Soweto Percussion Ensemble

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Departing from the diversity of artists that characterizes the other instrumental editions in the Sheer Africa series, this disc focuses on a single group: the Soweto Percussion Ensemble, which was formed over a decade ago. But thanks to the multitude of instruments wielded by members of the band (currently an octet), its music is timbrally and stylistically rich. The SPE's intensely polyrhythmic style, as well as some of its instruments, are more familiar internationally from West African music. But this community-based group has made a mission of incorporating local traditions into a shifting, propulsive whole that emphasizes tribal dance and ceremonial patterns. Among the percussion instruments with prominent roles on Tales of the Drum are the djembe, talking drum, marimba, conga, noro and khetebu (the latter, from the Tsonga people of South Africa, are also known as "bush toms" and lead some of the most intricate music). Playing these instruments with hands, sticks, and mallets, the eight musicians interweave patterns, often atop a relatively stable bass drum foundation. In addition to the expected drumming, three pieces also make use of vocal leads and accompaniment, as well as occasional outsized riffing, to introduce themes and help vary the overall flow. The lyrics, which are not translated in the liner notes, reflect on human needs and peace. The most striking and unexpected piece comes close to the end in the form of a joyous marimba celebration with nice balance

top songs

albums

Tales of the Drum

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Tales of the Marimba

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Grand Masters Collection: African Instruments

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The Tales Of...

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Drums And Marimba Safari

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Africa Unite

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african worldwinds

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Drums & Marimba Safari

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Grand Masters Collection: African Ceremony

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Tales Of The Marimba - Modern And Ancient

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The Spirit of Soweto

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Tales of the Marimba (modern and ancient)

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