The world of hand percussion is a captivating realm where rhythms come to life through the touch of skilled hands. It's a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and time, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that have the power to inspire, move, and transform. In this blog post, we delve deep into the mesmerizing world of hand percussion, exploring nine must-hear albums that will not only broaden your musical horizons but also ignite your passion for rhythm and percussive expression. 1. "Making Music" by Zakir Hussain: In "Making Music" by Zakir Hussain, recorded in December 1986, we witness a creative endeavor that transcends East-West fusion, featuring a quartet of exceptional musicians, including Hariprasad Chaurasia, John McLaughlin, and Jan Garbarek. Chaurasia's ethereal flute and the interplay between the ensemble members, guided by Hussain's rhythmic mastery, illuminate a musical journey that feels like an ongoing and ever-evolving project.
2. "Masters of Arabian Percussion" by Various Artists: This anthology showcases accomplished Arabian percussionists, primarily from Egypt, offering a 65-minute collection of solo dumbek (tabla) drumming with strong and diverse rhythms, many associated with traditional belly dancing. It's an album highly valuable for those interested in learning or appreciating different rhythmic structures.
3. "Puente in Percussion" by Tito Puente: Tito Puente's groundbreaking LP "Puente In Percussion" was a result of his relentless pursuit to create a percussion-focused album, despite initial resistance from the record label president, George Goldner. Puente assembled a remarkable percussion ensemble, including Mongo Santamaría and Carlos "Patato" Valdés, to showcase a diverse range of rhythmic patterns, aiming to educate listeners about the authentic roots of Latin music and leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most innovative albums in Latin music history.
