Percussion of the World

by Miguel Castro, Rhythm Journey/Miguel Castro

Overview

Miguel Castro is a true multi-instrumentalist. The liner notes credit him with 50 different types of percussion instruments, and that's just on this album. He makes use of his virtuosity by taking listeners on a musical tour of the world, from the Andes to Japan, from Central Africa to Scotland. There's nothing wrong, of course, with playing music from other cultures. But generally speaking, one is not going to sound as good in a cultural idiom as the people who were born to it, and for this reason Castro is in danger of offering listeners a dozen technically proficient yet mediocre performances of "world music." At least sometimes, Castro does better than this. To be sure, the Middle Eastern offering "Hot Sand, Cool Sandals" does use a cheesy electrified or synthesized oud, but only lightly, and the drum work is quite thoughtful. The Japanese piece "Bugaku" makes dramatic use of the thunderous drums of the Land of the Rising Sun. "In My Travels" features a hammered dulcimer played so fluidly that it sounds like a spinet piano. Other experiments, like his multi-culti rendering of "Amazing Grace," fare less well. Worthwhile for fans of incredible percussion, but not really a good listen. ~ Kurt Keefner

Product Details

Release Date:	01/08/2008
Label:	Arc Music
UPC:	0743037211529
Rank:	173251

Tracks

1. Zaguansongo
2. Hot Sand, Cool Sandals
3. Sabre Dance
4. Juanita More
5. Cadence of Waters
6. Prelude to Bugaku
7. Bugaku
8. Quiet Sunset
9. Brigamo
10. Incompatibilidade de Genius
11. Don't Touch That Button
12. In My Travels
13. Amazing Grace
14. El Condor Pasa
15. Rhythm Journey

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Rhythm Journey/Miguel Castro   Primary Artist
Miguel Castro   Primary Artist,Drums,Bongos,Congas,Djembe,Marimba,Log Drums,Vibraphone,Glockenspiel,Drums (Steel),Tambora Timbal
Joey Stuckey   Oud,Bass,Vocals,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (12 String)
Adam Mitchell   Drums
Leah Hammock   Gong,Timpani
Kathy Hawkins   Bagpipes

Technical Credits

Diz Heller   Liner Notes,Pre-Mastering
Joey Stuckey   Mixing,Engineer
Public Domain   Composer
Jesse Reuben Wilson   Cover Design
John Newton   Composer
Traditional   Composer
Aram Khachaturian   Composer