World Of Drums And Percussion, The

While the title may make one believe this CD consists solely of drum solos and rhythm patterns, this is an oversimplification. Each track is a full band lineup providing intriguing and challenging performances of which the traps are only an elemental portion. The gateway into this world is the opening track, "Palms for Lester," off the supergroup Polytown album. Here, ex-Zappa percussionist Terry Bozzio provides a kinetic foundation for the monster sounds of interplay between world-class experimental guitarist David Torn and Mick Karn (Japan) on bass and bass clarinet. The trio seems just on the verge of controlling unruly progressive rock demons when Bozzio provides a conga eye in the storm. This is an excellent passage into Trilok Gurtu's "Transition." Again, the added instrumentation of keys, bass, cello, and more mark this as an example of the best of world fusion. Another drummer from the Zappa fold, Chad Wackerman, supports a fascinating meeting of synthesizer (Jim Cox) and trumpet (Walt Fowler). Very jazz in expression, pianist Joachim Kuhn bounces melody and rhythm off of drummer Daniel Humair on "Para." Listening to this track, one is reminded that the piano is, in mechanics, an instrument of percussion, too. Repercussion Unit provides pure percussion in ensemble. Here, the marimba, tabla, silicon mallet, "fish curry vibes", and a kit are smartly arranged for an effect that sounds like Art of Noise go Dada. An excellent example of post-world music boundary crossing is multi-talented rhythm maker Glen Velez (bones, ethnic percussion) meeting violins and saxophones on a broad-stroked low-end canvas. Each track is off a full-length CMP release with its source identified. Not only for percussion enthusiasts, this album serves as a rewarding excursion into some of the best audiophile and genre-crossing recordings of the '90s. ~ Tom Schulte|