Kala Rupa

Greg Ellis | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 9, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Narada
• ASIN: B00005Q3CY
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #331,559 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Percussion Nirvana, December 3, 2001

By 

Thomas Gryn (Washington D.C., USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kala Rupa (Audio CD)

On Greg Ellis' first solo album, he doesn't so much divorce himself from his prior work (as one-half of the duo "Vas"), as go deeper into the percussive-trance style he has been developing over the past few years. While many of us tend to associate "drum solo" with the part of a rock concert where the rest of the band takes a breather while the drummer drones on for nearly a half-hour, Ellis' work on "Kala Rupa" shows that percussion can also have a fine level of finesse and precision to it. The variety of instruments, and the skill that Ellis brings to the table, enables the album to transcend many of the stereotypes of a "drummer's album", to emerge into a place which lends itself to deep meditation and concentration. Ellis' partner, Azam Ali, sings on a few of the songs on the album, which is an unexpected gift to fans of their Vas work. Highly Recommended.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bringing it in Neutral, December 13, 2005

By 

MarijaynesGreen (San Diego CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kala Rupa (Audio CD)

When you open the cd insert Greg Ellis explains why he called the cd Kala Rupa and why all of the songs are called "Forms" instead of using traditional song titles. Kala Rupa literally means Time Form.

He wants the listener to begin each track on neutral grounds, forming your own opinion and perception of the song and of the beautiful sounds of the instruments.

I've listened to this cd over and over and each song is amazing. All based on hand drums, he and other talented musicians get together and create a magical experience. Each song is extremely unique, all different rhythms, from all over the world.

I've listened to tracks on all sorts of "world music" cd's. I've sifted through artist after artist on Amazon... and I must say, Greg Ellis's Kala Rupa is a must have to any music collection.
Very easy to trance out to, to belly dance to, to make love to, to drive to, to party to, to mix with.
So buy it already!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Primal and fascinating!, December 5, 2002

By 

Brianna Neal (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kala Rupa (Audio CD)

Greg Ellis is a true master of world percussion! Here, in "Kala Rupa: Explorations in Rhythm", he offers scintillating percussive conversations for frame drums, tabla, tombak, udu, nagara, cajon, karkaba and a host of other rung and beaten instruments from around the globe. Though most of the tracks include some sort of melodic accompaniment--bansuri flute, kamencheh, the exotic voice of Azam Ali, etc.--the true focus here is on the percussion. With different tones, textures and timbres, it creates melodies and harmonies all its own. The intricate and compelling rhythmic patterns change constantly, talking to you like lively friends and telling their evolving story from beginning to end. My personal favorite is track #10, with a joyful beat that just begs to be danced to. If you like the drumming of Greg Ellis, be sure to check out his work with singer Azam Ali as part of the duo Vas. Other recording artists who specialize in world percussion and the magic of rhythm are Mickey Hart and Gabrielle Roth.