Regular Columnists

Artist: Drum Dynasty
Album: Drum Dynasty
Label: Katavi Arts
Website: http://drumdynasty.com
Genre: World
Technical Grade: 10/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 10/10
Commercial Value: 6/10
Overall Talent Level: 10/10
Songwriting Skills: 10/10
Performance Skill: 10/10
CD Review:

Drumming is the most primal musical expression. It echoes the rhythms of our lives.  From heartbeats to the rhythm of falling rain to the pulse of traffic, we measure our lives by the relentless rhythms around us.  Drum Dynasty’s self titled debut CD is an expression of those beats that surround us.

A project from Seattle area drummer Bruce Burgess, film Composer Kevin Christensen, and percussionists Arturo Rodriguez and Marco Zonka, Drum Dynasty is a 2 CD set. The first CD, entitled Mystic Sunrise, is a swirl of Middle Eastern rhythms and atmospheric, layered music.  The mesmerizing drums and hazy, Persian inspired melodies result in a blend of New Age and World music that is very satisfying. Songs like Karma, Dance of the 7 Veils, and Dajari, transport the listener to faraway realms.

The second CD, Dark Continent, is everything its name implies. Mystery, dance, and tribal rhythms abound in songs like Possessed, Voodoo Rain, and Dance of the Flies. These are truly primal rhythms from the dawn of man. Dark Continent is earthier and less swirling than the Middle Eastern rhythms of Mystic Sunrise but grabs the listener in a more visceral way.

Drum Dynasty is an amazing work from some amazing musicians. Many pieces have the feel and scope of movie soundtracks. But all are true to the drumming roots that inspired this CD. If you are a fan of world music or a fan of drumming, you will certainly enjoy Drum Dynasty.