Drum Beat
November 2005 By Bill Milkowski
Tenth World
Motema
Percussionist Bujo Kevin Jones combines the spirit of Africa with modern jazz on his impressive debut as a leader. Produced by drummer Babatunde Lea, Tenth World incorporates the heightened aesthetic of John Coltrane's classic quartet on the opening "Bodhisattva...
November 2005 By Bill Milkowski
January 14 & 15 2005
Amulet Records
Medeski, Martin and Wood drummer Billy Martin presides over an even more subversive band of sonic gypsies collectively known as Socket. Comprised of such free spirits and downtown stalwarts as experimental vocalist Shelley Hirsch, violinist Eyvind Kang...
November 2005 By Bill Milkowski
Beyond the Blue
Art of Life
Italian drummer Marcelli is a natural swinger with a light touch-and an accomplished composer to boot. He's aided on Beyond the Blue by a stellar outfit that includes guitarist Mike Stern, bassist Eddie Gomez, pianist Mitchel Forman and tenor saxophonist...
November 2005 By Bill Milkowski
Circle of Drums
Chesky Records
Originally recorded in 1993 but never released, Circle of Drums has elder statesman and shamanic-drumming master Babatunde Olatunji joining forces with Serbian drummer Muruga Booker and Nigerian drum master Sikiru Adepoju for an invocation of spirit through...
November 2005 By Bill Milkowski
The Fo'Tet Augmented
Criss Cross Jazz
Peterson's 17th recording as a leader marks the return of charter Fo'tet member Don Byron to the lineup. His clarinet alternately soars and skronks on potent Peterson originals like the intense, Middle Eastern-tinged "The Burning Sands," the explosive 17...
November 2005 By Bill Milkowski
Barry Romberg's Random Access Part 3
Romhog
Drummer-composer-bandleader Barry Romberg is playfully subversive. This latest installment from the man who heads up Canada's Romhog label is full of surprises and good humor, along with a multitude of good grooves. From the off-kilter techno-funk of "Day...
November 2005 By Bill Milkowski
Keynote Speakers
Over the past 15 years Bill Stewart distinguished himself as one of the most audaciously creative soloists and reliably swinging drummers on the scene. His own recordings as a leader-two overlooked, out-of-print Blue Note gems in 1995's Snide Remarks and...
November 2005 By Bill Milkowski
Transparent Horizons
The Montreux Jazz Label
This Canadian crew straddles the line between formalism and all-out freedom. But rather than having fun with it, the music on Transparent Horizons is some pretty oppressive stuff. Produced by fellow Canadian drummer Barry Romberg, Transparent Horizons showcases...
June 2005 By Bill Milkowski
Music for Piano and Drums
Flags
Winterfold
Throughout his career, British drummer Bill Bruford has played progressive rock (with Yes, Genesis, King Crimson) and jazz (with the electric Bruford and the acoustic Earthworks) with equal authority. On his new record labels, Summerfold and Winterfold...
June 2005 By Bill Milkowski
Suite Unseen: Summoner of the Ghost
Motema
Bay Area drummer and composer Babatunde Lea traverses Mother Africa and American bebop on his ambitious Suite Unseen: Summoner of the Ghost (Motema). While the centerpiece of Lea's sixth album as a leader is his five-movement suite intended to call in the...
