on disc one and 7
tracks on disc two, both clocking in at over 70 minutes. The very first track
“Fugira” kicks things off in a marvelous way with splendid percussion, amazing
rhythmic vocal styling’s (in Italian) and some fluid guitar lines. This music
is a worldly blend; there is new age, world, jazz, blues and rock. Everything
blends together superbly into a musical melting pot that will bring joy to your
soul and aural beauty to your ears.
The instrumental tracks are a literal omnibus of musical
delights. When Asher and Raval combine their efforts it’s like a wall of drums
that envelopes you. It does not encapsulate you in a power driven sphere and
take you away; it is like being swept away by a gentle wave then feeling the
warmth of the sun on your skin and the best part is the wave never ends. You
can respect the awesome power it commands but feel grateful for the retreat
that it affords you into audio bliss.
“Bring on Brasil” is just that, you feel like you have
arrived in that beautiful country and are suddenly taking in all the
breathtaking landscapes and walking the city streets. It’s like world travel by
osmosis. Then to change things again, “Beside The Blues,” delivers the blues
and jazz sensations via the right percussion, keyboards and guitar flourishes.
To say that this recording offers diversity is an understatement, you simply do
not know what is coming next and that is what makes the listen so intriguing.
“Chili
Pickle Chaser” is a great example of the percussion collaboration of Asher, Raval
and friends. It has an interesting name but let me tell you it is nothing but
pure excitement that builds as the track plays out.
“If The Earth Could Speak” is the first track I heard and
was so taken with it I featured it on Rate
The Tracks and to no surprise it jumped to the #1 position on the
charts within a day and it continues to get plays. The title is quite prolific
and so is the music. Everything that is good about what these people do when
making music comes flowing forth like a river with a definite path to the
ocean. It has meaning, beauty and first and foremost touches your spirit in a way
that is most memorable.
Now if all of that was not enough they end the set with “On
the Outbreath,” which is one minute short of 30 minutes. If there is one song
that takes everything to another level it’s this one. There are some amazing
creative juices flowing throughout this mix. This time frame made up an entire
album in years past yet it is one song out of 20 that make up this implausible
gathering of sound, elements and textures that capture your attention and
engage your senses.
There is something true and natural about drums
particularly when used in such a manner. It calls to you and invites you into
their special rhythm portal. Listen, take the journey, you will not have any
regrets.
5/5
Stars
Key Tracks: Fugira, Bring on Brasil, If The
Earth Could Speak, On the Outbreath
Tracks:
Disc: 1
01. Fugira
02. Takita
03. How it Feels
04. Bring on Brasil
05. Beside the Blues
06. Drums for the Dragon
07. Chili Pickle Chaser
08. Rhythm Network of Sparks
09. Neptune Skank
10. Percussive Kitchen
11. Pappadoms form Persia
12. Breaking Good
13. Seven Veils
Disc: 2
1. African Angel
2. Los Cuentos
3. Hey Wanaina
4. If the Earth Could Speak
5. Accelerando
6. The Great Transition
7. On the Outbreath
Keith “MuzikMan”
Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
November 20, 2014
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
