Babatunde Olatunji - Drums of Passion
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Free Music Notes for Drums of Passion
Free Music Review: A landmark in African popular music
Hit: 5 Stars
Listened back to from the vantage point of a world exposed to several glorious decades of "world music," this stark set of percussion-based songs by Nigerian expatriate Babatunde Olatunji may seem a bit plain and untextured. Still, the fact that it's sold over five million copies since it first came out in 1960 shows that there was a hunger among the American record buying public for something new, and more importantly, something authentic. By the time Olatunji's album came out, the jazz world had already spent over a decade searching for some "new sound" or another to inject into the mix: mambo-inspired Latin riffs swept through the bebop scene in the late '40s, grandiose composers such as Stan Kenton and Duke Ellington had pawed through the cutures of Cuba, Spain, Asia and Brazil, looking for new melodies and modes to work with. But, as they say, there's nothing like the real thing. Olantuji's primally arrangely drumming, with its brusque muscularity and vibrant call-and-response chants, certainly delivered the goods on that front. The album's euphoric new liner notes place this release, a bit preposterously, at the center of all "world music-y" changes in jazz, rock and pop (even ahistorically claiming its seminal influence on Brazilian "batucada" drumming)... The triumphalist tone of the author can be taken with a grain of salt, but this album certainly marks a major landmark in the history of global musical culture... And fans of African drumming will be dazzled to hear the brightly remastered sound of the newly-expanded CD version. Definitely worth checking out!Free Music Review: Journey to Another World
Hit: 5 Stars
This album has been credited as being the first World Music album, as in having world appeal and not just local popularity in addition to being recorded in New York, a rarity for African musicians at the time. When you first give this a listen, the opening drum beats have an immediate effect and you instantly know that you are in for a journey to someplace far away, in distance and in time.
As a kid I'd sing along to this, not knowing the Nigerian language at all, but the feel was there and it has remained with me for over 30 years. I recently purchased the release on CD and it sounds wonderful. It has not lost any of the 1960's sound, however it is in sharp crisp digital sound and if you turn it up to 11 or so you can hear each finger slap on the Djembe drums and every singer chanting as though they were in the room with you.
World music today has been refined to the point of smooth sounds and beautiful synthesized orchestrations. This album is much different, it is raw music delivered with spirituality and passion. Learning about Babatunde and what he did for the world of music after this release in 1960 has only given me more appreciation for his art and his life, and especially this album. It is truly unique, and if you allow it, it will take you someplace that is hopefully new and exciting for you.
Free Music Review: Recommended!
Hit: 5 Stars
When I first listened to this CD, I was impressed. The second time I listened to it, I was even more impressed. It just keeps getting better. All the songs on here are great. They have a great feel to them - they are upbeat and happy. You'll have these songs stuck in your head all day. The drumming on here is complex and interesting. It keeps you listening. The vocals are all in an African language, and I think this is very pleasant to listen to. Although it doesn't say, I believe this CD is in HDCD format. I first heard about this CD in National Geographic magazine in the section called 'My Seven.' The Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart discussed his favorite world music CD's and this was one of them. I am more of a rock fan, but I greatly appreciate instumental music. I started liking instrumental music even more after I bought this CD. So overall, this great CD has opened my eyes to a world of great music. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a jazz fan or any instrumental music fan. Also for anyone who just wants something to have something to relax to, or even to a Grateful Dead fan (if you like their "Drums").Free Music Review: Welcome to Africa - you WILL enjoy your stay
Hit: 5 Stars
Both Olatunji and his drums of passion were unknown to me when I discovered this CD. African folk music as well as world music in general was (and still is) just a budding passion. I was much more familiar with its' African-American decendents: the blues, jazz, hip-hop, and of course rock-and-roll.
Drums of passion confirmed my suspision that native african music can be just as powerfull as any of the aforementioned genres. Indeed, this album awakens the idea that almost all popular music today (besides classical) is spawned from traditional african music. With just a little bit of an open mind this CD should be greatly appreacreated by fans of blues, rock, jazz, world, and electronic music.
It's also of interest to note that this CD is relatively famous, it has sold millions but receives none of the media attention given to so many other great albums. Olatunji also led me to discover the Congotronics series which I have fallen in love with.
Free Music Review: Real African roots, and druming
Hit: 5 Stars
These recordings are an excellent group of songs from the late 50's. Originally these same rhythms are the ones that were brought over from Nigeria (West Africa) by the slaves who came to settle in the Caribbean (mostly Cuba). On this CD you will hear the original recording of Gin-Go-Lo-Ba, 1959(Drums of Passion), Santana made a recording of this same song (Jingo) a decade later, that became a hit in the U.S. Also included is a song dedicated to Shango (Chan-go) the god of thunder, very popular with the Afro-Cubans (descendants of the Nigerians). This CD comes very close to the real African beat of the west coast. Over 40 years old it still sounds great!