fuche_bu's Full Review: Rhythm Devils - Concert Experience
Mickey Hart has always been known for his love of drums and rhythmic music. He has explored music of other cultures throughout his long career. While he is best known as drummer for the GratefulDead, he has also produced a lot of great music with his various side projects.
One project from recent years has been Rhythm Devils. This is a band that includes former Dead bandmate Bill Kreutzmann. It also included Mike Gordon, Steve Kimmock, Sikiru Adepoju and JenDurkin. This touring band produced a wonderful DVD called RhythmDevils--Concert Experience. This features live performances from Chicago and Sayresville, NJ.
Deadheads will be well aware of the chemistry that exists between Kreutzmann and Hart. The dual drum attack of the Dead was also intriguing. Adding Nigerian djembe drummer Adepoju helps create a spectacular wall of rhythm. Deadheads will also be familiar with Kimmock as he has played guitar with both Bob Weir and Phil Lesh. Gordon played bass for Phish and Durkin was vocalist for DeepBanana Blackout.
There are eight songs done on this disc. All but one were written for this band. Hart collaborated with Kimmock and former Dead lyricist Robert Hunter on most of the songs. They also do a brilliant version of the Youssou N'Dour classic 7 Seconds. They open up with a nice jam called Comes The Dawn. This has a bit of a reggae feel to it. Anyone expecting a duplication of the Dead sound will likely be disappointed. Hart is quite happy doing his own thing here.
Most of the music tends to convey a West African pop vibe. Hart has stated that this is his favorite music right now. Adepoju has the talking drum going throughout. He also plays other percussion instruments on a number of songs. Fountains of Wood features some nice guitar playing by Kimmock.
I really like the way they execute 7 Seconds. Durkin provides some nice vocal energy. I also think Durkin shines on Your House. She is a spirited vocalist. This song has a more rock and roll to funk vibe. Durkin is probably at her best when singing pure funk. There is also a nice instrumental jam called Arabian Wind. This features the three drummers really getting into a groove.
The sound and picture for the film are outstanding. There are great band shots throughout. They also do a great job editing video scenes into the show. My main gripe is that there is only about an hour or so of music. I think they should have done a couple more songs.
There is a second disc with Behind the Scenes footage. The disc is also nicely packaged in a hardcover bookstyle. All the lyrics of the songs are printed in the package. It's definitely a DVD for fans of World music or fans of Mickey Hart. I think most Deadheads will enjoy this disc. It's great music. It's just that there should be more of it. Highly recommended.
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