Drums of Passion (Legacy Edition) [Digipak]

Performer: Ed Van Fleet/Michael Olatunji/Olatunji/Babatunde Olatunji/Drums of Passion/Michael Uyttebroek
Producer: Al Ham; Nedra Olds-Neal; Teo Macero; John Hammond
Distributor: Sony Music Distribution (

Notes: Personnel includes: Babatunde Olatunji (vocals, percussion). Recorded at CBS Studios, New York, New York between August and October 1959. Includes liner notes by Akin Akiwowo, Babatunde Olatunji, Tom Terrell. This is a multi-channel Super Audio CD playable only on Super Audio CD players. Personnel includes: Babatunde Olatunji (vocals, percussion). Recorded at CBS Studios, New York, New York between August and October 1959. Includes liner notes by Akin Akiwowo, Babatunde Olatunji, Tom Terrell. Personnel: Babatunde Olatunji (vocals, xylophone, drums); Ayodele Beener, Aquasiba Atigbi, Alakuku Davis, Akwasiba Derby, Afuavi Derby, Ruby Waraola Pryor, Okiay Razak, Makeda Razak, Ida Beebee, Helena Walker, Helen Haynes, Falumi Ibalewa, Dolores Oyinka Parker, Barbara Gordon (vocals); Ladji Camara (gender); Roger Sanders, Baba Hawthorne Bey, Taiwo Duval (drums); Ralph a. Dorsey (congas); Hassan Razak (percussion); Howard Morgan (tapes). Audio Remasterer: Mark Wilder. Way before King Sunny Ade or Fela & Afrika 70 brought African music to American ears, there was Babatunde Olantunji's DRUMS OF PASSION. Produced by John Hammond and Teo Macero in 1959 for Columbia Records, it has never been out of print. This is quite a feat considering that this music consists strictly of traditional African drumming and accompanying chants. DRUMS OF PASSION is not a "field" recording however. Each of its eight substantial tracks is a spaciously recorded exhibition of crack African musicianship. Still, the mainly dignified tenor of the proceedings isn't quite as wild as the samba-mad BLACK ORPHEUS soundtrack, another 1959 recording that introduced real world rhythms to an intrigued Europe and United States. Still, it remains to this day a perfect introduction to authentic African roots music, a necessary reality check against the exotica of the late '50s. Way before King Sunny Ade or Fela & Afrika 70 brought African music to American ears, there was Babatunde Olantunji's DRUMS OF PASSION. Produced by John Hammond and Teo Macero in 1959 for Columbia Records, it has never been out of print. This is quite a feat considering that this music consists strictly of traditional African drumming and accompanying chants. DRUMS OF PASSION is not a "field" recording however. Each of its eight substantial tracks is a spaciously recorded exhibition of crack African musicianship. Still, the mainly dignified tenor of the proceedings isn't quite as wild as the samba-mad BLACK ORPHEUS soundtrack, another 1959 recording that introduced real world rhythms to an intrigued Europe and United States. Still, it remains to this day a perfect introduction to authentic African roots music, a necessary reality check against the exotica of the late '50s.

Rolling Stone (p.86) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "[With] theatrical percussion compositions overlaid with catchy choral singing....They're plenty musical on their own terms..." Dirty Linen (p.54) - "Blending tribal rhythms and call-and-response singing of his homeland with elements of American blues and jazz, Olatunji celebrated tradition, yet redefined it for the new world." NAPRA Review (11-12/02, p.58) - "...Full-on drumming, singing, shaking, healing, and praying..." NAPRA Review (11-12/02, p.58) - "...Full-on drumming, singing, shaking, healing, and praying..." Paste (magazine) (p.61) - "[A] classic....DRUMS OF PASSION is an important reminder of who we really are -- of that primordial rhythm that's still deep within us, pulsing with each heartbeat." Pitchfork (Website) - "Olatunji frequently drafted a vivacious, disparate ensemble of musicians and vocalists to contribute to his recordings....By its very nature, his music is designed to be performed by large groups - it is this communal input that gives DRUMS OF PASSION its infectious vitality adn relentlessly entertaining energy."

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.25