Customer Reviews

American De-Construction

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Bravo ! Joseph Gramley's debut solo album is a masterpiece. He is a self-decribed "multi-percussionist" and this album showcases his extraordinary and varied talents. Gramley has chosen 20th century works that really SOAR as percussion solos (especially the Nagoya Marimbas by Steve Reich). The sound is rich and clean. This is one of the few CD's which I own where I don't have to adjust the volume for quiet and loud passages (his engineer should be applauded). You can even sample the entire CD on his website "josephgramley.com" which is refreshingly devoid of commercialism. There is nothing I dislike about this CD from the music to the liner notes to the environmentally friendly packaging. This is a sample of a musician on the verge of a promising career and a unique chance to appreciate percussion as a solo instrument.

How often do you find percussionists who not only have an absolute command of the nuance of sound but also true soloist virtuosity? This disc really showcases fantastic performances with deep sensitivity and an intense, visceral bite. A must-have for all new music lovers and everyone else! Watch out for Joe Gramley; he's going to be B-I-G.

If it wasn't for the good steeve, the cd would be in the trash now.