The Drummers of Burundi, part of a centuries-old tradition from the agricultural African country in the midst of assimilating itself into the greater Western market, have undertaken one album on the Real World label (known primarily for bringing
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to Western audiences), via the WOMAD concert festivals. The album consists of only one track, around a half hour long. This is deceiving, as there are actually 41 specific rhythms that the drummers put out. The significance of the different rhythms is varied, with some being traditional works of honor to elders, songs of peace, and the like, but with many (or most, as they're also trying to sell albums in the West now) simply being more "party-oriented" rhythms, showcasing the virtuosity of the drummers. This is said not to belittle the drummers, who are most definitely virtuosos, but to prepare the listener for what will be a sort of new synthesis of traditional music and newer music (almost suspiciously similar to
Kodo, both in sound and in philosophy). Fans of
Kodo, or other "world" drum troupes, may be shocked by the similarities inherent in the music of these African musicians, and for those that are new to the genres, something from WOMAD productions can rarely fail to please in some way, even if it has been tinkered to fit Western ears. ~ Adam Greenberg