From the Label
A return to the recording studio by Babatunde Olatunji, the Nigerian percussion virtuoso whose 1959 album, DRUMS OF PASSION, first opened American ears to the power and spirituality of Nigerian music. Originally released in 1986 as DANCE TO THE BEAT OF MY DRUM on the now-defunct Blue Heron label, the album features such guest players as master Brazilian percussionist Airto Moriera and noted rock guitarist Carlos Santana. The Olatunji tune "Jingo" was Santana's first single in 1969; three tracks on THE BEAT feature his trademark guitar soaring against the thunderous backing of Olatunji and his troupe of percussionists.
The album is Olatunji's tribute to the power of rhythm. As he puts it, "Rhythm is the soul of life. The whole universe revolves in rhythm. Everything and every human action revolves in rhythm." This is also Olatunji's first recording with producer Mickey Hart, who took some of his first inspiration from Olatunji's work and released this album as part of his series "The World."
Product Description
Repressing of this installment in the Mickey Hart Collection, a World Music series that the Grateful Dead drummer curated which incorporated his solo projects, other artists productions, and re-releases of out-of-print titles.
--This text refers to an alternate
Audio CD
edition.
