Master Drummers of Africa: Kopano -- the title means "unity" -- is a collection of works for drums out of South Africa. Thirteen out of the 16 tracks are the work of different groups of musicians from the Ipelegeng Arts Center in Soweto. Some of the pieces are for the drums alone, but a few feature singing, whistling, or occasionally another instrument. Despite being drum-dominated, the tracks offer a surprising amount of variety.
"Meropa de li Kota (Sticks and Drums)" starts with a cowbell tapping out a Morse-code beat. Various drums, rattles, and friction-makers are added, all in a bubbling staccato rhythm. The product is infectiously catchy. One track,
"Thulani (Quiet)," is just straight drumming with no bells or whistles (so to speak). It builds into a very fast, galloping rhythm without getting too loud and takes the listener on a wild ride through the night.
"Nzomba (Rain Dance)" has a very powerful bass drum that thumps out a beat that sounds a little like the theme from
The Terminator. Truly, the ear does not tire. Most of the tracks were recorded in the studio and are of good sound quality. A couple were recorded in the field and their sound quality is noticeably, though not fatally, inferior. This disc is a must-have for percussionists and their fans, but really could be enjoyed by anyone who likes
African music. ~ Kurt Keefner
