Riotous Ryhthm
Ian Drever | Duncan B.C. Canada | 04/12/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Master Indian percussionist Trilok Gurtu is showcased on this double CD
release with his interpretations of Indian, Jazz Fusion & World music
through two decades of recordings with a cast of top flight musicians such as Zawinul, Metheny, McLaughlin, Hussain, Garbarek,& Cherry. Few leaders could hope to call upon such a stellar roster at their recording dates. 'Twenty Years of Talking Tabla' may be a cute title, but is somewhat deceptve with his primary use of the drum kit on several tracks. Inexplicably though, the inclusion of an edited version 'Mother Tongues' at the end of the first disc is puzzling when time permits the lengthy track in it's entirety! The tracks selected are representative of
his wonderful technique and interplay across the genres. Two previously unreleased live performances are included, one being his unique use of water & metal sheet creating effective sonic textures. Not quite the definitive collection as is suggested on the cover artwork, this being as a result of limiting the content to 2 hours, but the best compilation to date making it an ideal reference point to seek out his varied releases."