Drums Of India Vol.1 & 2

Drums of India, Vols. 1-2, originally released in India by the Gramophone Company of India in 1968 and 1979 respectively, are reissued here in a two-CD package with their original liner notes and covers. Both of these recordings were organized by Jnan Prakash Ghosh as showcases of sorts for the many kinds of drums found in Indian classical and folk music. Vols. 1-2 feature a dozen of them, including the tabla, pakhawaj, khol, mridangam, khanjari, dholak, nakara, bengal dhol, madal, khamak, huruk, and bayan. Though most of the ten tracks feature just one of the aforementioned varieties of drums, a few feature two of them, with "Ensemble" presenting the tabla, khanjari, nakari, and dholak playing in concert. In assembling such a recording, there's a danger in making the actual record an academic folkloric program. But while there's much to be learned about tones and techniques specific to each drum for those who are curious, care is obviously taken to also make this something that can be appreciated and enjoyed by the general Indian music listener, with pieces that are highly rhythmic and varied in both texture and the patterns in which they're played. Volume two of Drums of India is a follow-up of sorts, and doesn't feature quite as many kinds of drums; it presents just seven tracks, not ten. But seven kinds of drums are still highlighted (one to each selection), including the dhak, shree khole, dholak, manipuri khole, dhole, tasha, and tabla. It's similar in nature to the 1968 Drums of India LP, naturally, but is a little different in that it's somewhat more adventurous and accessible. The chief difference from its predecessor is the inclusion of a 20-minute piece, "Tabla Ensemble," with five performers. On "Tabla Ensemble" and some of the other tracks, too, the addition of musical bells does much to add interest and pleasing texture. With or without bells, the drumming is dynamic, creating a recording that's of interest for both folkloric purposes and for the enjoyment of general Indian music listeners. Note that while Jnan Prakash Ghosh was the figure most responsible for arranging the recording of both volumes of Drums of India, he does not actually play on Drums of India, Vol. 2, with those duties being handled by a variety of different musicians on each of the cuts. ~ Richie Unterberger|