ARTIST - DRUM DYNASTY
CD - DRUM DYNASTY
LABEL - KATAVI ARTS
RELEASE DATE - APRIL, 2009
SOUNDS LIKE - Drum Dynasty
DEFINING MOMENTS - Santeria, Karma, Fanga Alafyia, Mystic Sunrise
STRENGTH - Wide Variety or Music, Musical Depth, Musicianship
WEAKNESS - Extended play format drags you to the finish line, Sonic Overdosing
KATAVI RATING - 6 out of 7 masks
Seattle area drummer Bruce Burgess, Film Composer Kevin Christensen along with percussionist tandems Arturo Rodriguez and Marco Zonka join forces in 2009 for DRUM DYNASTY. DRUM DYNASTY presents is a unique blend of new age ambience combined with the passion of intense world rhythms. The balance struck between all of the above is crafted into musical perfection. With over 90 minutes of music to chose from, this debut release offers something for just about everyone. The format is based upon a musical journey and is split up into 2 separate CD’s. DISC 1 is called MYSTIC SUNRISE, and DISC 2 is entitled DARK CONTINENT. The CD's themselves come separate in a handy slip case packet. Very cheeky Katavi Arts!
DISC 1 - MYSTIC SUNRISE kicks off with the title track, an amazing piece combining both
acoustic and electronic drums elements meshed with percussion layered
strategically throughout the piece. This song is a perfect intro piece which
gets you off on the right foot for an amazing musical journey. Track 3; "Anuket (Goddess of the Nile)" is the
longest track on the both CD's but never once lets up. The song itself has so many twists
and turns and time changes to it, almost as if you were going down the Nile
River. But what makes it so brilliant is given the complexity of "Anuket" the song
somehow works and flows very well. So well in fact you are almost unaware its happening. The thing I like most about
DRUM DYNASTY is it's amazing bottom
end feel,
great for bass heavy sound systems. There are many other amazing pieces on MYSTIC SUNRISE. Songs like
"Karma,
Dance of the 7 Veils" and "Dajari", and the finale "Masalama" all showcasing the brilliant writing
and playing abilities of this foursome. Tabla solo "Twenty Drawings"
showcases the soloing abilities of percussionist Marco Zonka. In close MYSTIC
SUNRISE takes the listener on an amazing musical journey through the
Middle East and beyond. It's melodic, passionate and leaves a lasting
impression upon the listener. Total running time of MYSTIC SUNRISE (57:21)
DISC 2 - DARK CONTINENT is darker and much more primal than MYSTIC SUNRISE. It
has an African feel to it, and is centered primarily around the drum. DARK
CONTINENT has everything you would expect from a CD of this name. From tribal
chants, to wild animal noises, to a multitude of drum solos. Songs like
"Possessed," "Voodoo Rain" ,"Middle Passage" and "Fanga Alafyia"
showcase the dark side of the African Continent. Song for song DARK CONTINENT
is not
as melodic or impressive as MYSTIC SUNRISE but is short and sweet , and finishes
very well with the most brilliant
piece on the entire production: "Santeria." This finale is simply breathtaking
almost as if you standing on the summit of a mountain top surveying a long
journeys end. Total running time of DARK CONTINENT (39:41)
DRUM DYNASTY'S strength lies in it's wide variety of material, musical depth.
and strong musicianship. But at times the music can seem a bit repetitive. It's extended play format will drag you to the finish
line every time after you receive your sonic overdose. But despite all this,
listeners will no doubt give it a hall pass as it fills
their sonic space for extended periods of time. This is alot of music to digest
at once so I recommend
listening to it until you feel winded then stopping. When your ready pick it up where you left off.
DRUM DYNASTY works best during long drives, flights, work days,
or when doing a yoga class. It presents a massive variety of music, from tribal rhythms to
peaceful New Age Tranquility. The musical arrangements can at times
seem unpredictable, dark, and full of passion, but as you get closer to your final
destination it can become a very rewarding experience. Like a journey
itself. DRUM DYNASTY is an
amazing body of work. The 2 DISC set delivers. DRUM DYNASTY is something you will always come back to, and
gets high marks on it's originality. I
look forward to hearing more material from DRUM DYNASTY over the
years to come.
My overall rating – 6 out of 7
masks.
Cyrus Rhodes - 1/1/09
KATAVI ARTS
