Biography
Departing from the diversity of artists that characterizes the other instrumental editions in the Sheer Africa series, this disc focuses on a single group: the Soweto Percussion Ensemble, which was formed over a decade ago. But thanks to the multitude of instruments wielded by members of the band (currently an octet), its music is timbrally and stylistically rich.
The SPE's intensely polyrhythmic style, as well as some of its instruments, are more familiar internationally from West African music. But this community-based group has made a mission of incorporating local traditions into a shifting, propulsive whole that emphasizes tribal dance and ceremonial patterns. Among the percussion instruments with prominent roles on Tales of the Drum are the djembe, talking drum, marimba, conga, noro and khetebu (the latter, from the Tsonga people of South Africa, are also known as "bush toms" and lead some of the most intricate music). Playing these instruments with hands, sticks, and mallets, the eight musicians interweave patterns, often atop a relatively stable bass drum foundation.
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In addition to the expected drumming, three pieces also make use of vocal leads and accompaniment, as well as occasional outsized riffing, to introduce themes and help vary the overall flow. The lyrics, which are not translated in the liner notes, reflect on human needs and peace. The most striking and unexpected piece comes close to the end in the form of a joyous marimba celebration with nice balance across the spectrum. (This piece also appears on the marimba collection above.)
Not everyone can sit through 45 minutes of more or less uninterrupted drumming by one group, but the Soweto Percussion Ensemble draws from enough different sources to keep the trip interesting.
Tales of the Drum
Tracks: Umzabalazo (Protest) - First Movement; Umzabalazo (Protest) - Second Movement; Shangaani; Mzansi; Ba tlhokile (The Needy); Ijuba (Dove); Abakithi; Mzingili; Ijuba 2 - First Movement; Ijuba 2 - Second Movement; Keep Home Fires Burning; Mavuka; Untitled
Personnel: Soweto Percussion Ensemble: Bhekizizwe "Gugu" Ngwenya: djembe, talking drum, lead vocals; Thebe Motlhakeng: djembe, marhonga; Molefe Makananise: nora, teloko, bass marimba; S'Bu Sibisi: khetebu; Mathulwe Mashilo: murhundzi, alto marimba; Nhlanhla Radebe: traditional African conga; Samuel Masilo: traditional African conga, tenor marimba. Guest: Thebe Lipere: djembe, producer.
Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.