The concept of “world music” is a relatively recent phenomenon.
Before the 1970s, long before cross-cultural fusions became somewhat
commonplace, albums of music from other countries and cultures were
filed under “ethnic music” in the select record stores that carried
more than Top 40 offerings. One of the albums that set these changes in
motion was Drums of Passion by Nigerian-born, then NYC-based
Olatunji. Originally released in 1960, Drums was the first album
of traditional West African percussion-and-chant music recorded in the
United States (for a major label, no less). With this album to herald
his music, Olatunji went on to influence and befriend such iconic types
as Carlos Santana, the Dead’s Mickey Hart, John Coltrane, and Joan
Baez.
Almost all the sounds on Drums of Passion were brought forth
by a quartet of percussionists and nine (mostly female) singers. The
rhythmic patterns here are mesmerizing — minimalist composer
Steve Reich was in fact partially inspired by West African drumming
— but with dimensions of urgency and physicality. You need not be
hep to trad African dancing to get swept up by the interlocking
cadences of the title track (which Santana adapted into one or more of
his songs) and the spare, shimmering “Oyin Momo Ado.” Be amazed by the
riotous “Menu Diyeh” (one of eight bonus tracks,many with horns!),
which presages the Afrobeat of Fela Kuti and Hugh Masekela. Also
included is a bonus disc, a “sequel” of sorts, More Drums of
Passion (1966), Olatunji’s last for the Columbia label. It’s a fine
pairing, as More is conceptually similar to its forerunner but
features a wider palette (more percussionists) and lush, denser
production (dig the judicious but quasi-psychedelic echo applied to
“Bethlelehumu” and “Mbira”).
If you’re a percussion devotee or seriously or casually interested
in African roots sounds, put this package on your short list.
Seriously. (Columbia/Legacy)
