reviews

Jim McGrath
Soul Dancer
(Talking Drum Records TDCD 80104)

On his latest release on Talking Drum Records, Jim McGrath creates the ultimate percussion album by marrying the deep, powerful sound of percussion instruments from around the globe with the gifted voices of Mairéid Sullivan, Ijeoma Njaka, and Lily De La Mora.

Looking back at the roots of percussion, it's no wonder the civilized paradigm has again and again outlawed the music of earthen spirituality, the Christianized Roman Empire banning the drum as 'Licentious' and'mischievious', the colonizers of the 'New World' passing edicts against the percussive music of their African slaves. The sacred drum did indeed inspire a transition from linear to virtual reality, from manipulable time to the eternal present. It encouraged outlaw bliss, and reunited the participants with the Earth, the source and power and inspiration for their resistance. A conscious return to rhythm is the return to natural forces, to our personal song, to us. 'Soul Dancer' in it's own unique way, is an invitation to this inner dance of life. The drums and their shifting rhythms transport listeners through a variety of moods. It is an auditory landscape of ritual sounds and intense trance inducing rhythms. The pieces are long gradually unfolding conversations of rhythm, ranging from 11 minutes to 16 minutes long. The 5 pieces represented here span 68 minutes and in that time frame transport the listener to an intimate inner dance.

One of the album's highlights, 'Mirage' features the wonderful voice of Mairéid Sullivan, who gracefully adds an air of mystique and magic as her sensitive vocals soar above the percussion, entranced in the primal beat. Ijeoma Njaka and Lily De La Mora also add some great moments of contrast between voice and percussion on 'Sacred Earth', and 'Seventh Trance'. Jim McGrath is a talented sonic architect who produces powerful music which stirs the imagination and moves the soul. He drives each piece with his mezmerizing percussion creating upbeat and exciting artistry within a delicate balance of traditional and inventive structures.

information: email: talkingdrum@earthlink.net

website: http://www.talkingdrumrecords.com

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