Customer Reviews

Diga Rhythm Band

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I have no words to praise this record. It is a must buy for anyone having even the slightest interest in percussion music. It also benefits from the guitar of the memorable Jerry Garcia on two of the tracks, one of which (Happiness is Drumming)is reminiscent of The Grateful Dead's song Fire on the Mountain. I would also like to mention that it's not just dry drumming but the songs include Vibes which give an deep glass sound dimension to it. It is a great record, you wont be dissapointed.

In each of Mickey Hart's albums, the artist submerges himself within a concept and reinvents himself through the project dujour. Hart's rhythmic journey as recorded in the studio has created some duds and crafted some gems. Fortunately, the Diga Rhythm Band produced one of his jewels. In this project, Hart's focus was on the sounds of India. That written, vibes and marimbas are the primary musical instruments on "Diga" -neither of which are Indian and no attempt is made to have them play Indian melodies. The absence of sitars on such a project almost seems odd. Unless the listener is expecting classical Indian sounds, this isn't necessarily a drawback. With respect to authenticity, Mickey Hart always produces his albums in a way that makes ethnic music more accessible to Western ears. In other words, this isn't Indian music, it's really World Music. When it came to the sounds of India, Hart's focus was on rhythm; the tablas are the main vehicle. 'Razooli' sounds like it could be an outtake from the Grateful Dead's "Blues for Allah." 'Sweet Sixteen' is so sugary, it's difficult not to describe it as 'World Pop.' Jerry Garcia plays 'Happiness Is Drumming' as if it were a prototype version of 'Fire on the Mountain.' In terms of rhythm, 'Magnificent Sevens' is the most accomplished composition. The song showcases the group's improvisation within the Diga Rhythm Band's most challenging arrangement. As a drum album, the percussion is stellar thanks in part to Zakir Hussain's nimble hands. Easy to listen to, "Diga" delivers Indian infused World Music.

This is the album when Indian Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain worked with Mickey Hart and Jerry Garcia and came out with wonderful piece of music. This album shows the power of percussion.

This CD by the all percussion ensemble "Diga Rhythm Band", is so good!

No track really stands out for me. All of them shine! But you do have to check out the instrumental based on the 0"Fire On The Mountain" Theme called "Happiness Is Drumming" as well as the opening track "Sweet Sixteens".

BTW, the track listing that Amazon posted is not in the correct order (if not, then my CD is)

The correct track listing:

1. Sweet Sixteens
2. Magificant Sevens
3. Happiness Is Drumming
4. Razooli
5. Tal Mala

Any-...... enjoy the CD.

This is actually one of the seminal recordings for today's World Music. Drummers from several continents. Fantastic record, for any fan of World Music, any Dead Head, anyone in love with percussion. The music is wonderfully varied and intricate. A great one to play while doing anything that requires an alert mind.

Even though this dates from 1976 the quality of the recording on CD is crystal clear and with fine, broad dynamic range. Its a pity this ensemble did not records several more discs of this wonder stuff.

Thank You Mickey Hart, Zakir Hussein, and all!