Simply Outstanding!
by
damaval
To truly appreciate what Tom and Loren have done here, you need to have some experience with this type of music. I say this because only a trained percussionist can appreciate the depth of sounds that is created and the skill in which it takes one to produce those sounds. Much credit should also go to Doug Haire, who did the live mix. To appropriately capture the natural tones of percussion instruments is nearly as difficult as producing them.
Still, I would be remiss to say that only other percussionists will enjoy listening to this. Even the uninitiated ear may find it fascinating. This is a live recording and there are only two performers (although at times I swear they have four arms each!). These are not just a couple of good drummers, but extremely fine musicians!
"Almglocken Melodien" is mesmerizing. With its looping marimba patterns it reminds me of "Omphalo - Centric Lecture" by Nigel Westlake. But the use of the steel drum changes the texture and suddenly I am hearing an Narrell-like melody ala "The Songlines".
Loren’s composition, "Walls of Waves", uses Afro-Cuban elements to set up some interesting improvisational moments and anyone familiar with that genre will appreciate that work for its authenticity and creativity.
Personally, I was completely taken by "Urban Mantra". Mixed media compositions have never sat well with me. Usually they are written more as a curiosity, than a well-thought composition with indentifiable meaning. But here, the blend of samples and acoustic instruments was well-balanced. The harmonic structure is haunting in character as the duo completely captures the strife that many feel in today’s wired world.
All in all, this recording is fabulous. Congratulations!
