Speaking In Tongues
First Word
Fathandz Music (www.fathands.com)
By "word" the four far-fetched players
of Speaking In Tongues mean to speak in the struck chords of rhythm. Though
all of them are natural improvisers, they are also all fine rhythmatists superbly
capable of keeping time. Master drummer of Ghana Sowah Mensah and pipa virtuoso
Gao Hong from the People's Republic of China color much of this set with African
and Far East tones. They are well balanced by the rhythm section of American
Marc Anderson, long-time Steve Tibbetts collaborator, and jazz bassist Enrique
Toussaint of Mexico.
Anderson patterns this elusive genreless session with his characteristically
sophisticated, earthy percussion touch and is matched by the organic playing
of Toussaint who similarly avoids category and concept. The group has focused
foremost on the endlessly variable world of hand drum cycles and instrument
texture juxtapositions. Of the ten tracks, eight are originals with two representing
arrangements of traditional Chinese folk tunes.
The riskiest selection is the short Chinese Rap track that, without text translation, is difficult to discern as either the humorous oddity or an important commentary of some sort. Everywhere else however this is an impressively integrated team that tells melodic, instrumental, sometimes film music-like dramas with consistently riveting technique. What exactly is "world music"? Here it is way beyond the idea of a novel whim.
"First Word" is topical, personal, restorative and dazzling in its
webs of rolling percussion. The platform of peace through shared culture comes
shining through this excellent studio recording which is about as engaging as
one could want. Instruments shimmer in space and gently slap echo across the
soundstage before receding into a soft black backdrop. Its production taken
together with its international-caliber musicianship, Speaking In Tongues realize
a promise of cross-cultural interaction through a democracy of group improvising,
where timbres speak of places, rhythms speak of individuals, and the joy of
contributing to a unique entity is apparent by all. - Steve Taylor
© 2000 Hollow Ear/FNI Multimedia.