PERCUSSION
A PERCUSSION-PACKED PLAYLIST | Mark Shelton
Whether you were listening intently or you happened to hear it in the background , the sound struck you and had its effect . Knowing the potential value , you filed that musical gem in your hippocampus . Perhaps it was the phrasing of an amazing performer that inspired you , or maybe an unfamiliar combination of tone colors ignited your creativity . Possibly you heard an instrument played in a manner that caused you to rethink your concept of that instrument ’ s capabilities .
Exploring outside your normal listening habits will introduce you to new influences and spark your imagination . With that in mind , I invite you to listen to the one-hour playlist that I have curated on Spotify . The twelve tracks comprise an eclectic sampling of music that includes several world-class percussionists along with a couple of historically significant compositions from percussion ensemble literature .
Just click here and dive into the playlist .
LORD , I COME BEFORE YOU // SALVADOR A scorching Latin-funk track from the band Salvador kicks off the playlist . The entire arrangement of the song is top-notch , but make sure to listen to the fine interplay between the drums and percussion . This early Salvador recording includes Eliot Torres on percussion and Robert Acuna on drums .
THE DRUM LESSON // JOJO MAYER An amazing musician and an outstanding teacher , JoJo Mayer has mastered a variety of hand and foot techniques that allow him to execute jawdropping displays of virtuosity on the drum set . After listening to this solo track , make sure to check out JoJo playing with the band Nerve .
YOU ARE MY GOD ( PSALM 45 ) // ENTER THE WORSHIP CIRCLE The percussion grooves on the ETWC recordings have a folksy , homespun quality in both instrumentation and rhythms . The husband and wife team of Don and Robin Chaffee have been producing music together for over twenty years — with more than 15 full-length albums to their credit .
IONISATION // NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC Written by Edgar Varese and premiered in 1933 , " Ionisation " is among the earliest classical compositions for percussion ensemble . This massive work is scored for thirteen percussionists performing on over twenty-five instruments including glockenspiel , triangles , castanets , anvils , sleigh bells , and a variety of drums . Oh , wait ! There are also two sirens plus a type of friction drum known as a Lion ' s Roar .
ABANICO FLAMECO // RICHIE GAJATE-GARCIA Richie ' s nickname is " El Pulpo " ( The Octopus ), and if you have the opportunity to catch him in a performance , it might sound as though he has more than four limbs . In addition to hearing some outstanding percussion on the track , you will be treated to the acoustic guitar work of Freddy Ramos .
PRELUDE NO . 21 IN BB MAJOR BWV 866 // LEIGH HOWARD STEVENS Take ninety seconds to experience the compositional brilliance of J . S . Bach performed by one of the world ' s most renowned marimbists . Leigh ' s technical command of the marimba and his tasteful musicianship are on full display in this recording of a short piece originally written for clavier .
RHYTHMS OF FIRE // PSALM DRUMMERS Terl Bryant is credited on over 1000 recording sessions and he ' s also the founder of Psalm Drummers , a network of worshipping percussionists . Powered by a percolating groove , " Rhythms of Fire " features Tim Hughes on lead vocals .
SPAIN // ALEX ACUNA The percussion prowess of Alex Acuna can be heard in hundreds of recordings ranging from worship music with Ron Kenoly to Blondie ' s " The Tide Is High ." Check out the layers of percussion on this cover of a classic Chick Corea tune performed by Iguazu Acoustic Trio .
TOCCATA FOR PERCUSSION // AMADINDA PERCUSSION GROUP Experiencing a concert by Amadinda still ranks as one of my top live-music events . Listen to this Hungarian group perform a classic percussion ensemble composition by Carlos Chavez .
ISLANDS // LUIS CONTE This Cuban-born musician has provided percussion for a wide range of artists that includes Steven Curtis Chapman , Aretha Franklin , Phil Collins , James Taylor , Eric Clapton , and Ray Charles . The grooves are stacked thick and synched tight on this song from Luis ' 1995 album The Road .
CONCERTO FANTASY FOR TWO TIMPANISTS AND ORCHESTRA MOVEMENT 1 // JONATHAN HAAS & EVELYN GLENNIE Brace yourself ! This track explodes with the opening downbeat as the timpani virtuosity of Jonathan Haas combines with the kettle drumming skills of Evelyn Glennie in this highenergy opening movement by American composer Philip Glass .
MEXICALI NOSE // BUDDY RICH The one and only ! Every drummer on every continent ( including Antarctica ) should listen to the truly phenomenal Buddy Rich . This recording of " Mexicali Nose " allows you to hear Buddy ' s brilliant skills as he swings with his big band .
© Mark Shelton Productions / Percussion For Worship
Mark Shelton A freelance musician and educational consultant based in Dallas / Fort Worth . Performance credits include North Carolina Symphony , Gateway Worship , Daystar Singers & Band , TALEA , Wichita Falls Orchestra , Tin Roof Tango , and Dallas Wind Symphony . www . marksheltonmusic . com percussionforworship . blogspot . com