13 Jul The Enchantment of Kala Rupa
Image c/o: Kern, P. (2006) Rhythm is the Source of all Existence – An Interview with Percussionist Greg Ellis. Music Therapy Today(Online 1st October) Vol.VII (3) 701-706.
Greg Ellis’ music comes from a spiritual place deep within and defies global boundaries. On Kala Rupa
“This is a collection of music that was composed around rhythm rather than the melody, allowing the tonal and emotional center of the music to be established by the percussion and rhythm. Once the rhythms were complete, I brought in the other musicians who helped to reveal the natural form of each piece. The musicians who took part in this project all have a deep respect for rhythm and the interplay of the melodic instruments with the percussion. Many times I abandoned my initial ideas as new elements – beats and instruments- were added. I didn’t want the music to be forced into any pre-conceived images I might have had and confining it to one reference point. That is why I decided to bypass conventional titles for any of the pieces. I want the listener to start in a neutral space of his or her own experience.”
– Greg Ellis
Fascinated with the therapeutic power of percussion, Ellis has used his talents as a drummer in his own band, Vas, and in various projects for film and stage. On Kala Rupa, his debut solo album, Ellis wants the listener to abandon any preconceived notions of what drums can do within the context of music. To that end, Ellis restricted accompaniment to atmospheric drones, and on two magnificent tracks, features chant like singing from his band mate Azam Ali. The result recasts drums as melodic stars in their own right, formidable yet contemplative.
From Barnes & Noble.com – “Kala Rupa is simply a sonic feast in the tradition of Peter Gabriel’s Passion.”
And from Amazon.com –
“…Ellis generates beguiling drum tapestries filled with potent grooves and melodic playing.”
Nuff said